A safari in Kenya is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers incredible wildlife, stunning landscapes, and immersive cultural encounters. From the iconic Maasai Mara to lesser-known gems like Samburu and Tsavo, Kenya has a wide range of safari tours to suit different travel styles and budgets. To help you plan your adventure, here are our top picks for the 10 best Kenya safari tours.
1. Maasai Mara Great Migration Safari
Witnessing the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara is one of the most unforgettable safari experiences in the world. This tour focuses on the annual migration of over a million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles as they cross from the Serengeti into the Maasai Mara in search of fresh grazing grounds.
- Best Time to Visit: July to October
- Tour Highlights: River crossings, Big Five game viewing, luxury tented camps, cultural visits to Maasai villages
- Recommended Operator: Gamewatchers Safaris
2. Amboseli Elephant Safari
Amboseli National Park is famous for its large herds of elephants and breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro. A safari here is ideal for those looking to get close to elephants while enjoying some of the most scenic landscapes in Africa.
- Best Time to Visit: June to October
- Tour Highlights: Elephant herds, views of Mount Kilimanjaro, birdwatching, Maasai village visits
- Recommended Operator: Asilia Africa
3. Samburu and Buffalo Springs Safari
For those looking to explore northern Kenya’s unique ecosystems, a safari in Samburu National Reserve offers something different. This area is home to the “Samburu Special Five”—species that are unique to the northern region: the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and the gerenuk.
- Best Time to Visit: June to October, January to March
- Tour Highlights: Samburu Special Five, remote landscapes, cultural visits with the Samburu people, birdwatching
- Recommended Operator: Elewana Collection
4. Tsavo East and Tsavo West Safari
Tsavo East and Tsavo West form one of the largest wildlife reserves in Kenya, known for its red elephants and wide open spaces. This tour is perfect for those who want a more remote and off-the-beaten-path safari experience.
- Best Time to Visit: June to October
- Tour Highlights: Red elephants, the Shetani lava flows, Mzima Springs, the Yatta Plateau
- Recommended Operator: Kenya Safari Planners
5. Laikipia Wilderness and Walking Safari
For adventurous travelers, the Laikipia Plateau offers a chance to experience a walking safari, where you can explore the wilderness on foot alongside experienced guides. This region is also home to conservation areas like Ol Pejeta, where you can see rhinos, lions, and cheetahs.
- Best Time to Visit: June to September
- Tour Highlights: Walking safaris, black and white rhinos, Big Five, conservation experiences, bush camping
- Recommended Operator: Kicheche Camps
6. Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha Birdwatching Safari
Lake Nakuru National Park is famous for its flocks of flamingos and rhinos, while Lake Naivasha offers a great birdwatching and boating experience. This safari is ideal for bird lovers and those who enjoy stunning landscapes.
- Best Time to Visit: July to December
- Tour Highlights: Flamingos, rhino tracking, boat safaris, birdwatching
- Recommended Operator: Africa Adventure Safaris
7. Nairobi National Park and Giraffe Centre Day Safari
If you’re short on time, a day tour to Nairobi National Park offers excellent game viewing just outside the capital. Combine this with a visit to the Giraffe Centre to feed and interact with endangered Rothschild giraffes.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round
- Tour Highlights: Close encounters with giraffes, lions, rhinos, and other wildlife within city limits
- Recommended Operator: Nairobi Tented Camp
8. Mount Kenya and Aberdare Safari
Explore the Aberdare National Park and the slopes of Mount Kenya, where you can stay at unique lodges like The Ark and Treetops, known for their elevated viewpoints that overlook watering holes frequented by elephants, buffalo, and leopards.
- Best Time to Visit: June to October
- Tour Highlights: Waterhole game viewing, scenic hikes, wildlife-rich forest environments, unique accommodation
- Recommended Operator: Cheli & Peacock
9. Masai Mara Balloon Safari
Add an extra level of adventure to your Maasai Mara safari by booking a hot air balloon ride over the vast plains. Soaring above the landscape at dawn offers unparalleled views of wildlife from above.
- Best Time to Visit: July to October
- Tour Highlights: Aerial views of the Great Migration, champagne breakfast in the bush, game drives
- Recommended Operator: Balloon Safaris Ltd
10. Kenya Coast and Safari Combo (Diani Beach & Tsavo)
For a mix of safari and beach, this tour offers a chance to combine wildlife exploration in Tsavo National Park with relaxation on the pristine beaches of Diani. After days spent spotting elephants and lions, unwind by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
- Best Time to Visit: June to October
- Tour Highlights: Red elephants of Tsavo, game drives, beach relaxation, snorkeling, and water sports
- Recommended Operator: Southern Cross Safaris
Conclusion
Kenya is home to some of the most diverse and exciting safari experiences in Africa, from the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara to the red elephants of Tsavo. Whether you’re looking for luxury, adventure, or a combination of safari and beach, these 10 tours offer the perfect way to explore Kenya’s incredible wildlife, landscapes, and culture. Each of these safaris promises a unique and memorable journey through one of Africa’s most iconic travel destinations.
