Kenya

Journey, that’s what the Swahili word ‘safari’ means and it is here in Kenya where the safari first began. 

Where The Safari
First Began

One of the most sought-after safari destinations in the world. From the great wildebeest migration of the Maasai Mara to the Amboseli grasslands beneath Mount Kilimanjaro, there is nowhere quite like it. Incredible national parks and reserves, conservation efforts, outstanding safari guides and world-class accommodations in some of the most luxurious and aesthetically pleasing lodges and camps in Africa are all part of the experience.

From the escarpments of Laikipia in the north-central region to the rolling hills of Tsavo in the southeast, the geography is striking and unique, as is the wealth of wildlife and bird species that call it home.  This vast and ancient land is home to the Great Rift Valley, vast plains and lakes whose shores early man once roamed. 

POPULATION

53.01 million

CAPITAL CITY

Nairobi

CURRENCY

Kenyan Shilling

LANGUAGE

Swahili, English

GEOGRAPHICAL SIZE

582 646 sq km

BEST TIME TO GO

All year. July to September is peak season and coincides with the Great Migration. The rainy season is also a good time to travel with fewer visitors and the land a striking emerald green.

Take a look at Kenya’s primary regions to guide you to which you’d like included on your itinerary.

At a Glance

Where Nature
Calls Your Name

The country is steeped in history, as is evident in the unique cultures and tribal traditions that are encountered here. Beyond the wildlife and wilderness, Kenya’s beautiful Indian Ocean coastline offers the chance to combine the African bush with a beach holiday and the coastal hotspots of Diani Beach, Watamu and Lamu – renowned for their soft, powder-white sand and palm-fringed shorelines. A stopover in the bustling capital of Nairobi anchors your Kenyan experience and indulges with its multitude of attractions. 

Experience Kenya

Embark on thrilling game drives in search of wildlife, or take to the skies in a hot air balloon or helicopter flight for aerial views of the African plains and the thundering herds as they arrive on the land. For those seeking a more immersive experience, walking safaris allow you to explore the wilderness on foot with experienced guides. Hike the mountains, bike and linger on beaches.

REGIONS OF Kenya

Wild Plains and
Captivating Cultures

One of the most iconic attractions in Kenya is the Maasai Mara National Reserve, renowned for its annual wildebeest migration and incredible safari experiences. Another is Mount Kenya, Africa’s second-highest peak, offering exhilarating trekking opportunities. For nature enthusiasts, the Great Rift Valley with its stunning lakes, such as Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha, provide a haven for birdwatching and unique geological features. The coastal region has pristine white beaches where visitors can relax, indulge in water sports and explore vibrant coral reefs.

Nairobi
Maasai Mara
Amboseli National Park
Laikipia Plateau
Tsavo National Park
Lake Nakuru

Nairobi

Nairobi as Kenya’s capital is a hub of heaving cars and busses, tourists and ultra-cool fashionista locals proudly embracing the infectious energy of the country’s largest gateway city. A place that allows you to experience Kenya’s multi-ethnic culture, blending people from all walks of life in a fusion of old and new.

Maasai Mara

The Maasai Mara is a vast, untamed wilderness teeming with iconic wildlife and embodying the captivating essence of Africa's natural beauty. The Mara, as it is known, covers an area of some 1,500 square kilometres in the southwest of Kenya and together with the Serengeti in neighbouring Tanzania forms one of the most critically important ecosystems in Africa. 

Amboseli National Park

Located in the southeast of Kenya, Amboseli National Park’s defining feature is the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. The park has a history as one of the oldest protected areas in Kenya and is renowned for its large herds of big-tusked elephants and a variety of wildlife. The name Amboseli comes from a Maasai word meaning ‘salty dust’ and refers to the alkaline lake at its heart.

Laikipia Plateau

Found between the slopes of Mount Kenya and the northern deserts, the Laikipia Plateau is a stunning region known for its dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife. Testament to the unified conservation efforts by a group of forward-thinking landowners, Laikipia is home to half of Kenya's rhino population, both black and white, and the country's second-largest population of elephants.

Tsavo National Park

Tsavo West National Park is Kenya’s oldest and largest national park, covering boundless space and varied terrain. Comprising two national parks divided into parts by a railway line. Tsavo West National Park has a rocky landscape and wooded grasslands, on the other side, Tsavo East National Park has semiarid grasslands and savannahs, which is the home to the wildlife species. 

Lake Nakuru

In the heart of Kenya's Great Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru stands as a shimmering, pink-tinged jewel amid contrasting landscapes. The large alkaline lake is surrounded by lush forests and rocky escarpments, with the lake’s azure waters creating a stunning contrast against the backdrop of rolling hills. The park is celebrated for its spectacular flocks of flamingos.

FAQs

In East Africa, there are several countries where you, as an adventurous traveller, can experience stunning natural beauty. Some of the best East African safari destinations include (in no specific order) Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. The overall ecosystem and wildlife balance can vary from one place to another.

Safaris in East Africa are a pleasant experience all year round. In other words, there is no single best time, and it is an incredible year-round safari destination. But there are climatic variations from place to place, with differing wet and dry periods. So, if you are not sure where to go and when, please contact us, and we will find a perfect safari based on your wildlife viewing priorities.

Travellers visiting East Africa need a visa. If one is travelling to and within Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda for tourism, they can opt for an East African Tourist Visa, which is a joint initiative by respective countries to boost regional tourism and allow travellers to experience the stunning diversity of East Africa.

Where you want to go matters when deciding the overall cost of an East African safari, things also depend on the amount of time you wish to spend on a safari. Factors like the season, preferred level of accommodation, size of your group etc., also influence the pricing of a safari. For a better estimation, please contact us, and we will work with you to create a safari plan geared towards your budget and needs.

East Africa is blessed with wildlife and stunning natural beauty. From Maasai Mara National Reserve to Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Crater to Ol Pejeta Conservancy and more, there is much to see, experience and create lifetime memories.

Questions