Kenya Safaris & Tours

Why Choose Kenya for Your Safari Adventure?

Kenya is often cited as the birthplace of safari. With some of the most accessible wildlife habitats on the continent, it draws over two million visitors annually, contributing roughly USD 2.5 billion to the economy and supporting over 200,000 tourism-related jobs. Iconic destinations like the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, and Tsavo National Park offer a wealth of landscapes:

• Great Wildebeest Migration in the Masai Mara: Witness over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras crossing the Mara River, typically July through September.
• Big Five in Amboseli: Photograph massive elephant herds (over 600 individuals) with Mount Kilimanjaro’s snowy peak in the background, particularly clear from June to October.
• Northern Special Five in Samburu: Encounter reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, Beisa oryx, and Somali ostrich—species adapted to arid northern habitats.
• Red Elephants of Tsavo: Marvel at the red-dusted elephants of Tsavo East and West, home to the iconic “Red Elephant” herds and sights like Mzima Springs.
• Flamingos and Rhinos in Lake Nakuru: Spot up to 1 million flamingos when conditions are right and track both black and white rhinos in this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Kenya’s modern infrastructure—two international airports (Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta and Wilson for regional flights), a network of well-maintained lodges, and licensed operators—makes safaris seamless. For those seeking to combine beach extensions or multi-country safaris, plans like “Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar” or “Kenya safari plus Seychelles” are readily available.

Mapping Kenya’s Premier Safari Destinations

To choose the best itinerary, you must understand the characteristics of Kenya’s top safari regions, their wildlife densities, seasonal patterns, and logistical considerations.

Masai Mara National Reserve

• Area: 1,510 km²
• Elevation: 1,500–2,175 m
• Key Wildlife: Resident lion population (~2,200), leopard (~800), cheetah (~1,400), elephant (~2,500), buffalo (~20,000), riverine crocodiles, hippos.
• Seasonal Highlight: Great Wildebeest Migration; river crossings July–September.
• Park Fees (2025): USD 90 per foreign adult per day; USD 45 per foreign child (5–15 years); annual migration weeks surcharges may apply.
• Access: Road transfer from Nairobi (250 km, ~5 h) or daily flights to Mara airstrips (USD 200–250 per person one way).
• Accommodations: Budget camps (USD 100 per night), mid-range tented lodges (USD 250–350), luxury lodges (USD 600–1,200+).

Amboseli National Park

• Area: 392 km²
• Elevation: 1,150–1,540 m
• Key Wildlife: Elephant herds (~2,500), lion (~120), cheetah (~30), buffalo (~8,000), hippo, giraffe, zebra.
• Seasonal Highlight: Dry season (June–October) offers clear views of Kilimanjaro and large congregations of elephants near swampy areas.
• Park Fees: USD 70 per foreign adult per day; USD 35 per child.
• Access: Road from Nairobi (240 km, ~4 h). No scheduled air service to Amboseli.
• Accommodations: Budget lodges (USD 120), mid-range (USD 200–300), luxury (USD 400–800).

Samburu National Reserve

• Area: 165 km²
• Elevation: 1,000–1,400 m
• Key Wildlife: The “Northern Special Five”—reticulated giraffe (~800), Grevy’s zebra (~2,000), gerenuk (~1,200), Beisa oryx (~900), Somali ostrich (~600), plus lions (~80), leopard (~50).
• Seasonal Highlight: Dry months (June–October) when wildlife congregates around Uaso Ng’iro River.
• Park Fees: USD 80 per foreign adult per day; USD 40 per child.
• Access: Road from Nairobi (350 km, ~6 h) or flights to Samburu airstrips (USD 250 per person).
• Accommodations: Eco-friendly tented camps (USD 200–350), luxury lodges (USD 500–800).

Tsavo East & West National Parks

• Combined Area: 22,000 km²
• Highlights: “Red Elephants” of Tsavo East, Mzima Springs hippos in Tsavo West, Chyulu Hills’ lava flows.
• Park Fees: Tsavo East USD 70 per adult; Tsavo West USD 80 per adult per day.
• Access: Road from Mombasa (110 km to Tsavo East, ~2 h) or flights to nearby airstrips. Best as part of a coastal safari or fly-in package.
• Accommodations: Budget lodges (USD 90 per night), mid-range camps (USD 200), luxury safari lodges (USD 400+).

