Kenya Destination Guide
Are you leaning towards Kenya for your upcoming safari in Africa? Or have you already decided that this incredible country is the perfect place for your trip of a lifetime?
Whatever point in the decision-making process you’re at, if you need an introduction to Kenya safaris, look no further than this destination guide. We understand that you think long and hard before booking a safari, so we have put together this resource to help you feel more confident and informed about the choice you make.
If you have any questions for us, from our safaris to our destinations, please feel free to get in touch.
For now, though, keep scrolling down to learn more about going on safari in Kenya.
Where are the Best Places to go on Safari
Did you know that Kenya is the original home of safari? The word ‘safari’ means ‘journey’ in Swahili.
As such, Kenya has a highly professional safari industry backed by outstanding expertise and infrastructure.
It’s no surprise, then, that Kenya has some of the world’s best safari destinations, including:
Masai Mara National Reserve
Amboseli National Park
Lake Nakuru National Park
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Lake Naivasha National Park
Buffalo Springs National Reserve
Tsavo National Parks
Can I See the ‘Big Five’ on Safari in Kenya?
Absolutely! Kenya is one of the best places to see the ‘Big Five’ (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes) on a safari.
Given its world-famous reputation, many ‘Big Five’ Safaris in Kenya take place in Masai Mara.
But every park, reserve, and conservancy listed above plays host to different members of the ‘Big Five’.
For example, the Ol Pejeta Conservancy is East Africa’s largest black rhino sanctuary, while Amboseli National Park is renowned for its elephant sightings.
Can I See the Wildebeest Migration in Masai Mara, Kenya?
Yes, you can! This is one of nature’s greatest spectacles, so if you get the chance to join
a Great Migration safari, we encourage you to seize the opportunity.
The Great Migration is a circular migratory route that millions of wildebeest and other
plains game follow on an annual basis.
Generally speaking, the journey starts in January in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. Over the next four to six months, a massive pack of animals heads north toward the Kenyan border.
Eventually, the migration passes into Kenya’s Masai Mara. The peak season for Great Migration experiences in Kenya is between June and October. This is when you’re most likely to see the iconic, chaotic river crossings.
Should One Visit the Masai Mara or the Serengeti?
As both the Masai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti in Tanzania stage the Great Migration, it’s only natural to ask which one is best to visit.
If the sole purpose of your safari in either location is to view the migration, you will need to visit the Serengeti between December and March.
However, heavy rainfall during this period also produces a burst of greenery and other vegetation. While welcome and a beautiful sight, it also reduces game visibility.
But rainfall drops as the mass of animals migrate north through Tanzania toward the Masai Mara. The wilting of vegetation exposes the herds and their predators.
In the dry months of July to September, wildlife tends to congregate in huge numbers around waterholes, and overall interactions between predator and prey increase.
If you’re planning a Great Migration safari in Kenya or Tanzania, it’s important to know the various stages of the migration and what time of the year is best for getting the full experience.
The team at Odyssey Safaris has decades of experience with Kenyan safaris and safaris in Tanzania. Whatever your preferences, schedule, and budget, we can find the perfect fit for your needs.
What Time of Year is the Best to go on a Safari in Kenya?
Kenya is a great year-round safari destination. Generally speaking, however, the best safaris in Kenya occur between June and October.
Not only is this when the Great Migration charges through the Masai Mara, but rainfall is also virtually non-existent. Daytime temperatures aren’t too hot either.
January to March also has a mild climate with mostly dry weather. The game viewing is still fantastic during this period too.
Safaris in the rainy season (March to June) are still well worth considering. As this isn’t peak season, you can benefit from off-season rates and quieter parks.
What Kind of Clothing Should One Pack for a Kenya Safari?
As a general rule, pack casual, comfortable clothing for your Kenyan safari. Muted colors are best — think beige, khaki, green, and other neutral colors.
We also advise dressing in layers. Game drives typically set out in the early morning when there’s a chill in the air, especially in winter.
Of course, the days soon warm up, so the ability to add and remove clothing is important.
The most practical items you should consider packing include:
Long-sleeved shirts to protect against the sun and mosquitoes
T-shirts for layering
Shorts and light skirts
Safari trousers or jeans for cooler days and evenings
Sweaters and jackets
Comfortable (i.e. broken-in) walking shoes
A light waterproof jacket in case of rain
A sunhat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and lip balm
Binoculars and camera
Swimwear and beach clothing, where applicable
Of course, for other adventures like our African Mountain Climbing Tours, you will need to bring the necessary specialist equipment.
What are Some of the Most Beautiful Places in Kenya?
All of the places listed in the first section of this guide are comfortably among Kenya’s most beautiful places. In addition to the incredible wildlife, they offer spectacular landscapes that are simply huge in scale.
Outside of these places, some of Kenya’s other much-loved destinations include:
Diani Beach
Nairobi National Park
Malindi
Mount Kenya
Lamu Island
Chyulu Hills
Hell’s Gate National Park
Aberdare National Park
Is Kenya Safe to Visit in 2023?
A sense of personal safety is exactly that — personal. Many factors come into play to make any individual feel safe or unsafe, so we can only speak broadly here.
In the years before the Covid pandemic, Kenya welcomed between one and two million tourists every year. And these numbers are steadily returning.
With an established tourist trail and economy, Kenya is a safe place to visit.
Our advice is the same for anyone visiting a new and unfamiliar country: take the necessary precautions to avoid petty crime and practice good common sense.
For added peace of mind, get to know Odyssey Safaris better by learning about us.
What are Kenya’s Visa Requirements?
Visitors from the US, Canada, the UK, the EU, and most other countries need a visa to enter Kenya.
The good news is that applying for an e-visa is relatively easy and can take less than ten minutes if you meet the requirements.
Please note, you must apply for an e-visa before departure. Visas are not available upon arrival.
For more information and to start your application, read through the e-visa page on the Kenya immigration website.
Do I Need any Vaccinations Before Visiting Kenya?
In line with current advice, visitors to Kenya are strongly advised to have courses or boosters for:
Diphtheria
Hepatitis A
Poliomyelitis
Tetanus
Other vaccinations to consider include:
Hepatitis B
Meningococcal Meningitis
Rabies
Typhoid
Yellow Fever
Cholera vaccinations are only recommended if you anticipate being in a high-risk environment. This isn’t the case for most tourists.
At the time of writing, all visitors must either show proof of Covid-19 vaccination or a negative PCR test no more than 72 hours old upon arrival.
Our Safaris in Kenya Turn Dream Vacations into Reality
We hope this Kenya Destination Guide has inspired you to visit this unforgettable country. If we’ve piqued your interest, consider browsing our range of Kenya safaris for more travel inspiration.
