Best Kenya Safaris.
One of the most amazing game reserves in the Great Rift Valley, the Maasai Mara, also referred to by the locals as “The Mara,” has a high concentration of animals on the Western escarpment. It occupies 1510 square kilometers and is situated in Narok County in the southwest of Kenya. Tanzania shares a border with Masai Mara, which is more akin to the northern Serengeti National Park.
The word “Mara” means “mottled,” and the word “Masai” comes from the “red cloak” worn by the Maasai tribe, who have inhabited the park for millennia.
With more than 450 bird species and more than 95 mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, the Maasai Mara is a fantastic Kenya safari park for game viewing. During the Great Migration, which takes place every year from July to October, millions of wildebeests, elands, gazelles, and zebras move from the Serengeti to the Mara. Maasai lions, elephants, buffaloes, hyenas, crocodiles, African leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, and many more are among the other animals.
Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, is around 270 kilometers away from the park; it takes 4 to 5 hours to drive there and 40 to 45 minutes to fly there. Although a tad dusty, the road from Narok town to Sekenani Gate is generally good.
The Maasai Mara is open year-round, but July through October is the ideal time to see the Great Wildebeest Migration, and December through February is the best time to see the big cats because it’s a dry season. There are two seasons in terms of climate: the dry season, which lasts from June to November, and the rainy season, which begins in November and lasts until May. The range of temperatures is 20°C to 30°C.
Game viewing, trips to the Maasai villages, nighttime game drives, camping, and bush breakfast, lunch, and dinner are among the activities available in this reserve. The Mara is a great location for photography and honey moon viewing.
There are numerous lodging options in and around the Maasai Mara, including the opulent Mara Serena and the opulent Governors’ Camp, as well as the nearby Olonana, Tembo, and Mara Siria Camps.
Kenya’s Tsavo Safaris
Starting Price: $1200 (USD)
Safari Tour Length: 4 Days
There should be no more than six people.
At 13,747 square kilometers, Tsavo National Park is one of Kenya’s biggest and oldest national parks. Tsavo East and Tsavo West are the two divisions of the park. It is located in the Taru Desert, a region that is semi-desert. The Tsavo River, which flows from the park’s west to its east, inspired the park’s name when it opened in 1948.
Large herds of elephants bathing in red dust, a lush view of semi-arid plains that is ideal for game viewing, Mudanda rock, the Yatta plateau, various Kenya safari bird species, and Lugard Falls, which plunge into pools and rapids teeming with crocodiles, are just a few of the attractions that make Tsavo East a fantastic destination for tourists and photographers.
Hyenas, lions, cape buffaloes, gazelles, giraffes, impalas, black rhinoceroses, zebras, and waterbucks are some of the numerous creatures found in Tsavo East. Tsavo West, which is 9065 square kilometers in size, has stunning scenery and is an excellent place to see birds, Chaimu Crater, Mzima Springs, and other springs that are home to many crocodiles and hippos. The lush vegetation at Tsavo West makes it more difficult to see wildlife than in Tsavo East, but the stunning beauty still outweighs the shadows!
Though there are two wet seasons—March to May, when there is a lot of rain and it makes game watching challenging—and October to December, when there are fewer rains, safaris can still take place in Tsavo all year round. The daytime temperatures range from 27 to 31°C, while the nighttime temperatures range from 22 to 24°C.
Tsavo National Park is accessible by road, either by public transportation, reserving a minibus, or taking a land cruise. It is 173 kilometers from Mombasa via Bachuma gate and 333 kilometers from Nairobi via Voi gate. The park is also reachable by rail and air.
Places to stay: Tsavo National Park has a range of lodging options, from luxurious to affordable. Among them are the following: Kitani Lodge Tsavo (Bandas), Ndololo Safari Camp (Backpackers), Sau Tsavo Camp (Budget), Gladessa Bush Camp (Small luxury camp), Ithumba camp Tsavo (luxury), Voyager Safari Camp (Luxury), Red Elephant Safari Lodge (Luxury), and Kilalinda Lodge Tsavo (Luxury).
Safaris in Amboseli National Park
Starting Price: $740 (USD)
Duration of Tour: 3 Days
There should be no more than six people.
The second most well-known park in Kenya, Amboseli National Park, is situated in Kajiado County, about 240 kilometers from Nairobi, the country’s capital. It is 8,000 square kilometers in size. Originally known as Masai Amboseli Game Reserve, the park got its name from a Masai phrase meaning “salty dust.” Although there are also visitors from other regions of Kenya, the majority of the locals are Masai. There is less rainfall in this region than in other regions of the nation, with an average of 350 mm.
