Kenya has a tremendous diversity of both landscapes and animals: the awe-inspiring animal migration and open grassy plains of the Maasai Mara, the Amboseli’s stunning views of the snowcapped Mount Kilimanjaro, and the arid landscapes of Samburu. Kenya is the perfect destination for an active traveler with all the horseback riding, camel riding and tubing you can handle. There is something for everyone.
Conservation is central to Kenya’s tourism industry and is of great importance throughout the country, and the work of communities and old families with historic ties to the land ensures the continuity and success of Africa’s animals. From the rhino breeding programs in Lewa to the elephant research at the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and predator programs, there is a groundswell of support for the precious resources of this fascinating country.
Why Travel to Kenya, Part of the wonder of traveling is to see how others live without getting the (often) cheesy, touristy front, and in this Kenya excels. If you do it properly, Kenya offers travelers the opportunity to get a true sense of the country and its people, and opportunities to interact with locals who are eager to meet and converse with travelers are truly unique in the safari world.
Although Kenya is perhaps best known for views of the wildebeest migration that travels into the Maasai Mara between July and August, you can visit Kenya at almost any time of year. If any time should be avoided it is the long rains between Mid-March and late May.
With Nairobi as a major African hub, it is easy to combine Kenya with Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zanzibar, Northern Mozambique, Seychelles and Ethiopia. Combining Kenya with Southern Africa requires a bit more complexity and travel time but can be done.
Secrets and Tips
- Combine the Maasai Mara with an area with lots of activities like Laikipia.
- Adopt an elephant and get special afternoon access to the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphange to interact with the babies.
- October and Mid-January through March are both great times to be in Kenya with good game and fewer crowds.
- Meru National Park has excellent game-viewing and birding.
Good To Know
Kenya offers incredible safaris and game-viewing, as well as the most unique family-owned properties. Kenya is the perfect destination for active travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who would like Kenya?
Why Travel to Kenya, Kenya is perfect for travelers looking for unparalleled game experience, opportunities for cultural interactions and lots of activities. It is perfect for couples, honeymooners, families and small groups, and if you are hoping for a classic tented camp safari experience, look no further.Kenya offers accommodation that suits a tremendous range in both budget and style, from tented camps and large lodges and beach resorts to small, quirky, family-owned properties; you can tailor-make your trip to suit your needs. Kenya particularly excels at what we call barefoot luxury, beautiful properties that have a wonderfully relaxed style and feel, and which are quite open to nature. The only hesitation we have is for guests looking for numerous super-luxury options. For those looking for a 5-star Singita-level safari experience, the options in Kenya are limited to a small handful of properties.
Kenya is absolutely perfect for those looking for lots of activities to do alongside classic game drives. With a range of exciting things to do, active people will never be bored. The Lewa/Laikipia area is a hub of fun activities, from bi-plane flights and helicopter excursions to camel and horseback riding, fly fishing, biking, quad biking, tubing, game walks and game drives. Families are well catered to, and as any parent knows, when the little ones are entertained and happy, the parents are also having a good time!
Culturally, Kenya offers some of the most interesting and authentic experiences that can be had on safari, with numerous opportunities to interact with and learn from members of Kenya’s 40+ tribes, including the semi-pastoral groups such as the Maasai and Samburu. While canned cultural experiences do exist, we value working with properties that offer clients continuous opportunities for simple authentic interactions like casual conversations with the staff and guides at your camp or a visit to the local village to see the schools, workshops and projects that many properties support. When done right, Kenya offers you the chance to immerse yourself in another culture, without feeling as though you are being humored, and return home with a true sense of the country.
This friendly nation welcomes visitors, and its people are always happy to discuss their traditions and culture with new friends. In short, Kenya’s got soul, that elusive aspect that makes a visit so memorable.