Lake Nakuru National Park

• Area: 188 km²
• Elevation: 1,754 m
• Key Wildlife: Flamingos (up to 1 million in peak seasons), white rhino (~700), recently reintroduced black rhino (~70), lion (~60), leopard (~20), Rothschild’s giraffe (~50).
• Park Fees: USD 60 per adult; USD 30 per child.
• Access: Road from Nairobi (160 km, ~3 h); popular for weekend day trips.
• Accommodations: Day-safari lodges (USD 150), mid-range lodges (USD 200–300).

Laikipia Plateau & Conservancies

• Area: ~9,000 km² of private conservancies north of Mount Kenya
• Highlights: Black rhino (~280), African wild dog (60+), high-end walking safaris, rhino tracking on foot, community conservancies like Lewa and Borana.
• Access: Road from Nairobi (250 km, ~4 h) or flights to private airstrips.
• Accommodations: From simple tented camps (USD 200) to luxury lodge villas (USD 1,000+).

Types of Kenya Safari Packages and Price Ranges

Kenya safari companies tailor their offerings to various budgets and interests. Below are the typical categories:

1. Budget Camping Safaris

• Itinerary: 5–7 days visiting Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli; camping in public or private campsites.
• Group Size: 6–10 guests per vehicle.
• Accommodation: Canvas tents with basic mattresses; communal showers.
• Price: USD 900–1,200 per person for 5 days (low season); USD 1,200–1,500 in peak season.
• Includes: Park fees, group game drives, meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), tents, camping gear rental (USD 20 per person/day).
• Add-Ons: Optional balloon safari (USD 550), Samburu cultural visits (USD 25).

2. Mid-Range Lodge & Camp Safaris

• Itinerary: 6–8 days covering Nakuru, Amboseli, Samburu, and Masai Mara.
• Group Size: 4–6 guests per vehicle.
• Accommodation: Mix of 3-star lodges (USD 200–300 per night) and permanent tented camps (USD 250–350).
• Price: USD 2,000–3,000 per person.
• Includes: Park fees, private 4×4 vehicle with guide, meals, accommodation, bottled water, airport transfers.
• Add-Ons: Hot air balloon safari, night game drives (USD 30–USD 100), spa treatments.

3. Luxury All-Inclusive Safaris

• Itinerary: 8–12 days, luxury lodges and private conservancies (e.g., Ol Pejeta, Lewa).
• Group Size: 2–4 guests per vehicle or private arrangements.
• Accommodation: 5-star tented camps and lodges (USD 600–1,200+ per night).
• Price: USD 5,000–USD 12,000 per person.
• Includes: All park fees, private guide, luxury transport (optionally helicopter charters USD 800/leg), premium beverages, spa, private excursions, balloon safari.
• Add-Ons: Bush breakfasts, private sundowner picnics (USD 200), guided walking safaris.

4. Fly-In and Remote Safaris

• Itinerary: 5–7 days focusing on remote areas (e.g., northern Masai Mara conservancies, Samburu, Laikipia).
• Transport: Bush planes (USD 200–250 per person per flight leg).
• Accommodation: Seasonal mobile camps or private lodges.
• Price: USD 2,500–4,500 per person.
• Includes: Charter flights, game drives, park fees, full board, luxury tents.
• Add-Ons: Photographic hides, community visits.

5. Specialized Safaris (Walking, Photography, Cultural)

• Walking Safaris: 3–5 days in Laikipia or private conservancies; departure at dawn; on-foot tracking by armed Maasai guides. Price: USD 1,200–2,200 per person.
• Photography Safaris: Late-model vehicles with swivel seats and charging ports; guides trained in wildlife photography. Price: USD 3,500–5,000 for 7 days.
• Cultural Safaris: Visits to Maasai villages, Samburu bomas, local markets; cooking classes; community homestays. Price: USD 800–1,500 for 3–5 days.

