Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with our comprehensive guide to Kenya safaris for first-timers. Our expert travel guide will help you discover the best wildlife reserves, national parks, and accommodation options in Kenya, while providing valuable tips and tricks from experienced safari-goers. From the stunning landscapes of Maasai Mara to the majestic Mount Kenya, our guide covers everything you need to know to make the most of your safari experience in Kenya.
As the pioneer safari destination and one of the leading African safari destinations, Kenya is renowned for its spectacular wildlife shows, making it a top choice for family vacations. Our guide will help you plan an unforgettable adventure in Kenya, outshining other East African destinations. Whether you’re planning your first or third safari, our travel guide is packed with the best ideas to help you create memories that will last a lifetime.
Enjoy the dream African safaris on budget with our carefully crafted tour camping packages. Kenya is originally where safari adventures started. Home to amazingly diverse and beautiful Game Parks & Reserves.
Maasai Mara Game Reserve, otherwise known as ‘the Mara’, remains the most prolific destination for big cat, big five viewing and arguably the game viewing overall. Not to mention the great wildebeest migration – with millions of zebras & wildebeest on the move. Epic opportunity to watch predators (big cats, wild dogs and crocodiles) in action.
Other major attractions for you dream safari vacation include: Amboseli National Park, Samburu Game Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, Tsavo West & East National parks.
Explore the best of Kenya in a dream safari vacation, with our carefully crafted lodge tour packages. Guaranteed absolute comfort & luxury.Accommodation in luxury tented camps and lodges. Kenya is originally where safari adventures started. Home to amazingly diverse and beautiful Game Parks & Reserves.
Maasai Mara Game Reserve, otherwise known as ‘the Mara’, remains the most prolific destination for big cat, big five viewing and arguably the game viewing overall. Not to mention the great wildebeest migration – with millions of zebras & wildebeest on the move. Epic opportunity to watch predators (big cats, wild dogs and crocodiles) in action.
Other major attractions for you dream safari vacation include: Amboseli National Park, Samburu Game Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, Tsavo West & East National parks.
Hot air balloon safaris in Kenya are a unique way to see the country’s wildlife and scenery from the sky. Here’s some information about hot air balloon safaris in Kenya:
- CostHot air balloon rides in Kenya can cost around $450–$500 per person, and may include a champagne bush breakfast, transfers, and landing fees.
- DurationA typical hot air balloon safari in Kenya lasts 4–5 hours, including preparations and celebrations. The flight itself usually lasts about one hour.
- SafetyHot air balloon safaris in Kenya are operated by qualified companies with experienced pilots. Passengers receive a safety briefing and may be asked to help inflate the balloon.
- WildlifeYou can see a variety of wildlife on a hot air balloon safari, including giraffes, elephants, gazelles, hippos, lions, hyenas, and cheetahs.
- WeatherFlights may be canceled due to bad weather, such as strong winds or rain.
- What to wearThe landing can be bumpy, so elderly guests or those with injuries should consider this.
- What to bringYou can bring a standard camera that weighs up to 5 kg, but you can’t bring other bulky equipment or large lenses.
- When to wake upGuests are usually woken up at 4:30 AM to watch the balloons inflate and take to the air at sunrise.
- Where to take offYou’ll be collected from your lodge or camp and taken to the take-off site, which is usually a 20–30 minute drive away.
- What to do after landingAfter landing, you can join a Maasai jumping dance and help pack up the balloon. You’ll also receive a champagne bush breakfast.
Overview
You have made a great decision by selecting Kenya Safaris for your first wildlife adventure in Africa. As the pioneer safari destination and one of the leading African safari destinations, Kenya is renowned for its spectacular wildlife shows, making it a top choice for family vacations and first-time safari experiences in Africa. Our guide is packed with the best ideas to help you create memories that will last a lifetime, outshining other East African destinations.
Kenya is a land of astonishing diversity and extraordinary tourist attractions, perfect for wilderness adventure vacations. Nairobi, the capital, is a bustling city where colonial buildings rub shoulders with modern skyscrapers, while steamy, coastal Mombasa retains its solid Arabic influence and history as Kenya’s largest and busiest port. Kenya lies on Africa’s east coast, bordered by Uganda to the west, Tanzania to the south, South Sudan and Ethiopia to the north, Somalia to the northeast, and the Indian Ocean to the southeast.
When planning your first-time safari in Africa, Kenya is an excellent destination to explore. It’s also a great addition to gorilla trekking in neighboring Uganda or Rwanda. Don’t miss out on the coastal beaches, which are a perfect getaway vacation to end your Kenya safari. Let our expert guide help you plan your unforgettable adventure in Kenya safaris as a first-time safari-goer.
Highlights
- Explore the Great Rift Valley dotted with a string of lakes including Nakuru and Naivasha; fertile highlands with towering peaks such as Mt. Kenya; and a coastline and islands with long pristine sandy beaches and marine parks full of coral reefs and colorful fish. Its two major cities couldn’t be more different.
- The Big Five are all present and seen with various degrees of ease. Elephants, buffaloes, and unusually large lion prides are common. Leopards are more elusive but relatively easy to locate with a local pro guide. Up to three dozen black rhinos still survive. Even outside of the migration season, ungulates are well represented; there’s no better place for close-up views of the eland, the world’s largest antelope. A Kenya safari game drive will likely see giraffe, impala, gazelle, topi, Coke’s hartebeest, reedbuck, Defassa waterbuck, hippo, and warthog.
- Birders will find East Africa’s magnificent savanna birdlife around the Mara triangle, with more than 500 species recorded in and around its borders, including such perennial favorites as Lilac-breasted roller, Superb starling, and Little bee-eater.
- During annual wildebeest migration, wildlife drama eclipses during the multiple river crossings, punctuating the great herds’ three-month tenure in the Masai Mara, from August to October.
Long Rains (March to May)
- Characteristics: This season experiences the heaviest rainfall, with frequent, often heavy showers and thunderstorms, especially in the afternoons and evenings. The landscape becomes lush and green.
- Impact on Travel: Roads, especially in rural and safari areas, can become muddy and difficult to navigate. Some lodges and camps may close during this period.
Long Dry Season (June to September)
- Characteristics: This is the main dry season, characterized by clear skies, minimal rainfall, and cooler temperatures, particularly in the highland areas.
- Impact on Travel: Ideal for wildlife viewing as animals congregate around water sources. Popular time for visiting national parks and game reserves.
Short Rains (October to December)
- Characteristics: This season brings lighter, shorter, and less predictable rains than the long rains, usually in the form of afternoon showers.
- Impact on Travel: The landscape starts to green up again, and travel is generally easier than during the long rains, but some rain can still affect outdoor activities.
Short Dry Season (January to February)
- Characteristics: This period experiences hot and dry weather with clear skies. It is typically warmer than the long dry season.
- Impact on Travel: Excellent for beach vacations along the coast and safari adventures in the interior, as the conditions are favorable for both wildlife viewing and outdoor activities.
Mount Kenya National Park
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Lake Naivasha National Park
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Laikipia
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Samburu National Reserve
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Tsavo East & West National Parks
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Masai Mara National Reserve
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