Home » Kenya Safaris, Kenya Safari Tours, and Community & African Wildlife Safaris in Kenya Tours
Kenya Safaris, Kenya Safari Tours, and Community & African Wildlife Safaris in Kenya Tours
Kenya safaris or Kenya safari tours are among the outstanding African safaris that you can engage in on your holiday. Safaris in Kenya are not equal to any other experience on the African continent.
You will explore the natural beauty of this country in tranquil environments and get close encounters with the most iconic big game on your Kenya wildlife adventure.
Kenya is one of the destinations with world-class wildlife since 10% of its land is used for conservation purposes, and it’s where you find national parks, private conservancies, reserves, and sanctuaries on your safari.
The animal kingdom that you will see on a Kenya trip includes the big 5 African animals: elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards, and buffaloes. There is the Rift Valley throughout the country and the Rift Valley contains Africa’s highest mountain peaks, Mt. Kenya and Elgon.
The Rift Valley also has central highlights that you can visit on your luxury Kenya safari.
The top highlight of the Kenya safari is the annual wildebeest migration, which is one of the natural wonders of the world. Thousands of wildebeests and zebras cross the Mara River from Masai Mara Game Reserve to Serengeti Park.
Apart from the Masai Mara, there are many other national parks that you can visit on your Kenya safari tours and they have amazing animals. Among these are Amboseli National Park, Samburu Game Reserve, Nairobi National Park, Sweet Waters Conservancy, Tsavo East, and Tsavo West National Parks.
Tourists can enjoy the Nairobi city tour with visits to the Karen Blixen Museum and they can spend nights in the Nairobi Hotel. This classic safari can go beyond the coffee plantations at Thika for a great experience and relax on the best beaches along the coast of the Indian Ocean.
Types of Kenya Safaris to Engage in Africa
Tourists on a Kenyan safari can engage in several types of safaris, and these are listed below:
Wildlife Safaris
Kenya is one of the few countries offering world-class wildlife safaris in Africa. On your wildlife safaris in Kenya, you can easily see wild animals in their natural habitats within East Africa.
Travelers should know that wildlife safaris are one of the best ways to explore Kenya, though these kinds of tours are only epic within national parks and reserves.
The best places for wildlife safaris Kenya are:
Masai Mara Game Reserve is basically known for the great migration and other animals, including the big five, that you can see when in a safari vehicle during a game drive.
Amboseli National Park has large numbers of elephant herds that roam in the shadows of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Samburu Game Reserve is thrilling during game drives and on the different tracks, you can see animals like giraffes, big cats, the Grevy’s Zebra, and those that come on the shores of the Ewaso Ng’iro River.
Nairobi National Park is situated in the city and has open savannah plains, which are a habitat for the endangered Black Rhino and many other animals.
Tsavo East National Park is the best spot for seeing large mammals.
Tsavo West National Park is rewarding with amazing game viewing as you can enjoy sightings of rhinos, elephants, lions, and many antelope species.
Birding Safaris
Most tourists take Kenya as a place for amazing wildlife trips, but it is also on the peak when it comes to bird-watching safaris in East Africa since it has a rich bird life, including many savannah birds and water birds.
Keen birders on birding tours prefer visiting Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru.
Listed are the best places for birding in this country:
Masai Mara gives you opportunities to sight rare birds
Mount Kenya National Park has a bird checklist of about 500 species
Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserve are home to 400 species
Nairobi National Park is home to over 500 species.
Lake Naivasha is situated within the Great Rift Valley and it is the best place for seeing pelicans.
Lake Baringo has about 500 species of birds.
Kakemega Forest is home to 450 species, of which some are not spotted in any other East African destinations or on the African continent at large.
Adventure Safaris
Those on Kenya safari tours can enjoy these safaris for the best adventure trips in East Africa.
Some of the great adventures to enjoy include:
- Climbing Mount Kenya is almost similar to Mount Kilimanjaro
- Exploring the Central Highlands
- Adventuring Masai Mara in hot air balloons
- Horseback riding in Masai Mara
- Exploring Tsavo East on foot during nature walks
- Lake Victoria canoeing journeys
- Cycling adventures
- Camping within Tsavo East
- Scuba diving within the blue waters of Diani beach
Kenyan Cultural Tours
These tours are for those who want to experience the local culture of the different tribes of Kenya. On Kenyan cultural tours, you participate in cultural dances, traditional cooking, and many festivals.
- You can visit Masai people within Masai Mara through interaction with the Maasai warriors. A Masai warrior is worth it every time.
- There are Samburu people rich in culture that you can interact with.
- Tourists can visit the Island of Lamu when on their walking safari to experience the Islamic culture. Lamu Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- There is also the Nairobi National Museum.
