Overview – Kenya

Kenya has plenty to offer in terms of Safari tourism. The savannah fields of Amboseli, the Maasai Mara and Tsavo are frequently what come into view when one pictures an African safari. Kenya safari packages incorporate one of Kenya's best-adored reserves, the Masai Mara National Reserve, home to Africa's biggest populace of lions and the organizing ground of the incredible migration of wildebeest in July, one of the most terrific regular occasions on the planet.
East and West Tsavo are the most effective available parks from Mombasa, with some excellent cheetah regions in Tsavo East while the Galana riverbank is home to lions and crocs.
To see exotic birds in Kenya, visit Lake Baringo which holds the world record for the number of various bird species found in one day, while the Indian Ocean shore with its 300 miles of flawless white sand coastline, quiet, welcoming waters and excellent coral reefs is the ideal spot to top or tail a safari and appreciate a-list diving and snorkelling.
Kenya is vivaciously proposed as an African safari objective for first-time and all-around journeyed safari participants the equivalent.

Rates (USD)350
CurrencyKenyan shilling (‎KES‎)‎
CapitolNairobi
TimezoneGMT+3 (EAT)
Size580,367 km²
LanguagesEnglish, ‎Swahili‎
Wildlife46 Animals
High SeasonJuly to November, January and February
Best Time to GoJune to October, January to February

Pros & Cons

Amazing wildlife viewing, including the annual wildebeest migration
A wide variety of habitats and scenery
Beautiful coastline with plenty of beach resorts to choose from
Traditional indigenous cultures
Excellent service and well-run tourism industry

Sometimes gets very crowded in particular areas
Limited options available for walking and boat safaris
Prices during high season can be sky-high
Private conservancies are expensive

Parks, Reserves and Wildlife Areas

Amboseli National Park

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Bush Vibe

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Food – Kenya

Kenyan dishes are among the best you will ever devour. Ask any Kenyan who lives away and they will tell you how much they miss Kenyan cuisine. Kenya is a country with 42 tribes and almost every community has its own unique dish. The culinary scene varies throughout the country. The fact is you will never taste all of them but make sure you try the following dishes before leaving Kenya so you can judge Kenya’s cuisine. The fact is you will never taste all of them but make sure you try the following dishes before leaving Kenya so you can judge Kenya’s cuisine.
Ugali (Cornmeal), Samaki (Fish), Nyama Choma (Grilled Meat), Kachumbari (Tomato and Onion Salsa), Githeri (Boiled Corn and Beans), Mukimo (No occasion is complete without mukimo), Matoke (Plantain Banana Stew), Omena (Silver Fish), Ingoho (Chicken), Sukumawiki (Kale/Collard Greens), Kenyan Style Stew, Mutura (Kenyan Sausage), Mrenda (Jute Mallow), Wali wa Nazi (Coconut Rice), Makai (Roast Maize) and Chips Mayai (Omelet and French fries).

Culture – Kenya

Kenya is not a homogeneous country ethnicity-wise. The make-up of Kenyans is primarily that of 13 ethnic groups with an additional 27 smaller groups. The majority of Kenyans belong to ‘Bantu’ tribes such as the Kikuyu, Luhya and Kamba. There are also the ‘Nilotic’ tribes such as the Luo, Kalenjin, Maasai and Turkana. The ‘Hamitic’ people include the Turkana, Rendille and Samburu. Around 13% of the population are of non-African descent, i.e. Indian, Arab and European.
Kenyans are group-orientated rather than individualistic. “Harambee,” (coming from the Bantu word meaning “to pull together”) defines the people’s approach to others in life. The concept is essentially about mutual assistance, mutual effort, mutual responsibility and community self-reliance.

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Wildlife & Animals – Kenya

Safari excursions in Kenya are notable for their amazing wildlife. The most well-known safari game parks are typically found along the main route between Nairobi and Mombasa. Amboseli, Chyulu Hills, Masai Mara, and Tsavo East and West are located here. The northern game parks of Buffalo Springs, Samburu, and Shaba are also exceptional because they are dry wildernesses where animals congregate to drink at the waters of the Ewaso N'yiro River, attracting sizable herds of elephants, leopards, gerenuk, oryx, and giraffe. The impressive wildlife that one can find in Kenya, including Big cats like the Lion, Leopard, and Cheetah, Elephants, Rhinos, and Giraffes, and that's just the beginning, is most likely the main draw.

