SAFARI GUIDE TO KENYA​

Amboseli National Park is considered one of the most scenic of Kenya’s wildlife reserves, and for good reason. It holds incredible views of the snow-capped peaks of Mt. Kilimanjaro in neighboring Tanzania. (If you’d like to visit Mt Kilimanjaro, browse our Tanzania Safari Tours.)

The park is most famous, though, for its abundance of free-ranging elephants, many of which have been the subjects of studies by researchers. Sparse vegetation is ideal for viewing wildlife, which also includes Cape buffalo, impala, lion, Maasai giraffe, Grant’s zebra, wildebeest, and spotted hyena, among others. Photograph wildlife with Mt. Kilimanjaro in the background, or make your way to Observation Hill for an unforgettable overview of the wildlife reserve.

From white sands to turquoise waters and luxurious beachside resorts, the beaches of Kenya’s coast are a popular stop for travelers looking to relax. Set against the unforgettable vista of the Indian Ocean, the coast offers fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, boat trips, sailing, wildlife watching, massages, and, of course, soaking up the sun. For those preferring a more off-the-beaten path experience, the northern beaches along the coast are an ideal place to visit.

Located in central Kenya, Lake Naivasha is just a short flight or a two-hour drive from Nairobi. The lake boasts more than 450 species of bird life, and also serves as the primary water source for buffaloes, elands, waterbucks, impalas, and zebras in the region. Bush walks are a popular activity among many visitors, and a boat trip on the lake or to Crescent Island is highly recommended. From Lake Naivasha, you can also enjoy day trips to Lake Elementaita, Hell’s Gate, and Lake Nakuru National Park.

Known as a destination for thousands of migrating flamingos, Lake Nakuru is home to over 400 different bird species, easily making it a birder’s paradise. The park is also renowned for its population of the endangered black rhino, as well as populations of lion, leopard, giraffe, waterbuck, hippo, and baboons. At just a few hours drive from Nairobi, Lake Nakuru is a favorite among many travelers to Kenya.

Often considered the gateway to Northern Kenya, Laikipia Plateau is a vast region that covers more than two million acres and includes the Samburu, Boran, and Kikuyu tribes.   The region is home to a series of private, including the Mugie, Lewa, Loisaba, Ol Pejeta, and Segera Conservancies, all of which play a critical role in local conservation efforts.

The unique habitats of Laikipia create a stunning landscape, ranging from the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya to the arid plains.  Laikipia is home to many northern game species, such as Jackson’s hartebeest, reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s Zebra, and gerenuk, as well as growing populations of lion, rhino, elephant, and leopard. 

Is it worthwhile visiting Maasai Mara, Kenya? Yes–absolutely. Masai Mara National Reserve boasts fabulous game-viewing year round, which is rightly earned it the reputation as Kenya’s finest wildlife region. Travelers can enjoy sightings of all the big game: elephant, lion, cheetah, leopard, an buffalo, as well as black rhino, zebra, Thomson’s gazelle, Defassa waterbuck, eland antelope, and topi. Maasai Mara is also popular for its famed wildebeest migration, particularly from mid-July to mid-November. The park consists of open savannah, forests, and acacia woodlands along the Mara and Talek Rivers.

The Mara Triangle in the western part of the reserve offers some the best places to look for wildlife, while western part of the reserve also offers good game viewing, coupled with lower numbers of visitors. Explore the park via a game drive, or a balloon safari to your excursion (followed by a champagne breakfast) for the ultimate safari experience. Fishing safaris and other activities are also available.

Conservancies along the Mara include Mara North, Naboisho Conservancy, and Olare Orok Conservancy. As part of the Mara ecosystem, these regions offer incredible game viewing, valuable conservation projects, and meaningful impact for the local Maasai communities. Day trips into the Mara can easily be incorporated from the many stunning lodges found within these conservancies.

Nairobi calls itself the City in the Sun, and this African metropolis boasts a lively mix of culture, nightlife, and even wildlife.  Visitors can enjoy the bustling restaurant scene at popular destinations like Tamarind or the Carnivore Restaurants, or take in traditional culture and crafts at the Maasai Market.  If you’re looking for a little wildlife in the midst of the city, consider the AFEW Giraffe Center, where visitors can hand-feed the giraffes–often receiving a friendly kiss from the giraffes in return–or the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, a conservation project that rescues orphaned elephants.

Though small—at just 165 square kilometers—Samburu National Reserve is an absolute gem, boasting abundant birdlife, as well as populations of elephant, lion, Grevy’s zebra, giraffe, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx. The largest concentrations of wildlife can be found along the Ewaso Nyiro River, which makes its way slowly through the arid terrain. Samburu is the best known reserve in Northern Kenya and makes an excellent place for game drives, as well as cultural visits with the local Samburu tribe.

Made up of two regions–East & West–Tsavo National Park is a place to savor the wilderness in its most unhurried and pristine form.

A combination of arid bush, rock formations, and riverine forest, Tsavo East National Park—halfway between Nairobi and Mombasa—is home to Maasai giraffe, lion, elephant, cheetah, and lesser kudu, among others. Enjoy game drives within the park, visit Mudanda Rock for more wildlife sightings, or look for hippos and crocodiles on a scenic drive along the Galana River.

Tsavo West National Park is known for its large herds of elephants, prides of lion, and a sizeable leopard population. The park also boasts giraffe, zebra, and antelope. Although big game is less concentrated than in Amboseli, the park still has a sizable population—and the rugged landscape itself can be worth the trip. Dotted with Acacia trees, doum palms, and baobob trees, the woodlands provide an important breeding ground for numerous birds. Head to the Mzima Springs underwater viewing platform in the early morning for a chance to see hippos, otters, and fish swimming through the waters.