Thinking about your first Kenya safari? Kenya is known as Africa’s safari capital and offers an amazing range of landscapes. It’s easy to get to and has plenty of excellent lodges and camps. If you’re dreaming of seeing incredible wildlife and beautiful scenery, Kenya is a great choice. You’ll find world-class game viewing on open plains filled with animals, all set against a backdrop of distant mountains.
Why Choose Kenya for Your First Safari?
For the first-time visitor to Africa, Kenya is the perfect destination. From amazing scenery and incredible diversity of wildlife, to a sophisticated safari system, knowledgeable guides, and a range of comfortable accommodations from luxury tented camps to safari lodges.
A Kenya safari is very popular because of the wide range of options it offers. While you could be visiting on a holiday in the north of Kenya, you could be driving through open plains, relaxed lake shores, or dense wilderness. Wildlife viewing is another option that is extremely varied and also abundant. The Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) can be tracked and seen in several of Kenya’s national parks.
Top Safari Destinations in Kenya
Maasai Mara National Reserve
With most Kenya safaris focusing on the wildlife, the Maasai Mara never fails to deliver with an abundance of animals and the chance to see a variety of predators, including the kings of the jungle, the male lion, the most elusive of cats, the leopard, and the speediest of all, the cheetah, even hunting in full view.
For those visiting from July to October, there is a chance of seeing parts of the Great Migration, when great herds of wildebeest and zebra may be migrating into Kenya from Tanzania.
Amboseli National Park
Known for its large herds of elephant and dramatic scenery of snow-topped Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli offers a truly unique safari experience. With the vast open plains, the chances of spotting a wide variety of species are excellent.
Lake Nakuru National Park
There is an amazing amount of birdlife as well as a huge Flamingo population. As well as the black-and-white Rhino, it is a great destination to see these creatures up close. Due to the National Park’s small size, you can fit a lot into your stay.
Samburu National Reserve
Alternatively, you could head North to the Samburu area, which is drier and more inhospitable than the rest of the country but is home to species not found in other reserves, such as the rare Grevy’s zebra and the reticulated giraffe.
What Wildlife Can You Expect?
A Kenya safari offers countless opportunities to view the Big Five (lion, buffalo, leopard, rhino, and elephant) as well as many other creatures, such as giraffe, zebra, antelope, hyena, and hippos. And, of course, over 1,000 species of birds.
There’s nothing quite like watching Africa’s predators in their natural habitat. Rather than waiting for prey to come to them, moments of excitement can occur when a pride of lions goes on the hunt, or even when a solitary cheetah stalks its unsuspecting victim.
Tips for First-Time Safari Travelers
- Outfit planning is a must: stick to a palette of neutral tones and the comfiest footwear at all times.
- Sunscreen and binoculars are a must for taking in the sweeping views of the ocean.
- It is a good idea to drive the Wildlife Drive at either the start or end of the day, when most wildlife is most active.
- Patience is a precious commodity when visiting Natural Wonders, as fair weather and the timing of seasonal events are often beyond your control.
- Plan your Safari with local Safari Experts and Tour Operators; many expert safari planners have put together great itineraries.
Planning Your Kenya Safari
There are several things to think about when planning your Kenya safari. The time of year, where you want to go, and the type of camp or lodge you prefer will all shape your experience. We can help you plan a classic Big Five safari, follow the wildebeest migration, or explore some of Kenya’s quieter, less-visited areas for great wildlife viewing.
