Kenya
Experience classic East African safari, from big cats on the Masai Mara plains to rhino in Laikipia and the slow, sun-soaked Swahili rhythm of Lamu.
Overview
Kenya is where the idea of safari began. The open grasslands, flat-topped acacias and enormous skies of East Africa are the landscape most people picture when they imagine Africa — and the wildlife more than lives up to it.
What makes Kenya so rewarding is its range. In a single journey you can follow the big cats of the Masai Mara, walk and ride through the private conservancies of Laikipia, explore the vast red-earth wilderness of Tsavo East, and then slow right down on the island of Lamu, where life still moves at the pace of a dhow under sail.
What To Expect
Masai Mara — Kenya's most celebrated reserve and one of the finest big-cat destinations in Africa. Staying in a private conservancy on the reserve's borders means fewer vehicles, off-road driving, night drives and guided walks. From July to October, the Great Migration brings vast herds of wildebeest and zebra across the Mara River.
Laikipia — A high plateau north of Mount Kenya, made up of private ranches and conservancies that lead the way in community conservation. This is the place for black and white rhino, Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe and wild dog, with walking, horse riding, camel safaris and conservation visits alongside game drives.
Tsavo East — One of the largest national parks in Africa, wild, open and lightly visited. Famous for its red-dusted elephants, sweeping semi-arid plains and the palm-lined Galana River, it has a raw, expansive feel and sits within easy reach of Kenya's coast.
Lamu — A UNESCO World Heritage Swahili town on an Indian Ocean island, with narrow lanes, carved wooden doors and no cars — donkeys and dhows are the way to get around. It is the perfect place to unwind after safari, with quiet beaches, sunset dhow sails and some of the most characterful places to stay on the East African coast.
When to Visit
The long dry season from late June to October is the classic time for safari in Kenya, with excellent game viewing across the Masai Mara, Laikipia and Tsavo. In the Mara this is Great Migration season, with Mara River crossings usually at their most dramatic from August into October.
January and February bring a second, shorter dry season and are a lovely time to travel — quieter, green and excellent for predators. The long rains fall from around April to May, when some safari camps and Lamu properties close for the season.
For a combined Kenya trip, we recommend three to four nights in the Masai Mara, three nights in Laikipia or Tsavo East, and three to four nights on Lamu to finish — all linked by short light aircraft flights.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kenya a good choice for a first safari?
Yes. Kenya combines exceptional, easy-to-see wildlife with a long-established safari tradition and excellent guiding. Staying in private conservancies rather than the busier parts of the national reserves gives you a far more personal experience, with fewer vehicles, walking safaris and night drives.
How do I get around Kenya?
Most visitors fly into Nairobi, then connect by light aircraft to airstrips in the Masai Mara, Laikipia and Tsavo, and onward to Manda Island for Lamu. Flights are short and scenic, and we arrange all flights, transfers and logistics as part of your itinerary.
Can I combine Kenya with South Africa?
Yes. There are direct flights between Johannesburg and Nairobi, so Kenya pairs easily with Cape Town, the Winelands or a Greater Kruger safari. A popular combination is to start in Cape Town, fly to Nairobi for the Masai Mara and Laikipia, and finish on the beach in Lamu.
When is the Great Migration in the Masai Mara?
The herds generally arrive in the Masai Mara from the Serengeti in July and stay until around October, with dramatic Mara River crossings most likely from August into September. Timing shifts each year with the rains, so we plan your camp and dates around the latest movement patterns.