Kenya is where the word "safari" was born — the Swahili word for "journey" — and it remains one of the world's premier wildlife destinations. From the sweeping grasslands of the Masai Mara to the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya, from the arid beauty of Samburu to the tropical shores of the Indian Ocean coast, Kenya offers an extraordinary diversity of landscapes and experiences.
Kenya pioneered the conservancy model that has become a blueprint for wildlife conservation across Africa. Private and community conservancies surrounding national parks provide vital buffer zones for wildlife while generating income for local communities. Laikipia Plateau, with its mosaic of ranches, conservancies, and community lands, exemplifies this approach — supporting the country's largest elephant population and significant numbers of endangered species.
The country's safari infrastructure is among the best in Africa, with decades of experience hosting visitors ranging from budget backpackers to heads of state. Nairobi, the only capital city with a national park within its boundaries, serves as an efficient gateway to world-class wildlife destinations.
Kenya's cultural richness adds immense depth to the safari experience — the Maasai, Samburu, Turkana, and dozens of other communities maintain vibrant traditions that visitors can respectfully engage with. Combined with East Africa's most developed tourism infrastructure, excellent guides, and year-round accessibility, Kenya delivers consistently outstanding safari experiences.
Everything you need to know before booking your Kenya safari — from the ideal season to budget expectations and logistics.
The Great Migration reaches Kenya's Masai Mara from July to October, with the most dramatic river crossings from August to September. This is peak season with high demand and prices.
January to February is warm and dry — excellent for game viewing across most parks with fewer crowds. June is a shoulder month offering good conditions at lower prices.
The long rains (March-May) and short rains (November) bring green landscapes, lower prices, and newborn animals. Some roads become challenging but parks remain open. The coast is best from December to March and June to October.
Kenya offers a wide range of safari budgets. Budget camping safaris from $150-300/day. Mid-range lodge safaris $300-600/day. Luxury and conservancy camps $600-2,500/day.
The Great Migration reaches Kenya's Masai Mara from July to October, with the most dramatic river crossings from August to September. This is peak season with high demand and prices. January to February is warm and dry — excellent for game viewing across most parks with fewer crowds. June is a shoulder month offering good conditions at lower prices. The long rains (March-May) and short rains (November) bring green landscapes, lower prices, and newborn animals. Some roads become challenging but parks remain open. The coast is best from December to March and June to October.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi is East Africa's main hub, with direct flights from London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Doha, Istanbul, and most African capitals. Wilson Airport (WIL) in Nairobi handles domestic and bush flights. Most nationalities can obtain an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) online before arrival ($30). Nairobi is the safari departure point for most itineraries, with excellent bush flight connections to all major parks. Mombasa's Moi International Airport serves the coast. Malindi and Lamu have smaller airports for coastal destinations. Nairobi to Mara is 1 hour by bush flight or 5-6 hours by road.
Kenya is known for incredible wildlife viewing. Top experiences include: Masai Mara — Great Migration river crossings, Amboseli — elephants with Kilimanjaro backdrop, Samburu — unique northern species, Laikipia — pioneering community conservancies, Tsavo — vast red-earth wilderness, Lamu — ancient Swahili island culture, Lake Nakuru — flamingos and rhinos, Mount Kenya treks and highland lodges. The specific species you'll encounter depend on the season and exact location within Kenya.
Kenya offers a wide range of safari budgets. Budget camping safaris from $150-300/day. Mid-range lodge safaris $300-600/day. Luxury and conservancy camps $600-2,500/day. Masai Mara conservancy fees range from $70-120/person/day (on top of accommodation). Amboseli park fees $60/adult/day. A classic 7-day Kenya safari costs $2,500-5,000 mid-range or $5,000-15,000 luxury. The coast offers excellent value — Diani beach hotels from $80-400/night. Lamu budget guesthouses from $30/night. Internal flights (Nairobi to Mara) cost $150-350 one-way.
Masai Mara conservancy fees range from $70-120/person/day (on top of accommodation). Amboseli park fees $60/adult/day. A classic 7-day Kenya safari costs $2,500-5,000 mid-range or $5,000-15,000 luxury.
The coast offers excellent value — Diani beach hotels from $80-400/night. Lamu budget guesthouses from $30/night. Internal flights (Nairobi to Mara) cost $150-350 one-way.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi is East Africa's main hub, with direct flights from London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Doha, Istanbul, and most African capitals. Wilson Airport (WIL) in Nairobi handles domestic and bush flights.
Most nationalities can obtain an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) online before arrival ($30). Nairobi is the safari departure point for most itineraries, with excellent bush flight connections to all major parks.
Mombasa's Moi International Airport serves the coast. Malindi and Lamu have smaller airports for coastal destinations. Nairobi to Mara is 1 hour by bush flight or 5-6 hours by road.