Luxury Kenya Safaris

Luxury & Private Kenya Safaris

When the mind’s eye dreams of an African safari, chances are, it’s a portrait of Kenya. It’s where the modern safari was born and to this day, remains the ultimate destination for wildlife viewing. From tropical forests that hug the Indian Ocean and open savannah to arid shrubland and Rift Valley lakes, Kenya’s appeal is as diverse as its kaleidoscope of landscapes. Layered upon its dramatic scenery are wonderful opportunities to connect with Indigenous peoples, a pleasing climate well suited to year-round travel, streams of wildlife moving with the Great Migration, and sumptuous safari lodges and tented camps. Sharing a border with Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, the iconic Maasai Mara National Reserve is Kenya’s most famous safari destination—and it’s got the wildlife to back up its legendary reputation. Casting an eye further north, exciting safari adventures await on the Laikipia Plateau and in Samburu County—each meriting a visit. South of the Mara, venture into the heart of Maasailand in Amboseli and the Chyulu Hills, where elephant herds gather in the shadow of formidable Mount Kilimanjaro. Across the country, Kenya’s collection of private conservancies are writing biodiversity comeback stories. For travelers staying in a conservancy, the upside is three-fold: exclusivity away from mass market crowds, knowing tourism dollars cycle directly into conservation and local communities, and a wider diversity of activities not possible in Kenya (or Tanzania’s) national parks and reserves. When you’ve raised your last sundowner on safari, make an easy transfer to a Lamu Island beach or relax into the serene, forested foothills of the Matthews Range.

What to Expect on a Luxury Safari in Kenya

For the most part, luxury safaris in Kenya focus on game drives as the primary mode of wildlife viewing. Days are typically scheduled around an early morning and an afternoon drive. Sunset is observed with sundowners in-hand—a gin and tonic is the tradition, but you might pick a tipple from a tailgate mini bar—served in a scenic spot. Depending on your camp or lodge, a gourmet, multi-course dinner can be taken convivially with other guests, privately in your room or al fresco in the bush. After dark, you might gather round an outdoor fire, stargaze, enjoy a night game drive (depending where you are), lay out on a star bed or simply retreat to your room to rest for the next glorious day on safari. Activities like hot air ballooning (in the Mara), guided bush walks, community or conservation project visits, horseback riding, camel safaris, mountain biking, fishing, scenic flights (and so much more) add diversity to the day. Kenya has no shortage of luxurious tented safari camps and lodges spanning a diversity of landscapes ranging from open savannah to acacia woodlands, grassland and coastal beaches, and broadleaf forest.

Kenya FAQs

When is the best time to go on safari in Kenya?

Though there is no “bad” time to go on safari in Kenya, July, August and September during the dry season are conventionally recommended to travelers looking for iconic Great Migration moments. In addition to potentially witnessing a dramatic river crossing, these are the months when the largest herds of wildebeest and zebra—and the predators who stalk them—are amassing throughout the Maasai Mara. However, travelers shouldn’t shy away from visiting the resident game outside of peak season when crowds thin and intermittent showers paint the landscape in shades of verdant green.  

Since Kenya straddles the equator, the average year-round temperature fluctuates just a handful of degrees. Warmer months hover in the low 80s (~27°C) while the cooler months are still pleasant in the mid-70s (~24°C). For this reason, it’s practical for travelers to think in terms of wet and dry seasons instead—and to consider the elevation of the region they are visiting. 

Dry seasons (yes, plural) in Kenya typically run June to October and December to February. Mid-March through May, and November are Kenya’s wettest months. April and May see the most rainfall, earning them the moniker “the long rains.” November dumps a little less volume, arriving in short bursts, usually in the evening. Resultantly, these are referred to as “the short rains.” Travelers shouldn’t be automatically turned off by a wet season safari. As a trend, bouts of rainfall commonly arrive as an intense downpour and then promptly ease off or stop after an hour or so.  

Otherwise, at sea level, Kenya’s coastal climate is tropical and moderated by the ocean. There’s higher humidity than the inland plains but the difference between daily lows and daily highs is not as severe. As you move inland and gain elevation, the climate becomes increasingly arid, and some areas are nearly absent of rainfall. Here, temperatures swing widely between hot afternoon highs and chilly evening lows.

