Kenya Itineraries

Kenya Safari & Zanzibar Beach

15 Days

Luxury Kenya Safari & Beach

17 Days

Northern Kenya & The Great Migration (Laikipia & The Masai Mara)

10 Days

Wildlife in Kenya | Types of safari holidays | Kenya holiday schedules | Our Favourite Kenya safari | Kenya safari schedules | Best time to visit Kenya | Why we love Kenya | National parks | Top tips

From snow-capped mountains to the deep great rift valley with its extinct volcanoes; from the shores of Lake Naivasha to the cosmopolitan bustle of Nairobi; and from the diverse range of traditional African cultures to the white sand beaches of Mombasa that melt into the crystal Indian Ocean. Kenya is without doubt, a traveller’s dream destination and should be top of a first-timers African safari wish list!

Kenya safaris offer the ultimate and most pristine safari experience. Boasting diverse scenery from wide open plains dotted with acacia trees to arid semi-desert brimming with an extraordinary abundance of wildlife, including the Big 5. Kenya boasts iconic locations including the vast savannah of the Masai Mara, Amboseli with its stunning Mt Kilimanjaro backdrop and lesser-known gems such as the arid landscape of Samburu Game Reserve and the high plains of the Laikipia plateau.

Kenya is classic safari country and we offer a wide range of safari styles and lodges, whether you want to visit a variety of reserves or are just looking for a few days wildlife viewing as part of your holiday. Perhaps combine a short Fly in safari with a beach stay or for the ultimate safari experience, why not add on a hot air balloon flight over the majestic plains of the Masai Mara?

Wildlife in Kenya

A Kenya wildlife safari is undoubtedly a must if travelling to East Africa. It is difficult to beat this typical savannah destination with such a concentration of game. This is a place where, although not guaranteed, you stand a good chance of seeing the ‘Big Five’. However, there is such a rich abundance of other wonderful wildlife too, from aardvark to antelope, oryx to otter and more well-known wildlife such as giraffe, zebra and cheetah.

Your wildlife intake in Kenya is more than likely going to be very impressive and don’t forget you can see the wildebeest migration in Maasai Mara which is one of the natural wonders of the world. It is certainly recommended as a first-time safari destination, great for photographers and those that just can’t get enough game viewing! Kenya is a stunning wildlife destination that will ignite your safari passion – you certainly won’t be disappointed.

Kenya Safaris Holidays

We are aware that whilst some guests enjoy a more sociable experience when they travel, others prefer a more private experience. Therefore, there are several options available when planning a safari holiday in Kenya including small group tours, independent/private tailor-made safari, or fly-in safaris.

Kenya Small escorted group safaris

Small group safaris offer a relaxed experience with insightful local driver/guides and quality accommodation. Your vehicle is exclusively for your group and usually has a maximum of six guests, all guaranteed a window seat. Mileages are quite long and road conditions can be poor on occasion, but you’ll get to see much more of the country and soak up the scenery.

If you like the look of one of our small group safaris but would prefer to have your own driver/guide, you can opt to follow the same itinerary on a private basis. You can also upgrade to a 4 x 4 vehicle which are more comfortable than a minibus and are able to cross rivers more easily, which is particularly beneficial in the green season.

Kenya Independent/Private tailor-made safari.

On a tailor-made or independent safari, you can choose your own camps and lodges and we’ll create a bespoke itinerary on a private basis, just for you! We will be able to make recommendations based on your preferences and requirements and your budget. Please be aware that you may be travelling with like-minded guests on light aircraft flights as well as some game drives, unless you take the vehicle on a private basis.

Kenya Fly-in Safari

A fly-in safari makes use of light aircraft to transfer you between locations within Kenya, saving you time moving between parks and gives you more time to relax. You also gain an aerial overview of the landscapes that you will explore on the ground.

A fly-in option is sometimes available as part of a small group itinerary but is mainly arranged on a private basis. However, you may be travelling with other guest on these flights and possibly staying in some of the same camps or lodges.

Our Most Popular Kenya Safari Holidays
We offer an exceptional choice of safari experiences from mobile camps, tented accommodation and luxury lodges visiting Kenya’s iconic parks as well as some of the lesser-known gems. Whether you are looking for a short fly-in safari, a full week’s circuit safari, a safari and beach combination, a balloon experience or you would like to extend your time to visit a neighbouring country we can help make this happen.

Kenya Holiday Schedules

These itineraries are ones we have arranged for many of our clients and will give you the very best wildlife holiday experiences. Where possible we have included other highlights of the country, to make the most of your precious holiday time, but ultimately everything revolves around the wildlife. However, nothing is cast in stone, as we can tailor-make the perfect wildlife holiday to suit your interests, the time you have, the standard/quality of the accommodation you prefer and of course, your budget. No two people are the same, so we will listen to your individual requirements, find out what your expectations and aspirations are and accordingly make suggestions and recommendations, to give you the most memorable wildlife holiday experience.

