Kenya remains top of many travellers’ lists. The country’s pride lies in excellent service, tried and tested itineraries, and an understanding that its people are just as important as its wildlife in creating the perfect East African safari holiday.
Kenya offers fantastic safari experiences all year round with a moderate climate, broad open landscapes, and an abundance of wildlife in places like the Masai Mara (for the Great Wildebeest Migration), Amboseli national park, Tsavo national park, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Samburu national reserve, Lake Nakuru national park, Laikipia etc.
This Kenya safari guide gives you tips on everything you need to know before traveling to Kenya;
Location and Landscape
- Central Kenya
Kenya’s central region is also where the country’s capital – Nairobi is found. Safari travellers fly into Jomo Kenyatta international airport and connect to safari locations via the domestic airport or by road. Others connect in from neighbouring Tanzania and Uganda.
This region is also home to conservation areas which include Nairobi National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Naivasha, and the Aberdare Mountain ranges. During the rainy season, the terrain turns green and lush, and the lakes attract a variety of birds and species including pink flamingos.
- Northern Kenya
Northern Kenya’s environment grows drier and hillier as you move north. Nonetheless, this region still offers excellent safari alternatives, including Samburu National Park, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, and the Laikipia Plateau. Arid climates favour animals such as gerenuk, Somali ostrich, and Grevy’s zebra. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is also the best spot in Kenya to witness rhinos. On a clear day, you might be able to view Mounts Kenya and Meru.
- South Western Kenya
When it comes to the western region of Kenya, the Masai Mara National Reserve, home to some of Africa’s best year-round game watching as well as the annual Wildebeest Migration. The vast wildebeest and zebra herds attract attention from Africa’s top predators from roughly August to October, and as a result, visitor numbers are high during peak season (about June to October).
The Mara’s vast terrain is a safari classic, with green grass that turns golden as the seasons pass. The grasslands are home to Maasai giraffe, Topi, and Thomson’s gazelle, among other wildlife, and are interspersed with flat-topped acacia trees.
- Southern Kenya
Mount Kilimanjaro is technically in Tanzania, but Kenya’s Amboseli National Park is so near to the border that it offers amazing views. Amboseli National Park, has a stunning mix of open savannah, wetlands, woods, and hills, making it suitable for a diverse range of species, from bat-eared foxes to elephants. The Chyulu Hills and Tsavo East and West National Parks are also in the surrounding area.
Kenya’s south-eastern coast is also home to some of Kenya’s nicest beaches. Top beach hotels and sea activities like kitesurfing can be found at Diani and adjacent Galu, among other beaches. More activities include snorkelling, diving, etc.
Accommodation in Kenya
Accommodation in Kenya ranges from basic mobile camps to opulent lodges and modern city hotels. Budget travelers can bring their tents and sleep in the wilderness.
On the other hand, cities have upscale hotels, but the true delights are Kenya’s high-end safari lodges. Most of these are set on private or community-run reserves on the outskirts of Kenya’s national parks. These offer chic rooms, stylish communal bars, quality cuisine, and safari activities.
Kenyan cuisine and beverages
Meals in Kenya’s high-end and mid-range lodges are delicious with snacks available in between, so be sure that on a fancy Kenyan safari, you won’t go hungry.
Kenyan cuisine is a diverse blend of indigenous staples, British colonial influences, and Indian flavors, featuring hearty staples like ugali (maize flour porridge) and nyama choma (roasted meat).
Fresh fruit grown in Kenya including mango, pineapple, and passion fruit, is abundant. The customary way to end a Kenya safari is on a sundowner with a Tusker beer, a G&T, or a glass of wine. Coffee in Kenya is often weak and instant; Kenyans prefer chai (sweet milk tea).
How to Get Around in Kenya
International planes in Kenya arrive and depart at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and Moi International Airport in Mombasa.
Fly-in safaris to the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, and other locations depart from Wilson Airport, which is roughly 15 kilometres (10 miles) from JKIA. There is a good network of internal flights throughout Kenya, which is useful for time-pressed travelers and for reaching remote hotels in the bush (via tiny, sometimes wildlife-inhabited airstrips).
We provide 4×4 vehicles with a driver for our safaris in Kenya.
Health Care in Kenya
While on a safari in Kenya, drink boiled/purified water and exercise proper food hygiene. Check that all your vaccines are updated. Malaria prophylaxis is essential for much of the country.
Take AMREF flying doctors’ insurance for your time in Kenya. This will help airlift you to Nairobi based hospital in case of need.
Furthermore, be mindful of the symptoms of altitude sickness if one is embarking on a hiking safari to ascend Mount Kenya (headaches, nausea, and disorientation). Drink plenty of water and follow your guides’ instructions.
Tipping in Kenya
Tipping is very personal in Kenya, mostly expected in tourism establishments. If you’ve had a wonderful meal or service, a tip is welcomed. You can also tip porters and housekeeping employees in hotels, lodges, and camps. Keep modest change on hand for tips and market purchases.
If you take a taxi, round up to the closest hundred, but tips are not always required. Taxi apps are popular, and you can tip the driver at the end of the journey via the app. Avoid exchanging money for favourable treatment.
Packing for a Kenyan Safari
What you pack for your Kenyan safari will be determined by the length and purpose of the safari. You will need loose, comfortable clothing on safari. The sort of clothing you pack will also be determined by the weather. Laundry service might be pricey at most hotels, so bring enough clothing with you. Local flights have weight restrictions on the amount of luggage that can be carried, so keep that in mind when packing.
Wear comfortable shoes as the terrain might be difficult, rocky, thorny, and uneven. You should also bring footwear if you plan to explore the wilderness on foot. Lightweight sandals are perfect for the beach on foot.
Best time to Visit Kenya
Wildlife viewing is good all year, however, this varies in every park. The dry season, which lasts from late June to October, is the greatest time to visit Kenya, as these are the best wildlife viewing months. The wildebeest migration normally arrives in August and stays until October, when it moves back to Tanzania’s Serengeti.
June to October (Dry Season)
- Because the jungle is thin and animals congregate around water, wildlife is simpler to spot.
- The days are sunny and clear, so rain is unlikely.
- The months of July through October are ideal for viewing the wildebeest migration.
- The most popular parks become quite packed and crowded.
November to May (Wet Season)
- The environment is lovely and lush.
- Rates are reduced because it is the low season.
- From September through April, migratory birds are present.
- Except from March to May, precipitation is often brief midday showers.
- However, rains can be persistent from March through May, and several lodges and campers close during this time.