Kenya

Unforgettable wildlife, varied and glorious scenery and fabulous tropical beaches, all in one country.

Overview

Kenya is arguably the classic safari destination in Africa. An image evoked by unforgettable film scores, powerful novels and wildlife documentaries: from the adventure, scenery and romance of Out of Africa to the drama of the Big Cat Diaries. There is nowhere to compare with a Kenya luxury safari for its diversity of landscapes, eco-systems and wildlife. Indeed the very term ‘safari’ was coined here. It’s the local Swahili word for ‘a journey’. The timeless combination of tropical beaches and renowned wildlife creates the perfect Kenya safari.

Many people worry that their game-viewing might be spoiled by hordes of minibuses crowding around sightings. Certainly this is a problem in the more accessible and developed parts of the Kenyan game reserves. Some lodges are large and sophisticated, but not the ones we use. Rather we favour the smaller game reserves and independent safari lodges. These are off the beaten track and work closely with local communities.

Features

Why you may love it

  • Wildebeest migration through the Masai Mara – one of the most unique African safari experiences
  • Easiest destination to combine ‘bush and beach’
  • Offers first-class game-viewing, plus white sandy beaches and warm tropical oceans
  • Situated on the equator, so the climate is warm and pleasant when game-viewing is at its best
  • Offers wildlife tours, safari lodges and beach hotels to cater for all budgets
  • Infrastructure makes this quicker and more affordable than elsewhere in Africa

Where to go in Kenya

These are some of the best rated places to visit in Kenya based on popularity and experience rating by our travelers

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Amboseli & Tsavo

See the famous Amboseli elephant herds move across the plains against the backdrop of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro...

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Great Rift Valley Lakes

Beautiful lakes filled with grunting hippos, cool crocodiles and the air pink with flamingoes...

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Kenya Beaches

Where the shores of Africa are lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean...

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Laikipia

Conserving wildlife and the traditional way of life, wide open spaces mean more adventurous game-viewing.

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Lake Victoria Kenya

Escape the dust of the plains under shady fig trees on the shores of Africa's largest lake.

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Masai Mara

The scene of the Great Migration is a year-round stunning landscape of savanna plains, rivers and a huge range of wild animals, especially big cats.

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Meru National Park

Original home of Elsa, the orphaned lioness made famous by George and Joy Adamson and 'Born Free'

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Nairobi Hotels

Full of life and action, Kenya's highland capital, Nairobi, is the starting point for most Kenya safaris.

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Samburu & Matthews Range

Arid, craggy terrain with Doum palms tracing the river lines.

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When to visit Kenya

 

Mid-December to mid-March

Summer in Kenya

Due to its position on the Equator, the climate in Kenya is tropical with little overall seasonal variation in temperature. Rainfall is the greater differential. However Kenya does have three climatic zones. Broadly hot and humid on the coast. Hot and arid in the north and more temperate in the west and south-west where the higher altitude mitigates the temperatures. The summer is fairly dry and is the hottest season. The prevailing winds come from Arabia to the north (called Kaskazi).
TALK TO US
AVG RAINFALL 72mm
HOURS OF SUNSHINE 9 Hours
MAX TEMP 29 ℃ / 84 ℉
MIN TEMP 14 ℃ / 57 ℉
 

Mid-March to May

Autumn in Kenya

The prevailing winds change and blow cooler, wetter weather in from the Indian Ocean. This brings the start of the “long rains” mid-March and this is the wettest time throughout Kenya. Many camps close during this time as park roads can become difficult to navigate.
TALK TO US
AVG RAINFALL 195mm
HOURS OF SUNSHINE 7 Hours
MAX TEMP 27 ℃ / 81 ℉
MIN TEMP 15 ℃ / 59 ℉
 

June to mid-October

Winter in Kenya

This is the start of the long dry season which is also considered the best time to visit. The wildebeest migration crosses over from the Serengeti into the Masai Mara somewhere between mid-July and August so this is the peak safari season and peak time for visitors as well.
TALK TO US
AVG RAINFALL 30mm
HOURS OF SUNSHINE 7½ Hours
MAX TEMP 25 ℃ / 77 ℉
MIN TEMP 13 ℃ / 58 ℉
 

Mid-October to mid-December

Short Rains in Kenya

Again a change in prevailing winds heralds the second rainy period, the 'short rains', from mid October to early December. However the rain mainly takes the form of downpours or thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening, so it is not too disruptive to safari activities.
TALK TO US
AVG RAINFALL 103mm
HOURS OF SUNSHINE 8 Hours
MAX TEMP 27 ℃ / 80 ℉
MIN TEMP 14 ℃ / 58 ℉

Popular tours & safaris

We arrange trips to more than 100+ destinations throughout the African continent.