Kenya Beach Holidays
Kenya safari tours are not the same without enjoying beach holidays. Beaches are more epic for those on luxury Kenya safari adventures, as they get to relax on the white sand beaches on the coast of the Indian Ocean.
Diani Beach offshore in the Indian Ocean shouldn’t be missed, as it offers great experiences during your vacation.
Kenya Tourist Attractions
Those coming on Kenya safari tours should know that there are many major attractions that they can see throughout their entire holiday.
Wild animals
This country has an outstanding animal kingdom. There are carnivores, primates, and many herbivores. Expect to see the big 5 animals on the Kenya safari tour: elephants, Cape buffalo, lions, rhinos, and leopards.
Animals can be found in Tsavo West, Maasai Mara, Samburu, Tsavo East, etc.
Kenya Birds
This country has about 1,058 bird species, of which 11 are endemics. Many of the birds here have not been spotted in other areas of East Africa.
The sought-after birds to lookout for are the Kakamega Greenbul, Verreaux’s Eagle, Yellow-bellied Wattle-eye, Southern Hyliota, etc.
You can best see the birds within these national parks
- Masai Mara
- Tsavo East and Tsavo West Parks
- Samburu
- Naivasha, etc.
Other attractions include;
- Mountains like Mount Kenya
- Water bodies like Lake Victoria, Lake Turkana, etc.
- The Central highlands
What are the Best Places to Visit in Kenya? | Where to Go for a Safari in Kenya
There are many Kenyan safari destinations that you can visit on your holiday, and these are mostly national parks, wildlife reserves, private conservancies, and several sanctuaries.
Masai Mara is more popular among all destinations and it is well known for hosting the Great Wildebeest Migration.
Kenya National Parks
There are so many national parks, all under the management of the Kenya Wildlife Service. Among all, the only national parks that are heritage sites are Mountain Kenya and Lake Nakuru NP.
The top parks to visit on a Kenya safari tour are:
Aberdare National Park offers the best Kenya camping safari trips and it is an amazing place for spotting the Black and White Rhino, especially when in your safari vehicle.
Amboseli National Park is in the shadows of Mount Kilimanjaro and it is well known for having big elephant herds that you can sight on game drives in a safari vehicle.
Tsavo East and Tsavo West parks; these two are just separated by a railway line.
Nairobi National Park has the big 5 that you can see when in a safari vehicle during game drives or on a walking safari.
Lake Nakuru National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the floor of the Great Rift Valley and is home to many flamingos.
Other national parks to visit are Mount Kenya Park, Hell’s Gate, and Meru Park.
Kenya Wildlife Reserves
There are about 28 game reserves, all offering amazing game viewing but the most iconic are Samburu Game Reserve and Masai Mara.
Masai Mara National Reserve is located just towards the Great Rift Valley and it is known for hosting the Wildebeest Migration, where animals move to the Serengeti Plains. This reserve, Masai Mara, has savannah plains favorable for a walking safari and a camping safari.
Samburu Game Reserve offers amazing game viewing within northern Kenya. Samburu Game Reserve has 4 of the big five African animals that you can see in the remote wilderness, as well as many other animals.
Other reserves to explore are the Buffalo Springs, Arawale, and Kakamega reserves.
Beaches in Kenya
Beaches are amazing, especially for those on a classic safari in Kenya and they can relax on the beaches that are on the coast of the Indian Ocean.
Below are the beaches to explore
- Nyali Beach
- Diani Beach
- Mambrui Beach
- Watamu Beach
- Lamu Island, etc.
Other places to visit are wildlife sanctuaries like Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a rhino sanctuary that is home to the endangered Black Rhino. You can also visit Crescent Island and the Kisumu Impala Sanctuary.
Tourist Activities in Kenya: What Things to See on a Kenya Safari Tour?
On your Kenya tour, you will experience a trip of a lifetime when you do the activities that the country has to offer.
Some of the enticing activities a safari-goer can engage in on a Kenya tour are:
Game drives guarantee thrilling game viewing of different animals and are more epic within the Savannah parks.
The amazing parks where you can enjoy game drives are:
- Amboseli National Park with views of Mount Kilimanjaro
- Maasai Mara Reserve
- Tsavo East National Park
- Nairobi National Park
- Tsavo West Park
Game drives are so amazing to see the great migration within Masai Mara National Reserve
Hot air balloon safaris offer you aerial views of wildlife like the Cape buffalo, especially within Masai Mara Reserve
Birding is one of the best ways to observe the different bird species, especially the Great Rift Valley endemics, migratory birds, water-related birds, and many others.
Birding is epic in Masai Mara Game Reserve, Nairobi National Park, Mt. Kenya National Park, Tsavo East, Lake Naivasha, Lake Baringo, Tsavo West, and among others.
Mountain hiking is more epic on the second-highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kenya, on your Kenyan safari tour.
