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Introducing Kenya

What comes to mind when you imagine Kenya? If you think of slender giraffes, wild-maned lions, and herds of zebra and wildebeest migrating across the open savanna, you're not wrong—but there's more to Kenya than the safari vacation you've been dreaming about. Beyond being one of the best places on earth to view the "Big 5," Kenya also offers gorgeous Indian Ocean coastline to explore, cultural engagement with Masaai tribespeople and other local experiences, and the opportunity to witness incredible conservation efforts at wildlife rescues in Nairobi and beyond. 

When is the best time to visit? 
The general consensus about Kenya is that there are two seasons, dry and wet, dictated more by rainfall than by fluctuation in temperature. But in reality, weather in Kenya is more nuanced than that—and depending on altitude, seasonal monsoon winds, and proximity to Lake Victoria, you may experience rain at any time of year. All that said, the most popular travel times are December-January and July-August, typically the driest and best for viewing wildlife. Other times of year have their perks, though: wet conditions mean abundant flora, lower prices, and fewer safari groups crowding the national park roads.

How many days do I need?
Due to the unpredictability of animals in their natural habitat, patience is key: the more time you spend, the more likely it is that you'll observe a wide range of wildlife. Safari tours can range from a single day to multiple weeks, though three to five days per park is enough for most people. A popular option for travelers keen on safari is to spend a few days in the famous Masai Mara reserve and a few days in another of Kenya's parks—or combine your time with a trip to Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater.

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 7 days · 10 days · 12 days · 14 days

Kenya Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
See lions in the wild hunt for buffalo
Map of Kenya Wildlife Safari - 10 Days
Kenya Wildlife Safari - 10 Days

This exciting 10-day itinerary allows you to truly discover Kenya's diverse wildlife and dramatic landscapes. Your trip will start in the bustling central city, Nairobi before you depart for the countryside and visit Amboseli National Park, which is home to Africa's highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro. Over these 10 days, you will also see the most famous Kenyan parks, including Hell's Gate, Mount Longonot, Lake Nakuru, Lake Bogoria, and Maasai Mara, which are home to thousands of wildlife species as well as incredible hiking trails and viewpoints.

A camel at Diani Beach
Map of Best of Kenya: Landscape, Safari, & Beach - 12 days
Best of Kenya: Landscape, Safari, & Beach - 12 days

If you want to experience all of Kenya's top destinations—while also getting the chance to lay back and relax—this exciting 12-day itinerary is for you. You'll start the trip in the bustling capital Nairobi before departing for Kenya's national parks to discover majestic landscapes, see the Big Five, spot diverse bird species, visit chimpanzees, watch an animal migration at Maasai Mara, swim in turquoise blue water, and more.

A group of feeding zebras in Serengeti National Park
Kenya & Tanzania Wildlife Safari - 7 Days

This exciting itinerary includes unforgettable game drives in Kenya and Tanzania for travelers who like to be on the move. Start with two nights in Nairobi for an introduction to Kenyan culture and wildlife conservation. Then, fly to Kilimanjaro, where you'll visit three beautiful safari destinations, including the Serengeti and UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater. Enjoy the comfort of private transfers and unique all-inclusive lodgings for the ultimate African adventure.

Recharge on the sunkissed shores of Zanzibar
Map of Zanzibar Beach Holiday - 5 Days
Zanzibar Beach Holiday - 5 Days

If you're looking to escape the daily grind, five days in a tropical paradise like Zanzibar might be what the doctor ordered. More than inviting white-sand beaches and crystalline waters, the island of Zanzibar is also home to a rich culture and fascinating medieval history. You'll experience it all, plus have your pick of various optional activities—including a romantic sunset cruise.

Mt. Kenya
Ultimate Kenya: Mt. Kenya Trek & Maasai Mara Safari - 12 Days

This active, 12-day adventure includes some of Kenya's best outdoor experiences. After sightseeing in Nairobi, spend several days hiking to the top of Mt. Kenya, the second-highest mountain in Africa. This amazing and challenging experience is followed by several days of safari and wildlife-spotting activities, as well as cultural immersion in the Maasai Mara.

