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Luxury Kenya Safari

One of the oldest safari destinations in Africa still offers the "wow" factor

As, arguably, the home of the safari, Kenya has often suffered for its historical inclination for mass tourism over the bespoke, luxury end of the market. The Kenya of today, however, can offer more highlights in one trip than many of the other safari countries in Africa. Where else would it be possible to helicopter onto the shores of a desert lake to fish for giant Nile perch, to then horse ride amongst ancient laval flows and finish with views out across African plains filled with animals? Your imagination is, very much, the only restricting factor...which is where we can step in!

Which parks to head for.

The Masai Mara is, of course, one of the first destinations to consider when looking at any type of safari to Kenya. While it is one of the busiest parks in Africa, it is still possible to have a luxury safari experience by heading to one of the camps that border the park such as Angama or Naboisho.

The Laikipia Plateau is also a firm favourite as this is a completely private area and so properties like Loisaba, Segera and Borana come into their own with great game and plenty of activities.

The last area to consider is the region between Amboseli and the Chyulu Hills with the stand out Ol Donyo Lodge offering some of the country’s best service and experiences.

The most luxurious camps in Kenya

As is mentioned in the parks section and above, there are now some really luxurious properties in Kenya which are offering truly unique and memorable experiences.

Please see a few of our absolute favourites below to get you started:

Masai Mara: Angama Mara, Mara Plains Camp, Naboisho Camp, Ol Seki, Cottar’s 1920s Camp

Laikipia Plateau: Loisaba, Segera, Suyian Lodge

Chyulu Hills: Ol Donyo

Click here for more information.

When to go on a Luxury Kenya Safari

Generally speaking the best time to head to East Africa for a safari is between the months of June and November during the main dry season. This is especially true of the Masai Mara as this is also the period when the parks sees the arrival of the great migration herds of wildebeest that come up from the Serengeti.

For those that are maybe wanting to avoid some of the crowds that also come with this animal arrival, then another great time to travel is early in the year from January through until the main rains arrive at the start of April.

Please see the graph below for a more detailed overview.

Get help planning your ultimate Luxury Kenya Safari in 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
For Luxury Safari

Luxury Kenya Safari

Kenya Safari Map

More travel guides for Africa Luxury Safari trips in 2026/27

Take a look at a few of our more detailed country selections for 2026/27 Luxury Safaris across Africa.

Luxury Africa Safari

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From hidden per person per night
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Luxury Africa Safari

Luxury Tanzania Safari

tanzania

From hidden per person per night
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Luxury Tanzania Safari

Luxury Kenya Safari

kenya

From hidden per person per night
See the Guide
Naboisho camp masai mara kenya pool

Please visit our What to Do in Africa page to see the full range of safari and holiday options available.

What are the best parks & regions for a Luxury Kenya Safari in 2026/27?

The following are The Africa Specialists’ recommended best parks and regions for Luxury Kenya Safari for 2026/27 but don’t forget that we’re here to help if you need a hand with anything.

The Masai Mara

kenya

From $420 per person per night
Explore Now
The Masai Mara

Amboseli National Park

kenya

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Amboseli National Park

Southern Beaches

kenya

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Elwena Afrochic, Southern Beaches, Kenya

The Laikipia Plateau

kenya

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
The Laikipia Plateau

Lewa Downs

kenya

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Lewa Downs

Samburu National Reserve

kenya

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Samburu National Reserve

Lake Naivasha and Nakuru

Kenya

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Lake Naivasha and Nakuru

Lamu Island

kenya

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Lamu Island

Tsavo East and West

kenya

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Tsavo East and West

Nairobi

kenya

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Nairobi, Kenya

Don’t miss our new Africa Safari Finder to find safari ideas by destination, region and type...

What are the best hotels & lodges for a Luxury Kenya Safari for 2026/27?

We highly recommend the following hotels & lodges for Luxury Kenya Safari for 2026/27. These are all tried and tested by The Africa Specialists™ so don’t hesitate to call us with any questions you may have.

NB. All prices for properties exclude applicable park fees and are guide prices.

$290$3,405

Price pp pn (USD)

Stars3Stars5

Our Rating

Afrochic

kenya

From $300 per person per night
See the hotel now
Afrochic

Hemingways

kenya

From $530 per person per night
See the hotel now
Hemingways, Nairobi, Kenya

Kinondo Kwetu

kenya

From $540 per person per night
See the hotel now
Kinondo Kwetu, Southern Beaches, Kenya

Cottar’s 1920s Camp

kenya

From $2,000 per person per night
See the camp now
Cottar's 1920s Camp

Mara Plains

kenya

From $3,405 per person per night
See the hotel now
Mara Plains Camp. The Masai Mara, Kenya

Naboisho Camp

kenya

From $2,250 per person per night
See the lodge now
Naboisho Camp, The Masai Mara, Kenya

