Your complete planning guide for a Kenya safari
Kenya is one of Africa's most iconic safari destinations, home to the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Samburu. This checklist covers everything specific to planning a Kenya safari, from visa requirements to the best time to witness the Great Migration.
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Everything you need to know before your first African safari
Plan a safe, engaging safari the whole family will love
Experience an incredible safari without breaking the bank
The best time for a Kenya safari is July–October during the dry season and Great Migration in the Maasai Mara. January–February is also excellent with fewer tourists. The green season (April–June) offers lower prices and lush landscapes but some roads may be challenging.
The top Kenya safari parks are Maasai Mara (Great Migration and Big Five), Amboseli (elephants with Kilimanjaro backdrop), Samburu (unique northern species like Grevy's zebra), Lake Nakuru (flamingos and rhinos), and Tsavo (vast wilderness and red elephants).
A comprehensive Kenya safari requires 7–10 days to cover 2–3 major parks. A focused Maasai Mara trip can work in 4–5 days. Adding Amboseli or Samburu extends the trip to 8–10 days. For the full migration experience, plan at least 4 days in the Mara.