Ultimately, when to go to Kenya may depend on reasons entirely unrelated to climate. Factors like preferred wildlife viewing, the school calendar and the booking availability of your preferred lodgings may prove just as important to the decision-making process. What’s more, some people prefer to travel during the shoulder seasons to take advantage of lower rates or to dodge the crowds that can assemble in Kenya’s most popular parks during peak season.

What’s the average cost of a safari in Kenya?

Budget itineraries can start as low as $300 per person, per night—but this is the absolute bottom of the range for mass market tourism. (We don’t recommend or sell these trips.)

You can generally budget $1,000 per person, per night for an Extraordinary Journeys luxury Kenya safari, based on two persons sharing. This figure can ebb with seasonality and camp exclusivity. The daily rate is inclusive of accommodation, expert guides, game viewing drives (shared and/or private), gourmet meals, bar, and land/air transfers within Kenya. You’ll need to budget for international flights, visas, gratuities and incidentals.

Travelers often ask our Africa safari specialists where they can maximize value and we are more than happy to advise where to splurge and save, but we can not conjure camp availability. To achieve the best selection of options within your preferred budget, you want to plan your Kenya safari a year in advance—or even earlier. For the Mara during peak or high season, we recommend (at least) 12 months ahead; for green season, you might get away with a two-month booking window.

If you’re not bound to traveling during calendar holidays or school breaks, and aren’t particularly fussed about the Great Migration, we love recommending traveling in Kenya’s shoulder seasons. Not only do the crowds lighten up, but prices soften. Further deals can be nabbed in green or “secret” season. During months commonly associated with the short and long rains, you’re more likely to find properties offering incentives such as “stay four, pay for three.” Sure, you may encounter some brief bursts of rain, but the landscape will be flush with flora and vitality—a stark contrast from the dusty, parched dry season. (It’s worth noting the summer months are not wholly exempt from precipitation and weather patterns are shifting.)

Is it safe to go on safari in Kenya?

Yes, Kenya is a safe, popular place to enjoy a safari, especially when your visit is organized by a reputable travel operator—like Extraordinary Journeys.

Traveling with EJ means every last detail of your bespoke trip is taken care of. You won’t have to worry about things like getting to and from the airport or navigating public transit. Hosts and transportation partners will be anticipating your arrival, and our in-destination concierge will be checking in along the way. Our clients report feeling supported and taken care of.

We only work with highly regarded companies and operators, so we know you’re in good hands. What’s more, we lean into client feedback which means we’re constantly evaluating to ensure guest expectations were met, especially as they relate to safety and comfort. I.e.: guides showed professionalism, drivers were reliable, vehicles and equipment were well-maintained, etc

Personal safety in urban centers

Unlike the somewhat prescribed and insular safari experience (where most people you’ll encounter are guides, staff or other guests), if your trip passes through an urban center (Nairobi, for example), you may enjoy some self-guided leisure time. No place can be immunized against petty crime or crimes of opportunity, so exercise an awareness of your surroundings and use common sense. Take precautions to protect your belongings, especially valuables. Avoid walking alone at night and public demonstrations; travel only with authorized taxis. If you’re ever unsure, connect with your in-destination Extraordinary Journeys concierge. We’re ready to support you, 24/7.

Wilderness safety

On safari, nature is unscripted. It’s vitally important that you listen to your guides and follow their instructions—on game drives and while on-property. You are, after all, on the home turf of some pretty impressive big game—predators included. Safari game drives are generally very safe and inherently, vehicles offer a level of comfort and security. Walking safaris, fly camping and horseback safaris require some extra precautions, but when enjoyed in the company of experts, are also quite safe. It’s also important to keep in mind that guides must abide by various park rules. Some national parks limit visitor hours, some maintain you must remain in your vehicle (no walking). Such rules exist to keep you and the animals safe. In private conservancies, there are more flexible options. Most guided wilderness excursions are accompanied by armed rangers. It goes without saying, never approach or attempt to touch wildlife.

On property, many safari camps are unfenced. This results in magical moments like elephants drinking from the swimming pool. It may also mean you need to be escorted to your suite after dark by a Maasai warrior. Note: a boundary-free concept is not always appropriate for young children. Your guide and lodging will offer safety briefings and orientations.

