Kenya

World Class Safari’s, Diverse Nature Reserves and Idyllic Beaches

Why Visit Kenya

Kenya offers a kaleidoscope of experiences. Embark on a bucket list safari in the Maasai Mara witnessing the Big Five and the world famous Great Migration. Or venture further and explore diverse terrains and relax on pristine beaches straddling the Indian Ocean.

Immerse yourself in rich cultures of vibrant tribes and take on adventure activities including hot air ballooning and trekking.

Kenya’s blend of wildlife, natural beauty, culture, and adventure crafts an unforgettable tapestry of discovery and adventure in the heart of Africa.

Great Migration
Great Migration
Maasai Mara Little Governors
Big 5 Safaris
Camel Diani
Idyllic Beaches
Horse Riding Lewa
Diverse Safari Experiences
Maasai Mara Little Governors
Cultural Experiences

Discover Kenya

Top Destinations

Maasai Mara National Reserve

An iconic safari destination, revered for its unparalleled wildlife spectacles and breathtaking landscapes. Witness the iconic Big Five alongside an abundance of other wildlife thriving in their natural habitat. The Mara is host to the Great Wildebeest Migration, an awe-inspiring event where millions of wildebeest (as well as zebras and gazelles) traverse the open plains and crocodile-infested rivers, pursued by predators in a stunning display of nature's power and survival. The sweeping savannahs, dotted with acacia trees and bordered by distant hills, provide a picturesque backdrop for unforgettable safari experiences. Capture stunning sunsets and panoramic vistas that epitomize the African wilderness.

Attraction List:

  • Witness the Great Migration (July to October).
  • Go in Search of the Big 5.
  • Hot Air Ballooning over The Endless Savannahs.
  • Healthy population of Lions, Leopard and Cheetah.
  • Cultural Visits to the Local Masai Tribes.
  • Some of Africa's Finest Luxury Lodges.

Top Experiences

Great Migration
Great Migration Safaris
Big 5 Safaris Kenya
Big 5 Safaris
Samburu Sasaab
Luxury Safaris
Maasai Mara Little Governors
Photographic Safaris
Diani Beach
Beach Holidays
Hiking Kenya
Hiking
Maasai Mara Little Governors
Hot Air Ballooning
Fly In Safari Serengeti
Fly In Safaris
Angama Mara
Family Safaris
Horse Riding Lewa
Horse Riding

Best Time to Visit Kenya

Kenya is generally a great year-round travel destination offering a favourable climate for both beach and safari holidays.

The country has two wet seasons, one short (November and December) and one long (March – May).

The prime time for Safaris in Kenya is June to October (dry season). During this season there is minimal rainfall, the temperatures are mild, and animals tend to congregate around water sources making them easier to spot.

Best time for viewing the Great Migration (Maasai Mara): July to September.

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The best time to travel to Kenya largely depends on what you want to experience.

Dry Season (June to October): This period is generally considered the best time to visit all parts of Kenya. The weather is generally dry and wildlife viewing is excellent as animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot. The dry season also coincides well with viewing the famous wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara, which typically occurs between July and September.

Short Dry Season (January to February): This is another good time to visit as the weather is relatively dry. Wildlife viewing is excellent during this period as well. This is also a great time to combine your safari with some of Kenya’s fantastic beaches.

Wet Seasons (November to December, March to May): These months experience the greatest rainfall, and some parks might become inaccessible due to impassable roads. However, the landscapes are lush and green, and there are fewer tourists, meaning more exclusivity, availability, and best prices. Birdwatching is also fantastic during the wet season.

Fequently Asked Questions

Kenya and East Africa in general is a fairly expensive destination.

The reason for the high prices are:

Exchange Rates: Most luxury lodges charge in US Dollars and therefore one cannot take advantage of any local currency depreciation (KSH).

Fly in Safaris: A lot of the safaris involve flying on light aircrafts, these types of transfers offer an efficient and comfortable way of getting into remote regions but also comes with higher prices.

Private Concessions: Due to some of the lodges being in private concessions and conservancies. Tourism operators often have high costs in terms of conservation, community development and land fees.

Remote Locations: Due to lodges being in very remote locations only accessible by long drives on bad roads, flights, or boats, this leads to higher operational costs for lodges offering this exceptional wildlife viewing in a remote region.

Level of Luxury: The level of luxury in Kenya is oftentimes very high and to construct, maintain and offer services in remote locations leads to higher costs.

The Great Migration: The Great Migration is an extremely popular bucket list safari experience with the Maasai Mara having some of the highest day permit fees in Africa. During the migration lodges can charge higher prices due to the popularity of safari in the region.

Can you travel Kenya on a budget?

Yes, there are ways to enjoy Kenya on a budget.

Kenya has many regions to visit and explore that are world class and have more budget options. This goes for many of the safari regions as well as the beach destinations.

Safari Costs are dependent on:

Location: The best camps and concessions are usually the highest priced, these concessions will have the best all year-round game viewing and are situated in private/exclusive concessions. These often include the safari camps closest to the crossings of the Great Migration.

Seasonality: Peak season prices tend to be far higher than the other periods.

