Kenya Safaris

Kenya, planned around your dates

Cheetahs hunt on the Maasai Mara plains. Elephants walk across Amboseli with Kilimanjaro behind them. Flamingos can line the shore at Lake Nakuru. Kenya fits a lot of classic safari into one country, and a week or so is enough to see much of it.

Tell us when you can travel and what you want to see, and we will build the route.

Why choose Kenya for your safari?

The Great Migration

Over a million wildebeest, along with zebra and gazelle, cross into the Maasai Mara each year. The herds usually arrive from July and stay into October.

Big Five country

Lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and rhinos all live in Kenya's parks. Rhinos are easiest to see at Lake Nakuru and at Solio.

Variety in one trip

Open plains, a Rift Valley lake, a snow-capped mountain view, dry northern reserves and an Indian Ocean beach can all fit in one itinerary.

Safari then beach

Finish on Diani Beach after the parks. It is the simplest way to turn a safari into a holiday.

Culture

You may meet Maasai communities in the south and Samburu in the north. Ask your guide how to visit respectfully, and ask before you photograph anyone.

Where should you go in Kenya?

Maasai Mara

Kenya's best-known reserve, with lions, cheetahs, leopards and elephants on open ground. The Mara River crossings happen here in the migration season.

Amboseli National Park

Large elephant herds in front of Mount Kilimanjaro. Clear mornings give the best view of the mountain.

Lake Nakuru National Park

A Rift Valley lake park that protects both black and white rhinos. Birdlife is rich, and flamingo numbers change with the water.

Lake Naivasha

Boat rides among hippos and birds, and walks on Crescent Island where you can be on foot near giraffes and zebras.

Tsavo East and Tsavo West

Big, wild parks. Tsavo's elephants are known for the red dust that colours them.

Samburu and Buffalo Springs

Dry northern reserves with animals you will not see in the south, including Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe and gerenuk.

Diani Beach

White sand on the Indian Ocean coast. Hot and humid all year, so go for the swimming.

Nairobi

Most trips start here. If you have a spare day, the Giraffe Centre and the Sheldrick elephant orphanage are easy visits.

When is the best time to visit Kenya?

June to October is the best window for most people: it is dry, animals gather near water and the migration is in the Mara. January to March is also dry and good for game viewing.

• Jan to Mar: Dry and warm. Strong game viewing
• Apr to May: Long rains. Green, quiet, some muddy roads
• Jun to Oct: Dry. Best weather, migration usually July to October
• Nov to Dec: Short rains. Greener, fewer visitors, good for birds

When are the river crossings?

Usually between mid-July and late August. The herds follow the rain, so we plan for the likely window and never promise a crossing.

On a budget?

The rainy months have fewer vehicles and often lower rates. Photographers like the green landscapes and moody skies.

What do you need to know before you go?

How do you get a visa?

Most visitors need to apply online for a travel authorisation before arriving. Rules change, so check Kenya's official site before you book flights.

What's the currency?

The Kenyan shilling (KES). US dollars and euros are accepted at many lodges.

What languages are spoken?

English and Swahili are both official. A few words of Swahili go a long way.

What health steps do you need?

A yellow fever certificate can be required depending on where you travel from. We recommend anti-malaria medication. See a travel clinic early.

What should you pack?

Light clothes in neutral colours, a warm layer for early drives, a hat and sun cream. Kenya bans single-use plastic bags, so keep them out of your luggage.

What about tips?

Tipping guides, drivers and lodge staff is customary. We include a simple guide with your itinerary.

What time is it?

Kenya is on East Africa Time, three hours ahead of GMT, the same as Uganda.