Kenya

Why Kenya? The Big Five. Big Cats. Masai Mara. The Great Migration. Tribes & culture.

Here is a selection of our best-selling Kenya Safaris & Extensions. Of course, there are lots of options & permutations... so contact us to tailor-make a safari just for you.

Why a Kenya Safari?

Masai Mara - Big Cats (BBC filmed Big Cat Diaries here) & The Great Migration (of National Geographic fame).

 

Amboseli - Elephants, hippos, & spectacular views of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

 

Lake Nakuru - Endangered rhinos, flamingos & "Out of Africa" Great Rift Valley.

 

The Remote North - From camel treks to nomadic tribes & unique, endemic wildlife in Samburu, Meru & Laikipia.

 

Lamu - Relaxed Swahili Coastal culture, from Sultans to donkeys!

 

South Coast -Tropical coast, beautiful beaches, snorkelling & scuba diving.

Classic Kenya Safari

Highlights: The Migration & Africa's Big 5: Lion, Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard.
Is this for me? For the first time safari-goer who wants Kenya's famous highlights.

 

Kenya Safari Highlights
    Day    Location Kenya Safari Map - Rift Valley lakes & Masai Mara
  1   Nairobi
  2  

Lake Naivasha &

Lake Elementaita

  3   Lake Nakuru
  4   Masai Mara
  5   Masai Mara
  6   Masai Mara
  7   Masai Mara
 
 
Safari Highlights
 

Lake Naivasha, Lake Elementaita & Lake Nakuru:  Great Rift Valley lakes, boat safari. Endangered rhinos, flamingos & 'Out of Africa' viewpoint.
Masai Mara
: Abundant, easily seen wildlife on the Plains. Black rhinos. Big Cats: lion, leopard, cheetah. Famous Wildebeest Migration & River crossings (July - October).

             

Classic Kenya Safari Itinerary
  Day   Activities & Highlights  
         
  1   Transfer airport to hotel. Relax & prepare for the coming days of adventure.  
 
  2  

This morning visit the Giraffe Centre, and the Sheldrick's Elephant Orphanage, which rescues orphaned elephants and rears them to re-release back into the wild.

Drive down into the Great Rift Valley, and enjoy the stunning views. Continue to Lake Naivasha, where you can enjoy a boat safari to see bird life, and also hippos. In the afternoon drive onwards to Lake Elmentaita (a.k.a. Elementaita), one of the famous Great Rift Valley Lakes. Enjoy a lakeshore walk this afternoon, if time allows. (B L D)

 
 
  3   Today you have a full day visit to Lake Nakuru National Park. Here you have the best chance of seeing critically endangered rhino & even an elusive leopard if you are lucky. Thousands of pink Flamingos usually feed along Lake Nakuru's shore.  
 
  4   Drive to the Masai Mara today. Afternoon relax at your Lodge or Camp & enjoy views over the Park, or go for a late afternoon Game Drive. Watch the spectacular sunset over Africa's Wild Plains. (B L D)  
 
  5   Big Cats are one of the star attractions of the Masai Mara. Game drive in search of lion prides, cheetahs & leopards made famous by BBC 'Big Cat Diaries' & Disney's 'African Cats'. (B L D)  
 
  6   Game drives to see the Great Wildebeest Migration in season. You may even see the Wildebeest river crossings, where crocodiles enjoy a feeding frenzy - made famous by National Geographic documentaries. (B L D)  
 
  7  

Drive back to Nairobi (option available to fly). Transfer to the airport to catch your flight back home.

Option for extension to Zanzibar, Lamu, or another safari destination.  (B)

 
 
Kenya Safari Photos
Hippos at Lake Naivasha, Kenya
Sunbird Lodge, Lake Elementaita, Kenya
Flamingos, Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya
Leopard in Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya
Wildebeest Migration River crossing in the Masa Mara
Luxury Classic Kenya Safari from only $6,985
Want more Luxury or Exclusivity? from $8,798 to $15,000+
Kenya Flying Safari

Highlights: Big Cats, Elephants, Rhinos. The Great Migration. Diverse scenery.
Is this for me? For the safari connoisseur who wants a range of experiences.

