Kenya is one of the top safari destinations in Africa, the most attraction that brings travelers from all over the world is the annual Wildebeest Migration that happens in the Maasai Mara. Kenya is world-renowned as a safari destination and is home to the twin migration of Humpback whales and Wildebeests. Here, wildebeests and zebras cross the inhospitable Mara River’s migratory pathways, as territorial and resident predators fight for survival.
There are several attractions ranging from beaches at the Indian Ocean, wildlife species, a Snowcapped mountain, Lakes, hills, valleys, and birds among others. Kenya lies on the equator and has a pleasant, tropical climate, but there are large regional climatic variations influenced by several factors, including altitude. The daytime temperatures vary between 20°C and 28°C however, it is warmer on the coast.
Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most well-known safari destinations in Africa, located in southwest Kenya. It is one of the most visited and well-known wildlife conservation areas in Africa and is famous for hosting the big 5 mammals which are Elephants, Leopards, Rhinos, lions, and buffalos. The Masai Mara is the only wildlife reserve with an indigenous black rhino population.
The most attraction is the year-round migration of roughly two million wildebeest, as well as half a million antelopes and thousands of zebras that follow the rains in Tanzania and Kenya. The migration occurs between July to mid-September and involves wildebeests making dangerous crossings through the crocodile-infested rivers.
Amboseli National Park is one of the best places to see large herds of elephants up close, it is located east of Mara near the Tanzania border. Mount Kilimanjaro which is Africa’s highest peak can be seen when you visit this park.
The big five are all found in Amboseli National Park and nature lovers can explore five different habitats here ranging from the dried-up bed of Lake Amboseli, wetlands with sulphur springs, the savannah, and woodlands.
Lake Nakuru National Park is located in the central part of Kenya on the floor of the Great Rift Valley in the northwestern direction from Nairobi. It is home to a diverse range of bird species and is famous for the massive flocks of flamingos that are attracted to the high amounts of algae found in Lake Nakuru. Several wildlife species can be seen in Lake Nakuru National Park including lions, cheetahs, black and white rhinos, and Rothschild giraffes among others.
Nairobi National Park is a short drive from Nairobi’s major business center, located in South Central Kenya. The park has wide open grass plains with scattered acacia woodland and is home to a wide range of animals, including the endangered black rhino, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, buffaloes, giraffes, and over 400 kinds of birds. Travelers may enjoy the park’s picnic areas, three campsites, and hiking trails.
Samburu National Reserve is located in Northern Kenya and is a premier game reserve situated on the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River and is one of the most famous safari destinations in Africa, it comprises conservancies and group ranches bordering the main reserve such as the Kalama Conservancy, West Gate Community Conservancy and Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy.
Samburu Reserve is a unique wildlife conservation famous for an abundance of rare species of animals such as the Grevy Zebra, Somali Ostrich, Reticulated Giraffe, Gerenuk, and Beisa Oryx. The reserve is also home to elephants, and predators such as the Lion, Leopard, and Cheetah which are main attractions. Samburu is one of the locations in Kenya to spot leopards, Wild dogs, and birds.
Mt. Kenya National Park is one of the top Kenya tourism spots recognized for its thrilling wildlife safari experiences and offers a chance to climb Mt. Kenya which is the second-tallest mountain in Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travelers can enjoy mountain climbing, camping, and caving with the mountain’s rugged glacier-clad peaks. The park has lakes, tarns, glaciers, dense forest, mineral springs, and rare endangered species of animals.
Shaba National Reserve is a protected area in Isiolo County in northern Kenya, it lies to the east of Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserve. It is a semi-desert dotted with isolated hills, springs, scattered woodland, and riverside forests. The Reserve is well known for its magnificent landscape and is home to the endangered Grevy Zebra, bird species, and the rare William’s lark.