Kenya Holiday Schedules

Our Favourite Kenya Safari

Classic Kenya SkySafari – Full Itinerary

This safari will give you a wonderful African experience, highlighting varying landscapes and you stay in fabulous 5-star accommodation. You will travel between each destination in style and comfort in a Cessna Grand Caravan light aircraft, with just nine executive club class seats.

Day 1 Nairobi
On arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi, you will be met by a representative and transferred to Hemingways Nairobi. Enjoy dinner at this superb hotel.
Overnight Hemingways Nairobi
Dinner

Day 2 Amboseli
After breakfast, transfer to Wilson Airport for your light aircraft flight to Amboseli National Park (approximately 45 minutes). Met on arrival by a Tortilis Camp driver-guide and enjoy your first game drive en route to your camp. Arrive at the camp in time for lunch. Enjoy an afternoon game drive and stop for a sundowner before driving back to camp for dinner and overnight.

Amboseli offers some spectacular views of the highest free-standing mountain in the world – Mount Kilimanjaro. It is home to an abundance of mammals and over 400 species of birds. The flat and dusty landscape provides good opportunities to see a large variety of wildlife including buffaloes, lions, gazelles, cheetahs, wildebeest, zebras and vast herds of elephants.

Overnight Tortilis Camp Amboseli
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3 Amboseli
Enjoy a full day of activities in the beautiful Amboseli National Park – an early morning walking safari, a bush breakfast and game drives.
Overnight Tortilis Camp Amboseli
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4 Loisaba
Take an early morning game drive, then transfer to the Amboseli airstrip, for your flight to Loisaba Conservancy, Laikipia. You will be met on arrival by a driver-guide and transferred to the lodge, with a game drive en route, in time for lunch and then an afternoon game drive.
Overnight Loisaba Tented Camp
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Laikipia is a beautiful and remote region between Mount Kenya and Samburu. Covering a wide range of landscapes including high altitude plateaus, low forested valleys and deep rocky river gorges, the area has become a sanctuary for elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes and a plethora of plains game.

Day 5 Loisaba
Enjoy a walking safari and return to camp for breakfast and lunch. In the afternoon enjoy another game drive
Overnight Loisaba Tented Camp
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6 Loisaba
Choice of game drive, horse/camelback exploration or bush running/ trekking. Breakfast in the bush. Spa treatment. Lunch at camp. Afternoon game drive. Dinner at camp.
Overnight Loisaba Tented Camp
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7 Masai Mara
Breakfast at camp. Game drive en route to Loisaba airstrip. SkySafari flight to the famous Masai Mara. Game drive en route to Sand River Masai Mara Camp. Lunch at camp followed by an afternoon game drive. Sundowners in the bush. Dinner at camp.

The Masai Mara is home to the ‘big five’ amongst many other species and is one of the most popular safari destinations in Kenya. It also hosts the incredible annual wildebeest migration. The area has an amazing concentration of wildlife.

Overnight Sand River Mara
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8 Masai Mara
Early breakfast at camp. Full day game drive with picnic hamper lunch served in the bush. Masai village visit. Dinner under the stars at camp.
Overnight Sand River Mara
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 9 Masai Mara
Early morning game drive and bush breakfast. Lunch at camp followed by afternoon game drive. Sundowners in the bush. Farewell dinner under the stars at camp.
Overnight Sand River Mara
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 10 Nairobi-depart
Breakfast at camp. Transfer back to Keekorok airstrip. Sky Safari flight to Wilson Airport, Nairobi. Transfer to Hemingways Nairobi Hotel for the afternoon where a day room will be available before heading to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your outbound flight.
Breakfast.

(You can always extend your holiday to one of the hotels in Mombasa on the Kenyan Coast or to one of the amazing Zanzibar beach hotels, for a relaxing end to this safari). 

PRICE: from £8,649pp based on twin share for travel in late June 2022
Package does not include International Flights or any extensions or alternative accommodation suggested.

More of Our Favourite Kenya Safaris

Classic Governors Flying Safari

Governors’ Camps are set in some of the most beautiful and prime wildlife locations in Kenya offering great comfortable accommodation with old-fashioned friendly and attentive service.

This 5-night itinerary by light aircraft is great for those with little time to spare and brings you effortlessly to each camp, staying in fabulous, tented accommodation in the Masai Mara and the old settler farmhouse at Loldia Lake Navashia. An option of Hot Air Ballooning in Masai Mara (payable in advance)

Governors’ Camps have consistently been recognised with many travel awards and accolades and when on safari will introduce you to the thrilling pleasures of some of the world’s most magnificent wildlife spectacles.