With its abundance of wildlife, including a large number of elephants, impalas, waterbucks, giraffes, elands, big cats like cheetahs and lions, and more than 400 bird species like kingfishers and pelicans, Amboseli is one of the best places to go game viewing. Other attractions include Masai villages and the breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Since there is a tiny airport in the park named Amboseli Airport, you can travel to Amboseli by car and by plane. Additionally, abide by all park regulations, such as “No harassing animals” and “No driving off tracks,” which are in place for the benefit of both visitors and wildlife. Additionally, because the park’s roads are made of volcanic soil, they become too dusty in the dry season and muddy and inaccessible during the rainy and wet seasons.
Where to stay: Amboseli is home to a wide variety of lodging options, from luxury lodges to mid-range lodges. These consist of, among other places, Sentrim Amboseli Lodge, Africa Amini Maasai Lodge, Weru Weru River Lodge, AA Lodge Amboseli, and Mount Kilimanjaro View Lodge.
Lake Nakuru National Park
The average price was $900 (USD).
Tour Length: Four Days
There should be no more than six people.
Known for its pink flamingos, Lake Nakuru National Park is situated in Central Kenya, close to Lake Nakuru. More than 450 bird species, 56 mammal species, including waterbucks and rhinos, more than 550 plant species, including euphorbia candelabrum and yellow acacia woodlands, Makalia waterfalls, and many other attractions can be found in the park, which was created in 1961.
The park is reachable by air and road;
By vehicle: Nairobi may be reached 156 kilometers northwest of the city by a tarmac route. You can enter the park through a number of gates, including the Lanet Gate, Main Gate, and Nderit Gate. The most popular path is around 4km from Nakuru Town, although there are other options as well.
By Air: Naishi Airstrip serves as a landing point for flights visiting the park.
Where to stay: When on safari in Lake Nakuru National Park, there are a number of campsites, guest houses, and lodges to choose from, including Lake Nakuru Lodge, Sarova Hill Lodge, Naishi Guest House (KWS Self catering), Makalia Campsite, Rhino Campsite, Acacia Picnic Site, Baboon Cliff, Kambi Nyuki Campsite, and Chui Campsite,.
Shaba National Reserve, Buffalo Springs, and Samburu
Starting Price: $1,700 (USD)
Tour Length: Four Days
There should be no more than six people.
These reserves are located in the dry and semi-arid county of Osiolo, on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River. First created in 1948 as a component of the Samburu Game Reserve, the reserve’s other limits were set in 1985. The Isiolo County Council is in charge of overseeing these reserves.
The Sarara singing wells, where the indigenous Samburu warriors sing while carrying water for the animals (cattle), are the main draw of Samburu National Reserve. While there, visitors may also get a glimpse of large cats and wild canines. The endangered Grevy’s Zebra is a well-known species in the Shaba National Reserve. This region has a hot, dry, and semi-arid climate.
Activities available here include visiting cultural villages, taking in the entertainment provided by pastoralist dancers, going on nature walks, going on game viewing safaris, and seeing different types of vegetation in the reserves, as well as wildlife like the Somali ostriches, Tanzanian cheetah, African buffalo, African elephant, African leopard, Masai lion, Spotted hyena, and oryx, among others.
All year long, visitors can go by road and air from Nairobi to the Samburu, Buffalo Springs, and Shaba National Reserves.
Sarova Shaba Game Lodge, Larsens Tented Camp (Samburu-Luxury), Samburu Serena Lodge (luxury), Sentrim Samburu Lodge, Joy’s Camp (Shaba-Luxury), and more lodging options are available in these reserves.
Trip to Lake Naivasha
Starting Price: $550 (USD)
Duration of Tour: 3 Days
There should be no more than six people.
The picturesque freshwater lake of Lake Navaisha is encircled by dense papyrus. It’s outside.
Northwest of Nairobi is the town of Naivasha, which is part of Nakuru County. The Great Rift Valley’s highest point is also where this lake is located. The British spelled it incorrectly as “Naivasha,” but the Masai originally called it “Nai’posha,” which means “rough water.”
In addition to more than 400 bird species, including African fish eagles, Lake Naivasha is home to buffaloes, elands, waterbucks, zebras, giraffes, hippos, and other wildlife, all of which are best seen from a boat tour on the lake.
