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153 Safaris & Tours
available in Kenya
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41 Partners
offering Safaris
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8 Premier Parks,
Reserves and Wildlife
Areas

Overview

Kenya is the very essence of an African safari, with its archetypal savannah landscapes teeming with wildlife. Its richly diverse geography and ecology straddle the equator, bordered by the warm Indian Ocean to the east and reaching the shores of Lake Victoria in the west. The Great Rift Valley, stretching north to south, serves as a timeless reminder of the origins of humankind.

Understanding the seasons in Kenya is key to planning an unforgettable safari experience. The country enjoys two main dry seasons, which many consider the best time to visit Kenya safari destinations—typically from June to October and January to February—when wildlife viewing is at its peak. During the wetter months, the landscapes transform into lush greenery, offering a unique perspective on Kenya’s diverse ecosystems.

Kenya’s government has taken significant steps to preserve its natural beauty, and the country boasts numerous national parks with an astonishing variety of wildlife. The well-established safari industry offers a wide range of Kenya safari packages, catering to different budgets and interests. From exhilarating game drives and walking safaris to horseback riding, kayaking, and cultural excursions, Kenya safari trips promise adventure and discovery for every traveler.

Kenya Safari Travel Seasons

  • Jun-Oct, Jan-Feb – High Season. Its hot and dry in January and February, good for wildlife watching, wildebeest are in the Mara from mid July to October. Lodge prices are at their most expensive, especially July to October.
  • Nov-Dec – Shoulder Season. Short rains fall in October and November, but it’s still an excellent time to visit Kenya. Prices at most lodges and parks drop from November.
  • Mar-May – Low Season. The long rains mean that accommodation is quieter and prices are low. Wildlife is harder to spot as the bush is lush, rain can cause some tracks to be impassable.

Click here to find out more about Kenya weather and climate >>

General Information

  • Currency – Kenyan shilling
  • Lauguages – English, Kiswahili
  • Size – 580,400 square kilometres, more than twice the size of the United Kingdom
  • Population – 48.46 million (2016)

Travel Insurance

  • Travel insurance is essential for all international travel. Click below to find out more:

Travel Health

  • The CDC recommends the following vaccinations for Kenya: hepatitis A and typhoid. Check with your doctor which other vaccinations you might need and make sure your routine vaccinations are all up-to-date.
  • Malaria is present in Kenya – get medical advice on which prophylaxis to take. The risk of malaria is higher during the rainy season.
  • Yellow fever is a risk in certain parts of Kenya – check with your doctor if you need the vaccination based on your travel plans. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you are traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever (this does not include the US).
  • It is best to stick to drinking bottled water.

Pros

  • Fantastic wildlife
  • Top premier Kenya national parks
  • Masai Mara/Serengeti migration
  • Beautiful coastline with many beach resorts
  • Traditional indigenous cultures
  • Well organised tourism industry

Cons

  • Very popular with high tourist numbers in some areas
  • Private conservancies are expensive
  • Prices during high season can be sky-high

Arriving in Kenya

  • Nairobi is a major African travel hub with a large international airport, Jomo Kenyatta, situated just outside the city. Nairobi is used as a connection airport for many airlines which makes competition fierce and keeps prices down. Flying into Narobi is the best way to arrive in Kenya. Moi International Airport, Kenya’s second busiest international airport is in Mombasa.

Getting Around

  • Charter and schedule domestic flights connect the coast as well as the major safari centers. This can add to the cost of a holiday but in terms of convienience it is fantastic.

Visas Requirements in Kenya

  • An e-visa scheme is the simplest way to apply, pay and receive a visa almost instantly. Single entry visas are also available on arrival for most nationalities at Kenya’s three international airports, as well as at Kenya’s land crossings with Uganda and Tanzania. It’s also possible to get a visa in advance from a Kenyan consulate abroad.
  • Please check details before you travel Kenyan Visas >>
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Countries in the same Region

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Tanzania

Tanzania

  • 58 Partners
  • 302 Tours
0 reviews

Tanzania is the land of safaris, offering its guests an impressive 16 national parks to explore as well as the amazing coast line. A Tanzania safari is a must for anyone wanting to experience this way of travel.

Uganda

Uganda

  • 26 Partners
  • 73 Tours
0 reviews

Uganda is aptly named the ‘Pearl of Africa’ as it is home to some of the most diverse and concentrated African wildlife, including the highly-endangered mountain gorilla, as well as the chimpanzee. This is a specialist african safafri country and a premier location to see the great apes.

Burundi

Burundi

  • 6 Partners
  • 0 Tours
0 reviews

Burundi is a small, French-speaking country in East Africa. Although landlocked, much of the south-western border is adjacent to Lake Tanganyika, one of the deepest and longest freshwater lakes in the...

Rwanda

Rwanda

  • 18 Partners
  • 23 Tours
0 reviews

A landlocked East African country, Rwanda boasts smouldering volcanoes, lush green mountains, ancient rainforests and an abundance of wildlife, as well as rich and diverse vegetation. One of only three countries in the world to have the rare mountain gorilla, it is one of only two countries in which they can be viewed safely.

Ethiopia

Ethiopia

  • 2 Partners
  • 6 Tours
0 reviews

Ethiopia, widely regarded as the birthplace of humanity, is a large country located in the Horn of Africa to the north east of the continent. Dissected by the Great Rift Valley that runs from south-west to north-east, Ethiopia contains monumental mountain ranges and highlands, semi-deserts and steppes alongside the vast plateaus and lowlands that combine to form one of the most ecologically diverse habitats in the world.