What Makes Kenya Unique
Kenya is a land where adventure meets authenticity.A country that captures the very essence of Africa’s wild beauty. As one of the continent’s most celebrated safari destinations, Kenya offers an extraordinary blend of dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. It is here that travelers can experience the raw magic of the wild, from the golden savannahs of the Maasai Mara famed for the Great Migration and its dense population of big cats to the striking vistas of Amboseli National Park , where herds of elephants roam beneath the towering presence of Mount Kilimanjaro .
In the Great Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru shimmers with hues of pink as thousands of flamingos gather along its shores, while nearby acacia forests provide sanctuary for endangered rhinos and a variety of birdlife. Further north, the untamed wilderness of Samburu National Reserve offers a more rugged and remote experience, home to rare species such as the Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, and reticulated giraffe known collectively as the Samburu Special Five.
Adjacent to Samburu lies the Laikipia Plateau, one of Kenya’s best-kept safari secrets. This expansive region of private conservancies is at the forefront of community-led conservation, offering intimate, low-impact safaris that are both luxurious and eco-conscious. Laikipia is also one of the few places in Kenya where visitors can spot wild dogs and black rhinos, often with dramatic backdrops of the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya.To the south, Tsavo East and West National Parks stretch over vast terrain marked by lava flows, red earth, and dramatic escarpments perfect for those seeking solitude and raw wilderness. Adventure also calls in the highlands at Mount Kenya National Park, where trekking trails wind through Afro-alpine forests and glacial valleys surrounding Africa’s second-highest mountain. And when it’s time to unwind, the sun-soaked beaches of Diani and the Swahili coast offer turquoise waters, coral reefs, and rich coastal culture.
What truly sets Kenya apart is not just the sheer variety of its attractions, but the seamless way in which they come together where every sunrise brings a new horizon and every moment is part of a greater journey. From thrilling game drives and meaningful cultural encounters to tranquil beach escapes, Kenya is a safari destination that promises depth, diversity, and discovery at every turn.
Some Important Links For Your Kenya Safari
Seamless Travel
- Always book early
- Pack appropriately
- Secure visas
- Get neccesary vaccinations
- Follow guide instructions
Package Advantages
- Convenience
- Expert Planning
- Cost savings
- Safety
- Local insights
- Unforgettable Wwildlife encounters
Private Guide Tours
- Personalized attention
- Flexible schedules
- Deeper cultural insights
- enriched experience
Joy To Your Journey
- Breathtaking landscapes
- Thrilling wildlife sightings
- Rich cultures
- Soul stirring adventures
All Kenya Packages
When to Visit
The best time to visit Kenya for a wildlife tour and safari is during the dry seasons from late June to October and January to March. These months offer excellent game viewing as animals gather around water sources, and the bush is less dense. The iconic Great Migration in the Maasai Mara peaks between July and October, making it a must-see spectacle. Clear skies and pleasant weather also enhance the overall safari experience, providing ideal conditions for photography and exploration.
Catch the Greatest Show On Earth: June-October
It's always a spectacle: perilous river crossing
Biggest stage for wildlife : January-March
Safari Drives In Samburu
Romance In the wild
World class views and accomodation
Major Attractions
Kenya is a land of awe-inspiring landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage.A wildlife safari tourin this East African gem promises an extraordinary adventure through diverse ecosystems, from the golden plains of the Masai Marato the elephant-rich swamps of Amboseli. Whether you're tracking the Big Five, witnessing the Great Migration, or engaging with local communities, every moment is filled with wonder.
Masai Mara National Reserve
World-famous for the Great Migration and abundant big cat sightings. Offers year-round opportunities to see the Big Five in a classic savannah setting.
Amboseli National Park
Known for its large elephant herds and breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro, making it a favorite for wildlife photography
Lake Nakuru National Park
A bird lover’s paradise with flamingos, pelicans, and over 400 bird species. Also home to endangered rhinos and Rothschild giraffes.
Samburu National Reserve
Features unique northern species like the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and gerenuk—known as the Samburu Special Five.
Laikipia Plateau
A conservation success story and luxury safari destination offering private conservancies, rare species like African wild dogs, and walking safaris.
Tsavo East & West National Parks
Vast and wild landscapes with red-dusted elephants, lava flows, and dramatic scenery ideal for a more remote and untamed safari experience.