Wildlife Highlights

Samburu and Meru in the north are home to some fascinating limited dry-country species. The odd-looking gerenuk is regularly seen standing on its rear legs benefiting from dry bushes. The Grevy's zebra and reticulated giraffe are lovely variations to the more normal species found all through the area. Tsavo is home to the uncommon periphery-eared oryx.

The Great Wildebeest Migration

Those wishing to encounter the great migration of the white-bearded wildebeest can observe this scene directly in the Maasai Mara when the migration passes into southern Kenya from July through late October. More than 2,000,000 herbivores advance north from the Serengeti in Tanzania into Kenya as they follow the yearly downpour designs in their interminable hunt for lusher, greener grass.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife viewing can be done throughout the year in Kenya, but still, the best time to visit is in the Dry season from June to October. This includes the great wildebeest migration in Masai Mara. The parks are much quieter in the low season, and prices are more competitive as well.

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Birds – Kenya

With over 1100 species recorded, Kenya is one of the best birding destinations in Africa, from the alpine Mt. Kenya and the western lowland forests at Kakamega to soda-encrusted, flamingo-filled Rift Valley lakes. On any birding trip, you can without much of a stretch see a respectable number of endemic and near-endemic species. These birds are targeted specifically because they unexpectedly enter the country or pass by without being noticed. From September to April, immigrants from Europe are available.

Notable Birds in Kenya

Best Time for Bird Watching

Birding can be done throughout the year in Kenya but the best time to visit is from September to April when migratory birds from Europe and northern Africa are present. At this time, many resident bird species are nesting and breeding plumage. For wildlife viewing, however, the Dry season is better.

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Best Time to Visit – Kenya

The best time to visit Kenya is during the Dry season from June to October when the skimpy vegetation makes it easier to spot wildlife. The wildebeest migration usually reaches the Masai Mara in August and remains until October when they move back to the Serengeti in Tanzania. Wildlife viewing is good year-round, but this can differ for some parks. See below to learn when to visit which park.

Best Time
June to October, January to February

High Season
July to November, January and February
Low Season
March to May (Due to heavy rainfalls some lodges closed down)

Best Weather
June to October (Little to no rainfall)
Worst Weather
March to May (Peak of Wet season)

June to October (Dry Season)

Wildlife can be easily spotted around river crossing and waterholes
Pleasant temperatures between 20-30°C (sunny and no rain)
July to October is the best time to see the Wildebeest migration
Clear blue skies and most of the days are sunny
There are very less mosquitoes because of little rain

Gets very crowded in popular parks

November to May (Wet Season)

It's a low season which means lower rates for safari and less crowded parks
Newborn animals can be seen
Migratory birds are present in this season hence Bird watching at its best
Except for March to May, rains are usually just short showers in the afternoon
The scenery is beautiful and green

During March to May the rains can be continuous – some lodges and camps close down during part of the Wet season

Best Time to Go to Kenya by Major Park

The Masai Mara offers year-round wildlife viewing, but most of the visitor comes in between July to October. In the peak of the rainy season, most other parks, especially in the highlands and along the coast, can be problematic with regard to heat, humidity and continuous rain. Some of the lodges closed as a result. The dry months offer quality wildlife viewing throughout Kenya.

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Activities – Kenya

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Getting There – Kenya

Tourists can visit these safari locations once in Kenya and can show up via air, land or ocean, however, flights are the most favoured mode of transport. Kenya is a huge nation and while you can go via vehicle on a safari circuit, getting between the various regions is better on a booked flight.
Kenya's main airport is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), located 15km/9mi southeast of Nairobi. Kenya's second international Airport is Moi International Airport (MBA), located 9km/6mi west of Mombasa, but aside from flights to Zanzibar, this is primarily used for domestic and charter flights.
From Nairobi or Mombasa, one can fly or drive between reserves, or opt to do a bit of both. Most domestic flights out of Nairobi depart from Wilson Airport (WIL), 6km/4mi south of Nairobi.