Game drives, afternoon boat rides to the crescent island or around the lake, nature hikes, community visits, horseback riding, and flower farm tours are just a few of the several activities available in this park. An additional experience can be had by going to Hell’s Gate Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, and Crater Lake Game Sanctuary, all of which are close to Lake Naivasha.
Road travel to Lake Naivasha takes around two hours from Nairobi, alternatively one can take a 15-minute fly from Nairobi. Taking everything into account, it is advised that travelers travel to Naivasha during the dry season, which may also be the ideal time to witness the wildebeest migration. Numerous hotels and lodges are in the area, and they can also plan various trips.
Tours of Nairobi
Starting Price: $100 USD
Duration of the Tour:
There should be no more than six people.
Situated in the south-central region of Kenya, this metropolis serves as both the country’s capital and largest city. Because it served as the capital of British East Africa during colonial control, it is well-known for its historical heritage, including colonial history.
These days, tourists travel to the city’s historic buildings and the nearby stunning wildlife attractions, such as the Nairobi National Museum, which contains a wealth of knowledge about Kenya’s history, culture, art, and environment, and the Karen Blixen Museum. Beautiful botanic gardens surround this location as well.
Nairobi National Park, which is home to black rhinos, buffaloes, cheetahs, lions, wildebeests, leopards, zebras, and other animals, is the greatest choice for anyone looking to experience wildlife close to the city. Visit the Giraffe Center and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where you can get up close and personal with orphaned elephants. Given the recent rise in crime in Nairobi, be mindful of the security of your property.
Holidays in Mombasa
Starting Price: $1200 (USD)
Duration of Tour: 5 Days
There should be no more than six people.
Situated in the southeast of the country, this is the main port and second-biggest city in Kenya. Mombasa is a cosmopolitan destination with cultures from Kenya, India, the Arab world, Portugal, and Asia, as demonstrated by its diverse architecture and food. If you’re interested in learning more about other cultures, you should go there.
Other attractions in Mombasa include the 16th-century Old Town and Fort Jesus, which feature markets, narrow lanes, and gift shops. These provide visitors who are interested in history with an unforgettable experience. There are many beaches in the south of Mombasa, such as Diani beaches and White Strands of Shelly, therefore beach enthusiasts cannot be left out.
Tours of Lamu
Starting Price: $700 (USD)
Tour Length: Four Days
There should be no more than six people.
The northeastern region of Mombasa is home to the little island of Lamu. The town of Lamu was founded in the 12th century, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore the area and view a variety of Arab, Indian, and European architectural structures, visit the donkey sanctuary and observe some along the streets, see the Lamu fort, engage in arts and crafts, and watch dhows. In overall, this is a fantastic location for historians. Remember to enjoy a cup of Arabic coffee at the neighborhood café!
Cost of a Kenya Safari
Considerations for the price of your safari in Kenya
A Kenyan safari’s price often varies depending on how many days the traveler wishes to stay there, the type of lodging, and numerous other considerations.
Similar to safaris in other nations, safaris in Kenya are not particularly inexpensive because, whatever of the package you select, the entire cost must include lodging, park admission fees, meals, and transportation. It’s usually a little expensive to go on a safari alone because you have to pay for most of it alone. Therefore, it’s best to go to Kenya with a companion so you can split the expenses, especially if you’re renting a safari car.
A three-day budget-friendly all-inclusive safari might cost $500 if you spend at least $150 or $200 every day.
Make sure you learn enough about the many places to see and activities to do in order to understand the aspects that go into how much a safari costs. And some of the things to think about are listed below:
Regardless of whether you are organizing your safari through a travel company or independently, you must determine how many days you will be in Kenya. You can determine how much you will need to spend each day by doing this.
For instance, if someone wants to travel to Kenya but is on a limited budget, it is best to stay for fewer days because the longer you stay, the more expensive it will be because other things like lodging also determine how long you stay.
However, if you intend to stay longer, you can visit during the off-peak period when costs are lower, saving roughly 40% compared to the high season. You can also see baby animals and birds, and there are fewer people in the parks.
The number of passengers
Whether you are organizing a family safari, group safari, or private safari, among other things, this is crucial. The number of passengers is taken into account while calculating the cost of transportation.
Therefore, the cost of renting the safari vehicle and the number of days it will be used must be covered by the single traveler. However, the cost is split among the seven people, unlike when only one person is traveling, whether you rent a 7-seater van, which costs approximately $150 per day, or a 7-seater 4X4 Land cruiser, which costs about $230 per day.
Individual safari travel can be expensive due to transportation costs.