Comparing Kenya Safari Companies: Measurable Criteria

When evaluating “best Kenya safari companies,” compare them on these measurable factors:

1. Licensing & Accreditation

    

   • TRA License Number: Verify via the Tourism Regulatory Authority database.
   • TATO & EASGA Membership: Confirms ethical standards and guide professionalism.
2. Guide Qualifications

    

   • Certification Level: TPGA Level 1–3; EASGA accreditation.
   • Experience: >5 years and ≥150 safaris guided per guide.
3. Fleet Standards

    

   • Vehicle Age: ≤5 years; documented service intervals (oil change every 5,000 km).
   • Safety Kit: Spare tires, satellite phone, first-aid kit, fire extinguisher.
4. Transparency of Pricing

    

   • Line-Item Quotes: Park fees, vehicle/guide, lodging, meals, taxes, levies.
   • Optional Extras: Clear pricing for balloon safaris, night drives, community fees.
5. Conservation & Community Impact

    

   • Revenue Share: % of profits to local conservancies or villages.
   • Projects Funded: # of rangers supported, classes built, clinics funded.
6. Customer Feedback

    

   • Review Scores: ≥4.5/5 on TripAdvisor or SafariBookings.com; ≥100 reviews.
   • Response Times: Inquiries answered in <24 hours.
7. Cancellation Policy

    

   • Free Cancellation: ≥30 days before; partial refund 15–30 days; none <15 days.
   • Force Majeure: Credit options in case of political unrest or natural disasters.

Detailed Cost Breakdown Examples

Budget Safari (5 Days, USD 1,200 pp)

Mid-Range Safari (7 Days, USD 2,700 pp)

Luxury Safari (10 Days, USD 10,000 pp)

Constructing the Ideal Kenya Safari Itinerary

Below is a sample 10-day luxury itinerary illustrating how to balance travel time, wildlife viewing, and rest. Adjust durations and lodges to fit your style and budget.

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi

• Land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) by midday. Private transfer to Giraffe Manor (USD 950 pp night, optional). Afternoon meet-and-greet with Rothschild giraffes. Dinner at 5-star hotel.

Day 2: Nairobi → Amboseli

• 7 a.m. flight from Wilson Airport to Amboseli airstrip. Transfer to Ol Tukai Lodge. Afternoon game drive into Amboseli NP; view elephant herds against Mt. Kilimanjaro. Park fee USD 70, levy USD 5.

Day 3: Amboseli → Tsavo West

• Morning game drive. Charter flight to Tsavo West. Overnight at Ashnil Aruba Lodge. Evening walk at Mzima Springs to photograph hippos.

Day 4: Tsavo West → Laikipia

• Morning drive to Voi; flight to Laikipia airstrip. Transfer to Ol Pejeta Bush Camp. Black rhino tracking on foot with KWS rangers included. Park fees: Ol Pejeta Conservancy USD 120 pp.

Day 5: Laikipia

• Full-day at Ol Pejeta; optional chimpanzee sanctuary visit USD 35. Sundowner drive. Conservation lecture on rhino and chimp rehabilitation.

Day 6: Laikipia → Samburu

• Flight to Samburu airstrip; transfer to Samburu Intrepids luxury tented camp. Afternoon game drive in Samburu NP. Park fee USD 80, levy USD 10.

Day 7: Samburu

• Morning and evening drives; optional community visit to Samburu manyatta USD 30. Birding with specialist guide (35 endemic species).

Day 8: Samburu → Masai Mara

• Charter flight to Mara North Conservancy. Transfer to Mara Plains Camp. Sunset drive in conservancy. Day fee USD 180 (conservancy access).

Day 9: Masai Mara

• Morning balloon safari USD 550 included. Champagne breakfast on landing. Afternoon game drive to watch river crossings (seasonal). National reserve fee USD 90.

Day 10: Masai Mara → Nairobi

• 9 a.m. flight to Wilson Airport. Afternoon arrival in Nairobi. Optional drop at Karen Blixen Museum. Evening international departure.

