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If you are dreaming of wide-open savannahs, majestic wildlife, and the adventure of a lifetime, then a Kenyan safari is for you!
Whether it’s a classic driving safari you are after, a walking or a hot air balloon safari – knowing what you want and planning your trip well makes all the difference.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, on how to book a safari in Kenya, before booking your safari in Kenya: when to go, what to expect, how to choose the right experience, and tips to make it unforgettable.
From luxury lodges to mobile camps, from the Masai Mara to Amboseli, from fly-in safaris to day-trips on the outskirts of Nairobi, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the essentials and make planning your dream safari as well as the booking process a breeze.
When to Go on Safari in Kenya
Choosing the right time is an important factor when answering the question, “How to book a safari in Kenya.” The seasons will shape your experience and what landscapes and wildlife you’re likely to see.
– The dry seasons, from June to October and January to February, are ideal for game viewing. During these months, vegetation is sparse and animals gather at water sources, making wildlife easier to spot.
– The wet seasons, from March to May and November to December, bring lush scenery, fewer crowds, and lower prices, though some areas may be harder to access.
For many people, the Great Migration is one of the destination highlights in Kenya: It sees millions of wildebeest traverse the Masai Mara between July and October. This peak period attracts larger crowds – at higher costs – so booking early is essential.
Weather conditions are generally pleasant year-round, but roads may become muddy and impassable during heavy rains (generally in April). Ultimately, the best time depends on your priorities: natural spectacles at peak times or quieter encounters in the bush, high-end luxury safaris or off-season budget experiences.
Choosing the Right Safari for You
With so many options available, selecting the perfect safari in Kenya can become quite the mission but it’s worth taking the time to consider certain key points. Knowing your budget, desired travel style and level of comfort is a good first step and it will shape your entire experience – from group tours to private fly-in safaris.
Safari Types – How to Book a Safari in Kenya
When you start planning your safari in Kenya, it may be helpful to know that unlike other top destinations in Africa, the country is not suitable for self-drive adventures.
Due to road conditions, signage issues, and vast parks it is advisable to refrain from this option and rather opt for a guided safari. There is a wide range of experiences to suit every preference and every budget – they come with the added benefit of expert knowledge, and thus an increased chance of sightings, along with safe transport.
Group safaris are budget-friendly and sociable, while private safaris allow for more personalised experiences and flexibility. As a third option, fly-in safaris save time and offer comfort, especially if visiting remote parks.
Trip Length and Itinerary
Safari itineraries in Kenya can range from quick three-day trips to extended ten-day adventures or more; even day-trips around the capital Nairobi are a viable option if you are pressed for time.
About time: While it might be tempting to pack in as much as possible, we suggest a slower pace – it will allow for a richer experience.
Considering that the best sightings are usually to be had at dusk or dawn, it is a good idea to spend two nights minimum at each location. This allows you more freedom to explore, relax, and appreciate the wildlife.
Instead of rushing from park to park, it is better to focus on fewer destinations. As a bonus, this provides you with a good enough reason for a return trip. Thanks to Kenya’s diversity you’ll always have something new to see, even on multiple visits.e.
Top Safari Destinations in Kenya
Kenya boasts some of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations, and they each offer unique landscapes and wildlife experiences. The Masai Mara is world-renowned for the Great Wildebeest Migration and sightings of the “big five” – elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion and leopard –, making it a must-visit for first-time safari-goers.
Amboseli National Park is famous for its large elephant herds and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, Samburu National Reserve offers a drier, dramatic landscape and rare species like the Grevy’s zebra and gerenuk.
Lake Nakuru is known for its flamingos and rhino sanctuary, while Tsavo East and West, which together form Kenya’s largest national park, are home to vast plains, lava flows, and the striking “red elephants.”
These are just some of the top destinations; with a choice of dozens of parks and reserves, you can be sure to find the right one to suit your preferences, from dramatic scenery to unique wildlife.
Budgeting for Your Safari
The cost of a Kenyan safari can vary widely depending on the type of experience you choose. Fly-in safaris are the most expensive option but they also offer convenience and comfort, especially if you want to reach remote parks.
Private safaris provide personalised itineraries and flexibility, while group safaris are more budget-friendly and sociable.
Don’t forget to factor in park entry fees, which vary from park to park but also depending on season.
In addition, your chosen type of accommodation and transport are other decisive factors, as is the time of year – like everywhere else in the world, peak seasons come with higher prices.
Hidden costs like tips for guides, drinks, and optional excursions are another important thing to consider.
Also, with Kenya’s coast offering beautiful resorts in Diani, Malindi, or Watamu, you may want to add a beach holiday at the end. Planning ahead will allow you to balance comfort and costs and get the most out of your Kenyan safari.
Accommodation Options
Kenya offers a wide range of safari accommodation, from simple tented camps and rustic charm for a real close to nature adventures to luxury bush camps and lodges with high-end amenities and some extra trimmings for those seeking more comfort.
Options range from permanent lodges within national parks to seasonal mobile camps that follow you or wildlife movements.
While lodges on the outskirts may be a more affordable option, staying inside the parks rewards you with early morning and late evening game drives that would otherwise not be possible. Get in touch with one of our travel experts to find out more. with their own water bottles, and usually each safari vehicle is equipped with at least one set of binoculars – however, it never hurts to come fully prepared.
