Kenya safaris from Nairobi

The ideal time for a safari from Nairobi largely depends on what you hope to see. For prime wildlife viewing, the dry season between June and October is generally the best. When it’s dry, animals are drawn to the remaining water sources, making them easier to spot.

Bird enthusiasts may prefer the wet season from November to May when migratory species are present. During this time, you’ll experience a special atmosphere thanks to the landscapes being lush and green.

Temperatures in Nairobi – situated at 1,795 metres (5,889 ft) above sea level – are fairly moderate year-round. However, expect mornings and evenings to be cool.

For the famous Great Migration in the Masai Mara, the months of July to October offer the most dramatic action.

Ultimately, the ideal time depends on personal preferences regarding crowd sizes, weather conditions, and the wildlife experiences you seek. Early booking is recommended for trips throughout the year, but particularly during peak months.

Several remarkable safari destinations are easily accessible from Nairobi, the closest one being Nairobi National Park.

Only a short drive from the city centre, it offers a convenient and rewarding day safari. Despite the proximity to the city, you’ll be able to spot iconic African wildlife – with Nairobi’s skyline as a backdrop.

For longer excursions, Amboseli National Park is about four to five hours away. It is famous for its large elephant herds and stunning, unobstructed views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

The Ol Pejeta Conservancy is another excellent choice, known for rhino conservation and chimpanzee sanctuary.

For the ultimate safari adventure, Masai Mara is Kenya’s crown jewel. Approximately five to six hours from Nairobi, it offers unparalleled wildlife sightings, including the Big Five. Each destination has its unique charm, so the best choice depends on the time you have and your specific interests.

The Masai Mara National Reserve is approximately 270 to 280 kilometres southwest of Nairobi. By road, it generally takes around five to six hours to reach the area.

The exact duration not only depends on traffic, weather conditions, but also the exact lodge or camp you are visiting. If you decide to opt on a road safari, we will take you in our comfortable 4×4 vehicles, making the journey scenic and enjoyable.

For those pressed for time, domestic flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to several airstrips within the Mara are also available.

While road travel allows for a more leisurely and immersive experience, fly-in safaris are a great option. By reducing travel time to about an hour they are ideal for those wanting to maximise their time in the reserve.

From the road or from the air: Whichever method you choose, the journey itself offers a glimpse into Kenya’s beautiful landscapes and rural life.

Yes, one-day safaris from Nairobi are popular and highly feasible, particularly to nearby parks. These include Nairobi National Park – the world’s only safari destination within city limits and Lake Naivasha, only a few hours away from Nairobi and very popular with families.

Trips to either destination typically start early in the morning and return in the late afternoon or evening. This allows you enough time to experience wildlife without committing to an overnight stay.

A one-day safari is ideal for anyone with limited time, like business travellers seeking a brief escape from the city.

Due to the relatively short travel time, one-day safaris are also popular with families. Guided tours usually include game drives, park fees, and lunch, providing a comprehensive safari experience.

While short safaris cannot match the extensive wildlife viewing of multi-day trips, they still offer memorable encounters.

Yes, Kenya Experience safari packages from Nairobi include transportation, ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey to your chosen destination.

Depending on the package, this may involve a private 4×4 with an experienced driver-guide familiar with local wildlife and routes, or a transfer to the domestic airport.

Domestic flights from Nairobi to nearby airstrips can be arranged and included in certain packages. By providing transport from Nairobi to your destination we remove the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads.

Your driver guide on any of our road safaris will be an experienced member of our guide team, who will soon become a valued member of your group, sharing deep knowledge of wildlife, culture, and landscapes, ensuring your journey is safe, engaging, and filled with unforgettable moments along the way.

This allows you to relax and focus on enjoying your safari experience from the very start of your journey. Nairobi is also the perfect starting point for itineraries including several national parks. This, for instance, allows you to discover the Great Rift Valley or go on a Kenyan camping adventure.

Our safari packages from Nairobi are designed to offer an all-inclusive experience tailored to your needs.

Typical inclusions are transport to and from your hotel, experienced driver-guides, park entry fees, game drives, and accommodation. Depending on the package, accommodation is usually provided at lodges or tented camps.

During the safari, meals and refreshments are usually provided, along with bottled water. At high end lodges on luxury safaris many alcoholic beverages are also included. Optional extras may include cultural visits, walking safaris, or hot air balloon rides.

We ensure that all our vehicles are equipped with charging points, first aid kits, and comfortable seating for wildlife viewing.

With group sizes limited to seven people, window seats are guaranteed for every guest. Packages are crafted to combine adventure and relaxation with expert guidance throughout your journey.

This is how we are able to deliver a seamless and memorable safari experience from the moment you leave Nairobi. Contact our team of travel experts to find the perfect itinerary for your Kenyan safari adventure.

You can absolutely customise your safari itinerary starting from Nairobi. Kenya-Experience’s tailor-made safaris allow you flexibility with every aspect of your adventure.

This includes duration, destinations, activities, accommodation type and even transport, with every aspect matching your interests and schedule. From short day trips to Nairobi National Park to multi-day explorations combining several parks, we can design a personalised itinerary. You may want to opt for a fly-in safari to reach destinations further afield from Nairobi – almost everything is possible.

Special requests, such as private guides, photography-focused tours or bird watching experiences, can also be accommodated. By creating a bespoke itinerary, you can enjoy the safari experience you’ve always dreamed of.

Our travel experts ensure that every tailor-made journey is crafted to reflect personal preferences. From travel style and pace, you can expect a truly personal and seamless safari from start to finish.

Our office is nestled in the leafy suburb of Karen, bordering Nairobi National Park. Our team lives and breathes safari, passionate for the wildlife we see on a daily basis.

Being on the ground in Kenya, with proximity to all major safari destinations ensures that our travel experts have deep local knowledge. It allows us to provide real-time insights, personalised recommendations, and authentic experiences. This ensures every safari and adventure is carefully crafted to showcase the best of the country.

For any enquiries or to book your safari, you can contact us online or ask for a consultation call.

To ensure seamless journeys from Nairobi to Kenya’s world-renowned wildlife destinations, our team is committed to providing professional, personalised service.

Absolutely! Combining a safari from Nairobi with a relaxing beach holiday is one of the best ways to experience Kenya’s incredible diversity. Nairobi’s central location makes it easy to travel from the country’s top safari destinations, such as the Masai Mara, Amboseli, or Tsavo National Park, straight to the palm-fringed beaches of the Indian Ocean.

After thrilling days of game drives and wildlife encounters, you can unwind on Kenya’s stunning coast — from Diani Beach to Watamu or Malindi – where turquoise waters and soft white sands await.

Our Kenya – Savannah and Sea Tour is the perfect example of this combination. Starting from Nairobi, you’ll explore some of Kenya’s most iconic parks before journeying towards the coast. Book your return flight home from Mombasa International Airport to enjoy the most efficient and seamless flight combination for your Kenya safari and beach holiday.

It’s the ideal balance of adventure and relaxation, allowing you to experience Kenya’s wildlife, landscapes, and beaches all in one unforgettable trip.