A Guide to the Best Safaris in Kenya
The ultimate guide to all things Kenya Safaris...
Kenya is a land that embodies the untamed beauty of the African savannah. You will find some of Africa’s most iconic natural wonders in Kenya. These include the Maasai Mara and Amboseli National Park. The landscapes are breathtaking, and you’ll have the chance to see a wide variety of wildlife.
In this blog, we’ll talk about all the secrets of a safari to Kenya. Let’s discuss which places to visit, where to stay, and when you should go to Kenya. We love this country so much, and we hope you do too!
Kenya is one of the best safari destinations in the world because of its unique landscapes, wildlife, and authentic culture. Visitors can look forward to seeing incredible wildlife. This includes the Great Migration, the Big Five and other unusual species native to Kenya.
Kenya’s luxury safari accommodation options, like Serian The Original Camp and Lengishu House, provide an exclusive and immersive experience. Travellers will enjoy thrilling game drives, guided bush walks and cultural interactions with local communities.
With its rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and a range of safari activities, choosing Kenya for your safari means an unforgettable vacation into the heart of Africa.
Most people visiting Kenya think only of the famous Maasai Mara. But don’t make the mistake of missing out on the rest of Kenya. There is so much more to this country that just one park. Below is a brief overview of some of our favourite national parks and conservancies in Kenya.
Maasai Mara and Conservancies
Kenya’s Maasai Mara is one of Africa’s most famous wildlife reserves and for good reason. It is a small reserve and easy to explore. But because of this, it can get quite busy, especially during the busier migration months of July to October.
The Maasai Mara offers more than just the Great Migration though. When the wildebeest are not in the park, the game viewing is still spectacular, with some of the best big cat sightings in Africa! The wildebeest migration generally forces the other animals out of the park because there is such limited space.
Because the Maasai Mara is a government reserve, activities are limited to morning and afternoon game drives. We prefer sending our guests to camps that are located in the concessions around the Maasai Mara because of this. There are no fences between these conservancies, so the animals move freely between the areas.
When you stay in these conservancies, you have access to more activities. Some examples include walking safaris, night drives and off-road driving. Staying in a conservancy also guarantees a more exclusive safari experience. This is because the only vehicles allowed in the conservancy are the ones from the camps in that area.
Amboseli and Chyulu Hills
Have you ever seen pictures of elephants walking across a savanna with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background? Amboseli National Park is where these images are captured!
Amboseli is a dry, barren region, but supports life because of its wetlands. These sustain large herds of animals, including elephants, giraffe, zebra, lion, cheetah and leopard.
Chyulu Hills is an area in the hilly region behind Amboseli. We like this area because of the great activities on offer here. Walking safaris and horse riding safaris are especially notable.
Laikipia
We love the Laikipia region because it is one of Kenya’s most successful conservation stories. It was originally made up of large, privately owned cattle ranches. Over the years, the farmers have taken down their fences and started to reintroduce wildlife back to the area.
Today, Laikipia is home to some of Africa’s most endangered and unusual species. These include black and white rhino, gerenuk, Grevy’s Zebra, Reticulated giraffe and wild dogs.
Laikipia is the perfect destination for adventurous travellers. This is because of the special experiences available here, like walking safaris, camel safaris and fly-camping. You can also explore the large area without seeing another tourist – a welcome change from some of the busier parts of Kenya!
Samburu
Samburu is a dry reserve that can be found in northern Kenya. The park is home to some of Africa’s more unusual animals like the long-necked gerenuk, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich and Beisa Oryx. These unique animals form the Special Five.
Samburu is a good area to pair with the Masai Mara because the landscapes are so different. It is also a great destination to learn more about the local Samburu culture.
Sarara
Sarara is in northern Kenya, and covers 850 000 acres of rolling hills and mountains covered in forests. This is without a doubt one of our favourite places in Kenya. The camps work in partnership with the local Samburu people, making it a wonderful community conservation success story.
Activities at Sarara include walking safaris, game drives, fly camping and access to photographic hides. Getting to know the beautiful Samburu culture is also a memorable experience. We love Sarara and would absolutely recommend including a visit here into your Kenya safari.
Travelers are spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting luxury accommodation for Kenyan safari. We’ll select the perfect camps for your individual needs, but here are a few of our favorite Kenya safari camps in no particular order:
1. Serian The Original, Maasai Mara
Serian The Original is an exquisite safari retreat situated in the heart of the Mara North Conservancy in Kenya. It can be found along the banks of the Mara River, and is a luxurious camp perfect for anyone seeking an intimate and immersive safari adventure. Serian provides a limited number of tents, which allows for a more personalized and private experience.