Extend your holiday to one of the hotels on the Kenyan Coast of Mombasa or to one of the fabulous Zanzibar beach hotels, for a relaxing end to this flying safari.

Classic Kenya Fly Safari – Full Itinerary

Day 1 Lake Naivasha

On arrival transfer by road through the Great Rift Valley to Loldia House, on the shores of Lake Naivasha (approx. 2 hour drive). Enjoy lunch on the lawn overlooking Mt Longonot. Afternoon at leisure, with the option of an evening walk with the resident naturalist or a boat ride on Lake Naivasha (payable locally).
Overnight Loldia House
Lunch and Dinner

Day 2 Lake Naivasha

Early breakfast before departing to Lake Nakuru National Park on your morning game drive in search of the local wildlife. A picnic lunch is served.
Overnight Loldia House
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3 Masai Mara

Breakfast on the lawns of Loldia House, with the option of an early morning boat ride on Lake Naivasha, or a guided nature walk (additional cost – payable locally). After lunch fly by light aircraft to the Masai Mara Game Reserve (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes). Met and transferred to the Main Governors’ Camp with a short game drive en route.
Overnight Main Governors Camp
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4 Masai Mara

Take an early morning balloon safari over the Mara followed by a ‘bubbly’ breakfast (this is an optional extra) or a game drive followed by breakfast at the camp. The rest of the morning is at leisure. After lunch enjoy an afternoon game drive.
Overnight Main Governors Camp
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5 Masai Mara

Take an early morning balloon safari over the Mara followed by a ‘bubbly’ breakfast (optional extra) or a game drive followed by breakfast at the camp. The rest of the morning is at leisure. After lunch enjoy an afternoon game drive.
Overnight Main Governors Camp
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6 Depart

Fly by light aircraft to Nairobi (approximately 1 hour) and continue with your onward travel arrangement.
Breakfast

PRICE: from £2,959pp based on twin share for travel in late June 2022
Package does not include International Flights or any extensions or alternative accommodation suggested.

Optional Extension to Mfangano Island Camp, Lake Victoria

An early morning flight by light aircraft from Masai Mara to Mfangano Airstrip (approximately 30 minutes). At Mfangano Island take a boat trip to Mfangano Island Camp, in time for breakfast. The Camp has six double rooms, all offering spectacular views across the lake. Spend the day exploring this great Lake – the world’s second largest fresh water lake, fishing, bird-watching, boat rides or walks to the local villages, or enjoy the prolific birdlife in the camp’s indigenous garden.
Overnight: Mfangano Island Camp.

A great place to stop and unwind before you travel home and you can choose the number of nights you stay.

Other Safari ideas in Kenya 

Best time to visit Kenya
Kenya is a year-round destination and there is never a bad time to visit.
The Great Annual Migration arrives on the plains of the Masai Mara in July.
Mid-June to October is the dry season, when animals gather around watering holes and therefore are easier to spot.
You may want to avoid the long-rains of April and May.

Why We Love Kenya

Kenya has a humbling effect on those who travel there and you’ll experience a lasting, spiritual connection, which for many is love at first sight. The home of the traditional and romantic African safari, Kenya has had time to perfect its offerings. Safaris are seamless and the memories, completely timeless. You will see some of the most impressive wildlife in Africa, from big cats to big five, to coming face to face with giraffes! Many other animals that are unique to Africa, can be seen at the national parks and game reserves throughout Kenya.

Kenya’s welcoming people, form a melting pot of strong virtues and traditional African culture. Kenyans  are warm, friendly and hospitable and they embrace a great sense of unity, peace, acceptance and closeness.  The unique culture of some of the ethnic groups, especially the Maasai, is a great experience to be enjoyed.

Kenya is an inexpensive tourist destination (depending on exchange rates of course!) and can offer a good value for money for a first safari experience.
Other activities include climbing Mount Kenya, bird watching, horseback riding, mountain biking, hot air ballooning, golf and hiking. There is an array of water sports available along the coastline of magnificent sandy beaches and amazing coral reefs. Don’t forget the picnics on Diani Beach and chilled Tusker beer…

Kenya enjoys a wonderful tropical climate. It is generally warm all year round, with plenty of sunshine and cooler nights and mornings. Kenya lies on the equator, so the seasonal temperature changes are not extreme. The hottest months of the year are February and March while the coolest season falls between July and August.
Kenya is renowned for its diverse culture and heritage and really does have something for everyone!