Giraffe Manor

kenya

From $1,415 per person per night
See the camp now
Giraffe Manor, Nairobi, Kenya

Governors’ Il Moran Camp

kenya

From $1,595 per person per night
See the camp now
Governors' Il Moran Camp

Angama Mara

kenya

From $2,750 per person per night
See the camp now
Angama Mara

Alfajiri Villas

kenya

From $290 per person per night
See the hotel now
Cliff Villa pool, Alfajiri Villas, Southern Beaches, Kenya

Ol Donyo Lodge

kenya

From $2,555 per person per night
See the hotel now
Ol Donyo, Room view, Chyulu Hills, Kenya

Bateleur Camp

kenya

From $2,595 per person per night
See the camp now
Bateleur Camp

Satao Camp

kenya

From $435 per person per night
See the camp now
Satao Camp

And don't miss our Africa Wildlife page for a full guide to the amazing wildlife available...

A few of our favourite itineraries for a Luxury Kenya Safari in 2026/27

Below we have outlined a few of our more popular Luxury Kenya Safari for 2026/27. As we only tailormake our trips to your exact requirements these are just to give you a feel for what is possible.

Days13Days14

Duration

$7,500$7,501

Price Brackets (USD)

13 Nights

Go On, It Will Be Worth It!

Nairobi, Samburu National Reserve, Southern Beaches, The Laikipia Plateau

From $7,500 per person
See the Trip
Samburu National Reserve
Don't miss our Tailormade Safari Holidays & Trips to select from our bespoke safari trips.

When is the best time to go on a Luxury Safari trip to kenya in 2026/27?

Whereas it’s feasible to go on a kenya Luxury Safari trip in 2026/27 almost any time of the year — depending on preferences and wildlife/safari viewing plans — but if you want to avoid peak season or aim to get the timing “just right” then use the following guide to the whole of kenya or call us any time to check feasibility, costs or best options for the perfect kenya Luxury Safari  trip…

January fair

Visiting Kenya in January 2026/27

The front end of the year is the first clear month of weather after the short rains of November and December and, as such, is a great time to head to Kenya for a safari. Dry, clear days offer excellent game viewing and, as it not the season of the wildebeet migration, properties are not running at their fullest.

Activities & Events

Head to the Masai Mara for great resident game viewing, in particular in the Greater Mara Concessions.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Clear skies and mid-20s temperatures
  • + Parks are quieter without the migration herd visitors
  • + Often well priced properties
  •   Migration herds are not in the Masai Mara

Top Tips for January 2026/27

  • + Look to combine a couple of parks for the best experience

February fair

Visiting Kenya in February 2026/27

February is another great month to head to Kenya if you are looking to experience great game without the wildebeest migration visitors. With good weather, good grass cover and plenty of predator action, Kenya offers an excellent winter safari and beach option.

Activities & Events

The Mara is still the main focus for game viewing with other parks such as Amboseli and the Laikipia Plateau also offering a good quality safari.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Dry and warm weather
  • + Really good game viewing
  • + Fewer tourists at this time of year
  •   Game numbers aren’t near the migration herd season

Top Tips for February 2026/27

  • + A lovely time to visit some of the less known areas

March mixed

Visiting Kenya  in March 2026/27

March is the last of the months with good weather before the main rains of April and May break. Temperatures and humidty tend to start creeping up as the month goes on with rain coming at the back end. This being said, game viewing is still very good.

Activities & Events

Very good and reliable game viewing across the country as the last month of the short dry season pushes animals to the water sources.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Warm and dry weather in the main
  • + Camps are running at 50% occupancy in some cases
  • + Good value for money
  •   The end of the month can bring rains

Top Tips for March 2026/27

  • + A superb Easter holiday break for the family!

April mixed

Visiting Kenya in April 2026/27

April heralds the start of the main rains in Kenya and, as such, many of the properties close their doors for maintenance and to give staff a deserved break. This being said, the early part of the month is a photographers delight with stormy skies and moody vistas.

Activities & Events

Game driving in the Mara is still possible although viewing can be sporadic amongst heavy downpours.

Cheat Sheet

  • + The country is at its quietest for visitors
  • + Low season rates for the few properties that remain open
  •   Heavy rains disturb the game viewing

Top Tips for April 2026/27

  • + Ideally it is worth considering an alternative time of the year

May mixed

Visiting Kenya in May 2026/27

The second of the main rainy months in Kenya is normally avoided if at all possible as the game viewing and lodge availability can be very mixed. One of the upsides is that, due to the low visitor numbers, the properties that are open sell at a much lower price point.

Activities & Events

For the intrepid few the open grasslands of the Mara can still offer some game viewing…mainly of grumpy lions!

Cheat Sheet

  • + Temperatures are still warm albeit humid
  • + Still a good time for photographers
  •   Heavy rains can spoil the game viewing potential

Top Tips for May 2026/27

  • + Another month to avoid if possible

June great

Visiting Kenya in June 2026/27

The arrival of June brings an end to the long rains in Kenya and, with it, the promise of the arrival of the great migration herds from the Serengeti. While the high grasses make game viewing harder, it is a very picturesque time to travel with healthy animals and cool temperatures.

