Kenya is the quintessential safari destination. A land of world-class wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, an extensive pristine coastline, and a rich cultural heritage. The iconic Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru offer unforgettable game viewing and landscapes. You can also include Amboseli, famed for its postcard-perfect views of Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as Samburu and Meru, which offer unique ecosystems and fewer crowds. Crafting a safari circuit that links three to four regions, or even combining with Tanzania, would create a beautifully rich East African adventure. And for the perfect ending, unwind on Kenya’s coast, where soft sands and some of Africa’s best diving and snorkelling spots await.
Amboseli National Park: Located in southern Kenya, Amboseli is famed for its large elephant herds and iconic views of Mount Kilimanjaro, which rises across the border in Tanzania.
Lake Nakuru: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Lake Nakuru National Park is best known for the vibrant flocks of pink flamingos that gather along its shores. The park is also home to both black and white rhinos, Rothschild giraffes, and an impressive variety of birdlife.
Masai Mara: Stretching across the southwestern border with Tanzania, the Masai Mara is Kenya’s most celebrated safari destination. Its golden savannahs host abundant wildlife year-round and are the stage for the dramatic annual wildebeest migration.
Naivasha: A freshwater lake set in the Great Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha is a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers. The surrounding landscape is dotted with giraffes, buffalo, and hippos, with boat safaris offering close-up encounters on the water.
Samburu National Park: Set in Kenya’s northern frontier, Samburu showcases a more rugged, arid beauty. It is home to the “Samburu Special Five", 5 species uniquely adapted to the dry landscape - Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, Reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, and Gerenuk.
The prime time for visiting Kenya and neighboring Tanzania is from July through September, during the dry season. This period marks the peak of the great migrations, with thousands of wildebeest and other wildlife making their journey from the Mara in Kenya to the Serengeti in Tanzania. The dry season offers more comfortable travel conditions if you're exploring by road, and it's easier to spot wildlife as the vegetation is less lush, providing better visibility.
On the other hand, January and February are the peak tourism months, but they come with higher prices, crowded national parks, and the hottest temperatures. So, if you prefer a more serene and budget-friendly experience, it's best to avoid this period.
The Great Migration itself is a remarkable nine-month cycle of movement. Wildebeest, accompanied by zebras, gazelles, and impalas, traverse the landscape, braving river crossings where hungry crocodiles lurk, all in search of fresh grazing. The most dramatic river crossings typically occur between late June and October, and sometimes, these migrations involve back-and-forth river crossings. However, it's worth noting that there's excellent wildlife viewing year-round.
Currency: Kenyan Shilling
Languages: Swahili and English
What makes it special: Kenya has a status as the original safari destination, inspiring countless travelers to embark on their own safari adventures. Interestingly, the word "safari" itself comes from Swahili, meaning "journey." Kenya boasts endless plains, teeming with large herds of wildlife, including many predators. It's a place where vibrant cultures, renowned national parks, and thrilling balloon safaris come together seamlessly. A typical Kenyan safari typically spans from 7 to 12 days and may encompass destinations such as the Masai Mara, Great Rift Valley, Lakes Nakuru and Naivasha, Mount Kenya, Samburu, and/or Amboseli National Parks.
Weather: Kenya enjoys a fairly temperate climate throughout the year. January and February are the summer months, while March to May, and to a lesser extent, October through December, constitute the rainy seasons. However, it's worth noting that even during the rainy season, there is typically just one afternoon shower. June to September is considered one of the best times to visit, falling within the "shoulder" seasons when the weather is very pleasant.
Social customs: Kenya's social fabric is rich and diverse, with over 40 different ethnic groups, including Bantu, Masai, and Samburu, each possessing distinct values and customs. Many of these tribes lead nomadic lifestyles, relying on subsistence living and often rejecting urbanization. While around 70% of the country remains rural, urbanism and settler history are also part of Kenya's heritage, stemming from its colonization by the Portuguese and later by the British in the 1800s.
