Kenya is one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations. From vast savannahs teeming with wildlife to forested highlands and rugged deserts, the country offers a rich diversity of landscapes and ecosystems. Whether you’re chasing the Big Five, the Great Migration, or rare bird species, Kenya provides a safari experience that suits every kind of traveler, from first-time visitors to seasoned wildlife enthusiasts.
But with so many parks and conservancies, deciding where to go can be overwhelming. To help you plan your dream adventure, here are five Kenyan safaris you should try, each offering a unique blend of scenery, wildlife, and cultural immersion.
Related read: Tanzania vs. Kenya Safari: Which is the Best?
Here’s an overview:
5 Kenyan Safaris You Should Try
1. Masai Mara National Reserve
No list of Kenyan safaris would be complete without mentioning the Masai Mara, arguably the most famous wildlife reserve in East Africa. Covering approximately 1,510 square kilometers in southwestern Kenya, the Masai Mara forms part of the larger Mara-Serengeti ecosystem and is synonymous with the ultimate African safari experience.
Why Visit
The Mara is best known for its incredible density of wildlife. It’s one of the few places in Africa where you can see the Big Five, a variety of animals and also bird species.
The main event, however, is the Great Migration. From July to October, over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, move into the Mara from Tanzania’s Serengeti. The Mara River crossings, where animals plunge into crocodile-infested waters in a desperate bid for survival, are among the most dramatic natural spectacles on the planet.
Related read: Is the Masai Mara Worth It? What to Expect, When to Visit & How to Plan Your Safari
What Makes the Mara Safari Special
- Classic wide-open savannah landscapes
- Exceptional predator sightings, especially lions and cheetahs
- Opportunities to witness the Great Migration
- Cultural visits to traditional Maasai villages
- A wide range of accommodation, from luxury lodges to budget campsites
2. Amboseli National Park
Located in southern Kenya near the Tanzanian border, Amboseli National Park offers a completely different safari vibe. While it’s smaller than the Masai Mara, Amboseli is famous for its large elephant herds and unmatched views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak.
Why Visit
The highlight of Amboseli is the chance to see dozens of elephants up close, many of them with huge tusks, set against the stunning backdrop of Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped summit. The elephants in Amboseli are some of the most well-studied and protected in Africa, and their gentle behavior makes them ideal subjects for photographers.
In addition to elephants, the park hosts lions, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, wildebeest, and more. The flat, open terrain makes animal sightings relatively easy and frequent.
Amboseli is also a great destination for bird lovers, with over 400 bird species, especially during the wet season when the park’s swamps fill with water.
What Makes It Special
- Iconic photos of elephants in front of Mt. Kilimanjaro
- Accessible from Nairobi (4-5 hours by road or 45-minute flight)
- Opportunities to engage with the Maasai community
- Good option for shorter safaris or first-time visitors
3. Samburu National Reserve
For those looking for a safari experience off the beaten path, Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya delivers a rugged, arid beauty that contrasts sharply with the lush plains of the south. Situated along the Ewaso Ng’iro River, the park is home to unique wildlife and fewer tourists, offering a more intimate and less commercial safari.
Why Visit
Samburu is famous for the “Samburu Special Five”, a collection of rare animals adapted to the region’s dry conditions. These include the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and the long-necked gerenuk. These species aren’t typically found in southern Kenyan parks, making Samburu a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts.
The park also offers excellent sightings of lions, leopards, elephants, and wild dogs. The Ewaso Ng’iro River attracts many animals, making for dynamic game drives, especially in the dry season.
The local Samburu people, cousins of the Maasai, add a cultural dimension to the trip. Their unique traditions, colorful clothing, and hospitality enrich the overall safari experience.
What Makes It Special
- Rare, endemic wildlife species are not seen in most parks
- Fewer crowds and a more peaceful atmosphere
- Opportunity to explore the remote, scenic north
- Rich cultural experiences with the Samburu people
4. Laikipia Conservancies
If you’re looking for a more private, conservation-focused safari, the Laikipia Plateau in central Kenya is a prime destination. Spanning over 9,500 square kilometers, Laikipia is made up of private and community-owned conservancies that focus on sustainable tourism, wildlife protection, and community involvement.
Why Visit
Laikipia offers exclusivity, with many camps and lodges hosting only a handful of guests at a time. This means fewer vehicles, uncrowded game drives, and a more tailored experience. The region is home to Kenya’s second-largest population of elephants and is one of the last strongholds of the endangered black rhino.
You’ll also find African wild dogs, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and a variety of antelope species, including the rare Jackson’s hartebeest and greater kudu. Birding is also exceptional in the area.
What truly sets Laikipia apart is the ability to do activities not allowed in national parks, such as night drives, guided bush walks, camel safaris, and even horseback riding safaris alongside wildlife.
What Makes It Special
- Highly personalized, low-impact safaris
- Strong focus on conservation and local communities
- Opportunities for walking and horseback safaris
- Stunning landscapes ranging from plains to forests
5. Tsavo East and West National Parks
Together, Tsavo East and Tsavo West form the largest protected area in Kenya, covering over 21,000 square kilometers. Located in southeastern Kenya between Nairobi and Mombasa, Tsavo is a vast wilderness that offers raw, untamed safari experiences with fewer tourists and wide-ranging wildlife.
Why Visit
Tsavo East is known for its open plains, red-dust landscapes, and the iconic red elephants, who wallow in the iron-rich soil. The park is excellent for spotting herds of elephants, lions, buffalo, and various antelope. It’s also one of the few places where you might encounter the elusive maneless lions of Tsavo.
Tsavo West, by contrast, is more lush and mountainous, with volcanic landscapes, natural springs, and dense bush. Wildlife is a bit harder to spot here due to vegetation, but the park offers a real sense of adventure. Key attractions include the Mzima Springs, crystal-clear pools teeming with hippos and crocodiles and the Chyulu Hills, a chain of volcanic mountains offering excellent hiking.
The Tsavo parks are ideal for those seeking a wilder, less manicured safari away from the tourist trail.
Related read: A Guide to Visiting Tsavo National Park in Kenya
What Makes It Special
- Vast and diverse landscapes with low visitor numbers
- Famous red elephants and unique maneless lions
- Proximity to the coast, ideal for combining beach and bush
- Great for self-drive safaris and seasoned travelers
Which Kenyan Safari is For You?
Choosing the right Kenyan safari depends on your interests, travel style, budget, and the kind of experience you’re looking for.
What’s remarkable about Kenya is how accessible these parks are from one another. With careful planning, you can combine two or more destinations in a single trip for a rich and varied safari experience.