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Porini Safari and Diani Beach

Porini Safari and Diani Beach is a classic 12 night Kenya bush and beach safari. You move between game parks by scheduled flights over a week and concluding with 5 nights relaxing at Diani beach...

WHEN Jun - Dec
DURATION 12 Nights
FROM ₤ 4,565
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Elewana Sky Safari in Kenya

The 9 night Elewana Sky Safari in Kenya includes a visit to three of the most popular wildlife areas and you stay in first class hotels and safari lodges. Travel is in a dedicated Elewana...

WHEN Jun - Mar
DURATION 9 Nights
FROM ₤ 8,889
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Governors Rift Valley & Mara

A 5 night Luxury fly-in safari from Nairobi to Lake Naivasha and the Masai Mara. With 2 nights at Loldia House and then 3 nights at Little Governors Camp in the Maasai Mara.

WHEN Jun - Mar
DURATION 5 Nights
FROM ₤ 3,066
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Saruni Experience fly-in safari

This is a 7 night fly-in Safari to Masai Mara & Samburu. It combines two wonderful camps, chosen for their style, originality and location. It combines a relaxing pace with spectacular lodges,...

WHEN Jan - Dec
DURATION 7 Nights
FROM ₤ 5,051
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Kenyan Exploration Fly-in Safari

This 9 night/10 day fly-in  Kenya fly-in safari offers some of the highlights of Kenya. This safari visits three very different types of ecosystems while travelling in luxury. You encounter their...

WHEN Year round
DURATION 9 Nights
FROM ₤ 5,611
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Kicheche Mara Snapshot

This 3 night safari is typical of the classic experience of staying under canvas in a small, friendly tented camp. Typically it is in to one of the three camps in the Masai Mara.

WHEN Jun - Mar
DURATION 3 Nights
FROM ₤ 2,248

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Need a little help? View our Safari Guide to help you get started

Download our Insiders Guide to Kenya Safaris

Best Game Reserves, sample tours & camps, and the low-down on when & where to visit! Get our Free Guide here
 

Tasha Eygelaar

Africa Travel Specialist

Hi I'm Tasha, I'm here to help you plan your ideal holiday experience
LET'S PLAN YOUR ULTIMATE SAFARI
 
Did you know
  • Language68 different languages in Kenya
  • NameNamed after its tallest mountain, Mount Kenya

Kenya Articles

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Leopard vs. Cheetah: Do YOU know the difference?

Probably the most common wildlife mistake that a first-time safari visitor to Africa makes is to confuse a leopard with a cheetah. But in fact, there are plenty of differences between these two...

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The cost of a safari in Kenya?

The Budget and the planning of a holiday to Kenya How much does a Kenya safari cost? What is the safari price in Kenya? These are some of the most asked questions when it comes to Kenya safaris....

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Tips on Safari Photography – part 1

How to take gorgeous photographs during your African Safari The following are some tips on safari photography for our clients who are looking to return from their safari with some note-worthy...

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Tips on Safari Photography – part 2

The safari – and photographs In my first post on tips for safari photography, I focused on tips for preparing for your safari in terms of what equipment to bring. Now we focus on the safari...

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Best time to see the Wildebeest Migration?

The Serengeti & the Migration To answer the question of when is the best time for the wildebeest migration, we need to first understand that the animals move in continuous cycle in search of water...

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Dreaming of the East? 5 romantic safari lodges in East Africa for the perfect getaway

The breathtaking East African countries of Kenya and Tanzania and the island of Zanzibar present the perfect setting for a romantic getaway. Each has some luxurious and romantic safari camps. For...

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Mari Jacobs

Africa Travel Specialist

Hi I’m Mari, I’m here to help you plan your ideal holiday experience
LET’S PLAN YOUR ULTIMATE SAFARI

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