Reviews 132 • Excellent
WHERE TO GO
Kenya
An overview of where to go and what's on offer in Kenya...
As one of the most bio diverse countries in Africa, taking in the palm fringed shores of the Indian Ocean to the east, the mountainous highlands in the centre, the desert scapes of the northern frontiers and the sweeping grasslands of the Masai Mara to the south, Kenya is a destination that usually has something to satiate any requirement. With easy flights into and out of the capital, Nairobi, Kenya is often seen as a simple and cost effective destination for those wanting to witness one of the world’s most famous wildlife spectacles, the great wildebeest migration.
The best parks & regions in Kenya
With its easy accessibility and world renowned parks, Kenya is one of Africa’s primary safari destinations. The jewel in its crown is, without doubt, the Masai Mara, where the famed wildebeest migration herds graze from June until November and the game viewing borders on the spectacular. For those looking for a short safari and some time on the beach then the azure coastal waters of the Indian Ocean are but a short hop apart.
For those looking to explore further afield then the famed elephant of Amboseli National Park, the sweeping plains of the Laikipia Plateau and the northern border parks of Samburu offer cultural and other more diverse safari activities.
Do see Parks & Regions on this page for more information.
Best time to visit Kenya
The main rainy period in Kenya is in the months of April and May and is generally seen as the only real period in the year that travel in Kenya is not recommended.
Arguably the best time to travel to Kenya is when the great migration herds are grazing on the grasslands of the Masai Mara National Reserve between June and November but this would be to do the country a disservice.
Outside of this window, when the tourist crowds recede and the parks become quieter, is also a superb time to travel as the main predators are non-migratory and the coastline still sparkles.
Please see our When to Go section for a more detailed breakdown of the areas and months below.
Kenya safari holidays
There is an absolute wealth of options available for safaris in Kenya, more so than in many of its neighbouring safari countries. With many properties accommodating families a family safari to Kenya is really rewarding and well priced as are diving trips to the coast and adventure safaris to the north.
When combined with the white sand beaches of the coast, a trip of between 10 and 14 nights is normally about right.
With so many nuances to factor in, there is no substitute, in our experience, for having a talk through with someone but, to get you started we have also developed a Safari Finder that should allow you to get a few options initially.
Do see Best Safaris & Holidays on this page for more ideas of what is on offer.
Kenya Wildlife
The focus for Kenyan wildlife is, without doubt, centered on the ebb and flow of the wildebeest migration herds into and out of the Masai Mara. During a 5 month window there is such an abudance of prey that it creates a wildlife spectacle of the likes that no other region on the planet can recreate.
From the big cats such as lion, leopard and cheetah to elephant, buffalo and hyeena, the spread of animals is second to nowhere.
Don’t miss our Kenya Wildlife Guide on this page.
Get help with a Safari to Kenya
As much as AI has changed the way we all approach our lives, there is still no substitute for picking up the phone and having a chat through the options with one of us on +44 1525 840 149
This allows us to completely tailor the property choices, costs and itinerary length to your needs…but we also understand that this is not always possible with the busy lives we all lead.
With this in mind, we have also put together a safari finder tool that should help you to narrow down the initial stages at which point we can jump in to “round off the edges” as it were.
Alternatively please feel free to >send us an email with your timings, group size and rough likes and dislikes and we can get the ball rolling.
Where to Go in Kenya
Kenya
Do visit our full guide to Africa Destination Guide page to take in all that Southern and East Africa has to offer.
What are the best parks & regions in Kenya for 2026/27?
Take a look at the below links for more information about the best parks and regions in Kenya for 2026/27.
Do also see our full Africa Safari Finder to find the best parks, trips and activities.
What safari & adventure holiday types is Kenya recommended for in 2026/27?
With a range of activities on offer across Africa please see a selection of some of the more popular below:
Don't miss our full What to Do in Africa safari guides for full details and ideas.
What are your top safari trips & itineraries to Kenya for 2026/27?
1 A Family Treat
Africa, Kenya
Visits : Nairobi, Samburu National Reserve, Southern Beaches, The Laikipia Plateau
The perfect itinerary for those looking for adventure and activity in the midst of a safari. Start the trip with a few days in Samburu National Reserve, a park with highly concentrated… More…
2 Honeymooners Delight
Africa, Kenya
Visits : Amboseli National Park, Southern Beaches, The Masai Mara
This itinerary contains a collection of remote and romantic camps in three Kenya’s best parks and coast resorts…… More…
3 Lions and Elephants
Africa, Kenya
Visits : Amboseli National Park, Nairobi, Southern Beaches, The Masai Mara
This well priced itinerary takes in two of Africa’s most famous parks…the Masai Mara and Amboseli. Witness the raw power of the Acacia studded Masai Mara and the famous wildebeest herds and… More…
4 Go On, It Will Be Worth It!
Africa, Kenya
Visits : Nairobi, Samburu National Reserve, Southern Beaches, The Laikipia Plateau
This trip has the wow factor! Starting in the Laikipia Plateau, moving through to Samburu National Park and finishing on the beautiful, remote coast of Southern Kenya, this itinerary includes properties that… More…
5 The Discerning Safari
Africa, Kenya
Visits : The Laikipia Plateau, The Masai Mara, Zanzibar and islands, Zanzibar beaches
This exciting trip, just short of two weeks, will start up in the Laikipia Plateau where a wealth of safari activities and culture awaits! The next stop is the Masai Mara, where… More…
Don't miss our new Africa Safari Finder to find safari ideas by destination, region and type...
