Kenya Safari

Travel Packages & Tours

A Kenya safari holiday offers a multitude of opportunities for exploration and excitement, thanks to the country’s diverse landscapes, wildlife-rich plains, and fascinating coastal regions. Kenya is home to some of the world’s best unfenced national parks and game reserves with some of Africa’s finest flora and fauna. At the top of the list for a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience in Kenya is the Great Migration in the Masai Mara. This continuous movement of millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other plains game in search of food and water is unlike any spectacle in the world. Different parts of the migration can be observed at various times of the year, but the most dramatic and well-known part of the migration, where large herds cross the Mara River in the Masai Mara, typically takes place from around July to October. This, in turn, guarantees amazing sightings of predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.

Discover the best of Kenya by including Amboseli National Park, renowned for its beautiful views of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro across the border in Tanzania and its large elephant herds. Kenya’s northern reserves, like Mount Kenya National Park and the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, offer opportunities to observe unusual Kenya wildlife such as gerenuk, beisa oryx, and the Somali ostrich. There are also more than enough opportunities to experience the cultural side of life in Kenya, including getting to know more about the lifestyle and traditions of the Masai and Samburu tribes. For a perfect bush and beach holiday, choose Kenya for the safari of a lifetime.

Highlights of a Safari in Kenya

Kenya is a country of beautiful landscapes, abundant wildlife, and endless adventures from the bush to the coast, making it the perfect safari destination.

The Kenyan capital of Nairobi is a hub of museums, galleries, and markets and is regarded as the starting point for exploring wilderness areas. A strong theme of traditional Kenyan culture is evident throughout the city while a variety of restaurants offer a mixture of African and European fusion.

The Masai Mara National Reserve is famous for the Great Migration and is undoubtedly the star attraction among Kenya wildlife safaris. It borders the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and forms one of the world’s most amazing wilderness areas. More than 100 mammal species and over 570 types of birds wander through this vast landscape.

With a backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli National Park shows the best of Kenya. Sometimes referred to as the ‘land of giants’, Amboseli is known for its population of “big- tusker” elephants. Just a stone’s throw from Nairobi, Amboseli is a must-see during your adventures in Kenya.

Lake Naivasha is another natural gem within easy reach of Nairobi. A unique Kenya safari experience with large pods of hippos and flocks of flamingos wading in this freshwater lake in the Great Rift Valley.

Currency

The currency in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KES; symbol KSh). Notes are in denominations of KSh1,000, 500, 200, 100 and 50. Coins are in denominations of KSh20, 10 and 5.

Foreign currency can be exchanged at major banks, bureaux de change, or authorized hotels. The banks at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Moi International Airport have 24-hour exchange services. The easiest currencies to exchange are US Dollars, Pounds Sterling, and Euros.

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding US$5,000 or equivalent must be declared.

Banking
Banking hours: Monday-Friday 08:30-16:00, Saturday 8:30-12h00. Banks in Mombasa and the coastal areas typically open and close half an hour earlier.

Credit cards are widely accepted in all major hotels and more upmarket establishments, with the most recognized being Master Card and Visa. American Express and Diners Club cards are occasionally accepted. However, you will need some cash handy because smaller shops will only accept cash.

Almost every bank now has an ATM, and they are increasingly being installed at petrol stations in cities and large towns. Travelers’ cheques are no longer accepted in Kenya.

Nairobi has two airports for domestic and regional flights: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Wilson Airport (www.kaa.go.ke). Kenya has over 150 domestic airports and airstrips and there are daily flights to the most popular destinations.

In addition to the scheduled airlines, several private charter companies operate out of Wilson Airport. Kenya Airways (www.kenya-airways.com), Air Kenya (www.airkenya.com), Fly 540 (www.fly540.com), Mombasa Air Safari (www.mombasaairsafari.com), and Safarilink (www.flysafarilink.com) serve the most popular safari destinations, plus many others, such as Lake Victoria.

On smaller, domestic planes the baggage allowance is restricted to 10-15 kg (22-33 lbs). Arrangements can be made to leave excess luggage with hotels or airlines.

Main roads between the major cities and towns are often in poor conditions with potholes. Vehicles are driven on the left side of the road. You can hire self-drive and chauffeur-driven cars from travel agents and international hire companies. It is not possible to rent motorbikes or mopeds but some of the beach resorts hire out bicycles. Three-wheeled auto rickshaws are popular in town centers and carry up to three passengers.

