KENYA SAFARIS
KENYA SAFARIS
The Birthplace of African Adventure
Kenya safari holidays bring the classic African safari to life. From the wildlife-rich plains of the Masai Mara and the spectacular landscapes of Amboseli to the beautiful beaches of the Indian Ocean, Kenya offers an unforgettable combination of safari and relaxation.
Our Kenya holidays are tailor-made around you, with carefully selected lodges, camps and beach resorts to suit your style and budget. Whether it’s your first safari, a family adventure, honeymoon or a safari-and-beach escape, our travel experts will help create the right itinerary at the right price.
Kenya Safari Highlights
- Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Masai Mara, generally between July and October. River crossings depend on rainfall and the movement of the herds, making every migration season different.
- Enjoy exceptional wildlife viewing, with opportunities to see lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, rhinos and many other species.
- Combine safari with the beach on Kenya’s beautiful Indian Ocean coast, including Diani Beach and the Mombasa area.
- See Mount Kilimanjaro from Amboseli, one of Kenya’s most iconic safari landscapes, famous for elephants against the backdrop of Africa’s highest mountain.
- Experience a walking safari in selected conservancies and wilderness areas, accompanied by experienced guides.
- Explore the Great Rift Valley, renowned for its dramatic scenery, lakes, birdlife and diverse wildlife.
- Discover Nairobi, where attractions include Nairobi National Park, the Giraffe Centre and other wildlife experiences close to the city.
- Take a hot-air balloon safari over the Masai Mara, followed by unforgettable views across the plains.
Fascinating Facts
- Kenya’s Great Rift Valley forms part of the enormous East African Rift system, creating some of the country’s most dramatic landscapes, lakes and escarpments.
- “Safari” comes from the Swahili word for “journey” — very appropriate for a country regarded as one of the great homes of the African safari.
- Kenya shares Lake Victoria with Tanzania and Uganda. It is Africa’s largest lake and one of the world’s largest freshwater lakes.
- Mount Kenya is Africa’s second-highest mountain, rising to 5,199 metres and giving the country its name.
- Amboseli is famous for its views of Mount Kilimanjaro, which lies just across the border in Tanzania.
- The Masai Mara forms part of the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem, through which millions of wildebeest, zebra and other grazing animals move during the Great Migration.
- Kenya has an Indian Ocean coastline with beautiful tropical beaches, making it easy to combine a wildlife safari with a relaxing beach holiday.
- Queen Elizabeth II was in Kenya when she became Queen in 1952, following the death of her father, King George VI.
Planning Your Safari?
Our Safari Planning Guide has useful information about safari accommodation, game drives, fly-in and road safaris, what to pack, baggage, photography, tipping and more.
Kenya Travel Information
Entry Requirements: Most visitors to Kenya must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before travelling. Applications should be completed online before departure.
Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from your planned arrival date and have at least one blank page.
Travel Tip: Entry requirements can change, so we recommend checking the latest official Kenya eTA requirements before travelling.
Is Kenya Safe for Tourists?
Kenya is a popular and well-established safari destination, welcoming visitors from around the world each year. The main safari areas and tourist destinations are regularly visited by international travellers.
As with any destination, it is important to take sensible precautions, follow local advice and use reputable accommodation, guides and transport providers.
Travel Tip: Before travelling, we recommend checking the latest UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice, as guidance can change and some areas of Kenya may be subject to specific travel warnings.
The best time for a Kenya safari is generally during the dry seasons, from January to March and June to October, when wildlife is easier to spot around water sources.
July to October is particularly popular in the Masai Mara, as this is when the Great Wildebeest Migration may be present and dramatic river crossings can occur. Exact migration timings vary each year depending on rainfall and grazing conditions.
The greener months can also be a wonderful time to visit, with beautiful scenery, excellent birdlife and generally fewer visitors.
The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife experiences, with vast herds of wildebeest and zebra moving through the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem in search of fresh grazing.
The herds generally reach Kenya’s Masai Mara between July and October, although the exact timing varies each year according to rainfall and grazing conditions. During this period, visitors may have the opportunity to witness dramatic Mara River crossings, but these are natural events and cannot be guaranteed.
The Masai Mara offers excellent wildlife viewing throughout the year, not only during the migration season. Travelling outside the busiest months can also provide a quieter and more relaxed safari experience.
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Language: English and Kiswahili are Kenya’s official languages. English is widely spoken throughout the tourism industry.
Time zone: GMT +3
International dialling code: +254
Health: Travellers should check the latest health and vaccination advice before visiting Kenya. Yellow fever vaccination requirements depend on your travel history and where you are arriving from. Malaria precautions may also be recommended for some areas.
Money: The local currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at many hotels, lodges and tourist establishments, although it is useful to carry some local currency for smaller purchases.
Getting there: International flights serve Nairobi and Mombasa. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi is the main international gateway, while Moi International Airport (MBA) is convenient for Kenya’s coast and beach resorts.
Getting around: Domestic flights connect Nairobi with many of Kenya’s main safari areas and the coast. Safari itineraries can combine road transfers and internal flights, depending on the route and your preferred style of travel.
Kenya safari holidays should be designed around you. With so many incredible places to explore and experiences to choose from, we’ll help create a holiday that matches your interests, travel style and budget.
Tell us what you would love to see, your preferred travel style, dates and budget, and we’ll help create a tailor-made Kenya safari that brings it all together — from unforgettable wildlife encounters to relaxing beach stays on the Indian Ocean.
Kenya also combines beautifully with Tanzania for an unforgettable East Africa safari
Let us create your perfect Kenya adventure.
