Kenya Safaris

Kenya is situated in East Africa and to the west it is bordered by Uganda, Somalia to the East, by Ethiopia to the North, by Tanzania to the South, by South Sudan to the Northwest and in the South east direction is the magnificent Indian Ocean.

Everyone that has heard of the Great Migration of the wildebeests that takes place in the Maasai Mara, desires to simply travel to Kenya for this experience, watching millions of animals migrate and also trying to save themselves from the predators (crocodiles, wild dogs and the big cats), is a rewarding and unforgettable experience. 

Also Kenya’s location makes it easy for tourists to visit other destinations such as Tanzania’s Serengeti and Ngorongoro for more wildlife viewing or visit Bwindi and Volcanoes National Parks for gorilla trekking found in Uganda and Rwanda respectively.

Before designing a Kenyan safari package, a number of things have to be put into consideration: your budget, whether you want to travel as an individual or with other people, the number of days you wish to spend in Kenya, the attractions you want to visit, the activities you wish to participate in, and the accommodation options. 

We ensure to offer something that suits every tourist, by this we offer a very unique and affordable selection of safari packages with incredible accommodation which ranges from exclusively luxurious lodges and classy bush camps to seaside cottages, hotels, and tented campsites. 

After, everything is considered then we give you the final safari itinerary that suits your dream safari experience. 

Getting to Kenya

Most international travellers fly in to Nairobi (Kenya’s capital) at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport using international flights. When they arrive there, they can use cars for transfers around the country or use domestic flights in case they don’t want to travel long distances by road. Some travellers who prefer longer drives and they were in Kenya’s neighbors such as Tanzania or Uganda, they can actually drive to Kenya through border crossing. 

There are other domestic Airports which include, Moi International Airport found in Mombasa, Wilson Airport, and Malindi Airport. Travellers need to have their passports and visas ready. However, some nationals especially those from African countries are exempted from that. In order for one to acquire a Kenyan visa, they can apply of it or pay and receive it at the Airport upon arrival.

When to Visit Kenya 

One of best seasons to visit Kenya is during the dry season and this is from between July and October. In this time you are able to see many wildlife spices, the dry season is good for game drives through different national parks, and however it is in this season that you can see the Wildebeest migration. 

Tourist can also visit during the wet season, however the country receives fewer tourists than those that come in the dry season. In the short rainy season of December there is chance to see new born or younger animals and many migratory birds. The long rains are between March and May.

Top Destinations in Kenya

Kenya is endowed with many tourist destinations both natural and manmade. We have mentioned some of the top destinations below;

Maasai Mara National Reserve

This is the country’s most common tourist destination, situated in along the Rift Valley area in the southern part of Kenya, covering an area of 1,510sqkm. It is has a very diverse ecosystem with spectacular views, endless plains, abundant wildlife species and birds. Every year thousands of tourists fly to Kenya to see the Great Wildebeest migration which starts from Serengeti in Tanzania and ends in the Maasai Mara. 

The park is home to the Big 5 and the best place for cat family lovers. Wild animals seen in the reserve include; lions, cheetahs, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, wildebeests, gazelles, zebras, crocodiles and many more animals. All these can be seen during a game drive through the park.

Amboseli National Park

Famously known for its eye catching big numbers of African elephants, Amboseli National Park is relatively a small park covering 392 sq.km but with a diverse ecosystem spreading across the Kenya and Tanzania border. It is situated in the south eastern region of Kenya near Mount Kilimanjaro protecting swamps, wildlife as well as over 600 species of birds. Other animals in the park include the cheetah, leopards, wild dogs, crocodiles, lesser kudu, mongoose, and the buffaloes.

Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru is a saline lake found in the west-central part of Kenya surrounded with bushy grassland, forests, cliffs, woodland and waterfalls. It was established as a national park in 1961, it is known for many bird species and majorly the big numbers of the pink flamingos. The park covers 188 sq.km and is ideal for hiking, picnics, photography, bird watching, camping and game drives. Common animals found in Lake Nakuru are Impalas, elands, baboons, waterbucks, buffaloes, monkeys, wild dogs, leopards, zebras, hippos, rhinos, Rothschild giraffes, lions and hyenas.

Tsavo National Park

This is among the world’s largest national parks and Kenya’s largest covering an area of 22,000 sq.km and popularly known for its spectacular landscape and big herds of elephants and lions. The park is among the country’s oldest national parks, gazetted in 1948. It is divided into two; the Tsavo West and Tsavo East National Parks separated by a railway line. The main things to do in Tsavo include sightseeing, game viewing, bird watching, guided nature walks and camping.

Lamu Island 

This is an old town found in the Indian Ocean just off the Kenyan shore. It is a well-developed island with good hotels and a great history of Islamic and Swahili cultures. In 2001 the island was recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site.

