Kenya is one of Africa's best places for safari adventures, with experiences that will leave you breathless and wanting more. Whether you’re planning your first African safari or you’ve been to the continent before and are dreaming of visiting again, Kenya is a top safari destination choice for a multitude of reasons.
From famous national parks to small conservancies, every Kenya safari is a unique and magical experience.
Why Kenya Should Be at the Top of Your Safari ListLandscape Diversity
Kenya's diverse range of landscapes each offer a one-of-a-kind safari experience. Imagine awakening to the sight of elephants against the backdrop of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro and concluding your day with sundowners while admiring the boundless savanna plains.
The country's equatorial location creates diverse microclimates that support different ecosystems. The coastal areas offer an entirely different safari experience, where you can combine traditional game drives with beautiful beaches and the history of Swahili culture. Islands like Lamu are excellent places to add some beach time to your safari.
Venture from the dry Samburu region to the lush Aberdare forests and the wide-open Masai Mara plains. Each place has its own personality and unique wildlife.
A Wildlife Paradise Like No Other
Kenya's game reserves have little fencing, allowing animals to move freely across large areas along old migration routes. This makes wildlife encounters feel more authentic, and it gives you better chances to see natural behaviors that will leave you speechless.
With over 1,000 bird species living in its many different habitats, the country is a paradise for birders. Kenya has wildlife experiences that will go above and beyond what you expect, whether you want to see rare northern species in Samburu or the amazing flamingo gatherings at Lake Nakuru.
A Kenya safari can include sightings of the Big Five, too. Big cats (lions, leopards, and cheetahs) are also often seen and are highlight sightings of an East African safari.
The Great Migration
You can't talk about a Kenyan safari without mentioning the Great Migration, which is one of the most amazing wildlife events on Earth. Every year, millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles make an epic circular trip between Tanzania and Kenya.
The migration usually reaches Kenya's Masai Mara between July and October, which is also when the famous Mara River crossings happen. Wildebeests cross waters full of crocodiles, a powerful display of nature that leaves a lasting imprint. The constant drama between predators and prey keeps you on the edge of your seat during your game drives.
Lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas follow the herds, making it possible to see the whole cycle of life in the African wilderness.
The Best Safari Spots in KenyaMasai Mara National Reserve
The Masai Mara has everything you could want from an African safari. It’s here that you have the opportunity to see the famous river crossings of the Great Migration, spot the Big Five, and meet the Maasai people.
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park is known for its amazing elephant herds, some of which include big tuskers, as well as mesmerizing views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The park’s wide open spaces with the snow-capped mountain backdrop really make this park an incredible place to go on safari, especially a photographic one.
The Samburu National Reserve
Samburu, in northern Kenya, has dry landscapes and rare animal species. It’s here that you can see the Samburu Special Five, which includes the reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and the gerenuk.
Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its flamingo flocks and rhinos. With well over 400 bird species, this is a fantastic place for birdwatching safaris.
Making Your Dream Safari in Kenya Come True
Kenya has an incredible diversity of wildlife, a wide range of landscapes, a rich culture, and great infrastructure, making it a fantastic choice for both first-time safari goers and people who have been to Africa before.
This East African nation has experiences that will change your perspective and you’ll make memories that will last a lifetime, whether you're drawn by the Great Migration, the thrill of seeing the Big Five, or just the need to get away from it all and reconnect with nature.
