Known as the “land of the original safari”, Kenya offers some of the finest game viewing in Africa, its vast savannahs home to an extraordinary wealth of wildlife. Picture the Masai Mara, where the Great Migration thunders across the plains and lions, elephants, and rhinos roam in their natural habitat. In Laikipia, rolling hills and quiet woodlands set the scene for intimate, exclusive game drives, while Amboseli’s open plains frame striking views of Mount Kilimanjaro as herds of elephants move across the horizon. For a different perspective entirely, drift above it all on a hot air balloon safari and watch the migration unfold beneath you.
Yet Kenya is far more than its iconic safaris. Visit a traditional Maasai village to learn about a way of life deeply rooted in the land. Beyond the savannahs, Kenya’s coastline invites exploration: Diani Beach, with its coral reefs and clear waters, is ideal for snorkeling or simply unwinding by the sea. Our specialists will shape your journey with care, handpicking the finest luxury lodges and experiences. The story of your trip unfolds naturally, one unforgettable scene at a time.
When it comes to a Kenya safari, the Masai Mara is the jewel of the safari crown. To enhance your safari experience, I’d recommend staying further north of the Reserve – in one of the Mara Conservancies. With a larger choice of game-viewing activities and a maximum of 5 vehicles per sighting, it’s more exclusive.
Below, you’ll find a selection of sample safari itineraries to inspire your dream tour. Think of these as a starting point — every itinerary is bespoke, and we’ll carefully curate yours around what you want to see and do.
Whatever you want from your dream vacation to Kenya, our team of travel specialists and regional experts is ready to help.
Kenya is a country of beautifully bold contrasts. The Great African Rift Valley is a dramatic ridge that runs through Kenya, from north to south. Over thousands of years, this Rift Valley formed monumental geographic landmarks that still shape the country today – from mountain peaks that dominate the skies, to glacial lakes that sparkle under the African sun. An incredibly diverse and rich number of wildlife – from elephants to crocodiles – calls these plains, forests, and lakes home.
Luxury safaris in Kenya are regarded one of the best in Africa. The Masai Mara National Reserve is arguably the best game-viewing in Kenya, if not Africa! Morning and afternoon game drives here offer incredibly reliable sightings of animals like elephant, lion, hippo, hyena, leopard, giraffe, cheetah, and much more. The Masai Mara shares the same ecosystem as the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, so between the months of July and September, the wildebeest migration herds can be seen in the Masai Mara.
There are plenty of safari activities you can do across Kenya. Of course, game drives are offered across all national parks and reserves. Night drives are also offered in some privately-owned conservancies which is a great opportunity to see species like genets, servals, and porcupines. Other parks, like Amboseli, the Laikipia Plateau and Samburu offer activities like cultural visits, fly camping, and walking safaris.
Kenya is home to a diverse mix of regions, from the iconic Masai Mara National Reserve to remote northern reserves and the Indian Ocean coast.
Laikipia Plateau in central Kenya, served by Lewa, Nanyuki, and Loisaba airstrips, offers distinct experiences and active adventures. Ideal for families, it features river tubing, quad biking, night drives, camel riding, and stunning vistas.
Laikipia Plateau
Samburu National Reserve, in Kenya’s Rift Valley, provides exceptional safaris. Look for the “Samburu Five” – Grevy Zebra, Somali Ostrich, Reticulated Giraffe, Gerenuk, Beisa Oryx, alongside elephant, lion, leopard, antelope, and sometimes wild dogs around the Ewaso Nyiro River.
Samburu National Reserve
Kenya’s eastern coast, near Mombasa, boasts stunning white-sand beaches. Diani Beach, north and south of Mombasa, appeals to families, honeymooners, and water-sports lovers. Conveniently combine it with a Kenyan safari for a relaxing post-safari escape.
The Kenyan Coast
Southern Kenya’s Masai Mara is an iconic safari destination, renowned for its abundant wildlife. It boasts exceptional game viewing, including big cats and the incredible wildebeest migration from July to November.
Masai Mara National Reserve
Amboseli National Park, the ‘Land of the Giants,’ hosts vast elephant populations and some of Africa’s largest tuskers. It offers excellent wildlife sightings, with a backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, making it a superb standalone or combined safari destination.