Other wild species that can be seen in Shaba National reserve are leopards, elephants, great kudu, gerenuk, lesser kudu, Beisa Oryx, Impala, grant’s gazelle, hyrax, bat-eared foxes, Aardvarks, Klipspringer, and Masai giraffes.
Travelers can also visit Aberdare National Park for game drives or Tsavo West and Tsavo East National Parks.
Nairobi city is Kenya’s capital and largest city, it is situated in the south-central part of the country, in the highlands, and is a major tourist destination in Kenya. Nairobi is the principal industrial center of the country with a fabled colonial past, modern infrastructure, tea and coffee industry, and wildlife reserves. It offers a dynamic culture, wildlife, modern art, and infrastructure.
The city is well-served by roads and railways and plays an important role in the community of eastern African states as it is the headquarters of important regional railways, harbours, and airways corporations.
Mombasa city is the second largest city located on Kenya’s southeast coast and is the centre of the coastal tourism industry lying on the Indian Ocean. It is one of Kenya’s most well-known destinations, boasting a fusion of many cultures, customs, art, architecture, and cuisines . Mombasaa city is also well-known for its beaches, coral reefs, historical sites, monuments, and vibrant street markets
Lamu Island is situated off the shore of Northern Kenya in the Indian Ocean, It is a major island within the Lamu Archipelago which is one of the most intriguing destinations to visit in Kenya. The island is known for being the longest-established and best-preserved traditional Swahili settlement.
Lamu Island is inhabited by Kenyans, Persians, Indians, and Europeans but has attracted traders and sailors from China since it is an important trade centre. There are 23 mosques on the island, as well as a 19th-century fort and traditional dhow boats moored offshore and nearby tranquil and unspoiled beaches.
Diani Beach is located south of Mombasa city and is the best beach destination in Africa. It is surrounded by the warm Indian ocean making it a perfect place for family vacations and couple retreats. Diani Beach has many resorts and has white sand with clear waters and an abundance of wildlife to discover. Travelers usually end their safari trips to Kenya by visiting this great place.
The general area is known for its coral reefs, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and the closely located Shimba Hills National Reserve a wildlife reserve, and Kitsite – Mpunguti Marine Park a protected sanctuary of coral reefs and small islands which looks out over the Indian Ocean.
Malindi is a town on Malindi Bay lying on the Indian Ocean on Kenya’s southeastern coast, it is a perfect getaway destination known for magnificent resources such as fringing reefs, coral gardens in the lagoons, sea grass beds, mangroves, mudflats, marine mammals, turtles and various species of shorebirds. It is one of Kenya’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting visitors to explore its ancient sites, scenic beaches, and enormous coral reefs. Travelers can also enjoy glass-bottom boat rides, snorkeling, camping, and beach walks.
The Great Rift Valley is a key Kenyan attraction, with beautiful lakes and escarpments, which provide havens for plentiful wildlife species. It is a perfect destination for bird watching as there are exceptional water bodies like Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru which has huge flocks of flamingos, and Lake Elementaita.
Travelers visiting the region will be treated to exceptional sightings of leopard, white rhino, Rothschild’s giraffe, and an assortment of plains game.
The Hell’s Gate National Park is a remarkable quarter of the Great Rift Valley with spectacular scenery including towering cliffs, water-gouged gorges, stark rock towers, and scrub-clad volcanoes
Manda Bay is a small privately owned lodge located on the northern tip of Manda Island in the Lamu archipelago on Kenya’s coast, it is a perfect destination for family holidays, honeymooners, and couples looking for the ultimate romantic getaway. Manda Bay combines the ultimate bush and beach experience with miles of soft white sand on a private beach and Coconut palms mixed with Doum palms, Acacia Tortilis, and a variety of wildlife species.
Giraffe manor is one of the unique and beautiful place to visit or stay when you visit Kenya, It is an exclusive boutique hotel located in Langata suburb of Nairobi with verdant green gardens, sunny terraces, and delightful courtyards.