Health & Safety

A safari will bring you through remote wilderness where medical facilities and supplies are limited. Camps and lodges can offer trained first aid assistance and help with common ailments, but serious emergency medical attention may require an evacuation. Included in every Extraordinary Journeys trip is AMREF Flying Doctors coverage, should you require access to more involved medical care. Regardless of the destination, we recommend that all clients purchase travel insurance. This should include a policy which would pay for evacuation to the United States, if needed. If you regularly take prescription medication (or may potentially require it), prepare to bring a sufficient supply with you. If you have a medical condition or chronic disease, you should visit your doctor to discuss any concerns prior to travel.

Much of Kenya’s land area falls under a malaria risk. The blanket advice is to take an antimalarial when traveling below 8,200 feet (2,500 meters) in elevation. (Here’s a helpful interactive map.) Choosing which preventative prophylactic is best for you should be done in consultation with a physician. Note: a resistance to Chloroquine has been observed in Kenya. 

Otherwise, the CDC encourages travelers to be up to date on all routine vaccines.

Are there travel restrictions or requirements for Kenya?

Visas

U.S. citizens require an e-visa to enter Kenya, with the exception of children under the age of 16. The cost is $50 USD and visas must be obtained and approved in advance of arrival. The application process is performed online. You’re advised to travel with a printed copy in the event an immigration officer requests to see it. Your passport should be valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date of entry, and you’ll need two blank pages. The e-visa is valid for 90 days.

Another option is to apply for a 90-day East Africa Visa, valid jointly for Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. The cost is $100 USD and you must apply online, in advance through the country you will be arriving. You can cross borders multiple times but if you leave the block of countries, it is no longer valid.

Vaccines

Kenya is considered a Yellow Fever Zone. If you only plan to travel within the country, there is no vaccine requirement.

If you plan to enjoy some onward travel, the vaccine and its accompanying certificate is required. If you are arriving in Kenya from a yellow fever endemic country (Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Congo or Ethiopia), you’ll also need to show a vaccination certificate. This applies to travelers as young as nine months old.

However, just because a certificate may not be required for travel purposes, you may still benefit from the vaccine. Typically, a single dose offers effective immunity for life. Here is a map that shows the CDC’s Yellow Fever vaccination recommendations for Kenya.

What wildlife will I see on safari in Kenya?

Kenya’s 40-plus national parks, reserves and private conservancies are home to a diverse range of wildlife—some 25,000 animal species. Depending on the area(s) you visit, you might observe buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and rhino, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, cheetah, hyena, warthog, antelope species (impala, gazelle, eland, kudu), and hippo and crocodile in rivers or waterholes.

Specifically, the Mara is famous for its concentration of big cats and herds of wildebeest that visit by way of the Great Migration. Elephant lovers should fix an eye upon Amboseli National Park, home to the Amboseli Trust for Elephants, the longest running elephant study in the world. In northern Kenya’s Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy pay a visit to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary. You’ll be paired with an elephant keeper to learn how Africa’s first community-owned sanctuary “rescues to release.”

Kenya’s rhino populations have suffered a tragic story, falling from some 20,000 members in the 1960s to ~600 today. The market for illegal rhino horn still prevails which contributes to rhino recovery’s limited success. Where preserves and sanctuaries have been established, they require round-the-clock armed protection against poachers. Exciting opportunities to sight endangered black and white rhino exist in Meru National Park, Lewa Conservancy, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Borana Conservancy, Lake Nakuru National Park and Nairobi National Park.

Kenya is a haven for birdwatchers, boasting more than 1,100 recorded bird species. The country has a diverse range of habitats, from arid deserts to wetlands, which provide ideal breeding and feeding grounds. In particular, the Rift Valley lakes (Lake Nakuru, Lake Baringo, and Lake Naivasha) attract a large volume of migratory and resident birdlife. The Mara is also a popular spot for birdwatching, with 470 bird species on record. Kenya icons include the crowned hornbill, African fish eagle, scarlet-chested sunbird and large concentrations of flamingo.  

Who should go on safari in Kenya?

Kenya is a safari crowd-pleaser for many types of travelers. It’s a fantastic introduction to Africa travel for those new to the continent and for safari first-timers. Repeat visitors have plenty of options for delving deeper, getting into regions like Samburu and Laikipia, not to mention the sheer array of conservancies and gorgeous lodges on offer. Kenya’s smorgasbord of extracurricular activities out of the game vehicle means no two days are alike. 

