Kenya safaris offer a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers seeking to explore the diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage of the country.
The country is located in East Africa and Kenya is famous for its rich wildlife and is home to numerous national parks and reserves that protect a wide range of animal species across the country.
Places to visit during Kenya safaris
Masai Mara National Reserve
Masai Mara national reserve is located in southwestern Kenya and is one of the most famous national reserves in Africa, known for its abundant wildlife and the annual wildebeest migration.
The reserve is home to all the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo) as well as cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, and many other species. Visitors can enjoy game drives, walking safaris, and hot air balloon rides over the savannah.
Amboseli National Park
Located near the Tanzanian border, Amboseli national park offers breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and is known for its large elephant population.
Amboseli national park is also home to lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and numerous antelope species. Visitors can explore the park on game drives and also guided nature walks during the search for the different wildlife species.
Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru national park is located in the Rift valley and is known for being home to rhinos and also for flamingos which can be seen around its stunning lake.
The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including giraffes, elephants, buffalos, lions, hippos, rhinos among others .Visitors can enjoy morning or afternoon games drives, bird watching, and also enjoy beautiful views of the park while on safari.
Tsavo National Park
Divided into two parts (Tsavo East national park and Tsavo West national park), this park is located in southeastern Kenya and is known for the man eating lions and diverse wildlife as well as the red earth landscapes.
Visitors can explore Tsavo national park on game drives or take a guided walks through the savannah plains.
Samburu National Reserve
Located in northern Kenya, Samburu national reserve is known for its unique and exotic wildlife, including reticulated giraffes, Grevy’s zebras, and Somali ostriches.
Samburu national reserve is also home to lions, leopards, and elephants. Visitors can explore the park on game drives or take a camel ride through the desert landscapes.
Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya is located in central Kenya and is the highest mountain in Kenya at 5199 meters and offers stunning scenery and challenging climbs.
It takes about 4 days to hike to the summit of Mount Kenya and visitors can engage in other activities around Mount Kenya including hiking and guided treks through the forested slopes.
Beaches of Kenya
Diani Beach is located on the southern coast of Kenya and is often regarded as one of the best beaches in Africa. It stretches for approximately 17 kilometers and offers breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean.
Lamu Island is located off the coast of Kenya and is known for its Arabic architecture, pristine beaches, and relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can explore the island on foot or take a dhow (traditional sailboat) ride along the coast.
Watamu Beach which is situated on the northern coast of Kenya is renowned for its pristine beauty and rich marine life. The clear waters of Watamu Beach are perfect for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts who can explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful fish species.
Activities to do during Kenya safaris
When it comes to Kenya safaris, there are a wide variety of activities to do and experience and they include the following;
Wildlife Viewing
Kenya is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros).
Some of the best places to go on a wildlife viewing safari include Masai Mara reserve, Amboseli national park, Tsavo national park, Samburu reserve, Lake Nakuru national park among others.
During wildlife viewing in Kenya, tourists can enjoy game drives at different times of day including morning game drives and also afternoon or evening game drives.
Cultural Experiences
Kenya has a rich cultural heritage, with many different ethnic groups and traditions. Some of the best ways to experience the local culture include trying ut their food, traditional dance performances and also visiting the homes:
Visiting a Maasai village
The Maasai are a traditional pastoralist people who live in southern Kenya. Visiting a Maasai village can give you a glimpse into their unique way of life and traditions.
Kenya’s coastal regional also has a long history of Swahili culture and visitors can learn about this history and culture by visiting coastal towns like Mombasa and Lamu.
Attending traditional dance performances such as the Maasai jumping dance is also part of the cultural experience during Kenya safaris.
Adventure Activities
Kenya is also a great destination for adventure seekers, with many activities to choose from like hot air balloon rides, hiking among others
Going on a hot air balloon ride offers a different perspective of Kenya and is even more exciting as it is done in national parks and reserves like Masai Mara reserve where visitors can also enjoy seeing wildlife species in the plains below.
Going on a safari by horseback is another adventurous activity to engage in during a Kenya safari.
Snorkeling and diving
Kenya’s coastal waters are home to many different species of fish and coral, making it a great destination for snorkeling and diving.
Swimming with dolphins
Off the coast of Mombasa, you can go swimming with dolphins in their natural habitat during a Kenya safari.
Cost of Kenya safaris
The cost of Kenya safaris can vary depending on various factors such as the duration of the safari, the type of accommodation, the number of people, and the specific activities included in the itinerary among other factors.
When planning a Kenya safari, it is advisable to work with reputable tour operators who can provide detailed itineraries and also give any information about Kenya.
Best time for Kenya safaris
The dry season is generally considered the best time for Kenya safaris as the weather is favorable and wildlife tends to gather around water sources. The dry season in Kenya occurs from June to October, with July and August being the peak months.
One of the highlights of Kenya safaris is witnessing the Great wildebeest Migration in the Masai Mara National Reserve around July to October when the wildebeest herds cross to Kenya providing incredible wildlife viewing opportunities.
Kenya safaris can also be done during the rainy season which occurs around March to May and also in November.