Kenya

Kenya is where the modern safari was born, and it still delivers the experience most travellers picture when they dream of Africa: open grassland stretching to the horizon, lions resting in the shade of a lone acacia, and elephant families walking in single file towards a water hole. With direct flights into Nairobi, good road and light-aircraft connections and a wide range of camps and lodges, it is also one of the most straightforward safari countries to plan.

Most first-time visitors focus on the Maasai Mara, the northern extension of the Serengeti ecosystem and the stage for the Great Migration river crossings between July and October. Amboseli adds the iconic view of elephants against Mount Kilimanjaro, while Samburu and Laikipia in the north offer drier landscapes and species found nowhere further south, such as the reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra and gerenuk. The Rift Valley lakes — Nakuru and Naivasha — break up longer drives with rhino, flamingos and boat trips.

After the bush, the Kenyan coast is an easy flight away. Diani is the classic beach extension, Watamu offers marine park snorkelling and Lamu is one of the best-preserved Swahili towns in East Africa. Our Nairobi team designs every Kenya itinerary privately, so we can pace your route around your interests, your budget and the time of year.

Kenya is a year-round destination. The long dry season from late June to October is the peak time for game viewing and the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara. January to March is also dry, warm and excellent for wildlife. The long rains (April–May) bring lush scenery, fewer visitors and lower rates, while the short rains (November–early December) are usually brief afternoon showers.

Most international visitors arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Safari parks are reached by road in a private 4x4 or by scheduled light aircraft from Wilson Airport; the coast is a one-hour flight to Mombasa, Ukunda (Diani), Malindi or Lamu.