The birthplace of the safari, Kenya is a world-class wildlife destination, recommended both for experienced safari-goers and for those booking a first-time safari. The peerless Masai Mara National Reserve offers excellent big cat encounters and is the setting for the yearly zebra and . Palm-lined beaches offer a perfect place to relax after a thrilling safari.
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Rates
(USD)
- $184 to $706 pp/day
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Best Time To Go
- June to October and January and February
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High Season
- June to October and December to March
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Size
- 580,367km² / 224,081mi²
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Pros & Cons
- Excellent wildlife viewing, including the annual
- A wide variety of habitats and scenery
- Beautiful beaches with plenty of resorts to choose from
- Traditional cultures
- Excellent service and well-run tourism industry
- The main tourist attractions can be crowded
- Limited opportunities for boat and
Wildlife
Kenya is one of Africa’s most rewarding safari destinations. Elephant, buffalo and giraffe are common throughout, and hippos and crocodiles frequent the big rivers. Big cats are plentiful as well. Rhino, although scarce in the Masai Mara, are common on Laikipia Plateau, and in Lake Nakuru and Nairobi National Parks. Of course, it’s the wildebeest and zebra who really put on a show here, with the incredible annual migration.
More about the wildlife
Things To Do
Kenya’s parks and reserves are perfect for guided and self-guided . Boat safaris are also possible in Lake Nakuru National Park. , , community visits and horseback riding can be enjoyed in the private or community conservancies. Kenya also has an incredible coastline lined with beaches (where you can relax, dive or snorkel) and historic ruins, while Mombasa is an exciting city to explore.
Weather & Climate
Because of its equatorial location, Kenya has Wet and Dry seasons, rather than summer and winter. The wetter months (November to May) are characterized by very warm temperatures of around 30°C/86°F, with sticky humid conditions down along the coast. The drier months (June to October) have cold nights and mornings, and fairly pleasant afternoons. Altitude is also important: temperatures drop about 6°C/3.5°F for every 1,000m/1,000ft the higher you go.
More about the weather and climate
Best Time To Visit
The Dry season (June to October) is best for wildlife viewing. This is when the thins out, making animals more visible as they head for the nearest . This is also when the wildebeest and zebra pass through (between July or August and October). The Wet season (November to May) has incredible birding as species arrive, fantastically green scenery, lots of newborn animals and cheaper low-season rates.
More about the best time to visit
Premier Parks & Reserves
- Masai Mara NR – Classic safaris
- Amboseli NP – Classic safaris
- Lake Nakuru NP – Classic safaris
- Samburu NR – Classic safaris
- Tsavo West NP – Classic safaris
- Tsavo East NP – Classic safaris
- Buffalo Springs NR – Classic safaris
- All 31 Kenya Parks & Reserves