Kenya Safari Vacations

The home of the safari

From thrilling Big Five safaris and iconic landscapes to rich cultures and stunning paradise beaches, Kenya has it all.

If it’s wildlife you’re after, Kenya is one of the best places on Earth to see animals in their natural habitat. With over 50 National Parks and Reserves, each with something unique to offer, there’s no shortage of opportunities for unforgettable encounters.

Ottilie, one of our Kenya specialists, says:

“Kenya is the kind of place that works for just about everyone – whether it’s your first safari or your fifth, it really ticks all the boxes. And the game drives are incredible, but there’s so much more to experience. One day you might be drifting over the Mara in a hot air balloon, the next riding alongside giraffes in Lewa or walking with fascinating Samburu guides who know every track and sound. And if you want something really different, sleep out in a fly camp – just you, a mosquito net, and the sounds of the bush. Whatever kind of adventure you're after, Kenya has it, and it also has incredible paradise beaches for the ultimate holiday!"

The Masai Mara is Kenya’s most iconic park, and with good reason. Between July and October, the Great Migration rolls in and vast herds of wildebeest and zebra flood the plains, closely followed by lions, cheetahs and other predators. It’s nature at its most dramatic and incredibly moving to witness.

However, we always recommend visiting at least two safari regions – Kenya’s landscapes are so varied, and each brings its own atmosphere, wildlife and rewards.

If you love elephants, Amboseli is hard to beat, famous for its herds wandering majestically beneath the towering Mount Kilimanjaro. If rhinos are on your list, Lewa offers a strong conservation record and excellent chances of sightings. Bird lovers are drawn to the Rift Valley lakes, where thousands of pink flamingos gather and over 450 species have been recorded.

For something a little different, head north to Samburu, where you'll have the chance to spot rare species like the Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk and Somali ostrich. It’s also one of the few places where you can go on camel treks through the bush.

Beyond the wildlife you'll find the people and culture just as special. Many guides come from local communities, including the Maasai and Samburu, and share not just deep knowledge of the land and animals, but also their traditions and stories. You can visit villages for a glimpse of everyday life, and if you’re travelling as a family, children especially love the chance to try ‘warrior skills’ – learning to track animals, make fire, and even identify different droppings (which always gets a giggle).

Clients often ask us about the difference between national parks and private conservancies. In short: the wildlife is the same, but the experience is different. For those wanting a more private experience, Kenya’s conservancies are a great alternative to the national parks. Places like Mara North and Naboisho border the Masai Mara and offer the same amazing wildlife, but with fewer vehicles, more freedom to explore, and a real sense of exclusivity.

And after all that adventure, Kenya’s Indian Ocean beaches are just a short flight away and the perfect place to relax. Expect white sands, turquoise seas, swaying palms, and, if you're still feeling active, some of the best diving and snorkelling in East Africa. Whether it’s Watamu, Diani, Lamu or Kilifi, you’ll find a beach to suit your mood - and a hammock to match.

Zebra kenya

Kenya Safari and Zanzibar Beach Vacation

The ultimate safari and beach adventure: explore Nairobi, Giraffe Manor, Masai Mara, and Zanzibar.
$6,985 pp. Learn more

When to go to Kenya

Find out the best time to visit Kenya with our month by month guide.

  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

January

January is a great time for wildlife viewing. The landscapes are lush and green after the 'short rains' and newborn animals can been seen. It is hot, but brief afternoon or evening showers cool things down, without compromising your safari. Over on the coast the sea is clear, making it ideal for diving and snorkelling, and the days are warm and bright.

February

February is an ideal time to visit Kenya, and great for game viewing. The landscapes are green and thriving thanks to the short rains, and newborn animals will be hopping around the plains. There maybe a few afternoon showers which are welcome in the heat, and don't impact on wildlife viewing. Water clarify is excellent at the moment, which is good news for watersports enthusiasts. And if you want to spot a whale shark, now is the time to try.

March

Still a good option for wildlife viewing and diving, although with the 'long rains' just around the corner, expect wetter and hotter weather.

April

April brings the start of the 'long rains' which means game reserves and national parks become muddy and harder to drive around. Over on the coast it's hot and wet, so it isn't the best time of year to travel. Some camps and lodges close during this period.

May

The 'long rains' continue into May, making park tracks difficult to navigate in the mud, and the coast very warm and wet. There will be less accommodation choice at this time as several lodges and camps during this period.

June

June is a beautiful time of year to visit Kenya, with the rains receding to just light showers, and the long dry season not far ahead. The high grasses can sometimes make it more of a challenge to spot game, but the landscapes are lush and some animals may begin arriving early for the migration. At altitude nights can be cool, but elsewhere the temperature is pleasant.

July

July marks the beginning of the great migration into the Masai Mara, and with warm and generally dry weather, this is a great time of year to visit. Days are sunny, skies are blue and there isn't too much dust around, so it's a great time for photography.

August

The migration is now in full swing in the Masai Mara, with lots of river crossing action, so if you want to see those massive herds of wildebeest and zebra, now is the time to come. Game viewing in general is excellent and it's one of the most popular times of year to visit, so some of the main parks do become crowded. Temperatures are warm and dry.

September

Game viewing continues to be excellent, and the weather is generally dry so this is another ideal month to visit Kenya's parks. The bush is less dense and as animals gather around waterholes and rivers it makes wildlife spotting much easier.

October

October is a great time if you want to avoid the crowds and don't mind the temperature slowly starting to rise. There may be a few short showers, but game viewing remains excellent with the end of the migration, and it's a good time to holiday anywhere in Kenya.

November

November heralds the start of the 'short rains' and with hotter temperatures some camps are closed. The Mara however is still open, and despite sometimes stormy skies, game viewing is still good. Fewer crowds and lower prices make this an attractive month to visit. Over on the coast water clarify is good for snorkelling and diving.

December

The 'short rains' are bringing the landscapes back to life, and as the plains start to become green again, wildlife viewing remains good, and it's a great time for birding. Some camps are closed (mainly in the north of Kenya) but many others remain open. The showers tend to fall in the afternoons and don't impact greatly on a safari. Take advantage of reduced visitor numbers and lower prices.

Where to go in Kenya

Top places to visit in Kenya

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