Horseback riding offers close encounters during game viewing of animals on a Kenyan safari.
On boat cruises, you get amazing game viewing of aquatic animals that you can’t see when in a safari vehicle. These are enjoyed at Lake Naivasha and you can visit Crescent Island on the Indian Ocean and Lake Victoria.
Other activities you can enjoy are:
- Walking safari trips
- Rhino trekking
- Kite surfing
- Visiting a Maasai community
- Cycling
What is the Best Time to Go on Safari in Kenya? | What is the Best Time to Visit Kenya?
Travelers can visit Kenya all year, but the dry season remains the most iconic time for Kenya safaris. Game viewing is amazing in the dry season since the grasses are short and the tracks are dry, making them accessible.
This season is from January, February, March, Jun, July, August, September, and October. If you want to witness the wildebeest migration on a Kenyan safari, you need to visit in May or June, as it is the end of the rainy season and the wildebeest will be crossing the Serengeti Plains.
What are the Best Months to Visit Kenya? | What Months are Best for Kenya Safari?
Those who want to tour this country can come in the dry season or dry months. During this time, all tracks are dry, giving you amazing game viewing during a Kenya safari tour, especially when in your safari vehicle.
January to March and June to October are the best months for enjoying the wildebeest migration within the Masai Mara.
Kenya Safaris to Masai Mara Game Reserve
Masai Mara Game Reserve is a wonderful spot for wildlife viewing within the acacia-dotted plains. Its animal empire is remarkable and Masai Mara and Serengeti are the only two places on the continent that hold the wildebeest migration.
Big numbers of wildebeest roam within the Masai Mara plains before crossing to Serengeti and the best way to enjoy the action of the great migration is through mobile tents and a game drive, where you can see other wildlife as well.
Those who visit Kenya can enjoy a thrilling experience of the great wildebeest migration.
What is the Great Migration and When is the Best Time to See it?
There is no proper definition of the annual wildebeest migration on a Kenyan safari. The great migration is the movement of the wildebeest, zebras, elands, and gazelles as they search for green pastures.
They cross the Mara River from Masai Mara Game Reserve to Serengeti Park. The great migration happens only within the Serengeti Mara ecosystem and it is a thrilling experience as you get sightings of other wildlife.
Tourists can best enjoy the great migration from July to November in a safari vehicle on a game drive.
Luxury Kenya Safari and Wildlife Experiences
Our luxury Kenya safaris are purely rewarding with memorable ventures, as you are guaranteed to see unique animals within the endless plains of reserves and parks.
It is always better to use reputable tour operators for the best luxury Kenya safari tours with great accommodation and endless game drives with enticing game viewing when in your safari vehicle.
On luxury Kenya safari tours, you can spend your spacious overnight in a luxury tent camp within the wilderness.
Still on a luxury safari tour, you can enjoy classic activities like game viewing in Masai Mara Game Reserve, particularly during game drives in a safari vehicle with a private guide and also during hot air balloon tours.
Ways to Experience Luxury Safari Tours in Kenya
High-end travelers prefer luxury Kenya safaris as they offer thrilling experiences. A proper luxury safari package is arranged by a tour operator with the best places to visit and amazing activities.
Below is how you can best enjoy a luxury trip:
Choose luxury lodge facilities and not budget tented camps; luxury tented camps offer a more immersive experience with more facilities than budget tented camps.
Book with a reputable tour operator; he will offer you the best luxury safari packages based on your interests.
Go for fly-in trips; you can fly to most parks on a luxury safari rather than using a safari vehicle. The flights can be arranged by your tour operator.
How Much Does a Safari Cost in Kenya? | How Much Is A Safari Trip To Kenya? | How Much Does It Cost To Tour Safari In Kenya? How Much Would A Safari in Kenya Cost?
The price of Kenya tours deeply depends on the style of accommodation, transport, length of the trip, number of people, and time of the year. The average cost of a Kenya vacation can be $180 per day per person and a luxury safari can go beyond $1100 per day per person.
How Much is a 7-Day Safari In Kenya?
A Kenya camping safari can start at $1000 per person, a midrange private tour can start at $3000 per person and a luxury safari can start at $6000 when sleeping in tented camps.
What to wear on a Kenyan Safari
Below is what to wear on Kenyan holidays:
- Layers of khaki and brown colors which are long-sleeved
- Light Shoes
- Gloves
- Cap or Hat
- Sweaters
- Sunglasses
Kenya Safari Tour Packing List
These are some of the items you can pack on a Kenyan tour:
- A camera
- A pair of binoculars
- Insect repellants
- Sunscreen
- A backpack
- Rain jacket or poncho
Where to Stay During Kenya Safaris | Accommodation in Kenya
There are many facilities where you can stay on a Kenya safari tour, and you can opt for either a luxury, midrange, or budget facility.
