Kenya is undoubtedly one of the best destinations in the world for a safari experience. With its diverse wildlife, picturesque lands, and vibrant cultures, it offers an unforgettable adventure for travelers seeking the best African safari experience.
From the famous Masai Mara National Reserve to the lesser-known but equally remarkable conservancies, there are many wildlife destination choices for those seeking to plan the best safari in Kenya.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the best destinations for a safari in Kenya and the activities they each offer.
1.Masai Mara National Reserve
The Masai Mara National Reserve is undoubtedly the most famous safari destination globally, and for a good reason.
This vast wilderness is home to the famous Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles cross the Mara River in search of greener pastures.
This spectacle attracts thousands of visitors each year, making the Mara one of the busiest parks in the country.
With a little planning and the right safari guide, you too, can enjoy a peaceful and authentic experience in the Masai Mara even during the off-season. The Off season runs from April to the end of June and this is the best time to plan a cheap Masai Mara Safari.
Aside from the Great Migration, the Mara is also home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), as well as many other species of wildlife.
Some of the best times to visit are between July and October, which is when the Great Migration takes place, and between December and February when the weather is dry and the wildlife is concentrated around the water sources.
2.Samburu National Park
Compared to the Mara, Samburu National Park is a lesser-known but equally stunning destination for a safari.
It is home to unique wildlife species such as the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and Somali ostrich. You can also spot the Big Five here, as well as a wide variety of bird species.
One of the highlights of a visit to Samburu is the cultural experience.
The Samburu people, who are closely related to the Maasai, have a rich and fascinating culture that you can learn about through guided tours and cultural visits.
3.Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park is located in southern Kenya, near the border with Tanzania.
The park is famous for its large herds of elephants, and the stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain.
The park is also home to other species such as lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and gazelles, making it one of the best destinations for a safari in Kenya.
The best time to visit Amboseli is between June and October, which is the dry season when the wildlife is concentrated around the water sources.
During this time, you can enjoy excellent game viewing and clear views of Kilimanjaro. It is possible to use small vehicles such as the Toyota Auris, Toyota Vitz, Toyota Probox, Toyota Fielder, and Honda fit for game drives in Amboseli, but during the rainy season that runs from April to Jul, the 4×4 safari land cruiser is the perfect choice. The roads in the park get muddy and some roads are impassable using small cars.
4.Maasai Mara Conservancies
If you are looking for the best luxury safari in Kenya, the Masai Mara Conservancies are definitely worth checking out.
Located at the heart of the Masai Mara, these conservancies are your chance at the best safari in Kenya, thanks to their exclusive and deluxe nature. The conservancies are private reserves offering a more intimate and sustainable safari experience.
Get to enjoy a wide variety of wildlife, including the Big Five, and unique activities such as night drives, guided walks, and cultural visits.
One of the benefits of staying in a conservancy is that you can enjoy a more personalized safari experience. The conservancies have strict limits on the number of vehicles allowed, which means you can avoid the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful and quiet safari.
5.Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru National Park is about a two-hour’s drive from Nairobi. The park is named after the large, shallow alkaline lake that dominates the area.
The lake is a major draw for visitors, as it is home to millions of flamingos, making it one of the best destinations for a safari in Kenya.
Aside from the flamingos, the park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including rhinos, lions, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and more. It is also home to over 400 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
Although the flamingos are the star attraction, there are many other species to see, including pelicans, storks, eagles, and more. The best time to see the flamingos is between November and March when the water levels are high, and the birds come to feed on the algae.
For the best luxury safari in Kenya, be sure to take a game drive around the park, which will give you a chance to see the wildlife up close in their natural habitat.
The park has several well-maintained game drive routes, and you can hire a guide to take you on a tour.
Besides wildlife viewing, Lake Nakuru National Park also offers several other activities, including hiking, picnicking, and camping. The park has several designated picnic sites, and you can also camp at one of the campsites, which offer basic facilities such as toilets and showers.
Another one of the park’s unique features is the rhino sanctuary, which covers an area of 44 square kilometers and is home to over 70 rhinos, making it one of the largest and most successful rhino sanctuaries in Kenya.
You can visit the sanctuary on a guided tour, which allows you to see the rhinos up close and learn about the conservation efforts to protect them.