15 Best Safari in Kenya: Experience the Thrill of a Lifetime

Kenya is a land of natural wonders, from vast savannahs teeming with wildlife to stunning mountain ranges and pristine beaches. For those seeking an unforgettable adventure, there is no better way to experience the beauty of this country than on a safari.

With countless national parks and reserves to choose from, each with its unique flora and fauna, a safari in Kenya promises to be an awe-inspiring journey of discovery. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first safari, let us take you on a journey through the Best Kenya safaris.

The Best Safari in Kenya: Our Expert Choice!

So, a quick list of the best kinds of safaris in Kenia for every type of tourist!

Best for iconic migration safaris: Masai Mara National Reserve. This one of the best safari parks in Kenya offers front-row seats to the Great Wildebeest Migration, which sees millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move between Tanzania and Kenya in search of fresh pasture.

Best for postcard views: Amboseli National Park is home to large herds of elephants, and its grassy plains offer stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. Visitors can also spot other wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, and giraffes, against the backdrop of the mountain.

Best for quiet & uncrowded safaris: Samburu National Reserve. These parks receive fewer visitors compared to the more popular reserves like Masai Mara and offer a chance to see a wide range of wildlife, including rare species like the reticulated giraffe and Grevy’s zebra.

Best for bush and beach safari: Tsavo National Park. Visitors can explore the park’s diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and natural wonders, such as the Mzima Springs and the lava flows, before heading to the pristine beaches of the Kenyan coast for some sun and relaxation.

Best for bird safaris: Lake Nakuru National Park. Over 450 bird species have been recorded in the park, including flamingos, pelicans, eagles, and other water birds. The park’s alkaline lake provides a perfect habitat for these birds, making it a popular destination for bird safaris.

Let’s take a closer look at the most popular safari destinations in Kenya.

1. Maasai Mara National Reserve

The Maasai Mara National Reserve, located in southwestern Kenya, is an iconic safari destination renowned for its abundant wildlife, stunning landscapes, and annual wildebeest migration. Spanning over 1,500 square kilometers, the reserve boasts a diverse ecosystem of grasslands, hills, and forests, home to the «Big Five» and other wildlife.

Visitors can enjoy a range of safari experiences, including game drives, walking safaris, and hot air balloon rides while learning about the Maasai culture and way of life. The best time to visit is during the dry season from June to October, but the reserve is worth a visit any time of the year.

2. Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park is a breathtaking destination covering 392 square kilometers, offering stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, diverse habitats for a wide range of wildlife, and the opportunity to learn about the Maasai culture. Visitors can enjoy game drives, walking safaris, and cultural tours while spotting elephants, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and over 400 species of birds.

The best time to visit is during the dry season from June to October and January to February, offering the best opportunity to see wildlife and mild weather.

3. Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Reserve covers 165 square kilometers of rugged terrain, dominated by the Ewaso Ng’iro River, and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the «Big Five,» Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and predators like cheetahs and hyenas.

Visitors can enjoy game drives, walking safaris, hot air balloon rides, and cultural visits to Samburu villages, providing insight into the traditional way of life of the Samburu people. The best time to visit is during the dry season from June to October and December to March when the wildlife is more concentrated around the river.

4. Tsavo National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park is a beautiful safari destination, known for its diverse wildlife and stunning scenery. The park is home to the famous Lake Nakuru, where visitors can witness millions of flamingos feeding on algae.

With a range of safari experiences, including game drives, walking safaris, and hot air balloon rides, Lake Nakuru National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Kenya’s wildlife and natural landscapes.

The best time for safari in Kenya is during the dry season from July to October, offering the best opportunity for wildlife viewing.

6. Aberdare National Park

Aberdare National Park сovers over 766 square kilometers and is named after the Aberdare mountain range that runs through it.

The park’s landscape features lush rainforests, bamboo forests, and moorlands, while visitors can spot a variety of wildlife, including the «Big Five,» the rare bongo antelope, and hyena. The park is also home to a large number of bird species, making it popular with birdwatchers.

