Kenya Travel Guide
In many ways, Kenya is the spiritual home of the safari.
The very word ‘safari’ means ‘to journey’ in the local KiSwahili language, and for travellers dreaming of an African safari, Kenya usually tops their travel bucket list.
That’s no surprise, as Kenya’s safari experiences are as spectacular as they are diverse. Begin your journey in the cosmopolitan city of Nairobi, where you’ll be charmed by the colourful urban energy and authentic hospitality of the Kenyan capital. Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport serves as a regional hub, offering direct flights to Europe, Asia, and the United States, making Kenya just a direct flight away.
Nairobi is the gateway to Kenya and East Africa. It offers seamless access to the region’s world-renowned national parks and conservation-focused luxury lodges. From the iconic grassy plains of the Maasai Mara to the towering presence of Mount Kilimanjaro as seen from Amboseli National Park and the untamed beauty of Samburu, Kenya offers an unforgettable safari experience unrivalled in Africa.
Maasai Mara
One of the most iconic wildlife destinations on the planet, the Maasai Mara offers the ultimate safari experience. Each year, from July to October, the Great Migration sees more than a million wildebeest, zebras, and Thomson’s gazelles thundering across the plains in their endless search for fresh grazing. Marvel at the sight of lush plains filled with animals, as well as the dramatic scenes which unfold as the herds brave the crocodiles and other predators that lie in wait as they attempt to cross the Mara and Sand Rivers. While the Migration is a worthy spectacle, the Maasai Mara is remarkable year-round. Travelling outside of migration season means fewer crowds, more intimate sightings, and a greater choice of lodges. In step with the wildlife experience, look forward to authentic cultural interactions with the Maasai people who live in harmony with this breathtaking wilderness.
Amboseli National Park
Renowned for its postcard-perfect views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli is a hidden gem in East Africa’s safari circles. The park is particularly famous for its herds of elephant ‘super-tuskers,’ whose enormous tusks can drag along the ground. A herd walking in single file against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro is a sight you won’t soon forget. Apart from the pachyderms, Amboseli’s wetlands attract a variety of wildlife, including buffalo and hippos, while the abundant plains game sustains healthy populations of predators. On daily game drives, you’ll explore this remarkable landscape of enigmatic fever tree forests, sweeping plains, and towering volcanic peaks. It’s Kenya as you’ve never seen it before.
Samburu National Reserve
Tucked away in the rugged northern reaches of Kenya, Samburu offers a wilder, more off-the-beaten-path experience well-suited to returning safari travellers. Though the meandering Ewaso Ng’iro River supports elephants, lions, buffalos, and leopards – four of the ‘Big Five’ – the real highlight is the opportunity to see the ‘Samburu Special Five’: Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, and gerenuk.
Nairobi
Breakfast with a giraffe? Why not! Kenya’s capital city offers an appealing mix of urban energy and African wilderness, with Nairobi National Park – home to free-roaming lions, rhinos, and giraffes – located right on the outskirts of the city centre. Home to the United Nations’ Africa headquarters, Nairobi serves as a hub for business and diplomatic travellers, guaranteeing an excellent array of hotels, restaurants, and shopping opportunities. While many travellers only pass through the city in transit, it’s worthwhile to spend a few days in Nairobi to acclimatise, visit the Elephant Orphanage at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and enjoy an unforgettable meal in the company of curious locals at Giraffe Manor.
There’s never a bad time to go on safari in Kenya, but the time you travel should depend on what you want to see and experience.
If witnessing the Great Migration is top of your list, then you’ll want to plan your visit from July to October. This is the dry season, when the herds start to arrive from southern Tanzania on their cyclical migration through the grasslands of East Africa. The grass and bush are less thick during this time, making sightings easier. But because this is peak season, prices tend to be higher and availability is at a premium.
The ‘short rains’ arrive in November and December, months when one can expect dramatic skies and landscapes evolving from the tawny grasses of winter to the emerald greens of summer. This is also the time that many young antelope are born, sparking an increase in predator activity.
