8-Day Kenya Safari Tours

4.6/5 – 897 Kenya Reviews

For an 8-day safari, you can’t go wrong with Kenya. The everchanging landscapes form a dramatic backdrop to the animal life in its mosaic of parks and reserves. Kenya’s well-known highlights include the wildebeest migration on the open plains of the Masai Mara National Reserve, and Amboseli National Park’s elephants walking in front of Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain. But then you might prefer a safari with a difference. Perhaps cycling with wildlife in Hell’s Gate National Park or watching animals in the forest from a tree-hotel balcony in the Aberdares. Wherever you go, take a moment to talk with the people. Their stories will make your trip even more memorable.

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6 Questions About 8-Day Kenya Safaris

Expert

Answered by

Ariadne van Zandbergen

Ariadne is a renowned Africa expert and photographer. She and her husband form a team who write and update many travel guides. She first visited Kenya 28 years ago. Since then she has been back many times to explore the country’s parks and reserves.

› More about Ariadne

Is 8 days enough time for a safari in Kenya?

“No safari is ever too long, but 8 days is enough time to experience a Kenya safari to the fullest. There are lots of parks and reserves in Kenya and you can’t see everything in one trip, so you’ll have to make some choices. Wherever you go, don’t be tempted to cram too much into your itinerary. Rather than move camps every day, spend quality time in a few places. Ideally you should spend 2 or 3 nights in each place. It gives you a chance to settle in and have a rest in the middle of the day between game drives.”

How much does an 8-day safari in Kenya cost?

“An 8-day camping tour starts at about US$900 per person. Mid-range lodge tours start at US$1800 per person. The sky is the limit for luxury tours, but they start at around US$2500 per person. As there are a lot of elements that influence the price of a safari, you should narrow down your priorities before getting a few quotes. Kenya is a relatively affordable safari destination. There are packages available for every budget. Joining a group camping safari is the most cost-effective solution, but a private camping tour is more flexible while still being budget-friendly. However, if you prefer some creature comforts after an eventful day out in the bush, you can choose between a big range of accommodation options as well. It’s not only the comfort level that determines the price. The exclusivity is a big factor too. Some camps are as small as six or eight units. Although it is possible to drive between parks and reserves, a fly-in safari cuts out the long bumpy drives and is overall more time efficient. This obviously comes at a higher cost. Last but not least is the time of the year you wish to travel in. You’ll be able to get a cheaper deal if you’re willing to travel out of season. Although you’ll probably see some rain at this time, it’s worth considering. Not only is the ‘Emerald season’ the most beautiful time of the year, the birding is at its best and there are generally fewer visitors around. ”

Can I combine an 8-day safari in Kenya with a gorilla trek?

“It is easy to extend your 8-day safari with a gorilla trek. Most Kenyan safaris begin and end in Nairobi, the capital city and a major transport hub in East Africa. Gorilla trekking is available in Rwanda and Uganda, and both are good options for an add-on. The experience is very similar in both countries, but Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is easiest to reach (it’s only a couple of hours’ drive from Kigali, your point of entry in Rwanda). If you enjoy hiking, you might want to extend your stay here. Volcano hikes and golden monkey trekking are also available.”

Where should I go on an 8-day safari in Kenya?

“Wherever you go on an 8-day safari in Kenya, you’re bound to have a good time. The savannah of the Masai Mara NR offers fantastic wildlife viewing throughout the year. It’s one of the best places in Africa to see big cats. Time your stay carefully and you might be able to witness the wildebeest migration, an adrenaline-heightening experience of a lifetime. The private reserves and conservancies on Laikipia Plateau offer a different kind of safari away from the crowds. Here you’ll find some of Kenya’s most exclusive lodges, and access is mostly restricted to fly-in visitors. Elephant-lovers shouldn’t miss out on Amboseli NP. You’ll see some very big tusks here, and on a clear day you might catch a herd walking across the plains below the snow-capped peaks of Mt Kilimanjaro. Head to northern Kenya for an off-the-beaten-track safari. Samburu National Reserve’s arid environment is home to many specials, including reticulated giraffe and gerenuk. Elephants can be seen digging holes in dry riverbeds in search of water, and habituated leopards regularly steal the show. Further north lies Lake Turkana, also known as the Jade Sea. This remote Rift Valley lake is the ultimate destination for intrepid travelers wanting to get away from it all. ”

What is the best time of the year for an 8-day safari in Kenya?

