Kenya: The Heart of African Safaris
When envisioning African Safaris, Kenya and Masai Mara in particular often springs to mind as the quintessential destination. From the iconic plains of the Masai Mara to the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya and the palm-fringed Indian Ocean coast, Kenya offers a safari experience rich in diversity and timeless grandeur.
Exclusive lodges, expert guiding, and remarkable wildlife encounters including the dramatic Great Migration, safaris in Kenya offer a wealth of captivating and seamless blend of experiences, adventure, culture, and tranquil coastal indulgence.
Highlights
- Encounter Kenya’s “Special Five” (Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, Beisa oryx) in arid Samburu
- Enjoy big cat action, night drives, bush walks, and hot air balloon safaris in exclusive concessions
- Combine safari with relaxation on private white-sand beaches and turquoise waters of the Swahili Coast
- From Ol Pejeta to Lewa Conservancy, Kenya is at the forefront of wildlife conservation, offering guests meaningful, behind-the-scenes conservation experiences.
- Experience one of the most dramatic wildlife spectacles on Earth as thousands of wildebeest brave the crocodile-filled Mara River during the great wildebeest migration in Masai Mara
- Meet the Last Remaining Northern White Rhinos at Ol Pejeta Conservancy
- Track Rhino on Foot in Laikipia
Step into the wild with expert guides for an intimate walking safari. Track endangered rhino on foot and experience the thrill of Africa at ground level — raw, real, and unforgettable. - Capture incredible wildlife photos from a photographic hide
Official Name: Republic of Rwanda
Capital City: Kigali
Population: Approximately 13+ million
Official Languages: Kinyarwanda, English, French
Currency: Rwandan Franc (RWF)
Time Zone: Central Africa Time (GMT +2)
International Airport: Kigali International Airport (KGL)
Geography & Landscape
- Volcanoes National Park
- Nyungwe Forest (ancient rainforest)
- Lake Kivu
- Rolling hills known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills”
Climate
- Mild, temperate climate due to altitude
- Dry Seasons: June – September & December – February
- Rainy Seasons: March – May & October – November
Seasonality & Best Time to Travel to Kenya
Kenya is a year-round safari destination, with each season offering its own distinct atmosphere, wildlife experiences, and travel advantages. The best time to visit depends on what you would like to experience.
Dry Season (July–October) – Peak season for Wildebeest Migration & Prime Game Viewing
This is widely considered the prime safari season. Days are sunny and dry, with cooler mornings and evenings, particularly from June through August. Vegetation is thinner, making wildlife easier to spot as animals gather around rivers and water sources.
- Ideal for first-time or repeat safari travellers, photographers, and those wanting peak wildlife action and the once in a lifetime Mara river wildebeest crossing.
- Experience the dramatic Wildebeest Mara River crossings
- Wildlife concentrated around the parks and waterholes is higher
- Cooler, dry weather ideal for game drives and photography
- Best overall wildlife viewing
Green Season (November– Mid December)
Short afternoon showers refresh the landscape, transforming the plains into vibrant shades of green. Temperatures remain warm, and visitor numbers are lower.
- Ideal for repeat safari guests, bird lovers, and travellers seeking value and fewer crowds.
- Short rains (Nov–Dec) followed by warm, dry months (Jan–Feb)
- Lush landscapes, excellent birdwatching, fewer crowds
- Perfect for combining safari with beach escapes
- Better lodge availability and attractive rates
Low season - (March–May /June)
This period brings heavier rainfall, lush scenery, and a quieter safari experience. While some camps close temporarily, those that remain open offer exceptional value and exclusivity.
- Ideal for experienced safari travellers seeking privacy and exceptional value
- Lower rates, peaceful camps, abundant migratory birds
- Heavier and more consistent rainfall
- Lush green landscapes
- Exceptional photography opportunities
- Fewer tourists
- Attractive rates at luxury lodges
Shoulder season - (January – February)
Warm, mostly dry conditions return, with clear skies and excellent visibility. Wildlife viewing remains strong, and many areas experience calving season, which attracts increased predator activity.
- Ideal for Wildlife enthusiasts who prefer quieter travel months with strong game viewing.
Excellent game viewing - Calving season in many areas (predator activity increases)
- Ideal beach weather on the Kenyan coast
Kenya Experiences
Tsavo National Park
Combined, Tsavo East and Tsavo West make Kenya’s biggest park, one of the world’s largest game sanctuaries. Despite this, the parks have a lower population of wildlife and difficult to spot the animals in the dense acacia.
Amboseli National Park
Positioned in the south of Kenya on the border with Tanzania, Amboseli National Park has spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa’s tallest mountain.
Meru National Park
Made famous by conservationists George and Joy Adamson and the film and book Born Free, the story of Elsa the lioness, Meru National Park has 13 rivers and supports a wide range of diverse habitats.
Lewa Conservancy
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, located in northern Kenya, is a pioneering model of community-based conservation and sustainable wildlife management. In addition to its conservation efforts, Lewa is recognized for its sustainable tourism practices, with eco-friendly lodges and camps offering luxurious accommodations amidst the breathtaking scenery.
Samburu National Reserve
This arid northern area offers a wealth of animals, good game viewing, and a highly contrasting landscape with intimidating hills, mountains and majestic elephants. Samburu is remote, off the main tourist route and offers great cultural interaction and experiences.
Masai Mara
The Masai Mara is Kenya’s most famous nature reserve. It evokes the senses and inspire bucket list dreams. If you are dreaming about a safari, you are most probably dreaming of the Masai Mara. It is classic savannah with plenty of animals and spectacular vistas. Masai Mara is also the site of one of the most spectacular animal migrations in the world and home to a high concentration of the ’big five’ including lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo and rhino.
Private hot air balloon sunrise over the Mara.
Drift silently above the golden plains at first light, watching the vast herds awaken and the Mara River glint in the dawn. With champagne breakfast served on a private landing site and only your party in the basket, this is Kenya’s most poetic and exclusive way to witness the wilderness from above.
How Long Should You Spend on a Safari in Kenya?
To truly experience Kenya’s extraordinary landscapes and wildlife, we recommend around 10 days — the ideal timeframe for a well-paced and immersive safari.
Ten days allows you to explore the legendary Maasai Mara, discover the raw beauty of Samburu, and take in the iconic views of Amboseli and Tsavo, all while maintaining a thoughtful balance between adventure and relaxation.
Within this timeframe, you can enjoy multiple game drives across Kenya’s most celebrated parks and conservancies, maximise your chances of witnessing the Great Migration (season permitting), and encounter the Big Five in their natural habitat. The experience feels comprehensive without being rushed.
For those seeking something even more bespoke, your journey can easily be extended beyond the savannah. You might unwind on the pristine shores of Lamu, where Swahili culture and barefoot luxury meet, or visit elephant sanctuaries and conservation projects for a deeper understanding of Kenya’s wildlife protection efforts.