Luxury Safari Camps & Lodges
Elegant accommodations offering a blend of comfort and immersion in nature. Many include gourmet cuisine, plunge pools, spa services, and private decks.
Expert-Led Game Drives
Daily safari drives led by seasoned guides and trackers enhance the chances of close-up wildlife encounters and deeper understanding of the ecosystem.
Cultural Encounters
Visits to local communities like the Maasaior Samburu to learn about traditional lifestyles and conservation partnerships.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris
A breathtaking aerial experience over the savannah at sunrise, often followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush
All Tours & Safaris
Kenya offers a rich blend of flora and fauna, making it one of the few destinations in the world that provides a diverse bouquet of safari packages. You could be watching the Great Migration in the southwest part of the country one day and marveling at the expanse of the Chalbi Desert in the northeast the next day with its dry winds. Catch the Big 5 in almost every part of the country and stay in some of the world's most critically acclaimed wildlife safari accommodations. Whether traveling with family, your better half, or even alone, Kenya offers something for every avid traveler and nature enthusiast. Coupled with its rich historical and cultural heritage, there's always something new to learn during your excursions that will leave you with a lifetime of memories. After you have had your fill of wildlife, cool off and unwind on the award-winning white sandy beaches of Diani in the coastal south of the country, or immerse yourself in the rich Swahili culture in the secluded and serene beaches of Lamu in the northern part of the southern coast.
Where To Stay
A Kenya safari isn’t just about where you go it’s also about where you stay. From the golden plains of the Maasai Mara to the white sands of Diani Beach, Kenya offers a collection of handpicked lodges, safari camps, and beachfront hotels that deliver an unforgettable blend of comfort, character, and adventure. Whether you're waking up to the roar of lions in a luxury tented camp or dining seaside under swaying palms, these properties reflect the spirit of East Africa with world-class service, sustainability, and local flair. Each accommodation is carefully chosen to match the rhythm of your safari journey whether you're exploring wildlife-rich parks or unwinding along the Indian Ocean coast.
Wildlife Safari Destinations
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Amboseli National Park
Laikipia Plateau
Samburu National Reserve
How much does it cost
When it comes to travel and safaris in East Africa, Kenya easily ranks as one of the best destinations to visit. While it's not the country's only draw card, Kenya is frequently lauded for the Great Wildebeest Migration, a cyclical natural gauntlet that safari goers flock to see each year. With hair-raising river crossings and vast mega herds as far as the eye can see, it's hardly surprising.
Kenya is also affectionately known as the ‘birthplace of safari' and comprises the perfect elements to surprise and delight any discerning traveller – home to the Big 5, scenery synonymous with the famous Out of Africa, suited to families, groups, couples, and honeymooners. The real question is, what does a safari in Kenya cost? Allow us to break down what a Kenyan adventure could look like and the costs associated with it:
Diffrent Safari Packages
Costs are impacted most by aspects such as the type of accommodation chosen, group vs private experiences, the number of non-inclusive activities you wish to do, the level of exclusivity, and the time of year. While there are certainly firm favourites, the best places to visit in Kenya largely depend on the traveller and will also impact cost – more remote locations often require charter flights and the combination of several destinations will also have an impact, as will the type of safari you embark on.
Fly-in Safaris & Charters: Fortunately, Kenya's capital of Nairobi is known as East Africa's flight hub with its international airport. Its location makes it easy for guests to get around – almost all internal flights take off from the regional airport found around 90 minutes away. Charters are a fantastic way to get around Kenya and visit a variety of its sensational national parks and conservancies.
Self-drives: As one of East Africa's safari hubs, Kenya's roads are relatively well maintained with routes to and from Nairobi fairly easy to navigate. National parks and game reserves have unpaved and often more challenging conditions, especially during or after the rainy season as the terrain lends itself to potholes. However, it is still certainly possible with an appropriate 4×4 vehicle with popular self-drive locations being the Masai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, Samburu National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, and Tsavo National Park. Please note: a Kenya Wildlife Service Self-Drive Permit must be obtained to enter the parks in your own vehicle.
Classic Safaris: A staple safari sojourn typically comprises being escorted through a reserve by an experienced guide, or guide and tracker, on a kitted out 4×4 game vehicle. This is usually an inclusive experience with your accommodation and will entail sharing a vehicle with other guests if you are a couple or small group, unless you opt to book a private vehicle (subject to availability).