Activities & Events

Game viewing in the Masai Mara and across in Amboseli is particularly rewarding.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Clear skies and mild temperatures
  • + Healthy and happy game viewing
  • + Low season rates and fewer visitors make for good value
  •   Just a little early for the great migration herds

Top Tips for June 2026/27

  • + June is a good time to visit on a budget

July best

Visiting Kenya in July 2026/27

July is the start of Kenya’s “main” season…when the great migration herds arrive from the Serengeti and mingle around the rivers and waterways of the Mara grasslands. This is to witness one of the largest gatherings of mammals on the planet…and it is quite a sight! 

Activities & Events

Migration viewing is the main event at this time of the year with river crossings, predation and wildebeest everywhere.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Mostly clear, dry weather
  • + Outstanding game viewing in the Mara with the wildebeest
  • + Areas such as Laikipia and Amboseli are also very good
  •   This is the Mara at its busiest for visitors as well

Top Tips for July 2026/27

  • + You will need to get in early for the best properties

August amazing

Visiting Kenya in August 2026/27

The second of the busy months in Kenya, August is probably the Mara at itse very fullest as far as both animals and visitors are concerned…it is mayhem! This being said, there are still pockets of privacy to be had such as in the conservancies or down on the Serengeti borders.

Activities & Events

For many, the migration is the only reason to head to this area of the world but it is worth considering Lewa Downs for a more private and less frantic safari as well.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Right in the heart of the dry season for weather
  • + Animals are everywhere!
  •   Prices are at their peak in the month

Top Tips for August 2026/27

  • + Consider booking in a couple of areas

September great

Visiting Kenya in September 2026/27

September is often the pick of the months to travel almost anywhere in Africa as the weather is always warm and stable, the game viewing is excellent and the prices and visitor numbers tend to fall after the bun fight that is August.

Activities & Events

Game viewing in the Masai Mara is as good as it gets with wildebeest starting to consider their move south once more.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Clear and dry weather with temperatures starting to rise
  • + Outstanding game viewing in the Mara and throughout
  • + Fewer visitors in this window when compared with July/August
  •   Prices are still pretty elevated

Top Tips for September 2026/27

  • + Look to book towards the end of the month

October still good

Visiting Kenya in October 2026/27

October, along with September, is a great time to travel to the Masai Mara if you are looking to see the great migration herds without the high visitor numbers in July and August. The temperatures are starting to rise and rains at the back end of the month can trigger the herds’ movement south again.

Activities & Events

Game viewing in the Masai Mara Reserve and up in the Laikipia Plateau are still highly recommended.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Temperatures are creeping upwards
  • + The last month for the great migration herds
  • + Fewer visitors result in lower prices
  •   Rain arrives at the end of the month

Top Tips for October 2026/27

  • + Aim to visit in the first half of the month for the migration

November fair

Visiting Kenya in November 2026/27

November is the start of the short rains in Kenya and, as the rains arrive, so the migratory wildebeest herds start their long walk to the southern grasslands of the Serengeti once again. This is still a good time for seeing the resident herds that remain.

Activities & Events

Game viewing in the Masai Mara plains is still possible and, if you are lucky, the herds may feint to the south and return north at the start of the month.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Mild if wetter weather arrives
  • + Rain arrives to bring life and greenery to the parched landscape
  • + Low season rates kick in
  •   Wildebeest herds will have left by the middle of the month

Top Tips for November 2026/27

  • + Book at the start of the month for herds and low prices

December fair

Visiting Kenya in December 2026/27

The end of the year brings the short rains in earnest to the Kenya plains and, as such, many of the properties close for the month to repair and renew after the main season. Game is still very good, however, in the Mara and other main areas of the country for those willing to tollerate the sporadic downpours.

Activities & Events

The December period is a great time for birding in particular as the migratory species arrive from Europe.

Cheat Sheet

  • + The parks are empty in the front end of the month
  • + Fantastic birding
  •   Can be muggy and hot at this time of the year
  •   Rain can spoil a game drive on occasion

Top Tips for December 2026/27

  • + A good month for some winter sun on the coast

Please visit our Best Time to Visit kenya page for full information about kenya

Why travel with The Africa Specialists™?

1

100% tailormade

We help plan your trip from start to finish
We make sure to include all your interests
We offer a range of accommodation types
It is your trip, made to suit you

2

Expert knowledge

We have over 40 years of destination know how
We all spend time in our destinations annually
Local contacts give us unique insight
We are true specialists

3

We have you covered!

We have full ATOL bonding for your financial peace of mind
We provide 24/7 emergency backup as you travel
We make sure that the properties and guides are the best!

4

A trusted service

Established in 2010, you can totally rely on us.
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Please call us any time on USA +1-917-336-2937 or drop us a note via our contact us page.

What to do next...

Begin Your Journey (French's Safari Map)
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 (icon)
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 tailormade (icon)
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.