How to Plan a Thrilling Safari Trip to Kenya

If your time is tight and you want a simple safari, Amboseli is your best choice. The park is small, being about one-fifth the size of Maasai Mara. It is close to Nairobi and easy to access, which makes it great for short trips.

There, you will see herds of elephants in groups of 20 or 30, and thousands of flamingoes flying around and dancing in the air. If you are lucky enough, you can catch sight of Mount Kilimanjaro.

However, the amount of wildlife in Amboseli is less than in Maasai Mara. Big cats are harder to spot. But your skillful driver and guide would use their knowledge of the park to increase your chances of seeing these elusive creatures.

Lake Nakuru

If you're keen on a bird safari, Lake Nakuru National Park is a great choice. More than a million pink flamingoes flock to the shores of Lake Nakuru. There are also white rhinos, warthogs, giraffes, zebras, hippos, ostriches, and lions in the park.

Besides, Nakuru is also very easy to travel to. It is only 170 kilometers from Nairobi (2–3 hours' drive). The short distance means that a day trip to Nakuru from Nairobi is possible.

Samburu National Reserve

If you're seeking a unique safari experience without crowds around you and wish to encounter distinctive wildlife, consider Samburu National Reserve. This park is very different from other popular parks, such as Maasai Mara. The landscape is strikingly raw and overflowing with untamed wilderness.

Besides, the park has its own unique "Special Five": the Beisa oryx, Grevy's zebra, Somali ostrich, gerenuk (a long-necked antelope), and reticulated giraffe. You could opt for a camel safari there.

Furthermore, it's common to see large herds of elephants migrating in search of water in this park.

Tsavo National Park

If you're after a serene self-driving safari amidst great expanses, Tsavo National Park is an ideal choice. As one of Kenya's largest national parks, it sees fewer visitors, making it perfect for a self-drive safari.

At Tsavo, you don't need to worry about being surrounded by dozens of cars when spotting a lion or a massive elephant.

However, the spotting of wildlife is way more difficult due to its massive size and large amount of vegetation. A skillful guide is very important to help you find the animals there. Without one, you could spend a full weekend driving around without spotting a big cat.

Best Safari for a Family Trip

The highlights of a family safari in Kenya are much the same as for couples: the thrilling variety of wildlife. However, when traveling with kids, there are special things to consider. Your children may be thrilled at the sight of wild animals initially but could quickly grow bored or tired during long, hot game drives. Choosing child-friendly lodges is also a significant factor.

If you are traveling with children, pick parks that offer a diverse animal population, are easily accessible, and have family-friendly lodges. The following parks could be perfect for your family trip:

• Maasai Mara National Reserve
• Lake Naivasha
• Lake Nakuru National Park
• Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West National Park
• Nairobi National Park

Continue to read: how to plan a Family Trip to Kenya

Personalize Your Safari: Explore the Best Activities

There are many activities you can do during a safari trip, such as game drives, walking safaris, self-driving safaris, aerial views of magnificent wildlife, and visits to local villages around the park. Choose the best activities to suit your preferences.

If you are passionate about a certain type of animal, consider a specialized game drive safari. This experience would mean being accompanied by an experienced guide, focusing on spotting specific animals that you're the most passionate about, such as big cats.

However, this may not be the best fit for first-time safari explorers. For first-timers or family trips, a general safari trip is recommended. This type of safari offers chances to see as many animals as possible without dedicating long drive times to tracking one specific species.

When planning your trip, tell our travel advisor what experiences you are looking for. They will custom-make the best safari trip for you, ensuring that you go home with unforgettable memories.

How Long Should Your Safari Trip Be?

How long your trip should be depends on what you want to see. Generally speaking, if you mainly want to see the classic Kenyan wildlife, a week-long safari would provide a sufficient and immersive experience. Selecting two or three national parks within a convenient distance of Nairobi, such as Lake Nakuru and Maasai Mara National Reserve, would help you make the most of your time.

However, we recommend that you stay for longer in Kenya, if you can, to further immerse yourself in the diverse wildlife, unwind on the spectacular beaches, and gain a deeper understanding of the local culture and people.

If your safari trip is a significant event or a bucket list goal, you might prefer a relaxed pace to savor each moment and indulge in a more comprehensive exploration. In such a case, allow more time for your journey.

Remember, your safari is not just about the destination but also about the journey that unfolds along the way.

What Should Your Budget Be?

While a safari trip can represent a significant expense, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that makes it well worth the money you spend. A safari tour is usually an all-inclusive experience, including accommodation, meals, and game-viewing activities.

The exact price of a Kenya safari can vary. Things like how luxurious you'd like your stay to be, whether you fly or drive between destinations, whether or not you go private and exclusive, the time of year you travel, and any extra stuff, such as spa days or cultural visits, can all change the price.

We can, however, give you a rough idea of the costs (per person per night) in high season for reference:

• 450 USD for a budget camping tour
• 800 USD for a mid-range lodge tour
• 1,000 USD for a luxury lodge tour

If you are particularly worried about your budget, you may choose to travel in the low season (March to May), which can significantly lower your travel prices. At Global Highlights, we are committed to crafting a safari experience that's tailored to your unique budget and personal desires.

How to Travel to Kenya and Get to the Safari Parks

The major gateway to Kenya is the capital of the country: Nairobi. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) is the primary point of entry, with flights in originating from various locations across America and Europe. For example:

• For travelers from the United States, Delta Air Lines provides a direct flight service from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO).
• If you're traveling from Europe, British Airways offers a non-stop flight from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi.

Traveling from Nairobi to Your Safari Destinations

Upon landing in Nairobi, numerous flights are available from the city's Wilson Airport to most safari destinations. Taking a flight is the most comfortable way to reach your safari destinations. There are several flights each day so you don't need to worry about missing one. Take Maasai Mara, for example. There are multiple flights per day from Wilson Airport to Maasai Mara by different providers.

Please note that these routes typically use small, light aircraft with 12 to 50 seats.

You may consider using a private transfer by land, but we don't recommend it. Traveling by land in Kenya is challenging because of the long journey on bumpy and dusty roads. Your comfort and enjoyment of the safari experience are our priorities and we believe that air travel provides the best solution for these long distances.