The National Parks of Kenya
Kenya offers some of the finest scenery in East Africa, including Samburu National Park, the spectacular setting for the film Born Free; Amboseli National Park with views of Mount Kilamanjaro, The Masia Mara offering iconic safaris and cultural encounters with local Masai tribespeople, the mountain peaks and extinct volcanoes of Tsavo National Park and the burst of colour when you view the millions of pink falmingos at Lake Nakuru.

Masai Mara National Reserve
Approx. 40-minute flight from Nairobi the Masai Mara is the most renowned safari park in Kenya and good to visit is June to October. Famous for its great herds of plains’ game – including its exceptional population of lions, leopards and cheetahs – it is also the best place to see the Great Migration: the annual movement of wildebeest to and from the Serengeti in Tanzania. It contains many elephants and virtually every other type of wildlife found in Kenya including over 500 species of bird. Try a hot air balloon for the ultimate Mara adventure.

Lake Nakuru National Park
Lying at the heart of the great rift valley, lake Nakuru national park is only 170 kilometres north-west of Nairobi – a three-hour drive from Nairobi – is where you will see more than a million pink flamingos flock on the shores of Lake Nakuru, along with white rhinos, warthogs, giraffes, zebra, hippos, ostriches and lions. You can visit this national park year-round.

Amboseli National Park
June to October is the best time to visit and is either a four-hour drive or a short flight from Nairobi. The majestic Mount Kilimanjaro is a Kenyan safari must-see as she comes out from the mist in the early morning. Amboseli National Park is an ancient dry lakebed surrounded by fertile swamp land, where vegetation is lush and some of the largest herds of elephants can be seen here drinking water from surface springs. The park is home to as many as 370 species of birds and you can expect to see zebras, wildebeest, spotted hyenas, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, buffalo, warthogs, impalas, jackals and leopards.

Tsavo National Parks
It is suggested you take the hour flight from Nairobi to Tsavo, unless you prefer a long day driving, taking in the scenery and Mat to October is the best time to visit. Tsavo’s two national parks (Tsavo east & Tsavo west) create the largest protected wildlife sanctuary in Kenya. These parks are more remote than Kenya’s other safari parks and offer vast landscapes to explore. Predators are not uncommon in the parks but are a little more diluted due to the sheer size of the parks. You are likely to see large herds of elephant spraying the blue waters of the Galana River on themselves. As well as buffalo, you can also spot the giraffe, cheetah, lion, serval cat, leopard, common waterbuck, eland, gerenuk, fringe-eared oryx, gazelle, buffalo, antelope, stripped hyena, impala and approximately 500 species of birds. Tsavo East is also home to two iconic trees, the baobab and the doum palm.

Samburu Game Reserve
Samburu is approx. 5 hours drive from Nairobi or just under an hour to fly and is the perfect place to start an adventure. Best time is June to October, but you can visit year-round. On your game drives you will spot hundreds of elephants and large numbers of leopards. As well as lions, buffalos and leopards, you will see Samburu’s own ‘Special Five’: the Beisa Oryx, Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, gerenuk and reticulated giraffe. Watch out for the crocodiles by the Ewaso Ngiro River, a magnet for all wildlife found in the Samuru reserve.

Kenya Top Tips

You may want to avoid the long-rains of April and May.

Good value offers in June before the peak season

Don’t miss the great migration, is at its best July through September – river crossing viewings are possible

There are a range of safari circuits encompassing diverse regions, national parks and new experiences

Make sure you take in the stunning ‘Out of Africa’ vistas

There are a range of safari options to suit different budgets and requirements

Safari and beach combinations are easy to arrange

Family friendly safaris are well catered for in Kenya

Luxury safari lodges and camps are available and perfect for honeymoons

Suggested Itineraries

Kenya Safari & Zanzibar Beach

15 Days

Explore the fascinating Ol Pejeta Conservancy in northern Kenya, famous for its excellent population of rhino. Visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Northern White Rhino conservation project. Game view in the world-famous Masai Mara, an excellent place to spot predators and other big game. Stay in two fantastic Kicheche Camps which offer some of the best certified guiding in Kenya. Relax beside the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean on Zanzibar, staying at a boutique beach resort.

Luxury Kenya Safari & Beach

17 Days

Relax in a stunning lodge in Kenya's northern Samburu region. Safari in the magnificent Masai Mara, home to some of East Africa's best game viewing. Relax and enjoy the beautiful white sandy beaches around Diani on the Kenyan coast.

Northern Kenya & The Great Migration (Laikipia & The Masai Mara)

10 Days

Enjoy walking and camel safaris from Tumaren Tented Camp with Samburu guides. Spend a night under the stars at the Loisaba Starbeds. Watch the drama of the Great Migration unfold in the heart of the Masai Mara.