The best time to visit Aberdare National Park is during the dry season from January to March and July to October when the weather is pleasant, and wildlife is more concentrated around water sources.

7. Mount Kenya National Park

Mount Kenya National Park, situated in central Kenya, is a stunning safari location covering over 715 square kilometers. The park, named after Africa’s second-highest mountain, boasts diverse wildlife, unique landscapes, and unforgettable experiences.

The park features a diverse landscape, ranging from alpine and bamboo forests to moorlands and glaciers. The wildlife in the park is equally impressive, with over 130 species of birds and various animals, including the «Big Five,» elephants, buffalos, leopards, hyenas, and several species of primates such as black and white colobus and sykes monkeys.

The best time to visit is during the dry season from January to March and July to October.

8. Meru National Park

Meru National Park is a stunning safari destination situated in northern Kenya, covering over 870 square kilometers. The park’s diverse landscape ranges from dense forests to savannah grasslands and swamps and is home to notable geological features such as the Tana River, Rojewero River, and Adamson’s Falls.

Visitors can spot over 400 bird species and a variety of animals, including the «Big Five». Night drives, walking safaris, and cultural visits to nearby communities are also available.

The best time to visit is during the dry season from June to September and December to February when the weather is pleasant, and wildlife congregates around water sources.

9. Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Ol Pejeta Conservancy, situated in central Kenya, is a 90,000-acre wildlife conservancy famous for its conservation programs and community development efforts. The Conservancy’s diverse landscape ranges from open savannah plains to riverine habitats and forested areas.

It is home to the «Big Five» game animals, Grevy’s zebras, Jackson’s hartebeests, African wild dogs, and over 400 bird species. Visitors can experience game drives, guided walks, and night game drives, including visits to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary.

The best time to visit is during the dry season from June to September, with cooler temperatures due to its higher altitude.

10. Shaba National Reserve

Shaba National Reserve is a 239 km² game reserve in Kenya that forms part of the larger Samburu ecosystem. The reserve features rugged hills, open savannah plains, and riverine forests, and is home to an array of wildlife, including the Big Five, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes.

The Ewaso N’giro River runs through the park, providing water for the wildlife. Visitors can enjoy game drives, walking safaris, and hot air balloon rides to view the wildlife, with the best time to visit during the dry season from June to October.

11. Mara Naboisho Conservancy

Mara Naboisho Conservancy is a 50,000-acre private wildlife conservancy situated in the heart of the Maasai Mara ecosystem in Kenya. The conservancy’s terrain is characterized by rolling hills, vast plains, and acacia woodlands, and it is home to numerous wildlife species, including the Big Five and other predators.

Mara Naboisho Conservancy offers a more exclusive and personalized safari experience than other parks in the Maasai Mara ecosystem, with limited visitors and vehicles. Visitors can enjoy game drives, walking safaris, night drives, and guided bush walks. The best time to visit is during the dry season (July to October).

12. Laikipia Plateau

The Laikipia Plateau is a vast wilderness area covering over 9,500 square kilometers in central Kenya. With a unique blend of wildlife, culture, and conservation efforts, it’s one of the most fascinating safari destinations in Africa.The plateau’s diverse landscape is home to a variety of wildlife, including the Big Five and predators like cheetahs, hyenas, and wild dogs. Visitors can enjoy activities such as game drives, walking safaris, horseback riding, and cultural tours.The best time of year for a safari in Kenya is during the dry season, from July to October, although the wet season offers its own unique experiences.

13. Chyulu Hills National Park

Chyulu Hills National Park is an underrated, yet beautiful safari destination in southern Kenya, covering around 741 square kilometers. The park features breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unique natural features.Rolling hills, deep valleys, and volcanic peaks including the Shetani lava flow characterize the park’s landscape. The ecosystem supports elephant herds, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, antelope species, and over 300 bird species. Game drives, guided nature walks, birdwatching, and hot air balloon rides offer visitors an authentic and unique safari experience.The best time to visit the park is during the dry season from June to October and from January to February.