While in Lamu, enjoy the breathtaking views by taking a walk around the narrow streets and the beaches plus sailing on a dhow, watching the sun go down on Manda Island and a visit to Shela village.

Samburu National Reserve 

This is also another popular destination situated in Northern Kenya covering 165sq.km. This reserve protects a wide variety of wildlife and bird species. The 3 big cats can be seen in this park such as the cheetahs, lions, and the Leopards, also other animals like the Zebras, Cape Buffaloes, Hippos, Elephants, Waterbucks, baboons, Oryx, Impalas, Warthogs and Gazelles are spotted. The birds include Kingfishers, Secretary birds, Marabou storks, sunbirds, Vultures, Hornbills and bee-eaters, Eagles.

Activities done in Samburu include game drives, bush meals, sundowners, horseback safaris, hot air balloons, Maasai village visits and nature walks.

Hells Gate National Park 

This park is located south of Lake Naivasha and northwest of Nairobi, its proximity to the city makes it a popular destination for tourists. It was established in 1984 and covers an area of 68sq.km. Because of its size, it is a small park but endowed with a beautiful scenery and various wildlife species. The park also is equipped with campsites hence making it safe for camping. 

Things to do in this park include a visit to the hot springs, wildlife viewing, raptor nesting, cycling, hiking, camping, spectacular scenery viewing including the water filled gorges, towering cliffs, volcanoes and rock towers.

Aberdare National Park

Aberdare is situated in the central part of Kenya about 150km from Nairobi City. It was gazetted in 1950 as a national park with the aim of conserving and protecting the Aberdare Mountains. The main story about this park is that it’s where the Princess Elizabeth became Queen after the death of King George VI her father, with this many tourists visit the park and sleep. Activities available in Aberdare are wildlife viewing, mountain climbing, bird watching and trout fishing.

Nairobi National Park 

This is a fenced national park situated 7km south of Nairobi and was established in 1946, it covers an area of 117sq.km. The park is home to the Big 5 (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffaloes) and known as a rhino sanctuary. Other wildlife species seen include giraffes, antelopes, zebras, cheetahs, jackals, hyenas, reptile species as well as over 500 bird species.

The park has an animal orphanage established in 1963 and it serves as a centre of treatment and rehabilitation to the animals. Things to do in this park include game viewing, picnics, camping and nature walks.

Lake Naivasha

It is a fresh water lake situated in Naivasha town northwest of Nairobi and stands out for its high number of flamingos and hippos. It is home to over 1,500 hippos and over 400 species of birds. Some activities to participate in while in Naivasha include boating safaris, nature walks at Crescent Island, visit Hell’s gate National Park, bird watching among others.

Mount Kenya National Park

The park was originally a forest reserve and in 1949 was gazetted as a national Park to conserve the wildlife and Mount Kenya. It has an area of 715sq.km and hosts Kenya’s highest peak standing at 5,199m above known as Mount Kenya. Things to do in the park include mountain hiking, bird watching, camping and wildlife viewing.

Nairobi

This is Kenya’s capital with historic, multicultural and modern city with many tourist attractions including the Nairobi National Museum, Nairobi National Park, Giraffe centre, Karen Blixen Museum, Ngong Hills,  and other places like many shopping malls, art galleries, coffee houses, bars, hotels, cultural centers, cinemas, markets, souvenir and craft shops.

Diani Beach

Diani Beach is Kenya’s popular beach found at country’s Indian Ocean coast. It is situated in Kwale Country, 30km south of Mombasa. Diani beach is 17km long and a very famous tourist resort attracting big numbers of visitors. Tourists engage in several activities at the beach such as swimming, snorkeling, jet skiing and kitesurfing.

Other tourist attractions include Mombasa, Meru National Park, Watamu, Arabuko Sokoke National Park, Haller Park, Bomas of Kenya, Lake Bogoria, Cresent Island, 

Where to Stay in Kenya

Kenya, has various destinations and in each destinations are multiple accommodation options that range from Budget to Luxury offering great lodging, meals and other services.  For example in every national park are some exquisite lodges suitable for back packers, honeymooners, group travellers, private travellers, even those that want a luxurious ambiance, everything is catered for. 

What you need to do, is contact us and tell us how you would like your ideal safari to be and with your budget we can advise which lodging facility to choose, some tourists already have a choice of what lodge they would like to stay it, regardless we are here to take you around Kenya for a remarkable safari. 

Some of the accommodation facilities in Masai Mara include; Topi Mara Bush House, Rekero Camp, Sand River Masai Mara, Ngare Serian, Porini Lion Camp, Saruni Mara, Sala’s Camps, Angama Mara. Lodging facilities in Nairobi National Park include; Giraffe Manor, Ngong House, Nairobi Tented Camp, House of Waine, Emakoko. 

