Kenya Safaris & Tours – Best Parks, Wildlife, Activities & Travel Guide

Ultimate Kenya Safari Guide

Kenya is known as one of the best places in the world for wildlife viewing, attracting over a million tourists every year. Safaris in Kenya give you the chance to see famous attractions like the Masai Mara National Reserve and the annual wildebeest migration.

About Kenya & Its Location

Kenya is in East Africa and covers 582,646 square kilometers. It was named after Mount Kenya, the second-highest mountain in Africa. It borders South Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda, Somalia, Tanzania, and the Indian Ocean.

Major Safari Highlights in Kenya

• Masai Mara National Reserve: Famous for the Great Migration and large wildlife populations.
• Lake Nakuru National Park: Known for flamingos and rhinos.
• Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks: Home to elephants, lions, and scenic landscapes.
• Amboseli National Park: Renowned for large elephants and views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
• Samburu and Aberdare National Parks: Great for unique species and cooler highland safaris.
• The Great Migration in Masai Mara: Over 1.5 million wildebeests, along with gazelles, impalas, zebras, and elands, move across the plains each year. One of the most dramatic moments is the crossing of the crocodile-filled Mara River, where lions often wait at the banks.

Safari Destinations in Detail

Masai Mara National Reserve

Covers over 1,510 square kilometers and offers sightings of cheetahs, rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, crocodiles, hippos, giraffes, hyenas, and more. Activities include hot air balloon rides, bird watching, game drives, walking safaris, and visiting Masai villages.

Amboseli National Park

Small but famous for its elephants and Mount Kilimanjaro backdrop. Wildlife includes giraffes, gazelles, rhinos, cheetahs, and buffaloes.

Nairobi National Park and the Capital City

Nairobi is the only city in the world with a national park. See wildlife like zebras, cheetahs, hyenas, and lions alongside city attractions like museums, markets, and historic sites.

Malindi

Enjoy the sun, Indian Ocean activities, and Swahili culture. Visit historic sites such as Jamil Mosque and St. Francis Xavier Church.

Other Top Destinations

Tsavo National Parks, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Hell’s Gate National Park, Lake Naivasha, Mount Kenya, Mombasa City, Meru National Park, Buffalo Springs National Reserve, Mount Elgon National Park, Lake Bogoria, and Aberdare National Park.

Types of Kenya Safaris & Tourist Activities

Bird Watching Safaris in Kenya

Kenya has over 1,100 bird species found in savannahs, forests, mountains, rivers, and lakes. Top spots include Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli, and Lake Naivasha.

Game Drives in Kenya

Available in all national parks and reserves, offering opportunities to see the Big Five and other wildlife, along with great photography moments.

City Excursions in Kenya

In Nairobi, visit art and craft centers, the National Museum, and the Karen Blixen Museum.

Extra Kenya Safari Activities

Dhow cruises at Lamu Island, visits to the Bio-Ken Snake Farm, relaxing on Diani Beach, water sports, biking, community tours, visiting the Giraffe Center, and more.

Kenya Safari Accommodation Options

Choices include guesthouses, campsites, hotels, safari lodges, resorts, and tented camps. In national parks, expect lodges or tented camps, while in cities you can stay in hotels, rental homes, or apartments.

Packing List for Kenya Safaris

• Wide-brim hat
• Insect repellent
• First aid kit
• Sandals
• Travel documents
• Binoculars
• Swimsuit
• Camera and sunglasses
• Comfortable clothes (pants, shirts, sweater)
• Toiletries and flashlight

Best Time to Visit Kenya for Safaris

The best time for luxury safaris is during the dry seasons, from June to mid-September and December to early March.

Wildlife viewing is more difficult during the rainy months, so plan your trip during the dry months to see more animals.