Lake Victoria from above
Kenyan Culture & Wildlife: Lake Victoria, Kisumu, & Maasai Mara - 8 Days

Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa and the second-largest freshwater lake by surface area in the world, giving you plenty to explore on this eight-day itinerary. Dive into lake life on Rusinga and Mfangano islands, stroll the streets of Kisumu city, and safari through the famous Maasai Mara reserve as you enjoy a spectrum of what Kenya has to offer.

Make the Most of Your Time in Kenya

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Elephants in Amboseli National Park, with Mt. Kilimanjaro in the distance
Map of How Many Days to Spend in Kenya
How Many Days to Spend in Kenya

If you have two weeks to spend in Kenya, you can visit several wildlife reserves and national parks, devote time to beaches and learn about the local people and their culture....

Elephant sightings in Masai Mara National Park
Map of 1 Week in Kenya - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Kenya - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Kenya is an excellent place to holiday in Africa, especially for safari-goers. With an entire week, you'll experience the country's healthy national park and conservancy...

A pair of lions in the Maasai Mara, Kenya
Map of 10 Days in Kenya - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Kenya - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

If you have 10 days to spend in Kenya, you'll likely want to spend a few on safari in Maasai Mara National Reserve. How you organize the rest of your time is up to you: round...

A family of elephants in the Maasai Mara National Reserve
Map of 2 Weeks in Kenya - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Kenya - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Two weeks is a perfect amount of time to spend in and around Kenya. There are many ways to structure your trip. Combine a wilderness safari with a cultural tour around the...

Kenya Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip
Photos from top left clockwise: Elephants crossing a road in Tanzania,  Maasai people in Kenya, Giraffe in Nairobi National Park, and a lake in Ngorongoro Crater
Kenya or Tanzania Safari

Choosing between a safari in Kenya or Tanzania can be challenging, as both countries offer unique experiences and incredible wildlife diversity. To help you make the best...

Our Latest Kenya Content

This epic two-week safari features some of Kenya's best elephant-spotting locales, including Amboseli National Park
Map of Kenya Safari Highlights: Nakuru, Masai Mara, Naivasha, Amboseli & Tsavo - 14 Days
Kenya Safari Highlights: Nakuru, Masai Mara, Naivasha, Amboseli & Tsavo - 14 Days

For culture, natural beauty, and exotic wildlife, you can't do better than Kenya. It's home to ancient ethnic cultures, like the Maasai people, plus many national parks and reserves—one of which runs right up to Nairobi's city limits. This ultimate two-week itinerary is packed full of adventures, including safaris in Nairobi National Park, Masai Mara, and Amboseli, hand-feeding giraffes, marveling at the red elephants of Tsavo, traveling to the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, and much more.

Spot Big Five wildlife and rare specimens in off-the-beaten-track national parks like Samburu
Map of Kenya Off-the-Beaten-Path Safari: Aberdare, Samburu, Loisaba & More - 14 Days
Kenya Off-the-Beaten-Path Safari: Aberdare, Samburu, Loisaba & More - 14 Days

See a side of Kenya that most travelers miss on a two-week hop around its most exotic parks, reserves, and conservancies. The rewards for your intrepid exploration are many and include visits to flamingo-filled saline lakes and romantic waterfalls. In parks and reserves like Aberdare and Samburu, you'll marvel at rare animals like Grévy's zebras and Somali ostriches, plus stop in at rescue centers that look after everything from chimpanzees to the last remaining white rhinos in the world.

Glimpse a lilac-breasted roller in flight on this wildlife and bird-watching safari
Map of Kenya Wildlife & Bird-Watching Safari - 14 Days
Kenya Wildlife & Bird-Watching Safari - 14 Days

Embark on a two-week adventure to uncover Kenya's dual allure as a premier safari and birding destination. As you travel across renowned national parks like Tsavo and Amboseli, you'll spot many of the country's 1,000-plus bird species alongside the magnificent Big Five on game drives and bush walks. Round out your vacation with a luxury stay on the white sands of the Diani coast and a mouthwatering food tour in Mombasa.

