Ultimate Travel Guide for Booking Kenya Safaris & Tour Holidays
When it comes to safaris in Africa, Kenya is often the first place that comes to mind for many travelers. With its large Masai Mara Reserve, big animals, high mountains, Rift Valley lakes, rivers, and many cultures, Kenya is a destination every traveler should think about visiting.
After Tanzania, Kenya is the second-largest country in East Africa. It has many national parks, game reserves, and unique landscapes. It also has a long coastline along the Indian Ocean, known for its old trading ports where Arabs and Asians once traded. If you are looking for some of the best beaches in Africa, Kenya is a great choice.
Western Kenya is known for its rivers, lakes, and forests. As you go north, the land becomes dry and turns into semi-desert. Kenya is home to many of Africa’s animals, which is one of the reasons why so many tourists visit. Tourism is an important part of Kenya’s economy.
Kenya has many towns, but Nairobi is the capital. Kenya is also known for its music and art. The country has a strong tradition of both spoken and written stories, which you can enjoy during your trip. Kenyans are friendly and welcoming.
On a Kenya safari, expect to be treated with great hospitality. The country is home to many ethnic groups including the Kikuyu, Luo, Luhya, Kalenjin, Maasai, and also people of European and Asian background.
Location of Kenya
Kenya is located in East Africa and is a member of the East African Community. It is the 48th largest country in the world, covering about 580,367 square kilometers. As of the 2019 census, it had over 47.6 million people. It is also the third-largest economy in sub-Saharan Africa.
Kenya is not landlocked. It borders Uganda to the west, South Sudan to the northwest, Tanzania to the south, Ethiopia to the north, Somalia to the east, and the Indian Ocean. Visit Kenya for a new travel experience, and you will not regret it.
Kenya Safari Parks & Tourist Attractions
Kenya has many national parks and reserves, each home to many wild animals. This makes it one of the best places in Africa for game viewing. From the Masai Mara to marine parks, Kenya safaris have much to offer.
Lake Nakuru National Park
Located in central Kenya, this park is a favorite for bird lovers, especially for seeing pink flamingos. It was established in 1961 and has 450 bird species and 550 plant species including yellow acacia trees and Euphorbia forests. The park also features Makalia Waterfalls.
Animals you can see include wild dogs, lions, rhinos, colobus monkeys, zebras, baboons, and leopards.
Places to stay include Naishi Guesthouse, Rhino Campsite, Lake Nakuru Lodge, Baboon Cliff, Chui Campsite, Sarova Hill Lodge, and Acacia Picnic Site.
Lake Nakuru is 156 kilometers from Nairobi by road. Main gates include Nderit Gate, Main Gate, and Lanet Gate.
Masai Mara National Reserve
Also called “The Mara,” the Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the best game reserves in the world. It covers 1,510 square kilometers in Narok County, southwestern Kenya, along the Great Rift Valley. From Nairobi, it takes about 4 to 5 hours to drive or 40 to 45 minutes by flight.
The reserve was established in 1948 and is the oldest protected area in Kenya. The main highlight is the Great Wildebeest Migration, best seen from July to October.
In addition to wildebeest, you will also see buffaloes, giraffes, elephants, lions, cheetahs, crocodiles, hyenas, and over 500 bird species. You can see them during game drives, birdwatching, or a hot air balloon ride.
Accommodation ranges from budget to luxury. Options include Mara Serena Lodge, Governors’ Camp, Mara Siria Camp, Tembo Camp, and Olonana Camp.
Tsavo National Parks (Tsavo East & Tsavo West)
Tsavo is one of the largest and oldest parks in Kenya. It is divided into Tsavo East and Tsavo West, located in a dry area known as the Taru Desert. The parks are named after the Tsavo River.
Tsavo East covers 13,747 square kilometers and became a park in 1948. It is famous for its many elephants that bathe in red dust. Other places to visit include Yatta Plateau, Mudanda Rock, Lugard Falls, and areas for game viewing to see impalas, rhinos, zebras, and crocodiles.
Tsavo West covers 9,065 square kilometers and is known for Mzima Springs, Chaimu Crater, and its many hippos and crocodiles. Tsavo safaris can be done all year, but the dry season from October to December is best. The rainy season from March to May can make travel harder.
Places to stay include Sau Tsavo Camp, Red Elephant Safari Lodge, Ithumba Camp, Ndololo Safari Camp, and Gladessa Bush Camp.
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli is the second most visited park after the Maasai Mara. It is 240 kilometers from Nairobi in Kajiado County. It was a game reserve in 1968 and became a national park in 1974.
The park is smaller than the Mara, covering less than 400 square kilometers. The name Amboseli means “salty dust” in the Maasai language. The park is home to lions, cheetahs, impalas, elephants, hippos, wildebeest, giraffes, elands, and over 400 bird species.