Amboseli National Park
Nairobi, Kenya’s safari launch point, offers more than hotels. Must-see spots include the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for orphaned elephants, the Giraffe Center, and the Karen Blixen museum. Consider a unique start at Giraffe Manor, known as one of the world’s most incredible hotels, offering breakfast with giraffes. Reservations fill up quickly.
NairobiFor more inspiration, take a look at our guide Where to go in Kenya
The best time to visit Kenya is during the dry seasons from July to October and January to February. These months offer prime game viewing in the Masai Mara and other national parks, with daytime temperatures averaging 25–28°C (77–82°F).
Early mornings can feel cooler at around 12–15°C (54–59°F), before warming quickly, making light layers ideal for game drives and relaxed afternoons in camp between activities.
For more information, view our guide When to visit Kenya
Kenya is one of the most iconic safari destinations in Africa, and rightly so. Open plains give way to freshwater lakes, Indian Ocean beaches, and mountain peaks of the Rift Valley, creating a destination that rewards both adventure and downtime.
The Masai Mara is home to an exceptional amount of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, and many more. Visit the Masai Mara between the months of July and November, and you’ll witness the famous wildebeest migration – an annual pilgrimage of over 1.5 million wildebeest which has to be seen to be believed.
The Masai Mara is home to an exceptional amount of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, and many more. Visit the Masai Mara between the months of July and November, and you’ll witness the famous wildebeest migration – an annual pilgrimage of over 1.5 million wildebeest which has to be seen to be believed.
With just four rooms, Loisaba Star Beds delivers one of Kenya’s most memorable nights under the sky. Each hand-crafted four-poster bed is gently wheeled onto a private veranda after dark, inviting you to fall asleep beneath a canopy of stars, with discreet nearby bathroom facilities and a mosquito net ensuring comfort throughout the night.
Seven to 10 nights will allow ample time to enjoy multiple game drives, settle into camp, and visit different regions. Longer trips of 11 to 14 nights are ideal if you are combining several parks, visiting the Kenyan coast, or pairing Kenya with another destination.
A great place to start is determining which animal sighting(s) you’d like to experience (e.g. the great migration) or activities you’d like to experience (e.g. walking safari, night game drives, hot air balloons). We can advise which time of year to go based on the above and more.
A typical day usually starts at 5:30am with plenty of tea/coffee. You’ll head out on your sunrise game drive around 6:30am for prime wildlife sightings, returning around midday for lunch, and/or a swim and a siesta. Afternoon game drives take place around 4:00pm. On average, a luxury Kenya safari will include around seven to eight hours on safari.
Lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing is best for a safari tour. Think breathable long sleeves, trousers, a warm layer for early mornings, and comfortable closed walking shoes. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are useful, while brighter colours and dark blues are best avoided on game drives.
A luxury safari in Kenya typically starts from around $800 to $1,200 per person per day, depending on season, regions visited and accommodation style. As a guide, a seven-night luxury safari in the Masai Mara National Reserve starts from around $7,500 per person, including internal flights, accommodation, guiding, park fees, and most meals.
Longer itineraries combining multiple parks or adding the coast usually range from $10,000 to $13,000 per person.
There are no compulsory vaccinations for entry to Kenya when traveling from the US, unless you are arriving from a yellow fever risk country, in which case certification is required. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and polio are commonly recommended, and malaria prevention is advised for most safari areas. Travel medical insurance is essential and always consult your doctor before departure, as guidance can vary depending on your personal medical history.
Kenya uses the Kenyan shilling, abbreviated to KES. Cash is widely accepted for small purchases like souvenirs, while major hotels, safari lodges, and restaurants in Kenya will usually accept US dollars and credit cards.
Yes, Kenya is an outstanding choice for a honeymoon, particularly for couples drawn to wildlife, space, and connections to nature at its finest. Iconic safari regions such as the Masai Mara National Reserve offer sweeping views and close-up encounters with elephants, lions, giraffes, and many more incredible creatures.
Kenya lends itself well to honeymoons because it combines safaris with beach stays so easily. You can fly from a morning game drive straight to the Indian Ocean coast, spending evenings on white-sand beaches in places like Diani or Mombasa. Many safari camps also specialise in couples, arranging private bush dinners, romantic candlelit breakfasts, and thoughtful touches throughout your stay.
For more ideas, explore our Luxury Kenya Honeymoons page.
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