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Introducing Kenya

What comes to mind when you imagine Kenya? If you think of slender giraffes, wild-maned lions, and herds of zebra and wildebeest migrating across the open savanna, you're not wrong—but there's more to Kenya than the safari vacation you've been dreaming about. Beyond being one of the best places on earth to view the "Big 5," Kenya also offers gorgeous Indian Ocean coastline to explore, cultural engagement with Masaai tribespeople and other local experiences, and the opportunity to witness incredible conservation efforts at wildlife rescues in Nairobi and beyond. 

When is the best time to visit? 
The general consensus about Kenya is that there are two seasons, dry and wet, dictated more by rainfall than by fluctuation in temperature. But in reality, weather in Kenya is more nuanced than that—and depending on altitude, seasonal monsoon winds, and proximity to Lake Victoria, you may experience rain at any time of year. All that said, the most popular travel times are December-January and July-August, typically the driest and best for viewing wildlife. Other times of year have their perks, though: wet conditions mean abundant flora, lower prices, and fewer safari groups crowding the national park roads.

How many days do I need?
Due to the unpredictability of animals in their natural habitat, patience is key: the more time you spend, the more likely it is that you'll observe a wide range of wildlife. Safari tours can range from a single day to multiple weeks, though three to five days per park is enough for most people. A popular option for travelers keen on safari is to spend a few days in the famous Masai Mara reserve and a few days in another of Kenya's parks—or combine your time with a trip to Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater.

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 7 days · 10 days · 12 days · 14 days

Kenya Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
See lions in the wild hunt for buffalo
Map of Kenya Wildlife Safari - 10 Days
Kenya Wildlife Safari - 10 Days

This exciting 10-day itinerary allows you to truly discover Kenya's diverse wildlife and dramatic landscapes. Your trip will start in the bustling central city, Nairobi before you depart for the countryside and visit Amboseli National Park, which is home to Africa's highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro. Over these 10 days, you will also see the most famous Kenyan parks, including Hell's Gate, Mount Longonot, Lake Nakuru, Lake Bogoria, and Maasai Mara, which are home to thousands of wildlife species as well as incredible hiking trails and viewpoints.

A camel at Diani Beach
Map of Best of Kenya: Landscape, Safari, & Beach - 12 days
Best of Kenya: Landscape, Safari, & Beach - 12 days

If you want to experience all of Kenya's top destinations—while also getting the chance to lay back and relax—this exciting 12-day itinerary is for you. You'll start the trip in the bustling capital Nairobi before departing for Kenya's national parks to discover majestic landscapes, see the Big Five, spot diverse bird species, visit chimpanzees, watch an animal migration at Maasai Mara, swim in turquoise blue water, and more.

A group of feeding zebras in Serengeti National Park
Kenya & Tanzania Wildlife Safari - 7 Days

This exciting itinerary includes unforgettable game drives in Kenya and Tanzania for travelers who like to be on the move. Start with two nights in Nairobi for an introduction to Kenyan culture and wildlife conservation. Then, fly to Kilimanjaro, where you'll visit three beautiful safari destinations, including the Serengeti and UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater. Enjoy the comfort of private transfers and unique all-inclusive lodgings for the ultimate African adventure.

Mt. Kenya
Ultimate Kenya: Mt. Kenya Trek & Maasai Mara Safari - 12 Days

This active, 12-day adventure includes some of Kenya's best outdoor experiences. After sightseeing in Nairobi, spend several days hiking to the top of Mt. Kenya, the second-highest mountain in Africa. This amazing and challenging experience is followed by several days of safari and wildlife-spotting activities, as well as cultural immersion in the Maasai Mara.