Kenya Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map One Week in Kenya - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
One Week in Kenya - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Map 5 Days in Kenya - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in Kenya - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Map How Many Days to Spend in Kenya
How Many Days to Spend in Kenya
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Kenya
Travel specialist Joseph Thuo
active 14 hours ago

Joseph Thuo

Born and raised in Kenya, in the land of the Maasai (Narok), I started traveling extensively around the country back in College, exploring unique destinations and cultural experiences one after...

read more...
Travel specialist Lize Enderstein
active 7 hours ago

Lize Enderstein

I work as a senior consultant for African Travel Gateway and have 18 years of experience in the travel industry. We plan, book and implement tailor-made holidays for our clients that fit within...

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Travel specialist Petru van Zyl
active 13 hours ago

Petru van Zyl

I started in the travel industry in August 1998 and have 25 years experience as a travel consultant. I am a senior consultant who specializes in FIT travel, group travel, VIP clients, luxury...

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Travel specialist Susan Deslaurier
active 1 day ago

Susan Deslaurier

My joy is creating authentic and enriching experiences that go beyond “viewing” a faraway land, providing a cultural bridge with local people that leads to life-changing experiences for travelers....

read more...

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Trip Reviews for Kenya

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Honeymoon of a Lifetime
Kenya | Feb 24 - Mar 3, 2024

Jeffrey
Jeffrey H.
Houston, TX | Reviewed on Mar 22, 2024
I booked a safari with Animal Kingdom through Kim Kim and it was an absolutely amazing experience from start to finish. There are so many options of safaris to choose that it can be daunting. From the moment I messaged with Nicholas, I felt completely at ease. In the process leading up to the trip, he answered all of my copious questions. He was always quick and kind with his responses. He made sure we go our vaccinations and the proper visa. Once we arrived, he and our driver, John, picked... Read more

I booked a safari with Animal Kingdom through Kim Kim and it was an absolutely amazing experience from start to finish. There are so many options of safaris to choose that it can be daunting. From the moment I messaged with Nicholas, I felt completely at ease. In the process leading up to the trip, he answered all of my copious questions. He was always quick and kind with his responses. He made sure we go our vaccinations and the proper visa. Once we arrived, he and our driver, John, picked my wife and I up from the airport. This was the biggest relief since we landed at 11:00pm local time. Nicholas rode with us to the first hotel we stayed at and he walked us through what most of the trip would look like beyond the itinerary he provided. For almost the rest of the trip, my wife and I were just with John, our driver. I cannot talk highly enough of John. We told him all of the animals we wanted to see and what pictures we wanted. He made sure we got and saw everything we wanted. He also did an amazing job of answering all of the questions we asked throughout the trip. On our last day, we had many hours between our last safari and our flight out of Nairobi and Nicholas and John helped my wife and I out by recommending a good area of Nairobi to stay in until the flight and then John took us to the airport.

For the trip, we went to Nairobi National Park, David Shedrick’s Elephant Preserve, Giraffe Center, Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, and Amboseli. All were fantastic but Lake Nakuru was our biggest surprise. Do not skip it!

Hotel Reviews
Fair Acres Boutique Hotel
Karen, Nairobi. P. O Box 1121 – 00208 Nairobi.