14. Hell’s Gate National Park

Hell’s Gate National Park is a popular safari destination located in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, spanning over 68.25 square kilometers.

The park’s landscape is dominated by towering cliffs and deep gorges that provide a stunning backdrop for wildlife watching. The vegetation comprises savannah grasslands, acacia woodlands, and scrublands that support a variety of wildlife, including baboons, buffalos, giraffes, zebras, warthogs, hyenas, and over 100 bird species

The best time to visit Hell’s Gate National Park is during the dry season from June to October and December to March.

15. Kakamega Forest National Reserve

Kakamega Forest National Reserve is a unique safari destination located in western Kenya, covering around 238 square kilometers. The reserve is renowned for its lush green forest, unique ecosystem, and abundant wildlife, including over 300 bird species, several primate species, and over 400 butterfly species.

The reserve’s main attraction is the only remaining tropical rainforest in Kenya, providing a stunning backdrop for wildlife watching. The best time to visit is during the dry season from June to October and from December to March, despite the forest being a tropical rainforest.

FAQ

How do I choose the right safari package in Kenya?

To choose the right safari package in Kenya, consider your budget, travel preferences, and the type of wildlife you want to see. Research reputable tour operators and read reviews from other travelers to help you make an informed decision.

What are the most affordable safari options in Kenya?

The most affordable safari options in Kenya are typically group tours or budget packages that include accommodations in basic lodges or campsites. It’s important to research the quality of the tour operator and accommodations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

What are the most luxurious safari options in Kenya?

For the most luxurious safari options in Kenya, consider staying in high-end lodges or tented camps that offer private game drives, gourmet meals, spa services, and other luxurious amenities. These options can be quite expensive but offer a truly unforgettable safari experience.

What are the most family-friendly safari options in Kenya?

To find family-friendly safari options in Kenya, look for tour operators that offer child-friendly accommodations, activities, and guided tours. Many lodges and camps have programs specifically designed for families with children, such as educational wildlife tours and cultural experiences.

What are the most adventurous safari options in Kenya?

For the most adventurous safari options in Kenya, consider exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, such as remote wildlife reserves and conservancies. You can also opt for activities such as walking safaris, hot air balloon rides, and camping under the stars.

What are the most romantic safari options in Kenya?

To find the most romantic safari options in Kenya, look for lodges and camps that offer private accommodations with stunning views, candlelit dinners, and exclusive experiences such as hot air balloon rides and private game drives. Some lodges even offer honeymoon packages with romantic extras such as couples massages and champagne breakfasts.

What months are best for a Kenya safari?

The best months for a Kenya safari are during the dry season, from June to October, and January to February, when wildlife is easier to spot due to the thinning vegetation and animals congregating around water sources.

Is Kenya or Tanzania better for safari?

Both Kenya and Tanzania offer excellent safari experiences, but the choice depends on personal preferences and interests.

How much would a safari in Kenya cost?

The cost of a safari in Kenya varies depending on several factors, such as the length of the safari, the type of accommodation, and the number of people in the group. On average, a 3-4 day safari can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 per person.

What are the Big 5 in Kenya safari?

The Big 5 in Kenya safari refers to the five most iconic animals to spot during a safari, which are the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros.

What to wear on safari in Kenya?

Lightweight and comfortable clothing in neutral colors, closed-toe shoes, a sun hat, and sunglasses are recommended for a safari in Kenya.

Kenya offers an unparalleled safari experience with its diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. The country’s numerous national parks and reserves provide visitors with a chance to observe the «Big Five» animals and a wide range of other wildlife up close.

With its experienced guides and top-notch facilities, Kenya is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable safari adventure. Whether it’s exploring the vast savannahs, watching the Great Migration, or experiencing the unique Maasai culture, a safari in Kenya is sure to be an unforgettable experience.