Rhinos in Kenya, one of the so-called "Big Five"
Map of "Big Five" Safari Experience - 10 Days
"Big Five" Safari Experience - 10 Days

Explore Kenya's wildlife, landscapes, and native culture on this diverse 10-day itinerary. After taking in sweeping views of the Great Rift Valley, you'll go on safari tours in Lake Nakuru National Park and Maasai Mara National Reserve. Then you'll have the chance to tour a Maasai village, visit a pair of national parks, hike to the summit of Mt. Longonot, and see elephants in the wild at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

A lion in Maasai Mara National Reserve
Map of Kenya National Park & Wildlife Safari - 7 Days
Kenya National Park & Wildlife Safari - 7 Days

This one-week adventure combines Kenya's culture, dramatic landscapes, and fascinating wildlife. After a night in the bustling capital, a private driver will take you to some of the country's best reserves, including Lake Nakuru National Park, Maasai Mara Park, and Hell's Gate National Park. In addition to seeing the Big Five, flocks of flamingos, wildebeest, and much more—you will get the chance to visit the Great Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha, and a local village.

Make the Most of Your Time in Kenya

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Elephants in Amboseli National Park, with Mt. Kilimanjaro in the distance
Map of How Many Days to Spend in Kenya
How Many Days to Spend in Kenya

If you have two weeks to spend in Kenya, you can visit several wildlife reserves and national parks, devote time to beaches and learn about the local people and their culture....

A pair of lions in the Maasai Mara, Kenya
Map of 10 Days in Kenya - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Kenya - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

If you have 10 days to spend in Kenya, you'll likely want to spend a few on safari in Maasai Mara National Reserve. How you organize the rest of your time is up to you: round...

A family of elephants in the Maasai Mara National Reserve
Map of 2 Weeks in Kenya - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Kenya - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Two weeks is a perfect amount of time to spend in and around Kenya. There are many ways to structure your trip. Combine a wilderness safari with a cultural tour around the...

Kenya Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip

Our Latest Kenya Content

Elephants in Amboseli National Park, with Mt. Kilimanjaro in the distance
Map of How Many Days to Spend in Kenya
How Many Days to Spend in Kenya

If you have two weeks to spend in Kenya, you can visit several wildlife reserves and national parks, devote time to beaches and learn about the local people and their culture. Most travelers come to Kenya to go on safari, and this can be done comfortably, however, in as few as five days by sticking to the places closest to Nairobi. With longer in Kenya, you can visit a great range of parks or fit in other activities.

Recharge on the sunkissed shores of Zanzibar
Map of Zanzibar Beach Holiday - 5 Days
Zanzibar Beach Holiday - 5 Days

If you're looking to escape the daily grind, five days in a tropical paradise like Zanzibar might be what the doctor ordered. More than inviting white-sand beaches and crystalline waters, the island of Zanzibar is also home to a rich culture and fascinating medieval history. You'll experience it all, plus have your pick of various optional activities—including a romantic sunset cruise.

A tree-climbing lion
Map of Tanzania Safari Adventure - 5 Days
Tanzania Safari Adventure - 5 Days

The great misconception about going on safari in Africa is that you need at least a couple of weeks. In reality, even in just five days, you can enjoy the safari experience of a lifetime. This itinerary includes game drives in three different national parks in Tanzania—one of the continent's most popular and famous safari destinations—Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Kenya Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Kenya map: One Week in Kenya - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
One Week in Kenya - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Kenya map: 5 Days in Kenya - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in Kenya - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Kenya map: 14 Days in Kenya - 4 Unique Itineraries
14 Days in Kenya - 4 Unique Itineraries
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Kenya
Travel specialist Susan Deslaurier
active 1 day ago

Susan Deslaurier

My joy is creating authentic and enriching experiences that go beyond “viewing” a faraway land, providing a cultural bridge with local people that leads to life-changing experiences for travelers....

read more...
Travel specialist Lize Enderstein
active 2 days ago

Lize Enderstein

I work as a senior consultant for African Travel Gateway and have 15 years of experience in the travel industry. We plan, book and implement tailor-made holidays for our clients that fit within...

read more...
Travel specialist Joseph Thuo
active 1 day ago

Joseph Thuo

Born and raised in Kenya, in the land of the Maasai (Narok), I started traveling extensively around the country back in College, exploring unique destinations and cultural experiences one after...

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Travel specialist Lucy Berndt
active 1 day ago

Lucy Berndt

Mother, wife, traveller and dreamer! Having travelled extensively throughout Southern Africa, I know the importance of logistics and selecting the right product offerings. Southern Africa...

read more...