Otherwise, Kenya ranks among EJ’s top destinations for a family safari, a place where children aren’t merely tolerated by camp staff but embraced. We particularly like to recommend parents and littles stay in private conservancies where flexibility is king. Private vehicles and guides mean your day can revolve around snack breaks and naps, without the stress of inconveniencing other (kid-free) guests. Childminding and programming like scavenger hunts and “bush bumbles” cater to the interests of busy littles. We enjoy sending families to Ol Malo Lodge, Ekorian’s Mugie Camp, Sirikoi, Lewa Wilderness and Kicheche Mara Camp where, in some cases, the owners or managers are parents themselves, often with families living on-site.

Kenya also features as a perennial honeymoon destination for many travelers. Be it the glamor of canvas tents swathed in wilderness or the Out of Africa vibe, couples—whether newly minted or celebrating milestone anniversaries—are romanced by the savannah. 

Many of our favorite small camps are well suited for exclusive-use for small groups, and many properties feature exclusive-use homes. We also know some lovely, family-owned and hosted properties where solo travelers will feel abundantly welcome.

Kenya is also a destination well suited to active travelers. Mount Kenya offers trekking opportunities, walking safaris invite you into the bush for some fly camping, and helicopter and horseback safaris offer a unique vantage point from which to observe wildlife.

Where to go on a luxury safari in Kenya

Kenya is a country smaller than Texas, of which, half is semi-arid desert that remains a mystery to most travelers. Safari-goers gravitate to the Maasai Mara, Laikipia Plateau, Samburu County (Rift Valley), Amboseli & Chyulu Hills, and Meru national parks. As a trend, they arrive via Nairobi and visit two-to-four different areas before retreating to the beaches of the Kenyan Coast.

It’s rare that the Maasai Mara isn’t included on a Kenya safari itinerary—it is second-to-none for African game-viewing. It’s important to remember this is a National Reserve, operating with certain restrictions, including limited hours of operation. You can not leave your vehicle (bush walks and hikes are not possible), nor are after dark night game viewing drives. The Mara can get quite busy in high and peak seasons. There is nothing wrong with staying within the Reserve, but we prefer the private conservancies adjacent to the park for flexibility, privacy and exclusivity. Our favorites are Mara North Conservancy, Olare Orok Conservancy, Olare Motorogi Conservancy and Naboisho Conservancy.

Another EJ favorite is Laikipia, an expansive region stretching from Mount Kenya to the Great Rift Valley and made up of private ranches, communal grazing areas and private reserves. While it’s not as game heavy as the Maasai Mara, Laikipia has fewer visitors and gorgeous views of high-altitude grasslands. It’s a great place to get out of the Land Cruiser and into the bush on a horseback safari, camel ride or bush walk. Lewa, Ol Pejeta and Solio are our preferred conservancies. 

Standing in stark contrast to the forests of Meru or the open plains of the Maasai Mara, Samburu County is located on the hot, arid fringes of Kenya’s vast northern region. Venture here to leave the crowds behind, to meet the Samburu people, spot the ‘Samburu Special 5’ (herbivores found only north of the equator) and other unique experiences like rhino tracking on foot and visiting Reteti Elephant Sanctuary. 

A visit to Meru National Park—a lesser-visited park with a two decade-long comeback story—rewards with glimpses of the Big Five. Rivers and streams are a feature of the park; there’s a rhino sanctuary, and an EJ favorite property: Elsa’s Kopje. 

Toward the Tanzania-Kenya border, Amboseli National Park and Chyulu Hills National Park are seated near Tsavo West in the heart of Maasailand, preserving an essential migration corridor. It’s a region known for its big game, especially herds of African elephant, framed by views of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro. 

There are wonderful opportunities for cultural interactions throughout Kenya, particularly in Samburu, Laikipia, and the Maasai Mara.

A night or two in Nairobi offers a chance to see a bit of the city and get up-close and personal with giraffes while shaking the jet lag. Because Nairobi is a major African hub, it is easy to combine a Kenya safari with its coastal beaches. Many Extraordinary Journeys travelers continue their journey with a gorilla trek in neighboring Rwanda or Uganda.

Our favorite Kenya safari itineraries

Our favorite luxury accommodations in Kenya

Booking a luxury safari in Kenya

A Kenyan safari requires diligent planning. We consider weather, timing, animal movements (if the Great Migration is a priority) and the availability of the best safari camps—some book up well in advance. Extraordinary Journeys’ Africa safari specialists will happily help you parse out which regions and parks will align with your unique interests.

Learn more about luxury safaris in Kenya