Updated 24/04/2025
Visiting Kenya is an unforgettable adventure, an opportunity to witness the natural world in its purest form. Kenya is a country where vast savannahs, dramatic landscapes, and a huge variety of wildlife reside to create an exhilarating and soul-stirring experience. For nature lovers this is a must!
Safari Options:
Fly into Nairobi & book a safari that suits you from there: (can do hotel for only part of the trip)
Safari Tours from Naraibo:
4-Day Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru Group Safari, GetYourGuide
6 Days Kenya Budget Safari, GetYourGuide
5 Days Group Safari To Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru &Naivasha, GetYourGuide
Amboseli National Park 3-Day Mid Luxury Safari, GetYourGuide
Some Travel Operators offer a specialised Safari Package also.
The Masaai Mara National reserve is part of the bigger Serengeti-Mara ecosystem filled with wildlife. The open plains, forests and ravines all form the perfect backdrop for an amazing safari experience.
In this blog, we’ll explore what it’s like to do a safari in Kenya, where the thrill of encountering the Big Five and the beauty of the African wilderness await.
The term ‘Big Five’ refers to Africa’s most iconic and sought-after safari animals: the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros. On a Kenyan safari, you have the chance to spot these impressive creatures in their natural habitat. The thrill of seeing a lion on the prowl or a massive elephant grazing under the African sun is an experience that will stay with you forever. The very knowledgeable safari guides are fantastic at spotting the animals and telling stories of experiences they have encountered.
Kenya is one of the prime locations to witness the Great Migration, one of the most remarkable wildlife spectacles on the planet. This occurs mainly throughout July and August. Millions of wildebeest and zebras make a yearly journey between Kenya and Tanzania, through crocodile-infested rivers and wild terrain in search of fresh grazing. The size, speed and noise of the wilderbeests is awesome. A bucket-list experience you will never forget.
Game drives are the usual option of any safari in Kenya. Knowledgeable guides and drivers take you deep into the national parks and wildlife reserves in specially designed safari vehicles. Be prepared for an extra bumpy ride over the many mounds and pot-holes. For us ladies a well fitted supported bra is a necessity. The vehicles are safely equipped to get you as close to the animals as possible whilst minimizing your impact on the environment. Don’t forget your binoculars and cameras as you will definitely need them!
Balloon Safaris: Glide over the Savannah
For a unique personal experience, you should consider a hot air balloon safari. As you gently float above the vast savannah, you can take in the African sunrise and spot wildlife from a bird’s-eye view. It’s a magical way to experience the landscape. Be prepared for an early start driving across the wilderness ready to be in the air at dawn, the best time to see most of the animals waking from sleep and hungry. Pictures and videos are available to buy as souvenirs. A champagne breakfast is included in the price. Sitting around a table in the middle of the wilderness eating and taking in the sights was surreal. The price is roughly around £470 per person but well worth it!
Camp Under the Stars: Sleep in the Wilderness
Kenyan safaris offer a range of accommodation options, from luxury lodges and tented camps to budget-friendly campsites. Staying in a tented camp you can safely fall asleep to the sounds of the birds and animals and wake up to the calls of the wild. The tented camps are basic but very comfortable with everything you need. Many of the safari lodges are dedicated to wildlife conservation and education. Listening to the talks and joining in on guided walks gives you the opportunity to learn more about the future plans to protect the amazing wildlife.
Sundowners: Toast to the African Suns
Kenyan safaris have a well known tradition known as sundowners. As the sun sets over the savannah, a refreshing drink and snacks while basking in the warm glow of the African sunset is the perfect way to end your day.
Cultural Experiences: Meet the Maasai
Kenya’s cultural heritage is amazing. This tour allows you to interact with the native Maasai people to learn about their traditions, customs, and way of life. Many safaris offer cultural visits where you can witness dances, ceremonies, and gain insight into their unique way of life. Very friendly people who make you welcome but some suitable footwear is a must as you will be expected to join in with the dances. You can also visit the Maasai village market to choose some souvenirs and locally handmade gifts to take home.
Lake Nakuru
Lake Nakuru is another place visited on the safari. The lake is often referred to buy the locals as the “pink lake” due to the flocks pink flamingos there. A trip across the lake in a canoe style boat to a small island where giraffe and zebras roam. This is an ideal place to get close up photos with the animals. Hippos live in the lake and can easily be seen making a perfect photo opportunity.
Tips
Best Time to Visit: The dry season, from July to October, is considered the best time for wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources, and the grass is shorter, making wildlife easier to spot.
Safety: Always follow the guidance of your safari guide or driver to ensure your safety during game drives and other activities.
Respect for Wildlife: Remember that you are a guest in the animals’ natural habitat, so maintain a respectful distance and minimize noise and disturbances.
A safari in Kenya is a life-changing experience, a journey into the heart of Africa’s wilderness, where the stunning beauty of the natural world is on full display. From witnessing the Big Five to observing the Great Migration, a Kenyan safari offers the chance to connect with nature in a meaningful way that will leave you with memories of a lifetime.