“Kenya can be visited throughout the year. However, the best time for wildlife viewing is the Dry season, from late June to October. As water gets scarce in the bush, animals that are usually spread out congregate around rivers and waterholes. Although November to March sees some rain, there are benefits in going on safari over this period as well. The bush is green and the sky is free of dust at this time. Birding is at its best and there are usually lots of baby animals around. As this is the low season, you might be able to get a bargain price for your holiday. April and May are the wettest months and some parks and reserves close over this period. Even if they don’t, access roads and tracks in the parks can be bad after heavy downpours.”

What are my chances of seeing the Big Five on an 8-day safari in Kenya?

“You’ll have a very good chance of seeing all of the Big Five (elephant, lion, buffalo, rhino and leopard) and much more on an 8-day safari in Kenya. Where you go is important though as some parks and reserves offer better chances to see certain animals. Even then, every safari is different and there is no way of predicting exactly what you’ll see; there are no guaranteed sightings. The Masai Mara NR is home to the Big Five, but you’ll need to stay in the remote Mara Triangle part of the reserve to have a decent chance of seeing black rhino. Another option is to schedule an overnight stop at Lake Nakuru National Park, where you should see plenty of rhinos, en route to the Mara. The Laikipia reserves, including Ol Pejeta Conservancy, offer great Big Five wildlife viewing too. Rhinos are particularly common here, and all big cats are regularly seen. Tsavo East National Park is also home to the Big Five, and elephants are prolific, but you might struggle seeing rhino and leopard here. Even if you don’t get to spot all of the Big Five, you’ll definitely get to see a good variety of animals on your holiday. Quality sightings are in the end more rewarding than chasing the Big Five, so never let it dominate your thinking.”

Kenya Safari Reviews

4.6/5 897 Reviews

Expert

Brian Jackman –

Brian is an award winning travel writer, author of safari books and regular contributor to magazines such as BBC Wildlife and Travel Africa.

Africa for Beginners

5/5

Kenya is so easy to get to - just eight hours away by air from London. Fly overnight and you can be in the bush in good time for lunch. Even before you arrive in Nairobi you can see giraffes wandering under the flight path in the city’s...

Full Review

Expert

Mike Unwin –

Mike is an award winning wildlife writer, editor of Travel Zambia magazine and author of the Bradt Guide to Southern African Wildlife.

The home of safari

5/5

Kenya, to most people, is safari. This is where it all began, after all, and from Out of Africa to Big Cat Diary the country has provided the images that define the visitor’s idea of Africa. Certainly, when it comes to game viewing, this...

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Ryan S. –

Reviewed: Jul 26, 2021

Majestic

5/5

This was by far the greatest trip I have ever experience. Seeing these animals in person, staying at the lodges Bonfire paired me with, and having a great experience with our driver Tony was everything. Thank you for making my dream Africa...

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Shelmith –

Reviewed: Oct 14, 2020

Kenya is amazing!!

5/5

Safari bookings took us to this amazing hotel ,ole sereni hotel which was close to wildlife.there was an amazing scenic view I would never forget .the roof top was exceptionally beautiful .We went Nairobi national park, we had an...

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John –

Reviewed: Jul 20, 2020

All we hoped for and more.

5/5

Our Kenya holiday was everything we hoped for and more, thrilling fascinating breathtaking emotional and beautiful. The thrills came from spotting the many different animals we were lucky enough to spot on our game drives and a visit to...

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MD –

Reviewed: May 20, 2020

Kenya Safari- Masai Mara and Amboseli- January 2020

4/5

Went on two 3 day safari's in Kenya, first to the Masai Mara and the second to Amboseli. All in all the two trips were good value given the low price, I've listed the pros and cons below. Pro's- -Amazing scenery and wildlife, you cannot...

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6 Questions About 8-Day Kenya Safaris

Answered by

Ariadne van Zandbergen

6 Questions About 8-Day Kenya Safaris

Is 8 days enough time for a safari in Kenya?

How much does an 8-day safari in Kenya cost?

Can I combine an 8-day safari in Kenya with a gorilla trek?

Where should I go on an 8-day safari in Kenya?

What is the best time of the year for an 8-day safari in Kenya?

What are my chances of seeing the Big Five on an 8-day safari in Kenya?

Kenya Safari Reviews

Africa for Beginners

The home of safari

Majestic

Kenya is amazing!!

All we hoped for and more.

Kenya Safari- Masai Mara and Amboseli- January 2020