Bottled water is advisable for the first few weeks of your stay. When buying bottled water, check the seal of the bottle is intact. Never drink tap water unless it has been boiled, filtered or chemically disinfected (such as with iodine tablets). It is best to avoid drinking from streams, rivers, and lakes, as well as drinking from pumps and wells, which do bring pure water to the surface, but the presence of animals can still contaminate supplies. Avoid ice and wash salads and fruit except in upmarket hotels and restaurants. Milk is pasteurized and dairy products are safe for consumption. Food prepared by unlicensed vendors should be avoided at all times.

Nairobi has some of the finest eating establishments in Africa. Many different cuisines and types of restaurants are available, from fast food to fancy. Many five-star hotels have excellent restaurants. Restaurants are called “hotels” and there are many in Nairobi. The local cuisine is also worth trying out, particularly Pilau-a chicken and rice dish, cabbage and rice; and the staple food in Kenya-Ugali, made from maze flour.

Many restaurants can be found downtown and in the areas of Westlands and Hurlingham but these areas are filled with tourists and places like Ayani, Olympic, Kibera, and other places have more authentic food. Among the many cuisines available are Indian, Brazilian, Chinese, Thai, Japanese, German and French restaurants. Fast food restaurants, mostly by South African chains (Steers, Nandos), are common in the larger urban areas.

According to our Kenya travel advice in 2022, a discretionary ten to fifteen percent tip is typical for restaurant bills, hotels, and taxis. In many places, a service charge is automatically added. It is customary to tip the game guide and lodge staff while on safari.

Kenya has three types of climate: temperate subtropical climate in the west and southwest highlands (where Nairobi is located), hot and humid along the coast, and hot and dry in the north and east.

Being close to the equator, Kenya has distinct dry and rainy seasons. The two dry seasons run from December to March, and then from July to October. The two rainy seasons are from April to June, and then from November to mid-December.

Comfortable, casual clothing that is lightweight is best while on safari. It can be quite cool in the early mornings, so you’ll want to dress warmly in layers until the sun has a chance to warm up the air. “Kenya Convertibles”, khaki pants with zip-off legs, are perfect for cool early morning game drives that turn warm before you’re back in camp. Walking shorts, long pants, cotton shirts and tees are just right. A cotton bush jacket or windbreaker will be useful along with a warm sweater or fleece jacket for cooler nights. And, a hat that ties on is a must. There is not a good deal of long walking or hiking on most safaris, so a comfortable pair of walking shoes or tennis shoes and a pair of sandals should be adequate. You will need thorn-proof soles.

In Kenya’s major cities the dress code is conservative but not overly formal – jeans and decent tops for women are fine. Swimsuits are acceptable on the beach but you’ll need to cover up in public places.

Wi-Fi is readily available in major cities and hotels, as well as in luxury game lodges.

Electric Power is 220V – 240V running at 50Hz. The Plug type used in Kenya is the 3 large flat prong (UK), the type G plug. If your appliances are compatible with 220V-240V electrical output, an adapter is all that you will need, if not a voltage converter will be necessary.

Kenya is a fantastic all-year destination with some months better suited to certain interests, like the Great Migration or general game viewing, and preferred activities like birdwatching.

Dry season in Kenya

The best time for game viewing and experiencing the Great Migration in Kenya is from August to October during the dry season. The weather is mild with less vegetation, making it easier to spot wildlife as herds of animals gather around the available watering holes.

If you are more interested in a birding safari in Kenya, the ideal time is from September to April when a great variety of migratory species (11% of the world’s bird species!) visit this East African destination. Kenyan bird species that you’ll be able to tick off your list include the willow warbler, blackcap, Eurasian roller, Steppe eagle, Eurasian bee-eater, and common sandpiper.

Rainy season in Kenya

The short rains in Kenya typically fall between November and December, although there is no need to worry that precipitation will impact your safari, as showers mainly occur in the late afternoon and early evening. The most significant rainfall happens between March and May, also known as the long rains. The Kenyan highlands, in particular Aberdare National Park and the Laikipia Plateau, experience cloudy conditions throughout the day with humidity levels also on the higher side.