 

Quick Look Kenya Flying Safari Itinerary
   Day    Location Kenya Safari Map - Amboseli, Laikipia/ Samburu and Masai Mara
  1   Nairobi
  2   Amboseli
  3   Amboseli
  4   Laikipia/ Samburu
  5   Laikipia/ Samburu
  6   Laikipia/ Samburu
  7   Masai Mara
  8   Masai Mara
9   Masai Mara
10   Masai Mara
 
Safari Highlights
 

Amboseli:  Large elephant herds & spectacular views of Kilimanjaro (weather-permitting!).

Laikipia/ Samburu: Rhinos, unique northern species: Grevy's Zebra, Somali Ostrich, Gerenuk, Reticulated Giraffe, Beisa Oryx. Stunning landscapes.

Masai Mara: Abundant, easily seen wildlife on the Plains. Black rhinos. Big Cats: lion, leopard, cheetah. Famous Wildebeest Migration & River crossings (July - October).

             

Detailed Kenya Flying Safari Itinerary
         
  Day   Activities & Highlights  
  1   Transfer airport to hotel. Relax & prepare for your coming days of adventure.  
 
  2  

FLY to Amboseli National Park. Game Drive to see elephant herds, buffalos & hippos feeding in the swamps. Amboseli's elephants have been made famous the world over by Conservationist Cynthia Moss.

For a donation, you can visit the Amboseli Trust for Elephants' camp & meet the conservationists.  (B L D)

 
 
  3   Another day to game drive & explore Amboseli. Enjoy stunning views of Mt Kilimanjaro - "The Roof of Africa" (weather permitting!). (B L D)  
 
  4  

For Laikipia: FLY to Nanyuki & drive to your Private Conservancy, where you can enjoy a range of activities during your stay.

For Samburu: FLY to Samburu airstrip. Enjoy game drives in this beautiful, remote, arid northern park. This region was made famous by George & Joy Adamson of 'Born Free' fame.
See the Samburu 5: Grevy's zebra, Gerenuk, Somali Ostrich, Beisa Oryx, Reticulated giraffe. (B L D)

 
 
  5   Laikipia activities: game driving, nature walks, cultural interactions, and even horse riding & camel treks in certain conservancies.
Samburu activities: game drives to see the unique wildlife & enjoy the stunning scenery. Options for walking from some camps. (B L D)
 
 
  6   Another day to enjoy wildlife viewing, other activities, or simply relax at your lodge or camp in either Laikipia or Samburu. (B L D)  
 
  7  

FLY to Masai Mara.

Afternoon game drive. Watch the spectacular sunset over Africa's Wild Plains. (B L D)

 
 
  8   Big Cats are one of the star attractions of the Masai Mara. Game drive in search of lion prides, cheetahs & leopards made famous by BBC 'Big Cat Diaries' & Disney's 'African Cats'. (B L D)  
 
  9   Game drives to see the Great Wildebeest Migration in season. You may even see the Wildebeest river crossings, where crocodiles enjoy a feeding frenzy - made famous by National Geographic documentaries. (B L D)  
 
  10   FLY to Nairobi, where you can relax in your day room. Later transfer to the airport to catch your flight back home. (B)  
 
Kenya Safari Photos
Amboseli elephant, Kenya Safari
Lewa Safari Camp, Lewa Conservancy, Kenya
Grevy's zebra in Laikipia, Lewa
Samburu warrior & camel in Laikipia
Saruni Camp, Samburu, Kenya
Lion in the Masai Mara
Cheetah brothers in the Masai Mara
Ngenche Camp in the Masai Mara
Luxury Classic Kenya Safari from only $8,995
Want more Luxury or Exclusivity? from $10,875 to $17,000+
Extend your Safari
Explore different parks or regions, focus on particular species, relax by the beach, go scuba diving, discover local culture... it's your choice.
Below are some ideas.  Contact us for specific recommendations just for you.