Level of Luxury: Lodges offer different levels of luxury, the top end lodges would have world class chefs, plunge pools at each room, top safari guides and private safari vehicles for their guests.

Transport to and from: Many lodges in Kenya are more suited for fly-in safaris (small aircraft), these transfers can be quite expensive when hopping from lodge to lodge, although the flights are very scenic and offer a bird’s eye view of wildlife and landscapes.

Activities: There are incredible activities like hot air ballooning that are worthwhile experiences but come at a high price.

Kenya is an easy country to travel to.

Main Airports:

  • Nairobi International Airport
  • Mombasa International Airport

Nairobi International Airport is a main hub for Kenya Airways and has many international direct flights landing daily.

Mombasa International Airport is perfect for those travelling to Kenya’s beach destinations.

Kenya is a large and diverse country.

Distances between destinations can be very large and slow going, therefore we will guide you on travel times and road conditions.

Options for travelling in Kenya:

Fly In: For travellers short on time or wanting to fly straight into the prime locations, there are daily flights linking most safari destinations.

Safari Guide: The most common way of travelling in East Africa where you would have a tour guide taking you in a safari vehicle from one location to another, the professional guide and driver would also be your point of contact during your trip.

Road Transfers: Most main destinations allow for road transfers between them. This is better if you are doing one location or staying at a place for many nights (where you don’t need a vehicle at the destination).

Self-Drive: One can rent a vehicle in Nairobi and Mombasa and travel throughout the country. 4×4 required for most parks, especially in wet season!

Taxis: Only available in the major cities.

Tours: Kenya is a great country to join a guided multi day tour, either on an overland truck or a customised safari vehicle. This is especially good for solo travellers who want to share the experience with travellers from throughout the world. Also, you will have a professional guide showing you the interesting sites and facts along the way.

Day Trips: Nairobi is the best place for enjoying regional day trips.

Kenya is generally considered safe for travellers. It has a relatively low crime rate compared to some other African countries. However, like any destination, it’s wise to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings, especially in urban areas where petty theft and opportunistic crimes can occur.

In remote areas or when driving long distances, it’s essential to be prepared with enough supplies, including water, especially in more desolate regions where services might be limited.

Overall, Kenya is a beautiful country with welcoming people, but as with travel anywhere, staying vigilant and informed is key to having a safe and enjoyable experience.

At AfriVenture we will never design an tour or itinerary that would put you into a risky situation or area.

Yes, Malaria is present in most parts of Kenya. The risk of malaria is dependent on the location and time of year you will be travelling.

It’s important to take precautionary measures if you’re traveling to malaria-prone areas, especially during the rainy seasons, when mosquito populations are higher.

Preventive measures against malaria includes:

  • Taking anti-malarial medication prescribed by a healthcare professional (if necessary).
  • Using insect repellent.
  • Wearing protective clothing in the evenings. (eg, Long Sleeves and Long Pants)
  • Sleeping in accommodations with mosquito nets, screened windows, fans and air conditioning.

Always consult with a healthcare provider or travel doctor before your trip to get the most up-to-date and personalized advice on malaria prevention based on the specific areas you plan to visit and your individual health considerations.

Visa requirements for Kenya vary depending on your nationality.

Some countries have visa-free arrangements with Kenya, allowing their citizens to visit for a specified period without needing a visa. Other nationalities might need to apply for a visa in advance.

To determine whether you need a visa to visit Kenya, you should check with the nearest Kenyan embassy or consulate in your country or visit the official website of the Kenyan Department of Home Affairs. They will have the most updated information about visa requirements.

Visa requirements can change, so it’s essential to confirm the most current information well before your planned travel dates.

Always consult with a healthcare provider or travel doctor several weeks before your trip to get personalized advice based on your health history, itinerary, and current health recommendations.

At the time of writing the only compulsory vaccination for travellers entering Kenya is a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.

Malaria: While not a vaccination, malaria prophylaxis might be necessary if you’re visiting malaria-endemic areas, please see other frequently asked question on Malaria above.

The currency used in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KSH), however many tourism establishments accept USD. When traveling there, you can use a variety of methods to pay for goods and services:

  1. Credit and Debit Cards: The most popular means of paying for goods and services. Visa and MasterCard are commonly accepted in most establishments. American Express and Diners Club cards are less widely accepted. Inform your bank about your travel plans to prevent any issues with card usage abroad.
  2. Cash: Carrying some cash in KSH and/or USD can be useful for small purchases, markets, tipping, and places where card payments might not be accepted. ATMs are widely available in cities and towns and accept most international cards.

Tipping:

It is customary to tip for services in Kenya.

  • Restaurants: Tipping around 10% of the total bill is common if the service charge is not already included. Check the bill; sometimes a service charge is included, in which case additional tipping might not be expected.
  • Hotels: Tipping hotel staff, such as porters and housekeeping, is customary.
  • Taxis: Tipping taxi drivers isn’t mandatory, but rounding up the fare is appreciated.
  • Lodges: This depends on the lodge standard and services, please enquire with us or directly with lodge management.

Even though tipping is customary, it is still discretionary, and the amount can vary based on the quality of service you received.

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