Requirements

All foreign visitors need a passport that is valid for at least six months
Passports must have a clean and a full visa page for endorsement.
When arriving from a yellow-fever-infected country in Africa or the Americas a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required.
Citizens of most countries require a visa. A list of countries that don't need a visa is available.
Visas are best obtained in advance through an official online visa-application portal (Link), but they can also be obtained through your local Kenyan Embassy or High Commission.
Visas can also be obtained on arrival but this is a lengthy process that can take one to two hours.

Domestic Flights

Wilson Airport (WIL) is used for flights to Tanzania and domestic flights.
Domestic flights can be booked with several carriers:

Important Links

Safety & Security – Kenya

Kenya is one of Africa's most popular tourist destinations, with world-class national parks, the annual wildebeest migration, and a stunning coastline. The country has had several security issues, which harmed tourist numbers for a while, but it has recovered thanks to its tourism pedigree. People from all over the world visit Kenya to experience the richness of its culture as well as its stunning parks with abundant wildlife. The United States has sent the most tourists to Kenya, followed by the United Kingdom, India, and China.

Please see the links below for travel advice on Kenya Safari Trips:

United Kingdom: UK Travel Advisory
United States: US Travel Advisory
Canada: Canada Travel Advisory
Australia: Australia Travel Advisory
Ireland: Ireland Travel Advisory
New Zealand: New Zealand Travel Advisory
EU member states: EU member states Advisory

What travel documents do I require?

You must be in possession of a passport that is valid for 6 months past the day of your departure. In the Visa section of your passport, you must have at least three blank pages available.

What are the recommendations on vaccinations for Kenya?

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is only required for travellers 1 year of age and older who are departing from or transiting through, a country where Yellow Fever transmission is possible.

What about Safety?

When travelling through Africa, be mindful and cautious not to flaunt flashy items or accessories. In general, stay alert and aware of the location of your belongings at all times.

What Should I pack?

A good pair of walking shoes are highly recommended for your safari. Although the midday sun is hot, the mornings and evenings are cool after the sun goes down. It is recommended that you bring layers of clothing, as well as at least one warm jacket and full-length pants. It may be useful to bring a light rain jacket and other water-resistant gear on rainy days.

Do I need insurance?

We highly recommend for every traveller book medical cover/insurance from their country of origin.

Children on safari / Family Travel?

Kenya and Tanzania are ideal destinations for taking children on safari, with Kenya being "more child friendly" and the best destination for a "first-time safari." Children of any age can "join" a safari; however, we recommend that your child be at least 3 years old because travelling with infants is more difficult. Many properties provide family rooms or family suites, which are either one larger room/tent or simply interconnected rooms/tents. We do recommend that you consult with your consultant about driving distances.

How much luggage can I carry?

Please pack your luggage in soft bags that weigh no more than 15 to a maximum of 20 kgs per person. Luggage can be stored during the safari, either at your hotel if you are returning from your trip or in our offices. Most lodges offer laundry services for a fee. The maximum luggage allowance per person on air safaris is strictly 15 kg, which includes hand luggage in soft bags. Because the planes are small, luggage space is limited.

Kenya

Magical Kenya

Overview – Kenya

Pros & Cons

Parks, Reserves and Wildlife Areas

Kenya Map in Africa

Kenya Safari Reviews

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Food – Kenya

Kenyan Pilau

Kuku Pakaa

Mukimo

Sukuma Wiki

Culture – Kenya

Masaai Culture

Masaai Jumping

Masaai Tribe

Masaai Women

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Wildlife & Animals – Kenya

Lion

Elephant

Wildebeest

Hyena

Giraffe

Zebra

Leopard

White Rhino

Wildlife Highlights

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

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Birds – Kenya

Notable Birds in Kenya

Hartlaub's turaco

Abbott’s Starling

Hornbill

Buff-crested bustard

Best Time for Bird Watching

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Best Time to Visit – Kenya

June to October (Dry Season)

November to May (Wet Season)

Best Time to Go to Kenya by Major Park

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Activities – Kenya

Beaches

Birding Safari

Boating Safaris

Cultural

Farm Visits

Fishing

Game Drives

Golf

Mountain Climbing

Horse Riding

Hot Air Balloons

Night Drives

Photography

Climbing

Diving

Sightseeing

Surfing

Walking Safaris

Whale watching

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National Parks & Game Reserves – Kenya

Safari Reviews – Kenya

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