Step-by-Step Booking Guide

1. Define Safari Goals & Dates

    

   • Choose park circuit (Northern, Southern, Fly-In, etc.) and timing (migration season, dry season).
2. Shortlist 2–3 Operators

    

   • Use above profiles and criteria. Email each with travel dates, party size, desired style.
3. Request Detailed Quotes

    

   • Ask for line-item breakdown: park fees, vehicle/guide, lodges, meals, taxes, conservation levies, optional extras.
4. Compare Proposals

    

   • Create spreadsheet to compare per-person costs. Highlight which include balloon, transfers, spa.
5. Secure Permits & Lodges

    

   • Pay deposit (25–30%) to lock in lodges—peak season lodges fill 9–12 months ahead.
6. Apply for Kenya e-Visa

    

   • Online fee USD 50; allow 3–5 working days. Print 3 copies.
7. Health Prep (6–8 Weeks Before)

    

   • Yellow fever certificate if transiting endemic zones. Malaria prophylaxis (doxycycline or Malarone). Routine vaccinations.
8. Final Payment (60 Days Before)

    

   • Pay balance via wire (no fee) or credit card (+3–4%). Obtain invoice.
9. Pre-Departure

    

   • Receive final itinerary, guide contact, vehicle details.
   • Pack per checklist: neutral clothing, binoculars, camera gear, travel documents, local currency.
10. Arrival & Logistics

     

• Meet driver with sign. Confirm vehicle make/model. Begin safari.

Expanded Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Exactly Does an “All-Inclusive Kenya Safari” Include?

An all-inclusive package typically covers:

• Park Fees & Conservation Levies: All national reserve and conservancy fees (e.g., Masai Mara USD 90/day, Amboseli USD 70/day, conservancy USD 180/day).
• Transportation: Private 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser, fuel, driver-guide, airport transfers. Some packages include bush flights (USD 200–250 per leg).
• Accommodation: Full board stays in lodges and tented camps—ranging from mid-range (USD 200/night) to luxury (USD 600–1,200/night).
• Meals & Beverages: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks; select local beverages (tea, coffee, soft drinks). Some include premium wines and spirits; others limit alcohol to house brands.
• Game Drives: Morning and afternoon drives included; night drives (USD 30–100) often extra.
• Activities: Basic activities like cultural village visits (USD 20) sometimes included; premium extras (balloon safari USD 550, spa treatments USD 100+) typically optional.
• Taxes: Kenya imposes a 16 percent VAT on lodging and services; many packages include VAT. Always confirm that prices are “VAT inclusive.”

Tip: To validate an “all-inclusive” claim, compare quoted package price against your own cost breakdown (lodging, meals, park fees, transport). A package of USD 2,500 for 7 days that includes Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Tsavo must absorb at least USD 500–600 in park fees alone, plus USD 1,050 in transport—leaving USD 850 for lodging and meals. If that seems low, clarify omissions.

2. How Much Does a Typical 7-Day Mid-Range Safari Cost?

• Park Fees & Levies: USD 550
• Vehicle & Guide: USD 1,050 (USD 150 × 7 days)
• Accommodation (7 nights at USD 250): USD 1,750
• VAT/Service Charges (approx. 18 percent on arrangements): USD 430
• Total Base Cost: USD 3,780
• Operator Discount/Package Rate: Often negotiated down to USD 2,800–3,200 per person, reflecting block bookings and off-peak savings.

3. Which Parks Guarantee Big Five Sightings?

• Masai Mara: Over 95 percent chance of seeing all Big Five (resident populations: lion ~2,200; elephant ~2,500; buffalo ~20,000; leopard ~800; rhino ~30 in conservancies).
• Tsavo East & West: Combined Big Five presence, though rhino are rare in Tsavo East (~20 black rhino in Tsavo West).
• Ol Pejeta (Laikipia): 100 percent chance of rhino; all other Big Five present.

Note: No ethical operator guarantees wildlife sightings; instead, ask for recent sighting statistics or guide track records. For example, guides at Zebra Trails report lion sightings on 9 out of 10 drives in Masai Mara’s conservancies.

4. When Is the Best Time for the Great Wildebeest Migration?

• Southern Calving (Ndutu): December–March, with ~8,000 calves born daily at peak; fewer crowds but muddy roads.
• Western Corridor (Grumeti): May–July, as herds move northwest.
• Northern Crossing (Mara River): July–October, with river crossings most dramatic August–September.