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Trip Reviews for Kenya

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Tailored itinerary and brilliant guide.
Kenya | Dec 24 - Jan 6, 2023

C
Carmel C.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Jan 07, 2023

Joseph worked with me to create an eclectic trip that catered to our unusual needs. He managed it while staying within our low to medium budget. Our guide, Andrew Kamau was phenomenal. He has been doing this for 20+ years and was equally good at finding animals in game parks and facilitating our daughter’s need to return to the US right in the middle of the trip. He was fun, positive and knowledgeable. I could not have been happier! read more

Joseph worked with me to create an eclectic trip that catered to our unusual needs. He managed it while staying within our low to medium budget. Our guide, Andrew Kamau was phenomenal. He has been doing this for 20+ years and was equally good at finding animals in game parks and facilitating our daughter’s need to return to the US right in the middle of the trip. He was fun, positive and knowledgeable. I could not have been happier!

Hotel Review
The Ark

Great food. The views of the watering hole were wonderful, watching a pack of hyenas try to take down animals for hours was fascinating as was the following night seeing herds of buffaloes and elephants come through with their young babes. Having said that, the rooms are cramped and one can feel trapped. It is a good first stop out of Nairobi and a great place to have jet lag because one can wander downstairs and watch animals at all hours.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Masai Mara

We did not go during the migration but we saw all the major cats and lots of large herds. Our Guide Andrew Kamau was so knowledgeable and thoughtful that it was a joy. We liked birds and he found and identified them all.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Joseph Thuo
Joseph
Joseph Thuo
Local specialist in Nairobi, Kenya | Reviewed on Jan 08, 2023

Hello Carmel,

Thanks so much for taking your time to leave a review, I'm really happy that you enjoyed your trip and being part of your experience in Kenya, I’m glad you enjoyed your time with Andrew. Many thanks as well for your patience and kindness throughout, you have been so great during the whole planning process, and it was such a pleasure to work with you.

We really appreciate for trusting us with your trip plan. We hope to see you again in the near future with more trips to East... read more

Hello Carmel,

Thanks so much for taking your time to leave a review, I'm really happy that you enjoyed your trip and being part of your experience in Kenya, I’m glad you enjoyed your time with Andrew. Many thanks as well for your patience and kindness throughout, you have been so great during the whole planning process, and it was such a pleasure to work with you.

We really appreciate for trusting us with your trip plan. We hope to see you again in the near future with more trips to East Africa (Tanzania, Uganda or Rwanda) or any other part of the world.

Best wishes for your future travel journeys.

Many thanks & kind regards,
Joseph

Outstanding trip. Local guides were amazing a...
Kenya | Jul 24 - Aug 7, 2021

Julien
Julien C.
Oak Brook, IL | Reviewed on Oct 08, 2022

Outstanding trip. Local guides were amazing and the trip was full of adventures and wildlife.

Local specialist: Susan Deslaurier
Susan
Susan Deslaurier
Local specialist in Berkeley CA and Kenya | Reviewed on Oct 09, 2022

Thanks Julien for sharing such kind words and great photos! We very much enjoyed having your family with us (especially in our Maasai community!) and we are happy to hear that you had a great experience. We hope to welcome you back to Africa again some day.
Ashe oleng (many thanks)

An amazing trip!
Kenya | Jul 2 - Jul 10, 2022

Shana
Shana Z.
Bowie, MD | Reviewed on Aug 21, 2022

My family's trip to Kenya was wonderful! Joseph and Susan worked so hard and so patiently with us to make sure we got to do and see everything we wanted to. Our guide, Alex, was kind and very knowledgeable and we felt very comfortable traveling with him. While we loved all the game parks we visited, the Maji Moto Cultural Camp was definitely a highlight for us all, especially the kids, who greatly enjoyed learning warrior skills. We left Kenya with heavy hearts, but with amazing photos and memories. We hope to return sometime in the future. A huge thank you to Joseph, Susan and Alex!

Local specialist: Susan Deslaurier