Kenya is the safari the others are measured against: lion and elephant on the open plains of the Masai Mara, the Great Migration thundering across the Mara River, and the option to finish with warm Indian-Ocean sand on the coast. It's the classic African trip, and an easy one to love.
Game drives are the heart of it, led by expert guides who read the bush. Here's our short brief on when to go and what to build around.
Best time to go
July – OctoberPeak safari and the Great Migration in the Masai Mara — dry, with animals gathered at the water.
January – MarchWarm and dry again — excellent game viewing and calving season, with fewer crowds.
April – June & NovemberThe 'green' rains — lush and quiet with lower prices, though some tracks get muddy.
What not to miss
Masai MaraBig-cat country and, in season, the river crossings of the Great Migration.
AmboseliElephant herds beneath Kilimanjaro — the iconic photograph.
Lake NakuruRhino sanctuary and flamingo-pink shallows in the Rift Valley.
Maasai cultureA village visit with the Maasai, on their terms, alongside the wildlife.
The coastDiani and the Indian-Ocean beaches to unwind after the drives.
Visas & entry
Kenya now uses an online travel authorisation for visitors in place of the old visa. We'll guide you through the application and make sure it's approved before you fly.
Visa & OCI servicesPractical tips
- Pack neutral colours for game drives, plus a warm layer for chilly dawn starts.
- A good guide and a window seat matter more than a long list of parks — we prioritise both.
- Bring binoculars and a zoom lens; the animals are closer than a phone can catch.
- Yellow-fever vaccination may be needed depending on your route — we'll advise in good time.