The most fascinating thing to see is the herd of Rothschild giraffes which usually visit during morning and evening hours, poking their long necks into the windows in the hope of a treat, before retreating to their forest sanctuary.
What is the best time to go on a safari in Kenya?
Kenya can be visited throughout the year for a safari due to its geographical location however, the best time to visit is between June to October and between January and March. Travelers interested in the famous wildebeest migration across the Masai Mara should consider visiting Kenya in early September.
What to pack for a safari in Kenya?
When packing for a safari, you may pack as light as possible according to the period of time you will spend on the safari. We recommend packing comfortable shoes, and appropriate clothing like comfortable shorts, t-shirts, and long pants not forgetting jackets and sweaters for chilly mornings and evenings. If you want to swim at the beach or the lodges in between game drives, bring swimwear.
Remember to bring insect repellent because you will be in a malaria region. Carry along sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, binoculars, and a camera to capture the moments of your trip.
Where to stay during a safari in Kenya
There are several accommodation facilities in Kenya ranging from luxury to basic hotels and lodges which are situated within the parks or on the outskirts of the park. National parks offer campsites where you can set up tents and sleep in the bush, these sites usually have bathrooms and running water.
Do I need a visa to travel to Kenya?
Travelers visiting Kenya must have valid passports that are valid for at least six months beyond the date they want to depart the country. Travelers can obtain an e-visa before departing for Kenya, a tourist visa is necessary before you arrive in Kenya. Visitors should apply in advance because there might be a 10-day processing time.
How much money do I need to spend on the Kenya safari?
Activities in Kenya are generally expensive and there are entrance fees to enter national parks or reserves not forgetting game drives are also not cheap. In general, you should count at least 400 to 1,000 plus dollars for a Kenya safari price per person per day (including food, transport, and accommodation depending on whether you want a luxury safari or a basic one).
What activities can I do on a safari in Kenya?
There are several activities to do on a safari in Kenya including game drives, bird watching, hiking, exploring cities, community visits, rafting on rivers, watching the wildebeest and zebra migration, exploring the coast, and enjoying the beach.
What animals can I see in Kenya during a safari?
There are many animals to see in Kenya ranging from wildebeests, Lions, Elephants, Buffalos, Leopards, Zebras, cheetahs, hippopotamus, crocodiles, wild dogs, both white and black Rhinos, and giraffes among others.
How to get around while in Kenya on a safari
Most travelers arrive in Kenya by air via Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, there are scheduled flights from JKIA to Mombasa, Malindi, Lamu, and Kisumu and also scheduled daily flights from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to Mombasa, Lamu, Amboseli, Masai Mara, Meru, Nanyuki and Samburu.
Kenya has a good network of roads, travelers can get around using a bus which are usually provided by private companies and are affordable and offer comfortable seating arrangement. They usually carry 20 to 35 passengers and usually move in and out of Nairobi to different parts of the country. Travelers can also use a matatu which is a minibus that carries 14 passengers but these are used for shorter distances or one can use a rental car, especially travelers planning to visit national parks, We advise using a 4WD vehicle since most parks are in hard to reach areas.
Travelers can also use a train using the Kenya-Uganda railway which starts from Mombasa and travels via Nairobi to Kampala in Uganda. This is famously known as the ‘Lunatic Express’.
What is a typical day like on a safari in Kenya?
A typical day on safari in Kenya involves waking up early, doing morning game drives, having a bush breakfast, relaxing at the lodge, afternoon game drives, sundowner drinks, dinner, and early bedtime. You always have plenty of opportunities to view wildlife up close.
How do I ensure safety during a safari in Kenya?
Kenya is a safe country and an excellent place for travelers seeking adventure. It is a great destination for family vacations, honeymooners, and adventurous people. Most tourism sites have guides who can help with anything you need and in case of an emergency you can call 999, 112, or 911and you will be offered help where necessary.
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