How to Choose a Tour Operator
When answering the question “How to book a safari in Kenya?”, it is important to mention that your choice of safari operator can make or break your trip. When choosing a tour operator, look for companies with local presence, excellent reviews, and transparent communication. Other things to note include:
– Reputable operators will clearly explain what’s included in your package, from park fees to meals and transfers.
– Experience in the field matters: choose a provider with experienced guides who know the local terrain, wildlife patterns, and best times to travel.
– Consider how flexible they are with itinerary adjustments and how responsive they are to your questions.
A trustworthy Kenya safari operator should be more than just a booking agent – they should offer guidance, support, and insider expertise from start to finish.
Why Planning a Safari Is Best Left to the Experts – How to Book a Safari in Kenya?
When you first start dreaming of your Kenyan safari, it may seem exciting and easy to plan it all by yourself, using booking platforms, travel blogs and maybe even a bit of AI.
However, the reality is far more complex: park fees, seasonal road conditions, fully booked lodges, and other logistical pitfalls can quickly turn your dream into a proverbial nightmare.
It helps to trust in local specialists – not only do they have the necessary knowledge regarding the best times to travel and the most efficient routes, but they are also experts in customizing tours. They are able to plan an itinerary to suit your every wish and requirement.
They negotiate better rates, arrange transfers, and understand what’s realistic, especially off the beaten path.
In short: Booking a safari in Kenya through a trusted provider not only saves you time and hassle, but often money too, while ensuring your trip will be smooth, safe, and truly unforgettable.
Customizing Your Safari
One of the biggest advantages of booking a safari in Kenya with an expert is the ability to tailor your experience to suit your traveller type. Many tour operators offer personalisation that can include anything from a focus on wildlife photography to birdwatching or to horseback riding and walking safaris.
Additionally, you can add extras and extensions, such as cultural visits to Maasai villages, hot air balloon rides over the Mara, or a relaxing beach stay on Kenya’s coast.
By customizing your safari, you ensure that your holiday will be tailored to your personal preferences – at your own pace and in line with your interests.
Step-by-Step: How to Book a Safari in Kenya
The process of booking a safari may seem somewhat overwhelming at first, but once you know what you want, it is actually quite straightforward – especially if following simple booking steps outlined below:
- Research Destinations and Safari Types – learn about Kenya’s parks and which safari style suits you best.
- Set a Budget and Travel Dates – think about what you’re comfortable spending and when you’d like to travel.
- Choose a Tour Operator – select a trusted company with local expertise and the ability to customize your safari according to your wishes.
- Customize Your Safari (optional) – get information on which park best suits your preferences and tailor the itinerary to your interests.
- Confirm Booking and Pay Deposit – secure your trip with a deposit.
- Book International Flights – look for routes into Nairobi or Mombasa. The vast majority of international flights to Kenya land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, which is considered the “safari capital of Africa“.
- Apply for ETA (Visa) and Get Vaccinations – sort your paperwork and health requirements early.
- Start Packing – prepare for the adventure of a lifetime!
Not sure when to go, where to visit, or how to travel?
If you are not sure about where, when and how to travel, you are not alone – with Kenya offering so many incredible options, it’s perfectly normal to feel a bit lost for choice, especially if you are a first-time visitor.
That’s where we come in. Get in touch with one of our experienced travel experts, and we’ll help you navigate every step. Together, we’ll design a safari that fits your travel style, interests, and budget – making sure your first trip to Kenya is exactly what you imagined, and more.
Recommended Tours
Not sure where to begin or where to go for your safari in Kenya? Here are a few of our most popular safari tours to inspire your adventure.
The Kenya Classic Safari takes you to the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo West and Lake Naivasha over seven days – perfect for first-time visitors.
For something more exclusive, a Fly-in Safari to Mara North Conservancy offers luxury lodges and breathtaking scenery with minimal travel time and away from the crowds.
Looking for a longer and more diverse journey? Our 8-day Savannah and Sea Safari not only includes several of the best parks in the country – Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli, and Tsavo West – but you’ll also get the chance to unwind and laze by the Indian Ocean at the end of your trip.
Here are some favorite safaris in Kenya
Kenya – Savannah and Sea
Places Masai Mara National Reserve, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli National Park, Tsavo West National Park, ends in Diani Beach
from 2,790 USD per person sharing
Luxury Bush Camp Experience – Fly-In Safari
Places Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Mara North Conservancy, Masai Mara National Reserve
from 7,115 USD (based on 2 persons)
Final Tips and Takeaways on How to Book a Safari in Kenya
It is easy to get lost in the wide variety of options when booking a safari in Kenya; however, if you stick to the following questions to ask a tour operator – or yourself – it is equally easy to make the process a joy and a breeze:
What type of safari suits your ideas and budget?
What’s the fine print and what’s included?
Have you sorted your travel insurance, vaccinations, and your visas (ETA)?
Make sure to plan ahead and book early, especially during peak season. If done right, planning is already part of the journey!
Conclusion
Hopefully this has given you a baseline idea on how to book a safari in Kenya. For many this is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure – and with the right planning, it can be a smooth, safe, and truly unforgettable experience from start to finish.
From choosing when to book and travel to selecting experienced and trusted operators and the right type of safari to match your style, every decision shapes your journey.
We are on the ground in Kenya and can advise you on recommended safaris and itineraries.
When you book with us, our expert team will guide you through every step of how to book a safari in Kenya. Get in touch with us for a no-obligation consultation today!
Author: Christina Leitner