Lodging in Amboseli National Park include; Amboseli Serena Lodge, Ol donyo lodge, Kibo Safari camp, Porini Amboseli Camp, Tortilis Camp, Ol Tukai Lodge. Accommodation Options in Tsavo National Park include; Hunter’s lodge, Severin Safari Camp, Kilaguni Serena lodge, Ngutuni lodge, Galdessa Camp, Gana Crocodile Camp and many more other lodges and hotel.

Things to Do in Kenya 

We have come up with the list of some things that you can do while in Kenya for a remarkable safari experience of your life time.

The Great Wildebeest Migration Experience 

This is a very common term every time a safari to Kenya is mentioned. The Great Migration is the planet’s largest movement of big herds of wildlife. The migration involves over 1.2 million wildebeests, over 300,000 zebras tagged along with gazelles moving from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park crossing to the Maasai Mara of Kenya. 

The migration is more like a cycle and it is done because these animals are searching for pasture and water. It is an annual event which starts from late July in Serengeti through October and by the end of October and start of November the animals start their journey back to Serengeti from the Maasai Mara. 

Around late July to August is when the Wildebeests are crossing the Mara River, this time is a highlight for those visiting, it is filled with emotions as they watch the wildebeests try to survive from the predators especially the crocodiles, lions and leopards to cross the river to the other side for safety, food and water.

Game Drives/Wildlife Viewing 

Kenya is a dream safari destination to many travellers, it is endowed with many attractions and eye catching wildlife species. In order for tourists to see the wild animals well and safely is during game drives and these drives can be done in the morning, afternoon or in the night basing on which national Park you are in. Game drives are done using a 4 by 4 vehicle with a pop-up roof to enable the tourists see well the animals that are closer and further, also guided by a skilled ranger who directs you through the different designated tracks in the national park to look for the animals.

The Maasai Mara is famous for the migration of the wildebeests and other parks which offer unforgettable wildlife viewing are Lake Nakuru, Tsavo National Park., Amboseli National Park, Nairobi National park, Mount Kenya National Park and other wildlife reserves.

Wild animals that are seen in Kenya are Cheetahs, Lions, Buffaloes, Elephants, Giraffes, Crocodiles, Wildebeests, Gazelles, Elephants, Hippos, Hyenas, Rhinos, Leopards, Wild dogs, Zebras and many more.

Cultural Tours and Experiences 

As you plan your Kenyan safari, have it in mind that there is room for you to experience the country’s beautiful culture and their culture can be expressed in many things which include; the tribes, dress code, food, music, traditional dances, drama, homesteads, customs, beliefs and many other things. 

Kenya has different ethnic groups but the popular ones are the Luo, Kikuyu, Kamba, Luhya, Meru, Kalenjin, Kisii. Each of these groups is divided into clans, tribes with different beliefs and ways of leaving. Kiswahili and English are widely spoken languages. 

There is also an indigenous tribe known as the Maasai, they are a very popular and unique tribe made up of semi-nomadic people who depend on livestock keeping entirely. Many tourists desire to visit these people due to their authentic and long preserved culture. Many other cultures in Kenya have changed somehow over the years due to civilization, education and the influence of the western culture. However, the Maasai are still authentic, clinging to their traditional ways of living hence they stand out as Kenya’s popular traditional culture.

The other common tribe is of the Samburu, they are also an indigenous tribe almost similar to the Maasai. They also depend on livestock for meat, blood and milk, they speak a language known as Maa. Also you can meet the other group of people known as the Turkana, living in the North of Kenya in a pastoral community. They are also herders moving from one place to another in search for food and water for their animals, since they are what they also depend on.

Some cultural events in Kenya include; the Safari Rally, Lake Trukana Festival, Mombasa Carnival, Maulid Festival, International Camel Derby Festival and the Lamu Cultural Festival. 

Birding Tours 

Bird watching in Kenya is throughout the year, meaning the choice is with the birder as of when they would like to travel. Kenya is a top birding destination with over 1154 bird species.

The common birds include; Scarlet-chested sunbirds, Crowned Hornbills, Ostriches, Pink Flamingos, Kori Bustards and Bar-tailed trogons. The Raptors include; the Kite, Eagles, Hawks and the Vultures. And the rare birds include; the Taita Apalis, Grey Crowned Cranes and the Kilifi Weavers.

Kenya’s top birding spots include, Lake Nakuru- famous for the beautiful flamingos, Krestels and Pelicans. The Maasai Mara home to over 470 bird species and you can spot birds like the ostriches, Hornbills, kingfishers, secretary birds and others. Nairobi City is also a common birding spot with around 500 species recorded. 