  Lamu Island - min 2 nights
Want to head to the coast, & also see some culture?
Discover World Heritage listed Lamu Old Town, the oldest & best preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa. From coral stone & mangrove timber buildings to donkeys in the narrow streets, there's something interesting around every corner. Sailing on a traditional wooden dhow is a recommended experience for first timers.
Nearby Manda Island offers tropical sandy beaches to relax & get away from it all.
Incl. flights, transfers, accommodation, breakfast.
From US$ 995 pp for 2 nights.
   
  South Coast - min 2 nights
Just want to relax & chill out on the beach or by the pool?
Head to Kenya's South Coast for laid-back tropical beaches - Funzi Keys, Kinondo Kwetu, Diani, Shimoni.
Do nothing at all - or go snorkelling or scuba diving in Diani Chale & Kisite Mpunguti Marine Reserves.
Incl. flights, transfers, accommodation, breakfast.
From US$ 950 pp for 2 nights.
   
  Zanzibar - min 2 nights
Want to visit famous Zanzibar Island, off the Tanzanian coast?
From white sand beaches on the north & east coasts, to World Heritage listed Stone Town & Red Colobus monkeys in Jozani Forest. 
Zanzibar is a large island, taking 2 hours to drive north to south, and an hour across. So, we recommend staying in the area that interests you most. There is an ever increasing range of accommodation options on this resort island.
Incl. flights, transfers, accommodation, breakfast.
From US$ 995 pp for 2 nights.
   
 
   
Kenya & Zanzibar Safari Photos
Dhow & donkey in Lamu, Kenya
Beach hotel in Lamu, Kenya
Sand Bank at Funzi Keys, Diani, Kenya
Zanzibar dhow sailing at sunset
Prices

The long answer: The world's best wildlife destinations are often expensive because of strict government controls, high park fees & complex logistics. Amongst other things, it also depends on accommodation quality, location & exclusivity; what type of vehicles are used; whether you're flying around a lot; and how many days you spend in-country.

 

Whatever your budget, we will recommend the best possible adventure to suit you.

 

  Classic Safari   
  Luxury from:  US$ 6,985
  More Luxury from: US$ 8,798
 
  Flying Safari  
  Luxury from: US$ 8,995
  More Luxury from: US$ 10,875
 
  Extensions  
  Luxury from:  US$ 950
  More Luxury from: US$ 1280
  Seasonal Pricing  
 
J F M A M J J A S O N D
 
 
  Season   Low   High   Peak  
 
    Seasons shown here are based on accommodation pricing,
which is based on holiday seasons.  For wildlife seasons & the
best time to go, see our "Seasons" tab.
   
     

Prices based on 2 people travelling, sharing a room.

 

Choose your own Private Safari or a Small Group - contact us for your tailor-made adventure!

 

No hidden costs - Guaranteed!  
We include everything possible to make your adventure as easy as possible.

 

Accommodation & responsible travel

We are strongly committed to the principles of responsible travel, and therefore recommend accommodations that are trying to do the right thing - by the environment, their staff & local communities, and their guests!  Environmental initiatives include using renewable energy such as solar power, using low-impact structures, reducing waste, and recycling wherever possible.  They support their local communities by providing employment as well as educational, medical, and other support; some even include profit-share arrangements. Many have, or support, anti-poaching units to de-snare and protect the wilderness areas within which they operate.

 

Great, so what's the difference between a luxury vacation and an even more luxurious or exclusive one?

       
  Luxury   More Luxury & Exclusivity
  High quality lodges &/or tented camps,
which tend to be on the larger side.
Food is of a good standard, often presented 
as a self-serve buffet.
Driving safaris may be in private minivans.
  Small & intimate lodges &/or camps, often on a
house drinks & extra activity inclusive basis.
Usually in the best locations for wildlife viewing.
High standards of Guiding, food & service.
Driving safaris will be in private 4x4 vehicles.
       