It’s worth noting that charter flights are not the only option and road transfers are also available from Nairobi. This is usually done via 4×4 or by small bus depending on whether you're travelling with a group, or whether you've opted to share transportation – which is a more budget-friendly option.
What Is The Cost Of A Kenyan Safari?
A Kenya safari typically costs between $700 and $2,800 per person per night based on double occupancy, depending on the level of luxury, season, and travel style. Entry-level self-drive options start around $700, while mid-range fly-in safaris range from $1,300 to $1,600. For those seeking a high-end experience, luxury fly-in or 5-star safaris can reach up to $2,800 per night. Accommodation pricing is also influenced by lodge location—especially during the Great Migration peak season—with 4-star options starting from $700 and 5-star properties going up to $2,200 per night.
The Cost Of A kenya Safari
| Mid-range Fly-in | Luxury Fly-in | Entry-level Self-drive | Mid-range Self-drive | Luxury Self-drive | 5 Star Options | ||||||
| Low | High | Low | High | Low | High | Low | High | Low | High | Low | High |
| $1,300 | $1,600 | $1,900 | $2,800 | $700 | $800 | $800 | $1,200 | $1,200 | $1,700 | $2,000 | $2,600 |
| Pps* | Pps* | Pps* | Pps* | Pps* | Pps* | ||||||
Pricing Of Accommodation In Kenya
| 4 Star Comfort | 4 Star Luxury | 5 Star Luxury | |||
| Low | High | Low | High | Low | High |
| $700 | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,500 | $1,500 | $2,200 |
| Pps* | Pps* | Pps* | |||
* Please note: all the costs are guidelines only and an average for per person, per night, sharing a room in High and Low Season. They exclude international flights, visas and optional activities. Note that conservation fees, levies and permits are all subject to change. Peak or High Season generally runs over Christmas and New Year, and from about July to October.
Low-Hi Season Cost Of A Kenya Safari
The best time to visit Kenya will greatly depend on what you are going for. If it's the Great Migration you're after, peak season is considered July and August when the Mara River crossings occur. Though it is worth noting that timings can never be considered definite and there is no way to predict when herds will tackle the crossing – which is part of what makes it so exciting! It's also a cyclical phenomenon and takes place year round so there are opportunities to spot herds at various times.
When it comes to low or shoulder season, mid-March to June and November to the end of December are less popular due to the rains. Don't discount this time as it means less crowds, lower rates, and still great game viewing. Peak season is considered January to the end of March and again from June to October. Kenya tours and safaris are available year-round so when to go is truly up to what you wish to see and experience.
Other Costs To Be Aware Of
It's important to note that ‘all-inclusive' may not be as comprehensive as you first expect. In Africa, and on safaris, that can mean a range of things and it's always worth clarifying what is not included. One of the first things to do is consult our blog on visa free African countries for US citizens as that may tick off one of the boxes regarding associated costs already. What possible additional costs could you come across? Have a look at our list below:
International flights getting to the country – as a rule of thumb, consider this excluded
Getting from place to place internal transfers may be included with some accommodations, however, some others may be at your own cost. Charter flights are popular in Kenya but road transfers are available to most destinations.
Vaccinations certain destinations require vaccinations prior to arrival. These are excluded and you will need to contact your healthcare professional to ensure the requirements are met. Kenya has a requirement of yellow fever for travellers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
Tippingis always optional but highly recommended. It's always worth carrying cash during your travels as it's the easiest way to go about this. Consult our tipping guide for more information.Personal and travel insurance
Additional activitiesanything over and above the included activity offerings at an accommodation, which typically extends to hot air balloon safaris and helicopter flips or sometimes even cultural excursions.
The exchange rateinternational card payments will likely incur a small fee for paying in a different currency. Kenya's national currency is the Kenyan Shilling but other currencies, such as the US dollar, are widely accepted and are often the currency required for hot air balloon safaris. Please note: no US Dollar bills printed prior to 2003 will be accepted and post 2006 notes are recommended due to fake note circulation.
Should you wish to plan your next great adventure with the help and guidance of one of our Africa Safari Experts, they will be able to advise you on all of the above and ensure each of your transfers is organised ahead of time and occurs as seamlessly as possible – just remember, in travelling, anything can happen and sometimes delays are unavoidable.