Other birding spots are Malindi Watamu, Lake Naivasha, Arabuko Sokoke Forest, Mount Kenya, Saiwa Swamp, Lake Victoria, Lake Baringo, Kakamega forest, Samburu Reserve, Busia Grassland and Gatamaiyu Forest. 

For the best birding safari experience carry a waterproof backpack, field guidebook, light rain coat, camera, binoculars, drinking water, wide brimmed hat, hiking boots, wear long sleeved clothes, insect repellent, snacks and other essentials. 

Ultimate Honeymoon Experiences

Celebrating love and a marriage union is a beautiful thing. However, planning a honeymoon can be tricky but when you get it right, it can be the most beautiful and fun filled experience of your lifetime with the one you love. Kenya is a popular destination for honeymoon and whether your interest is a luxurious treat, wildlife, birds, adventure or beaches, the country has enough of this to offer.

Most national parks and the lodges, offer great honeymoon experiences. The places to enjoy honeymoon from include the Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, Elephant Bedroom camp in Samburu Reserve, Elsa’s Koje in Meru National Park, Serena Elmentetia near Lake Elmentetia, Mara Explorer Camp in the Maasai Mara, Ol Tukia Lodge in Amboseli, Wileli House in Naivasha, Medina Palms in Watamu, Afrochic Diani beach, Majlis Resort in Lamu, Baobab Beach on Diani Beach, The Sands on Chale Island, Pinewood beach, Kinodo Kwetu, Ocean Beach, Manda Bay and many more destinations.

Boating safaris 

Most Kenya safari packages include boating amongst the activities to be done because boating trips are very relaxing but also rewarding since they avail chances of seeing several features, wildlife and birds. In Kenya, boat rides are done on rivers, lakes with in National Parks and along the coast of the Indian Ocean. Boat cruises are also highlights for birding tourists since during the cruise they can see several water birds and other bird species. 

Lake Nakuru is among the popular destinations with thrilling boat cruises along the tranquil lake. It is a spectacular lake with big numbers of Flamingos and beautiful views. There are two boating sessions (morning and evening) available on this lake. 

Lake Naivasha is also another spot for boat trips; it is a very stunning fresh water lake with exciting picturesque views and wildlife and bird species such as the Black Crake, flamingos, Ruddy Turnstone, Wood Sandpiper, Ruff, Tufted Ducks, African Jacana, Helmeted Guinea fowl, Stripped Crake, Lesser Moorhen, Caspian Plover and many more.

Hiking/Mountaineering Safaris 

Any adventurous traveller would love to go for hiking and experience Kenya’s highest points. The country is blessed with a number of scenic landscapes and mountains that favor hiking safaris. A hike to the tallest mountain in Kenya is very thrilling and rewarding which is why for those interested we can organize mountaineering adventure safari packages for you. 

Mountain Kenya is Africa’s 2nd highest peak and is the most popular hiking destination in Kenya. A number of experienced hikers have hiked to the top of this mountain and it takes 5 days to hike from bottom to top, but these days leave tourists with unforgettable memories.  Mount Kenya stands at 5,199m above sea level and is situated in the western region of Kenya. 

The hiking trails are endowed with scenic views, well conserved and protected hence making it easy to navigate through. Hiking trails include; Mount Longnot, Mount Kwitutu, Ngong Hills, Homa Hills, Menegani Crater, Nthenge Njeru Falls, and many more.

Hiking is done all year round however the best time to hike is usually in the dry season from December to January or from June to Mid-October when the hiking trails are less slippery unlike the rainy/ wet season where the trails are often muddy and slippery. Also not that the weather can change at any time even during the dry season it can rain so pack some essential things as you go for the hike.

Hiking requires you to be well prepared especially if it is a long hike requiring you too spend the night. Pack rain gears, sunglasses, sturdy hiking shoes, warm jacket, gloves, sleeping bags, sunscreen, long sleeved clothes, snacks, insect repellents, camera, towel, sanitizer, backpack, headlamps and drinking water. 

Walking Safaris 

Kenya is a very fascinating country endowed with spectacular views and leaving your vehicle behind and choosing to walk on foot in order to explore and discover what the savannah and bushes have to offer is really a special experience. 

In most Kenyan Reserves and National Parks, walking is prohibited. However most lodges offer this opportunity for the tourists to go for guided walks on foot and escape constraints of cars in a way of loosening themselves in the country’s stunning wilderness. Some areas where walking safaris are done include; Naboisho Camp, Saruni Rhino Camp, Kicheche bush camp, Sarara Camp, Ol Malo Lodge and Barona lodge.