Kenya Safaris: Introducing Kenya
Kenya is one of the world’s best-known safari holiday destinations. This East African country is also where the safari concept began. The word ‘safari’ itself even stems from the native Swahili dialect for “journey”. Kenya safaris, however, are no ordinary journey.
Here, African mega-wildlife, including Big Cats and the Big Five roams endless savannah plains. Elsewhere, landscapes here stir the soul with dense forests in the west, deserts in the north, Rift Valley lakes in the center and tropical Indian Ocean coast out east.
This result for those on safari is an experienced safari industry ready to show you a seemingly endless display of wildlife against one of the most beautiful backdrops in Africa. And Kenya safari tours combines well with a relaxing beach holiday and gorilla trekking tours in Uganda and Rwanda.
A Sample Of Our Kenya Safari Itineraries
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Where to go in Kenya | Best Kenya Safari Destinations
1. Masai Mara
Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve is one of Africa’s best-loved safari destinations that attracts visitors from near and far. Travelers are drawn to the drama of Mara River crossings during the famous Great Wildebeest Migration months, but Big Five wildlife action continues throughout the year. Read more about a safari in the Maasai Mara here.
2. Samburu National Reserve
Samburu National Reserve is a vast safari area in northern Kenya known for the Samburu Special Five – Gerenuk, Reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich Grevy’s zebra, and Beisa oryx. It is an arid landscape that is steeped in culture and traditions, where wildlife, and people, livestock,walk side by side, sharing precious resources. Read more about a Samburu National Reserve Safari here.
3. Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park is situated in the shadow of Africa’s tallest mountain which looms 50 km away across the border in Tanzania. This Kenya safari park has a healthy population of lions and other predators. It also offers the best views of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. And it is home to many of the last remaining ‘tuskers’ – giant elephants in Africa, whose tusks touch the ground.
4. Tsavo National Parks
Tsavo West and Tsavo East National Parks account for the largest of Kenya’s protected spaces – and bio-diverse ecosystems from the red semi-desert and grassland savannahs to rainforests and sheer cliff faces. Tsavo is also home to many of the remaining giant Africa elephants, whose tusks touch the ground. Read more about a Tsavo safari here.
5. Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Ol Pejeta Conservancy is situated in the Laikipia Plateau on the foothills of Mount Kenya. It is a great 362 km2 not-for-profit wildlife sanctuary that is home to our planet’s last two northern white rhinos and around 140 critically endangered Black rhinos; the biggest population of Black Rhino in East Africa.
6. Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru is one of the most beautiful parks in Kenya. It is situated on the Great Rift Valley floor and characterized by acacia forests, waterfalls and high ridges. Nakuru is also a birder’s paradise and was once famed for its mega-flock of flamingos, which covered the lake in a blanket of pink plumes. As well as prolific birdlife, the park is a great destination to see white rhinos, black rhinos, Buffalos, Zebras, Lions, Leopards, and the rare Rothschild’s giraffes.
7. Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha is also one of the prettiest parks in Kenya. The park features a deep blue freshwater lake that is encircled by forests of acacia and distinctive yellow-green fever tree. They are teeming with bird life, and the lake is a world-class bird watching destination. There is other Kenya wildlife, too: Buffalo, Giraffe, Monkey, Antelopes, and a large hippo population.
8. Hell’s Gate National Park
Also a unique part of the Great Rift Valley is the dramatic landscape of Hell’s Gate National Park, one of the most atmospheric national parks in Kenya. Unlike its Kenya safari counterparts, the park has no predators. And its appeal comes from the beautiful scenery that was formed millions of years ago by geothermal activity. Despite its intimidating name, you can enjoy some popular activities. The park is particularly popular with hikers, rock climbers, and cyclists. If you’re a fan of the move “Lion King”, the rock formation at Hell’s Gate Gorge is what inspired Pride Rock.
9. Aberdare National Park
Aberdare National Park is a place to appreciate nature over wildlife in the cooler climes of the central highlands. It is perhaps the most distinctive of national parks in Kenya. Though you’ll see wildlife, Aberdare is primarily known for its outstanding natural beauty. It is a landscape of dense forest, steep ravines, open moorland, and thundering waterfalls.
10. Mount Kenya National Park
If you are a climber or a hiker, Africa second highest mountain (5199 m), the Mount Kenya, deserves a spot near the top of your travel list. Mount Kenya has great wild camping along some of the lesser-used trails, and rock climbing adventures on the lower peaks. This UNESCO World Heritage site is pure joy to explore, with its ecosystem of lakes, glaciers, mineral springs, and Afro-Alpine Vegetation.
11. Lake Turkana National Parks
South Island, Central Island and Sibiloi National Parks – make up the UNESCO World Heritage listed Lake Turkana National Parks. These parks surround the vivid greenish-blue Lake Turkana, the largest permanent desert lake in the world. This area is ideal for the adventurous traveler on Kenya safari tours. It is vast, volcanic, hot, dry, and windy. Its surreal scenery looks out of this world. It resembles the surface of Mars.
12. Meru And Kora National Parks
Meru and Kora National Parks in the Great Rift Valley are the perfect places to visit if you are looking for rugged, remote, and pristine landscapes. These Kenya national parks have vast grasslands, thorny bush, gushing rivers, and thick jungle. And you will find Elephants, Grevy’s zebras, Cape buffalo, Hippopotamus, and Masai giraffes – plus over 420 species of birds.
13. Nairobi
Nairobi is a vibrant cosmopolitan city bordering its own national park with rhinos, giraffes, lions, leopards and many other wildlife species. The city offers a range of accommodations, from boutique and large hotels to guesthouses, game lodges and B&Bs. Visitors enjoy busy markets offering authentic art and curios, coffee shops, restaurants and museums. You can also visit an elephant orphanage and a giraffe learning centre.
14. Indian Ocean coastline
The warm waters of Kenya’s Indian Ocean coastline offer a wonderful finale to any safari. The charming town of Lamu is one of Africa’s oldest and most authentic seaside towns, with ancient narrow streets offering historic sights and rich spicy aromas – harking back to the days when the Portuguese, British and Omanis fought for control over the jewel of the Lamu Archipelago. The small coastal towns of Malindi and Watamu offer laid-back seaside charm near the Arabuko Sokoke National Reserve and Gede Ruins.