Fantastic hotel! Staff was attentive. The room was nice and clean. The restaurant had delicious food.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ashnil Mara Camp
Maasai Mara

The lobby area was very nice. The buffet was good for all meals. WiFi was only available in the main area which was a challenge. You also could not bring food to your room because monkeys would break in and steal it. Otherwise, great experience!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lake Naivasha Simba lodge
Naivasha

The grounds of this hotel are amazing! Very cool area to walk around and be amongst zebras, giraffes, and other wildlife.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kilima Safari Camp
Nairobi, Kenya

The first room we were put in smelled like an animal had died inside of it. There were also many bugs, living and dead, in the room that was “freshly cleaned.” We switched rooms without issue from the staff but the lack of cleanliness persisted in the second room. It was also incredibly hot when we were there. There was no portable fan in the room. There was one fan which was mounted on the wall in the room. This would be fine but they put a twin bed with a full wooden bed frame in front of the fan so you couldn’t use the queen bed without sweating all night. Then, at night, there were thousands of grasshoppers. This would not be a problem except for the fact that they kept getting in the room so I heard them all night trying to get past the mosquito netting. Worse yet, the hotel didn’t have any protection for the outdoor buffet. So while we were trying to eat, grasshoppers were jumping into our mouths and food.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Giraffe center
Giraffe center
Nairobi
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park
Nairobi
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
David sheldricks
David sheldricks
Nairobi
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Nicholas Mwangi

Trip of a lifetime!
Kenya | Aug 4 - Aug 17, 2023

Maria
Maria B.
Canada | Reviewed on Mar 19, 2024
We had a fantastic trip!
Joseph was extremely helpful, patient, and always responsive. He worked with us and adjusted the trip to all our requests until we had the trip we always dreamed of. During the journey, it all went smoothly, and he was still available when we needed him. Somewhat more expensive than anticipated, but truly a great experience.
Read more

We had a fantastic trip!
Joseph was extremely helpful, patient, and always responsive. He worked with us and adjusted the trip to all our requests until we had the trip we always dreamed of. During the journey, it all went smoothly, and he was still available when we needed him. Somewhat more expensive than anticipated, but truly a great experience.

Activity Reviews
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Kenya

It was so heartwarming to see all of the great work that is happening at Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and of course, who doesn't love seeing these amazing beings up close. Loved every minute of the experience.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Lake Naivasha Hells Gate National Park
Lake Naivasha Hells Gate National Park
Kenya

So fun!! Beautiful place

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Joseph Thuo
Joseph
Joseph Thuo
Local specialist in Nairobi, Kenya | Replied on Mar 21, 2024

Hi Maria,
Great photos, and thanks for sharing your thoughts on your travel experience with us, it was my pleasure to do everything possible to be sure your travels were enjoyable and memorable.

It was a pleasure to work with you and we appreciate your trusting us with your trip plan. We hope to see you again in the near future with more trips to any other part of the world!

Best wishes for your future travel journeys.

Regards,
Joseph

Hello Joseph, I wanted to give you a feedbac...
Kenya | Feb 19 - Feb 23, 2024

Olfa
Olfa L.
France | Reviewed on Feb 24, 2024
Hello Joseph, I wanted to give you a feedback about Andrew who was great with us during our trip who was able to answer all our questions and adapt according to our needs. Andrew is very professional and I plan to come back with my mom and would like to do the same trip with Andrew again. The trip was fantastic and very interesting we saw everything we wanted to see. Compared to the hotels they were all very good but on the 2nd a lake navaisha the room was not terrible and the food too. And... Read more

Hello Joseph, I wanted to give you a feedback about Andrew who was great with us during our trip who was able to answer all our questions and adapt according to our needs. Andrew is very professional and I plan to come back with my mom and would like to do the same trip with Andrew again. The trip was fantastic and very interesting we saw everything we wanted to see. Compared to the hotels they were all very good but on the 2nd a lake navaisha the room was not terrible and the food too. And for the last one in masai Mara this one was top but no wifi in the room which is a pity. So much for my little return I wanted to thank you and thank Andrew.

Local specialist: Joseph Thuo
Joseph
Joseph Thuo
Local specialist in Nairobi, Kenya | Replied on Feb 27, 2024

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on your travel experience with us, we’re happy to hear you enjoyed the blend of activities and locations and we will pass along your kind words to Andrew. We will be very happy to welcome you again with your Mom. We have also taken note of your feedback on where things were not up to your expectations and assure you that we will be looking into where we can do better on all counts.

Best wishes for your future travel journeys, with thanks,
Joseph