Planning Tip: Book 9–12 months ahead for August–September to secure riverside lodging at top Mara camps like Mara Plains (USD 800+/night).

5. How Do Visa Requirements Work for Kenya Safaris?

• Kenya e-Visa: USD 51 for single-entry, valid 3 months from issue. Apply online at least 7 days before departure.
• East Africa Tourist Visa: USD 100, valid for Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda multiple entries for 90 days. Convenient if you plan Rwanda or Uganda before/after your Kenya safari.
• Yellow Fever Certificate: Required if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever country.

6. How Should I Tip Guides and Safari Staff?

• Driver-Guide: USD 10–15 per person per day. For a 7-day safari with 4 travelers, tip guideline = USD 10 × 7 days × 4 people = USD 280 total.
• Lodge Staff: USD 2–5 per guest per night. For 7 nights × 4 guests at USD 3 = USD 84 total.
• Tracker/Ranger (Mara conservancies): USD 5–10 per person per trek.

Always carry small USD bills ($1, $5, $10) for tipping. Tipping is discretionary but deeply appreciated by local staff.

7. What Health Precautions Are Recommended?

• Malaria: Risk below 2,000 m—Amboseli, Tsavo, coastal areas. Prophylaxis such as atovaquone/proguanil recommended.
• Yellow Fever: Certificate required if transiting through endemic countries. Kenya itself is not yellow fever–endemic.
• Routine Vaccines: Tetanus-diphtheria, measles/MMR, hepatitis A, typhoid.
• Water & Food: Stick to bottled/filtered water; avoid raw salads at roadside stands.

8. What Should I Pack for a Kenya Safari?

• Clothing: Neutral-colored long-sleeve shirts, long pants, fleece for early mornings (dawn temps can dip to 10 °C), rain jacket.
• Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots, trainers for lodge, sandals for camp.
• Gear: Binoculars (8 × 42), camera with telephoto lens (≥200 mm), extra memory cards and batteries, power bank.
• Toiletries: Insect repellent (DEET 30–50 percent), sunscreen (SPF 50+), basic first-aid kit, personal meds.
• Documents: Passport, printed e-Visa, yellow fever card, travel insurance, Safari operator vouchers.
• Money: USD 200 in small denominations for tips; local currency (KES) can be withdrawn at Nairobi ATMs (exchange rate ~USD 1 = KES 150).

9. How Early Should I Book a Kenya Safari?

• Peak Season (July–October, Christmas): 9–12 months in advance for lodge availability, especially in Mara.
• Shoulder Season (June, November): 4–6 months ahead.
• Low Season (March–May): 2–3 months ahead; heavy rains can limit access to some areas.

10. Can I Combine Safari with a Beach Extension?

Absolutely. Many companies offer safari + beach combos in Diani, Malindi, or Lamu:

• Diani Beach: 6 nights safari + 4 nights beach at mid-range resort = USD 2,800 (safari USD 2,000 + beach USD 800). Domestic flight Nairobi–Mombasa: USD 120.
• Lamu: More remote, heritage island experience; combined package starts ~USD 3,200.

Plan for a 2–3 h flight from Nairobi to coastal airstrips or a 10 h overnight bus (USD 30).

Constructing Your Booking: Step-by-Step

1. Define Your Goals: Select parks, duration (5, 7, or 10 days), and style (budget, mid-range, luxury).
2. Shortlist Operators: Use criteria above; contact 3–4 companies with detailed inquiries.
3. Compare Quotes: Line-item compare costs and inclusions; verify park fees match current TRA rates.
4. Confirm Availability: Book 9–12 months ahead for peak; 4–6 months for shoulder.
5. Pay Deposit: 25–30 percent of total within operator’s deadline (typically within 7–14 days).
6. Apply for e-Visa: Submit online USD 51; print e-Visa.
7. Health Preparations: Yellow fever (if needed), malaria prophylaxis, routine vaccines, travel insurance.
8. Balance Payment: Due 45–60 days before departure; confirm receipt.
9. Receive Final Itinerary: Includes daily pick-up times, guide contact, vehicle details.
10. Pack & Depart: Follow checklist; arrive Jomo Kenyatta Intl. Airport 3 h before flight; meet driver, enjoy safari!