Kenya was the birthplace of an African safari, and it remains the most revered safari destination. It boasts of the most extraordinary range of landscape, from the Indian Ocean to the Turkana Desert, the Great Rift Valley to the forests of Mt Elgon, and the soaring highlands of Mt Kenya. Still, it’s most famous for one of the most astonishing wildlife spectacles on earth – massive herds of wildebeest making their way across the savannah from the Serengeti plains in Tanzania to Masai Mara in the annual migration. Kenya is one of Africa’s best places, a classic safari destination, to see the Big Five. With over 1,100 recorded species, it is also one of the best birding destinations.

Kenya is another excellent destination for Family Safaris. Kids can learn the tricks of the bush from their expert Samburu or Maasai teachers. A private planned family safari is usually a better option for those traveling with children under 12 as the scheduled group safaris, some lodges, and campsites have age limits. 

With Recherché Journeys, create your unforgettable tailor-made Kenya safari and enjoy an on-foot black rhino tracking, cultural excursions, meet the Samburu tribe, explore a Maasai village and participate in local conservation efforts.

Ready to create your journey? Contact us for a FREE tour plan.

Recommended Parks:

Amboseli National Park: Big 5 (rhino is harder to see but excellent elephant herd sightings), excellent birding, famous for its views of Mount Kilimanjaro

Lake Nakuru National Park: Black and white rhino, excellent birding with big flocks of pelicans and flamingos, picturesque Rift valley scenery

Masai Mara National Park: Big 5 (a lot of big cats but rhino sighting is rare), wildebeest migration, excellent wildlife viewing year-round, hot air balloon safaris, good range of accommodation that cater to all budgets

Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Laikipia): Private reserve, Excellent wildlife viewing including Big 5 and black and white rhino, Chimpanzee sanctuary, gorgeous views of Mount Kenya

Samburu National Reserve: 4 of Big 5 (No rhino but a lot of herds of elephants). Excellent wildlife and bird viewing, a good range of accommodation that caters to all budgets. A visit to Samburu village is recommended.

Tsavo East & West National Parks: Big 5. Good wildlife and excellent bird viewing, beautiful landscape, the chance of seeing black rhinos in the Ngulia rhino sanctuary at Tsavo West.

When to go:

Best Time to visit: June to October, January to February (All parks). June to October has the best weather with little to no rainfall.

High Season: July to November, January, and February (Some of the parks get very crowded, especially the Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Lake Nakuru)

Low Season: March to May is the peak of the wet season. (Some lodges and camps in high rainfall areas close down)