Best Safaris in Kenya
If you haven’t been to Africa, well first of all, what in the world are you waiting for?! It’s about time you planned a trip to the birthplace of the human race. Aside from the overwhelming sense of culture and heritage, this is your chance to see wild animals up close, the kind of animals you’ve only seen pictures of in your children’s books.
There is no better way to begin an epic African adventure than with a safari in Kenya. Kenya is often considered home to some of the best – if not the best – safari parks in the world. And after experiencing it firsthand, trust me when I tell you that I can’t imagine any other place topping it. Kenya safaris offer incredible adventures with the world’s most impressive animals.
Although many people just head straight to the Masai Mara for its comprehensive range of big game, Kenya has so much more to offer. And if this is your first safari, don’t forget to read my post for first time safari tips and tricks.
Did you know that the word ‘safari’ actually means journey? Let's dive in and get this journey started!
Best Time to Go to Kenya
The best time to go to Kenya is from late June to October. This is the dry season, and the temperatures stay pretty mild and comfortable. Plus, the wildebeest migration generally reaches the Masai Mara in July and won’t move on until October, when they will return to the Serengeti in Tanzania.
What to Pack for a Safari
I wrote an entire guide on best tips and tricks for safaris, especially if it’s your first one. But overall I would recommend wearing whatever you feel most comfortable in, and don’t forget your camera or bug spray!
Amboseli National Park
Can I tell you a secret? Amboseli is my favorite place for a safari. Not only is Amboseli known for having like a bajillion elephants, but it also boasts incredible views of Mount Kilimanjaro – which is a must see! I mean, what else could you ask for? Well, there are the 370 species of birds, along with zebras, wildebeest, spotted hyenas, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, buffalo, warthogs, impalas, and jackals – OH MY!
Compared to places like Masai Mara, it’s a much smaller park that can be seen in about 2 days. Because it’s so compact, I saw A LOT of animals in a very short time. Plus, it’s one of the closest park to Nairobi. It is a four-hour drive or a short flight away.
When to go: June to October
Lake Nakuru National Park
When you think about Lake Nakuru, one thing should come to mind: flamingos! More than a million pink flamingos – yes you read that right, a MILLION flamingos – flock on the shores of Lake Nakuru. You might also spot some white rhinos, warthogs, giraffes, zebra, hippos, ostriches and lions.
Lake Nakuru National Park is only about 100 miles north-west of Nairobi, so you’ll be there in a very doable three-hour drive.
When to go: Year-round
Masai Mara National Reserve
Masai Mara is the most renowned safari park in Kenya. It was made world famous by the Great Migration – the annual movement of zebras, gazelles, and wildebeest to and from the Serengeti in Tanzania. Most people want to see the wildebeest crossing the river, but be warned – this is still the animal kingdom, and alligators have to eat, too.
Masai Mara is also famous for its great hers of plain’s game, such as an exceptional population of Masai lions, African leopards, and Tanzanian cheetahs. There are also lots of elephants and virtually every other type of wildlife you can imagine. Plus, these animals are known for being the most approachable – so you’ll undoubtedly be getting REALLY close.
While you’re visiting the Masai Mara, don’t neglect a visit to some traditional Maasai villages.
This place is BIG so many people will take a whole week to check it out and combine it with a trip to the Serengeti in Tanzania. Lots of tour companies will organize transport right from Nairobi, but you’re in for about a 6 hour drive. You can also opt for a short 40-minute flight on a local airline.
When to go: June to October
Samburu Game Reserve
Samburu is pretty far from the capitol, Nairobi. It will take about 8 hours to drive there unless you opt for a flight. BUT I think it is well worth it for the chance to check out Samburu’s own ‘Special Five’ including the the Beisa Oryx, Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, gerenuk and reticulated giraffe.
The game drives here offer the prospect of hundreds of elephants, lions, buffalos, and leopards. You can even embark on a camel safari – an iconic African adventure that you’ll surely never forget!
When to go: June to October
Tsavo National Parks
Together, Tsavo’s two national parks create the largest protected wildlife sanctuary in Kenya. These are definitely more remote than Kenya’s other safari parks, being 10 hours from Nairobi by car, but their massive areas offer vast landscapes to explore.
You can also spot the giraffe, cheetah, lion, serval cat, leopard, oryx, gazelle, buffalo, antelope, stripped hyena, impala and approximately 500 species of birds. Tsavo East is also home to two iconic trees, the baobab and the doum palm.
Tsavo East will always hold a very special place in my heart as my FIRST African Safari, and that is something I’ll cherish for the rest of my life. I’ll never forget stopping to watch over a dozen elephants – including those adorable babies – just playing in the sand without a care in the world. That’s the best thing about safaris: the animals pay you no mind and just go about their business like you’re not even there. You are in THEIR terrain, and it always feels like that. You’re just watching from the outside looking in.
But the absolute coolest thing about Tsavo East is the red elephants. All of the dirt/sand in Tsavo East is bright red, so naturally the elephants are, too!
When to go: June to October, January/February
While you’re in Kenya, I highly recommend visiting Giraffe Manor. It’s not a safari, but it is another chance to get up close and personal with some beautiful Rothschild giraffes. Read my post about Giraffe Manor for more information.
Now you know all about the best safaris in Kenya so you can choose which one is right for you. But who says you can’t do them all?