If you’ve already experienced the Great Migration and are looking for fantastic game viewing without the crowds, aim for January and February. These months are fantastic for safari enthusiasts, offering clear skies, excellent game viewing, and fewer tourists.
March to May brings the long rains, with dramatic storms soaking the landscape and offering remarkable photographic opportunities. While some camps close during this time due to the rains, you’ll still find many wonderful options open to guests. During this time, the landscapes are lush, and the parks are quieter, offering a more exclusive experience.
Whether you’re mesmerised by days spent experiencing the Great Migration or seeking to discover the lesser-known destinations of Samburu and Amboseli, our skilled team of experienced consultants will create a bespoke itinerary that checks off everything on your Kenya bucket list.
But if you want to ensure that you don’t miss out on any special corners or local secrets, take a look at our most popular packages to Kenya…
Kenya is home to some of Africa’s most iconic safari lodges and tented camps, designed to provide unparalleled comfort while remaining deeply connected to the wilderness setting. Whether it’s a boutique lodge in a private conservancy or an exclusive tented camp overlooking the Mara River, travellers can look forward to authentic hospitality, fine dining, and extraordinary game-viewing opportunities. Africa by Design has meticulously curated a collection of intimate lodges with character that will ensure an unforgettable African safari.
The currency of Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KES). Having a small amount of local currency may be useful if you plan to shop in local markets, but US Dollars, Euros, and British Pounds are widely accepted at all the luxury lodges and hotels Africa by Design has partnered with.
Major credit cards are widely accepted at lodges and hotels, although some may levy a surcharge on Diners Club or American Express payments. Souvenir shops and vendors also usually accept dollars (preferably in small denominations) for purchases.
Tipping in Kenya is customary, usually between 10% and 15% for restaurant service.
Safari lodges will provide personalized guidance on gratuities for guides, trackers, and housekeeping staff. A customary amount is between $10 and $20 per person per night for housekeeping and general lodge personnel. This can be handed to lodge management or reception, as these tips are pooled and distributed equally among the back-of-house staff. Guides (and trackers, when applicable) should receive tips directly. $10 to $20 per day is considered standard.
Kenya uses a 240V electrical system, using British-style plug types (Type G). Most luxury lodges and hotels will offer universal adapters on request.
Kenya is a well-established luxury travel destination that emphasizes guest safety. Private game reserves and high-end lodges maintain excellent security.
However, a little common sense goes a long way when travelling. In busy public spaces like airports and markets, keep a close watch on personal items such as handbags and cameras, and refrain from displaying valuables or large amounts of cash. When visiting or staying overnight in cities like Nairobi, ask your guide or hotel concierge about safe areas to explore.
While you can enjoy a glimpse of the Great Migration spectacle in just a few days, for a truly unforgettable Kenyan safari adventure, allow 10 days to explore all that the country has to offer. Spend four nights in the Maasai Mara, where the Great Migration (July-October) and year-round safaris provide thrilling Big Five encounters. Next, head to Amboseli for three nights, taking in the vast open plains and large elephant herds framed by Mount Kilimanjaro. After checking off the bucket-list sightings, discover the lesser-known Samburu National Reserve for two nights, enjoying both the unique wildlife and rich cultural experiences with the Samburu people. End your East African adventure in Nairobi, exploring its vibrant markets, museums, and local cuisine.
Most travelers need a visa to enter Kenya. Kenya’s online Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system is excellent, making applications fast and straightforward. Visas are typically valid for 90 days, and passports should be valid for at least six months beyond your date of return. Passengers transiting through Kenya – arriving and departing on the same aircraft or transferring to another without leaving the airport – do not require a visa.
No mandatory vaccines are required for Kenya, but a Yellow Fever vaccination is necessary if arriving from an endemic area. Although malaria is uncommon, prophylaxis is recommended for safari travelers. Consult your travel doctor at least three weeks before departure.
Most luxury lodges and camps offer complimentary Wi-Fi access in common areas (and occasionally your private suite). Mobile connectivity is reliable in major towns and some safari regions. However, remote locations may have limited or no signal, allowing for a true digital detox.
Kenya Travel Destinations
Africa By Design
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