Activities include day and night game drives, guided bush walks, and even fly camping. What sets Serian apart is its emphasis on flexible itineraries, allowing guests to tailor their safari experience to their preferences. This is possible because of camp’s exclusive location in a private conservancy. The knowledgeable Maasai guides enhance the adventure by sharing their deep understanding of the local flora, fauna, and culture
2. Lengishu House, Borana Conservancy – Laikipia
Remember Lion King’s Pride Rock? Lengishu House in Kenya’s Borana Conservancy gives us a similar feeling! Perched on hill, this exclusive use homestead offers panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. Elegant and luxurious accommodation blends seamlessly into the untamed landscape.
Visitors to Lengishu can look forward to exciting game drives, guided bush walks, horseback safaris and more. These unique activities allow guests to explore the diverse ecosystems of the conservancy. The house’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement adds a meaningful dimension to the safari experience. We love sending families or groups of friends to Lengishu House.
3. Kicheche Valley Camp, Naboisho Conservancy – Maasai Mara
Kicheche Valley Camp, found in Kenya’s Naboisho Conservancy, epitomizes a classic safari experience. The camp is set against the backdrop of sweeping savannahs and acacia-dotted plains. It offers an intimate and eco-friendly retreat, perfect for travelers interested in an authentic safari experience. Kicheche Valley Camp ensures an exclusive atmosphere that harmonizes with the natural surroundings.
Guests can partake in daily game drives, guided walks, and night safaris.
4. Ol Donyo Lodge, Chyulu Hills
Chyulu Hills is such a unique part of Kenya, and Ol Donyo Lodge is the perfect base from which to experience it. Perched on the slopes of the hills, the lodge offers breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the expansive plains below. Ol Donyo blends contemporary comfort with the rugged charm of Africa, and is made up of both elegant suites and villas.
Visitors can look forward to thrilling game drives, guided walks, and horseback safaris. The lodge’s unique star beds provide an unforgettable experience, allowing guests to sleep under the vast African sky.
5. Sirikoi Lodge, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
Sirikoi Lodge can be found in the breathtaking landscapes of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in northern Kenya. This elegant lodge is set against Mount Kenya, and epitomizes luxury and exclusivity in the region. Sirikoi prides itself on its commitment to conservation, showcasing a sustainable approach to luxury travel.
Activities include guided bush walks, game drives, and horseback safaris, which allow guests to connect with the wide variety wildlife in the area.
Kenya is home to amazing diversity of wildlife. This makes it a dream destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. The ecosystems in Kenya range from lush grasslands to dense forests and arid deserts. And of course each area supports a unique combination of flora and fauna.
A safari in Kenya also offers a variety of activities that cater to all types of adventurers. Here are some of the most popular safari activities you can enjoy:
Game drives. The quintessential safari experience, game drives allow you to explore the national parks and reserves in search of wildlife. Experienced rangers take you off-road and into the heart of the action! A game drive is great for safari photography, and allows you to cover a larger area that if you were on foot.
Hot air balloon safaris. These offer an usual and memorable experience you’ll cherish for years to come! A hot air balloon provides a unique perspective of the wildlife below. It is an amazing way to get to grips with geography and see the wilderness on a larger scale.
Guided walks. Get up close and personal with nature as you embark on guided walks through the wilderness. A knowledgeable guide will teach you about the smaller creatures that often go unnoticed during a game drive. This will give you a deeper understanding of the ecosystem you are in.
Cultural experiences. Getting to know the local communities, such as the Maasai and the Samburu people is an integral part of the safari experience to us. Kenya has a rich cultural heritage, and learning about the traditions, customs, and way of life of the people who have lived here for centuries is a very meaningful experience.
The best time to visit Kenya is in the dry season between January and February and July to October. It is also a good idea to factor in the Great Migration if you wish to see it. The wildebeest tend to be in the Maasai Mara between the end of July and October.
Sustainable tourism plays a vital role in preserving Kenya’s natural heritage and supporting local communities. At Stanley Safaris, we only work with camps committed to sustainable practices and community involvement.
Some sustainable initiatives include:
- Conservation efforts. Many camps contribute to wildlife conservation by supporting anti-poaching programs, conducting research, and implementing sustainable land management practices.
- Community empowerment. Sustainable tourism in Kenya aims to empower local communities by providing employment opportunities and supporting community-led initiatives. People and the land they occupy go hand in hand, so we cannot protect the one without protecting the other.
- Environmental conservation: Many camps make use of solar power, water smart practices, and eco-friendly waste management systems. These initiatives help to lower the environmental impact of tourism and preserve fragile ecosystems.
A safari to Kenya is an experience that will leave you in awe of nature’s beauty. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents of the wild as you embark on game drives, walking safaris and so much more. Connect with local communities and learn about their rich cultural heritage. And as you do so, remember to prioritize sustainable tourism, supporting initiatives that protect Kenya’s natural heritage and empower local communities.
So, reach out to us, tell us what you’re excited about and sit back while we plan for dream Kenya safari. It will be the adventure of a lifetime!