Facilities for lodging
The first step is for you to decide what kind of lodging you want, but before you do, you should be aware of the locations, national parks, and sectors you are going to be visiting. Because the activities you engage in are typically influenced by the location of your lodging.
Kenya offers a variety of lodging options, including cheap lodges, upscale lodges, intermediate tented camps, extremely luxurious suites, and campsites. Therefore, you won’t run out of places to stay in Kenya, regardless of your budget. You can find lodging that costs anywhere from $40 to over $1200 per night.
However, bear in mind that lodging in various locations, such as Masai-Mara, can be highly sought after during the busiest times of the year, so if you like to travel at that time, you should book your accommodations well in advance.
Parks across the country
These are the main destinations to see while on a safari in Kenya. The type of wildlife or birds a visitor wants to see determines which park they visit. However, due to the annual wildebeest migration and its higher fees, the Masai-Mara is the most visited wildlife reserve.
Nairobi, one of the least expensive national parks, charges $40 per day for admission; Meru, Tsavo West, and Tsavo East price $52 per day; while Masai-Mara and Amboseli charge $60 per day.
Other pursuits
You will undoubtedly have wonderful memories and enjoy game drives while on safari, but it’s also necessary to partake in additional activities like hot air balloon safaris, horseback riding, river rafting, guided nature walks, and night game drives, all of which are extra-charged.
You have the option of paying to participate in them while on the ground or scheduling them in advance so that they are included in your initial total fee.
When to go
Due to the existence of both peak and low seasons, the time of year you visit Kenya is crucial. Business and visitor numbers are at their highest during the peak season; the opposite is true during the off-peak period.
Therefore, choosing the right time to travel has an impact on the cost of your safari because most expenses are high, particularly for the lodges, some of which reduce their rates during off-peak times. However, knowing what to see and do while traveling is also helpful. The best time to visit is in January or February, or during the dry season, which runs from June to October, when even the wildebeests have reached the Masai-Mara.
Travel insurance, visas, domestic and international flights, tips, laundry, souvenirs, drinks and beverages, additional cars, and transfers (from the airport to the lodging and vice versa) are other things to take into account when calculating the cost of your safari to Kenya.
Sample of cost per person with different safari packages
| Safari Package | Category of Accommodation | Places to visit | Number of Travellers | Cost Per person (USD) |
| 4-Day Flying Safari | Mid-range(Tented Camp) | Nairobi(start), Masasi-Mara NR, Nairobi(End) | 2 | $1,125 |
| 9-Day Kenya Luxury Safari | Luxury (Lodge) | Nairobi(start), Amboseli Np, Aberdare NP, Olperjeta, Lake Nakuru NP, Masai-Mara NR, Nairobi(End) | 2 | $2,200 or $3,200 |
| 6-Day Migration Tour | Budget | Nairobi (Start), Masai-Mara, Greater Masai, Amboseli NP, Greater Amboseli | 2 | $850 |
| 3-Day Explore Amboseli | Luxury | Nairobi(Start and End), Amboseli NP | 2 | $595 |
| 6-Day Magnificent Best of Kenya Safari | Budget | Nairobi (Start), Masai-Mara, Lake Nakuru NP, Amboseli NP, Nairobi (End) | 2 | $680 |
| 4-Day Zebra Kenya Safari | Mid-range(Tented camp and Lodge) | Mombasa(Start), Tsavo East NP, Amboseli NP, Tsavo West NP, Diani Beach, Mombasa (End) | 2 | $714 or $753 |
The national parks of Tsavo, Nakuru, and Masai Mara, Mount Kenya National Parks, museums like Malindi and Nairobi National Museums, historic towns and cities like Mombasa, beaches like Watamu Beach, lakes like Lake Naivasha, and caves like Obsidian Caves in Hell’s Gate National Park are just a few of the many attractions that Kenya has to offer as a safari destination. not experiencing the many cultures.
Numerous wildlife species can be found in Kenya, including elephants in the Amboseli National Park, which also offers stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, thousands of flamingos that have made Lake Nakuru their home, and the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Masai Mara. The Maasai, Samburu, and Kikuyu are just a few of Kenya’s diverse and genuine cultures. Additionally, climbing Mount Kenya is an exhilarating experience that no daring traveler should pass up!
All things considered, Kenya is not a cheap place to visit. It is a fantastic location with a variety of stunning landscapes, monuments, and activities that can make your safari unforgettable. Therefore, you should compare the costs of the best businesses listed below in order to plan your vacation as efficiently as possible and enjoy every aspect of your safari.