  Accommodation featured:   Accommodation featured: 
 

Porini Selenkay Adventure Camp

Satao Elerai Camp
Sunbird Lodge, Elementaita

Ziwa Bush Lodge, Lake Nakuru

Lakira Camp, Lake Nakuru
Ol Pejeta Sweetwaters Camp
Samburu Elephant Bedroom Camp 
Samburu Intrepids Camp 

Porini Ol Kinyei Adventure Camp
Mara Siana Springs Camp
Mara Intrepids Camp

Mara Ngenche Camp

Mara Entim Camp

Governor's Camp


 

Amboseli Porini Camp
Amboseli Tortilis Camp

Ol Donyo Lodge

Sosian Ranch, Laikipia

Ekorian's Mugie Camp
Laikipia Loisaba Lodge
Laikipia Sabuk Lodge

El Karama Eco-lodge
Borana Lodge 
Saruni Samburu Lodge 

Sasaab Lodge

Mara Plains Camp
Mara Rekero Camp
Serian Mara Camp 
Mara Naibor Camp
Mara Bateleur Camp

       

We clearly explain what's included & what's not:

 

Inclusions: All your accommodation, most meals, wildlife viewing activities in quality safari vehicle with qualified Driver/Guide, all internal flights, all airport transfers, all park & conservation fees.

 

All government taxes, fuel surcharges, Park & Conservancy entrance fees are included and correct as at date of quote. However they are subject to government & local authority imposed changes, often without notice (!) and therefore beyond our control. We will always endeavour to minimise their impact and inform you if a supplement is required.

 

Exclusions: International airfares to & from your chosen destination. Visa fees, personal & travel insurance, excursions not specified, drinks unless specified, laundry, telephone or internet costs, gratuities, and all other personal expenses. Some airports now charge safety fees, which are payable directly at each airport upon departure.  Check your Kenya Visa requirements here: 
  http://www.immigration.go.ke/Information.html

 

Additional things to consider: Busy times of the year normally have a supplement added by the accommodation providers - Easter, Xmas & New Year holidays.  These will be included in our costs - so no surprises when you get there!

Seasons

It may sound like a cliché to say that there is no bad time to go, however, it really is true - we know, we're there at all times of the year!  There is always something happening; animals don't disappear because it's raining, although they do disperse into different areas, and they do often give birth in specific locations to take advantage of the new grazing.  

 

So if you're constrained to travelling at a particular time, don't worry: we'll recommend the best places & parks - and the best locations within the the parks - to visit at that time of year.  

 

If you have specific interests - such as seeing The Great Migration in Kenya/ Tanzania or the Okavango Delta in Botswana in flood - then you do need to travel at the right time of year, AND to the right area.

 

Guide to the safari seasons & the best time to go to Kenya

 

  January - March
Short dry season with rain showers towards the end of the period.
Many young babies around.
High predator densities.
Great time for birding, with Eurasian migratory bird species present.
   
  April - May
Classified as the long rains.
However, this is not monsoonal - the typical pattern is: periods of clear skies & mixed cloud, with an afternoon shower.
An excellent time for photography as the air is crisp & clear.
More babies, both predator & prey species.
Lush, green vegetation & beautiful wildflowers.
   
  June
Start of the cooler, dry season.
Wildlife begins to migrate closer to water sources, making for easier wildlife spotting.
Wildebeest in Tanzania's Serengeti start to head north towards Kenya's Masai Mara.
   
  July - October
Dry season, starting off cool, but warming up again towards the end of the period.
Animals concentrate further around water sources. 
Peak viewing time for the famous Great Migration in the Masai Mara.
Chance to see wildebeest river crossings in the Masai Mara.
   
  November - December
Short rains, bringing relief after the dry season. 
November marks the start of the Eurasian bird migration into East Africa. 

 

Whatever time of year you choose to travel, rest assured that when you choose to travel with us, we will advise you of the best safari locations, safari seasons and safari dates for your particular interests.

 

How can we help you?