Best for those seeking a classic savannah focused safari, where the journey is part of the safari experience.
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Kenya is known as one the classic safari countries, living in people’s imaginations as their idea of Africa. From ‘Out of Africa’ to the Man Eaters of Tsavo, Kenya has almost become synonymous with the thought of an African safari. Fertile grasslands combine with mysterious mountains and wild animals with lots to see in all parts of the country. Adding to the diversity there is also a large tropical coastline to relax on post safari, from around Mombasa to further north. Kenya is often combined with Tanzania as part of a larger itinerary that explores the major attractions of East Africa.
Conditions vary in Kenya depending on the style of trip taken. If travel is by road, expect long drives between stops and some rough driving conditions.
Easily the most famous reserve in Kenya and one of the most famous in Africa, the Masai Mara National Reserve sits on the southern border of Kenya and directly above the Serengeti in Tanzania. This central placement between the Serengeti and the northern populations of African animals means there is a large and healthy population of famed African animals like the lion or zebra. It is most famous as the home to the river crossings of the Great Wildebeest Migration.
Although no longer home to the large flocks of flamingos that originally brought fame to the park, Lake Nakuru is still a common stop on most itineraries in Kenya. The park offers safari viewing but the biggest attraction would be the healthy population of both black and white rhinoceros. There is also a huge variety of bird life on offer to be viewed in all seasons. This, all combined with the close proximity to the capital of Nairobi, means it is often a popular stop, either on its own or traversing between two other national parks.
Sitting roughly between the Masai Mara and the Kenyan coastline, Amboseli is famous for both incredible views of Mt Kilimanjaro and the large herds of elephant that make this area home. Although big cat sightings are slightly less common than in the heart of the Mara it provides bigger herds of larger herbivores, both inside and outside the park boundaries. Its manageable size also enables visitors to ensure that they haven’t missed a corner in search of their favourite animal.
Easily the most famous reserve in Kenya and one of the most famous in Africa, the Masai Mara National Reserve sits on the southern border of Kenya and directly above the Serengeti in Tanzania. This central placement between the Serengeti and the northern populations of African animals means there is a large and healthy population of famed African animals like the lion or zebra. It is most famous as the home to the river crossings of the Great Wildebeest Migration.
Although no longer home to the large flocks of flamingos that originally brought fame to the park, Lake Nakuru is still a common stop on most itineraries in Kenya. The park offers safari viewing but the biggest attraction would be the healthy population of both black and white rhinoceros. There is also a huge variety of bird life on offer to be viewed in all seasons. This, all combined with the close proximity to the capital of Nairobi, means it is often a popular stop, either on its own or traversing between two other national parks.
Sitting roughly between the Masai Mara and the Kenyan coastline, Amboseli is famous for both incredible views of Mt Kilimanjaro and the large herds of elephant that make this area home. Although big cat sightings are slightly less common than in the heart of the Mara it provides bigger herds of larger herbivores, both inside and outside the park boundaries. Its manageable size also enables visitors to ensure that they haven’t missed a corner in search of their favourite animal.
In the often-forgotten north of Kenya, Samburu National Reserve offers a great safari experience without the crowds that tend to flock to the more famous parks. In addition to the usual African animals such as lion and leopard, the Samburu also offers the Samburu Special Five, a rare collection of animals not found together anywhere else in Africa. This includes the gerenuk, the Somali ostrich, the beisa oryx, the Grevy’s zebra and the reticulated giraffe.
Available both here and in Tanzania’s Serengeti, a hot air balloon experience in Africa is truly something unforgettable. Drift in awed silence across the plains and see the amazing African experience from a whole other vantage point. And then celebrate with some obligatory champagne when you finish!
North of Lake Nakuru and nestled between Mount Kenya (Africa’s second tallest mountain) and the Great Rift Valley, Laikipia is home to great wildlife spotting for those willing to travel. Just slightly smaller than Wales, the area provides an amazing experience without the crowds in one of the exclusive private conservancies.
Made up of both Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks, two of the largest in Kenya, this area is very arid and known for its harsh conditions. This area is much quieter compared to the Masai Mara and although more driving may be involved it does offer large herds of elephants as well as the large prides of Tsavo lions, descendants of the infamous Man-Eaters of Tsavo. A trip here is a trip back in time.
At The Explorer Society we firmly believe that there is no right or wrong time to go anywhere.
Instead, we think that each time of the year offers different experiences that better suit different travellers.
After all, high and low season often refers to the amount of travellers present, not whether something is ‘good’ or ‘bad’.
If you are experiencing only Kenya, then you’ll need a bare minimum of a week. This is if you are travelling by air between locations. Road transfers between areas can take many hours of driving and result in less time spent on safari. This means you need more time to make that up or visit less locations. 10 to 14 days is a common trip duration if focused solely on Kenya. If it is combined with another safari destination (such as Tanzania), as part of a larger itinerary, then usually around seven days is spent per country with each country providing contrasting safari opportunities.
Everyone is different, so please note that these guidelines are general in nature.
Ultimately it will depend on your own expedition’s requirements.
Planning travel should be exciting, but it can be exhausting. There is so much information and so little clarity, you often end up more confused than when you began.
Sometimes it’s simple and easy to figure out. Sometimes it means asking you more questions and diving deep into your motivations.
We’ll walk you through the whole planning and booking process. We want to make sure you are travelling on the trip that best suits you, not anyone else.
We will be there from the first moment you get in touch until after you come back home with countless memories to share.