What are the best hotels & lodges in Kenya for 2026/27?
We highly recommend the following hotels & lodges for Kenya for 2026/27. These are all tried and tested by The Africa Specialists™ so don’t hesitate to call us with any queries over them or to check availability for you to your schedule.
NB. All prices for properties exclude applicable park fees and are guide prices.
Do also see our full Top Five Hotels & Lodges in Africa guide to the best safari accomodation in Southern and East Africa.
What kind of wildlife highlights should you expect to find across Kenya in 2026/27?
For 2026/27, we expect you’ll be able to find the following wildlife in the Kenya bearing in mind the quality of guiding, budgets, time of year and duration of stay all affect your chances of finding or seeing any of the following outstanding animals that dwell in Kenya…
Please visit our full Africa Wildlife page for a full guide to Kenya’s wildlife in and where to go to find it!
Do visit our Best Time to Visit Africa page for a full guide
What to do in Kenya in 2026/27
Do visit our What to Do speciality guide pages for Kenya for 2026/27. These have all been put together by The Africa Specialists™ for you but don’t hesitate to call us with any queries over the options and ideas seen or to check availability for you to your schedule.
Please visit our What to Do in Africa for our full guides
FAQ’s for Kenya safaris in 2026/27
When is the best time to visit Kenya?
As with most of the safari destinations in Africa, the best time to visit Kenya is often seen as being during the dry season which runs from June until November.
This period is when the wildebeest migration herds are in the Masai Mara and so the game viewing for safari is at its peak.
For more information please see our detailed “when to go” section.
Do I need a visa for Kenya?
The Kenyan government implemented an electronic authorisation system (rather than a “visa”) in 2026 (known as the “eTA”) which must be applied for online prior to arrival and applies to most foreign arrivals including Europeans, Americans and those from the UK.
For more information about the eTA please see the Kenya government web site at https://etakenya.go.ke/
Do I need vaccinations for Kenya?
The only required vaccination for entry to Kenya will depend on whether you are arriving in from a yellow fever risk country (or have transited through a yellow fever risk country having stayed a minimum of 12 hours). If you have then it is a requirement to show a proof of vaccination on arrival.
Otherwise, medically speaking, it is recommended to take anti-malarial medication as cerebral malaria is prevalent in the country and there are quite a few jabs that are recommended subjest to your itinerary and exposure.
Please view the UK government health web site below for more information:
https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/117/kenya
NB. Please note that these are only recommendations and we are not medically trained or qualified and, as such, you need to consult your medical professional before deciding the best course of action for you.
Is Kenya safe for tourists?
As of May ’26 there are travel advisories against travel to the Kenyan border areas that abridge Somalia due to the risk of Somali insurgents. This advisory does not include Lamu and Manda islands.
The rest of the country (including all of the main safari destinations) are deemed to be peaceful and safe although travelling with suitable insurance is always advised.
For more information please see the British Foreign Office web site.
What can you do in Kenya besides safari?
Kenya is a country that has much cultural and physical diversity and, as such, there are plenty of options for those that are wanting to either combine with a safari or simple head there to experience what is a fun and engaging country.
To give a bit of a feel for what is possible please see a few ideas below:
- you can climb Mount Kenya (this is quite a technical climb so is not for the untrained or unprepared!)
- have cultural interactions with the Maasai and Samburu tribes who live around the Masai Mara and in the Laikipia Plateau regions
- snorkeling, diving and big game fishing along the Indian Ocean coast
- visiting the tea plantations around Limuru and Tigoni
Feel free to contact one of us if you would like more inspiration!
Why travel with The Africa Specialists™?
1
100% tailormade
2
Expert knowledge
3
We have you covered!
4
A trusted service
Please call us any time on USA +1-917-336-2937 or drop us a note via our contact us page.
What our customers say...
What to do next...
Begin Your Journey
Step with us into a world where every detail is curated, every moment considered, and every horizon feels like it was reserved exclusively for you.
Craft Your Bespoke Safari
Tell us what inspires you — and we’ll shape an African journey like no other — right down to the smallest detail.
Your Adventure, Tailored to Perfection
From private conservancies to remote luxury lodges, let us help you design your perfect safari adventure.
Please call us any time on USA +1-917-336-2937 or drop us a note via our contact us page.
