Kenya Safari

Although DIY is possible, use of tour operator is recommended when doing a safari because the parks are so huge, you need a skilled wildlife spotter to see animals and find your way around

Some Things You Need to Know

Many people dream of embarking on a safari adventure in Africa with up-close observations of majestic wildlife meandering across the grassy plains, breathtaking scenery, magnificent lakes and an ever welcoming people. If this remarkable and unforgettable journey is for you, then Kenya is definitely the place to go. It is the home of the African safari, boasting an abundance of amazing natural spectacles, animals, and activities.

With an organized expedition and an expert guide, there is plenty to see and experience throughout your stay in this beautiful country. Need to know more? Here is a quick Q&A rundown of everything you need to know about Kenya as an African safari destination:

Where is Kenya?

Kenya lies on the east coast of Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean to the southeast. Its neighboring countries include Uganda, Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, and South Sudan. With an area of 224,961 square miles (582,650 sq. km.), the country is about twice the size of Nevada in the US and somewhat larger than Metropolitan France.

Kenya has a tropical climate and an estimated population of 46 million people as of 2015. Official languages are Swahili and English, but there are several indigenous languages mainly Luhya and Kikuyu. Its national capital is the vibrant city of Nairobi, while its chief port is Mombasa.

How to Get There?

Most visitors get to Kenya through Nairobi at Jomo Kenyatta Airport. Several major airlines, including Kenya’s own, Kenya Airways offer flights from Europe, the United States, Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and of course other African countries.

Why Kenya over other Safari Destinations

Africa is a beautiful continent and is home to some of the best travel destinations in the world. Other countries like Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo DRC also have fantastic safaris, so here’s why you should choose Kenya over them:

Affordability

A safari in Kenya is generally cheaper than in Tanzania. Group joining safari is also common here.

Stability

Kenya is one of the most advanced East African countries in terms of infrastructure, economic and socio-political stability.

Ease of Travel

You can get your visa when you arrive. Accommodation options are also plentiful, ranging from budget types to all-out luxurious.

Favorable Climate

Kenya is a tropical paradise! It is sunny all year round with just the right amount of rainfall to maintain its lush landscapes and give water to its wealth of wildlife.

Natural Wonders

Home to a couple of World UNESCO Heritage Sites, Kenya along with Tanzania, also hosts the Great Migration – the greatest spectacle on earth.

Pre and Post Safari Activities

Nairobi, the take-off point for safaris is a vibrant city with modern malls and interesting nightlife to enjoy

Is Kenya the Best Place to See the Big 5?

The Maasai Mara triangle is one of the best places to witness up close the majesty of the Big 5 in their natural habitat. These are the lions, leopards, elephants, cape buffaloes, and rhinos (both black and white). Lake Nakuru and the Lewa conservancy also play host to these magnificent beasts.

Possible Tourism Barriers

Post-stigma of being an unsafe destination due to the widely-covered political unrest in the past
Huge crowds during peak seasons. Some travelers experience seeing more vehicles than animals at some point.
High malaria risk in all areas including game parks.

Here are Safari parks you can choose from

Top Parks in Kenya

It is the quality of its parks and reserves that make Kenya one of the most popular safari destinations in Africa. Here are the top 10 in order of popularity:

The Masai Mara National Reserve

Often referred to as “the jewel of Kenya”, the Masai Mara Reserve is the most popular wildlife park in the country, thanks to its size, natural appeal, and the sheer variety of wildlife it houses. Here you can witness the incredible annual migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra from July to October. There are also big families of lions, elephants, hippos, and buffaloes among many more.

Best time to go — July – October

Lake Nakuru National Park

Located in central Kenya, this shallow lake hosts numerous lesser flamingos, sometimes more than one million at once. This amazing scene is often regarded as one of the greatest bird spectacles on earth, Lake Nakuru is also home to warthogs, white rhinos and hippos.

Best time to go — Year-round

Amboseli National Park

This relatively small park is located at the foot of Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, close to the Tanzanian border. Here you can get close to free-ranging elephants and enjoy spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Best time to go — June – October

Tsavo National Parks

Comprised of Tsavo East and Tsavo West, the Tsavo parks are home to the “Big Five” and an array of breathtaking landscapes where you can see elephants bathe among the crocs, and hippos.

Best time to go — May to October

Mount Kenya

If you are looking to hike in Kenya, then this is the place for you. At 17,057 ft, it is the highest mountain in Kenya, offering panoramic views of forests and snow. Mount Kenya is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to spectacular lakes and mineral springs, which provide water and hydroelectric power for the Kenyan people.

Best time to go — Year-Round

Aberdare National Park

This park is situated at an altitude of about 2000 meters, so it’s pretty cold and foggy there. It is famous for its rare species of a black leopard, rhino, and bongo antelope, as well as its lovely waterfalls.

Best time to go — May to October

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

Also known as Lewa Downs, this private reserve spans 250 square kilometers and was set up to protect the black rhinos, sitatunga, and the endangered Grevy’s zebras. It is also home to the Big Five, over 60 species of mammals and over 200 bird species.Here you can even enjoy your game viewing on the back of a camel.

Best time to go — January – April Or June – October

Samburu, Shaba and Buffalo Springs National Reserves

These three reserves border one another and are home to abundant wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, giraffes, elephants, zebras, leopards, and blue-legged ostriches. The Uaso Nyiro River in Samburu also contains large numbers of Nile crocodiles.

Best time to go — June to October

Nairobi National Park

This is one of the most successful black rhino sanctuaries in Kenya. Here you can also enjoy the spectacle of the wildebeest and zebra migration, as well as the over 400 bird species. Nairobi National Park is about 10 minutes away from the city so you can easily spot the skyscrapers and metropolis.

Best time to go — Year-round, but the migration usually takes place from July to August.

Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park and Reserve

This marine reserve is situated along the coastal waters of Southern Kenya. Experience the thrill of sailing back and forth to the underwater park on traditional Dhows. Enjoy the diving or snorkeling among colorful coral reefs and spot dolphins, manta rays, turtles, angelfish, and parrotfish.

Best time to go — October – January

Other places worth mentioning include:

Hell’s Gate National Park
Lamu Island
Malindi Marine National Park