Popular places to stay include Mount Kilimanjaro View Lodge, Amboseli Lodge, Africa Amini Maasai Lodge, AA Lodge Amboseli, Sentrim Amboseli Lodge, and Maasai Simba Camp.
Samburu, Shaba, and Buffalo Springs
These three reserves are located along the Ewaso Nyiro River in Isiolo County, a dry area in northern Kenya. Samburu is known for Sarara Singing Wells, wild dogs, and big cats. Shaba is home to the rare Grevy’s zebra.
Lodging options include Sentrim Samburu Lodge, Sarova Shaba Game Lodge, Samburu Serena Lodge, Joy’s Camp, and Larsens Tented Camp.
Lamu Island Tour
Lamu Island is northeast of Mombasa and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lamu Old Town is one of Kenya’s oldest towns. Key places to visit include Lamu Fort, Lamu Museum, and Donkey Sanctuary Kenya.
Mombasa Vacations
Mombasa is Kenya’s second-largest city and biggest port. It is a mix of cultures including Asian, Indian, Portuguese, Arab, and Kenyan.
Places to see include Old Town, Fort Jesus (built in the 16th century), markets, and souvenir shops. You can also visit Diani Beach in the south if you enjoy the beach.
Things to Do in Kenya
Mount Kenya Trekking or Climbing
Mount Kenya rises to 5,199 meters and is one of the highest peaks in Africa. Climbing to its summits gives you a chance to enjoy wide views of the surrounding landscape. Mount Kenya is the second-highest peak in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro.
Other good trekking areas include the Aberdare Ranges, Mount Elgon, and Hell’s Gate.
Safari Game Drives
Kenya offers real safari experiences for nature lovers. There are many parks and reserves, each offering visitors great wildlife viewing opportunities.
Top safari destinations include Maasai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Nairobi National Park, and both Tsavo East and West National Parks.
Bird Watching
Kenya is a popular bird-watching destination with around 1,100 bird species, including many migratory ones. Bird habitats include parks, woodlands, reserves, and forests.
During your birding tour, you may see birds like the emerald-spotted wood dove, storks, great blue turacos, ostriches, speckled mousebird, weaver birds, African mourning dove, flamingos, lilac-breasted roller, pied kingfisher, bare-faced go-away bird, and Madagascar bee-eater.
Kenya Great Migration – Masai Mara National Reserve
No Kenya holiday is complete without seeing the Great Migration in the Masai Mara. This natural event happens every year in July, August, and September.
Visit Masai Mara and watch millions of wildebeest and other grazing animals cross the Mara River in search of fresh grass and water. They are joined by zebras, gazelles, impalas, and elands.
Other top safari experiences in Kenya include horseback riding, hot air balloon rides, camel rides, honeymoon safaris, fly-fishing, cultural visits, and river rafting on the Tana River.
More about the Masai Mara Migration Safari
Masai Mara National Reserve is known for its wide savanna plains filled with large numbers of animals, including wildebeest, big cats, and the local Maasai people.
The Great Migration is the main event in Masai Mara. Each year, more than 1.5 million wildebeest migrate with zebras, Thompson’s gazelles, Grant’s gazelles, impalas, and elands. They move through the Mara into Tanzania’s Serengeti ecosystem.
This migration mostly happens during the dry months of June, July, August, September, and October. Calving happens between December and February, when many young are born. The Mara is located in southwestern Kenya, in Narok County, along the Great Rift Valley.
Apart from wildebeest, the Mara is home to lions, elephants, buffaloes, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and many birds. To explore it well, a 4×4 Land Cruiser is the best vehicle to use.
When to Go for the Mara Migration in Kenya
The best time to see the migration is during the dry months. Mark July, August, and September on your calendar. During this time, animals cross the Mara River, which is known for having many crocodiles.
Calving usually happens in January and February. This is also when predators like lions and hyenas are more active, as they hunt the newborn calves. Around 300,000 to 400,000 calves are born in 2 to 3 weeks during this time.
There are several gates to enter the Mara. Entry costs $80 per person. Main gates include Oloololo Gate (northeast), Musiara Gate, Talek Gate (northwest), and Sand River Gate (east).
Best Time to Visit Kenya
You can visit Kenya throughout the year, but the dry seasons offer the best experiences for wildlife viewing, walking safaris, and mountain hiking.
The dry seasons in Kenya are from December to February and July to October.
Kenya Safari Packing List
To have a smooth safari, pack the right gear. Bring:
- A camera
- Safari shoes or boots
- A first aid kit
- A visa (if needed)
- Insect repellent
- Bottled drinking water
- Snacks
- Sunscreen
- A sweater
- A rain jacket
Accommodation
If you plan to see the Great Migration, consider staying at places like Mara Bush Camp, Base Camp Masai Mara, Elewana Sand River, Fairmont Mara Safari Club, Masai Serena Safari Lodge, Mara West Chalets, or Mara Ngenche Luxury Tented Camp.