Below are some of the lodges where you can stay on your Kenya tour:
Luxury Kenya safari lodges include Loldia House, Lentorre Lodge, Sasaab Camp, Nairobi Hotel, Giraffe Manor, etc.
Midrange Kenyan safari lodges include Voyager Ziwani Tented Camp, Mara Ngenche, Governors, Mara Intrepids, etc.
Budget lodges include Flamingo Hill Tented Camp, Tsavo Lodge Voi, Talek Bush Camp, etc.
Is it Safe to Go on Safari in Kenya? | Is Kenya Good for Tourists?
Yes, it is safe to safari in Kenya, as it is one of the safest destinations in Africa. Worry no more, as there are no riots or terrorist attacks. You are always in the company of armed ranger guides when in Tsavo East and other national parks and wildlife reserves, especially during game drives when in your safari vehicle.
When on a Kenya tour, always listen to your guide’s instructions to be safe and avoid empty streets during the night.
Is Kenya Cheap for Tourists? | Is Kenya a Cheap Place to Visit?
Yes, Kenya is a cheap safari destination compared to Tanzania and other countries in Africa. There are luxury safaris but budget travelers can also enjoy the holidays when they book less costly tented camps on their Kenya tour.
You will enjoy other animals and more wildlife on your budget Kenya trip.
How Many Days Do You Need for Kenya Safari? | How Many Days are Enough for Kenya? | How Many Days Should I Spend in Kenya?
Kenya safari tours have no specific time or days. The time you spend depends on your experiences, the activities you want to do, places to visit, your budget, and even your schedule.
You can visit Kenya for a minimum of 3 days and the trip can even go beyond 2 weeks. You can see animals and big cats in Lake Nakuru National Park, Masai Mara Game Reserve, Tsavo East, Samburu Game Reserve, and many others.
Why is Kenya Safari so expensive?
There are many reasons why a Kenya safari tour is expensive, though the main one is that everything is paid for, mostly per day. During Kenyan safaris, you have to pay for accommodation every day, like the Nairobi Hotel, park fees, activities, vehicles, and guides.
This makes the costs accumulate, making the trip so expensive.
Is Kenya or Tanzania Better for Safari? | Should I Go to Kenya or Tanzania Safari? Safari Kenya Vs Tanzania
You need to visit both destinations for an exclusive East African safari, as they host the annual great migration. This great migration sees thousands of wildebeests crossing from Masai Mara to Serengeti, especially in August and November.
Tanzania has more wildlife compared to Kenya.
For cultural tours, Kenya is more rewarding as it has Maasai warriors and being with a Maasai warrior is thrilling.
You can explore Kenya on a budget and in a few days, though it may be challenging in Tanzania.
Apart from Maasai Mara, Kenya has other parks to visit like Lake Nakuru, Amboseli National Park, Tsavo East, Mount Kenya, etc.
Tanzania also has many parks, like Tarangire, Arusha, Lake Manyara, and Ngorongoro Crater.
Do I need a visa to visit Kenya?
All travelers need to get an electronic tourist visa before coming to Kenya. You should know that a single-entry visa costs $51 and a transit visa costs $21.
An electronic tourist visa is also a must-have for Canadian passport holders.
Which is the best safari in Kenya?
The best trip is in Masai Mara Game Reserve, where you get to see the wildebeest migration and other wildlife. The wildebeest migration is from July to November for those who want to explore Kenya.
What are the Big Five in Kenya Safari? | What are the Big Five in Africa?
These were considered to be the most challenging animals to hunt in Africa. The big five Africa animals are elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards, and buffaloes, and the best spots for seeing these animals are Maasai Mara and Tsavo East.
Keep in mind that rhinos in Kenya are best spotted in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a rhino sanctuary, Lewa Conservancy, and Lake Nakuru Park when on your East African safari.
Kenya Safari Tour Operators
You need to use the services of a trustworthy tour operator for the best luxury Kenya safari tour. They arrange tours based on your interests.
These are best tour companies to book with for a Kenya tour:
- Kenya safari Tours
- National Parks Kenya
- Africa Safaris Tours
- Prime Safaris and Tours Ltd
Popular Safari Tours in Kenya | Best Kenya Safari Packages
There are many Kenya safari packages that you can choose from for a thrilling experience. These have destinations with major attractions and activities you can engage in, like Tsavo East and the Rift Valley.
In summary, Kenya tours are worth every minute, as you can be in the wilderness with Mother Nature and they are the real meaning of an African safari. On your Kenya safari tour, you can enjoy the wildlife, culture, and white-sand beaches.
You can fly over the wildlife rich Masai Mara with amazing game viewing and also engage in endless game drives as you explore the wildlife reserves and parks with fueling adventures.
Reach out for the best Kenyan adventures.