Kenya

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Kenya offers a remarkable blend of amazing wildlife experiences and a vibrant cultural mosaic, with over 40 different tribes contributing to its rich heritage.

The country is known for its exceptional national parks and game reserves, showcasing a variety of diverse ecosystems. From snow-capped peaks and semi-arid deserts to lush rainforests, acacia-strewn savannahs, flamingo-filled lakes, and white palm-lined beaches and coral reefs, Kenya’s landscapes are as diverse as they are captivating. Positioned along the equator, Kenya experiences a pleasant year-round climate and boasts a well-developed infrastructure. Visitors can choose from a range of excellent accommodations, including hotels, lodges, luxury camps, tree hotels, and even exclusive mobile camps situated in prime wildlife areas.

Kenya is also famed for the Great Migration, a breathtaking natural spectacle unique to East Africa. In the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem, over two million wildebeests, zebras, and other herbivores migrate in a continuous cycle, following the rains in search of greener pastures.

When to Visit

Kenya is a year-round destination, offering unique experiences throughout the year.

Best time to go: June to October, December to March
Best value time to go: April, May, and November

January–February: Hot and dry, with animals congregating around water sources, making for excellent game viewing. Rift Valley lakes host large concentrations of birdlife during this period.

March–May (Green Season): Rain falls in brief showers interspersed with sunshine, transforming the landscape into a lush, green paradise. Many travellers find this a refreshing and beautiful time to visit.

July–September: These cooler months coincide with the spectacular wildebeest migration, a natural wonder unique to East Africa. During this time, the Masai Mara grasslands are teeming with vast herds of wildebeest, creating unforgettable safari experiences.

October–January: Warm days and cool evenings make for pleasant travel conditions. Short rains in November freshen up the countryside, while this period is also ideal for snorkelling and diving along Kenya’s coast.

Kenya's Top Attractions

Nairobi

Nairobi, the capital city, is the starting point for most tours of Kenya. Key attractions include Nairobi National Park, 10 km from the city center, and the Karen Blixen Museum, part of her former coffee estate and featured in 'Out of Africa'. Other highlights are the Giraffe Centre, home to endangered Rothschild giraffes, Daphne Sheldrick's animal orphanage for elephants and rhinos, the refurbished National Museum, and the open-air Maasai markets.

Amboseli National Park

Amboseli, located south of Nairobi, sits at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak. The snow-capped Kilimanjaro provides a stunning backdrop to the reserve, which is rich in wildlife including lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, cheetahs, and buffaloes. The park's five main habitats are open plains, acacia woodlands, rocky thorn bush areas, swamps and marshlands, and Lake Amboseli, a temporary lake that attracts diverse bird species when it floods. The Tanzania border forms the park's boundary. Nearby, the Chyulu Hills, a chain of volcanic hills, offer excellent hiking and horse riding safari opportunities.

Tsavo East and West National Parks

Tsavo East and West Parks cover 21,812 square kilometers, making them one of the world's largest game sanctuaries. Tsavo East, a unique wilderness, features arid deserts and diverse wildlife. Wildlife viewing here is challenging but rewarding. Tsavo West offers varied habitats, from forests and desert plains to riverine groves and Shetani's lava flows. The park has a small rhino sanctuary for the endangered black rhino. The highlight is Mzima Springs, with raffia palms, fig trees, and an underwater observation post to see crocodiles and hippos up close.

The Laikipia Region, Lewa Conservancy & Mount Kenya

The Laikipia region boasts game-rich grasslands and hills stretching from Mount Kenya to the northern deserts. Private game reserves and local communities form a vast wildlife haven. The Lewa Conservancy, a conservation success, houses over sixty black and white rhinoceros. Game viewing in Laikipia and Lewa is exceptional, available via safari vehicles, on foot, or on camel or horse safaris. Visitors can also enjoy cultural visits, scenic flights, private mobile camps, fly camping, and stargazing. The Ol Pejeta Conservancy, with its chimpanzee sanctuary, is another conservation success. The Mt. Kenya Safari Club and the nearby Aberdares, known for their rich alpine landscapes and rare bongos, are also notable attractions.

Lake Turkana

Lake Turkana National Parks is a UNESCO World Heritage site with three parks: Sibiloi, Central Island, and Southern Island. This off-the-beaten-track destination is accessible by private charter. The area is a key stop for migratory birds and a breeding ground for Nile crocodiles and hippopotamuses. Sibiloi, on the lake's eastern shore, is famous for Australopithecus fossils. The volcanic islands are known for their crocodiles. Lake Turkana is the world's largest permanent desert lake, largest alkaline lake, and fourth largest salt lake.

Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves

Located in northern Kenya, Samburu, Buffalo Springs, and Shaba National Reserves rely on the Uaso Nyiro River for survival. This semi-arid area offers excellent game viewing, with animals like the Beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, and gerenuk antelope gathering near the river. Visitors may also spot elephants, buffalo, lions, and leopards, along with over 400 bird species. The reserves are home to the Samburu tribe, related to the Maasai, who practice a nomadic, cattle-herding lifestyle. Private sanctuaries in the region collaborate with the Samburu to protect their land and wildlife.

Meru National Park

Meru is a lesser-known gem with diverse habitats such as forests, swamps, and savannahs, all fed by streams from the Tana River. The park features thick forests, tall grass, Doum palms, rolling hills, and kopjes. It is famous for being the site where the lioness Elsa from Born Free was returned to the wild.

Great Rift Valley & Lakes Region

Descending into the Rift Valley, you'll see Mount Longonot and Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake with thick papyrus. Hell's Gate National Park, next to Lake Naivasha, is known for its red cliffs, steam vents, and springs. Further down you will find Lake Elementaita, a small soda lake nestled in the eastern sweep of the Great Rift Valley. Lake Nakuru is famous for its thousands of pink flamingos together with frequent sightings of leopards, and rhinos. Lake Bogoria, surrounded by volcanic ranges, and Lake Baringo, with its soda waters and geysers, attract flamingos, birds, and wildlife.

Masai Mara National Reserve

The northern part of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem, this reserve boasts a diverse range of wildlife and big game. The incredible wildebeest migration occurring between July and September in the Mara. This natural event may variy slightly each year as it is an act of nature and involves over two million animals migrating within Tanzania and Kenya in a year round pattern as the animals follow he rain and greener pastures. Predators thrive during this time, creating dramatic scenes. Beyond wildlife, visitors can explore Kenya's cultural heritage by visiting Maasai villages to learn about their traditions and community. Lake Victoria, the world's second-largest freshwater lake, is a short trip from the Mara, offering activities like fishing, water sports, and visits to Luo tribe fishing villages.

Coastal Kenya

The Kenyan coast features palm-fringed white sand beaches and Indian Ocean waters meeting beautiful coral reefs. Mombasa, Kenya's second-largest town, blends African, Asian, and Arabic cultures. Malindi and Watamu are perfect for deep sea fishing. The coastal area has a colourful history and some of the highlights of this area include the 16th-century Fort Jesus, old town, and dhow harbour. Protective reefs create calm beaches with world-class diving in coral gardens and there are activities available such as water skiing, windsurfing, and deep sea fishing. Lamu, an ancient Arab island, offers historic mosques, narrow streets, and no cars. There are alos other smaller islands to explore.

Exciting new holidays coming in 2025 ... watch this space!