Kenya is the birthplace of the modern safari. It offers the quintessential "Out of Africa" landscape: vast rolling savannahs dotted with acacia trees. It is world-famous for the Great Migration—the annual movement of over 1.5 million wildebeest and zebra—and its vibrant Maasai and Samburu cultures.
- Kenya
- ±580,367 km²
- Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Laikipia, Samburu
- The Great Migration; the "Samburu Special Five"
- High risk in most safari areas; prophylaxis is essential
- ~1°16′N 36°48′E
- Nairobi, Narok (Maasai Mara), Nanyuki (Laikipia)
- Arrivals via Jomo Kenyatta (NBO); domestic flights from Wilson Airport (WIL).
- Well-connected but long drive times; fly-in safaris are highly recommended.
- Wildebeest river crossings in the Maasai Mara (July–September).
- Exceptional lion, cheetah, and leopard sightings in the Mara.
- Reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, and Gerenuk.
The Great Migration is in the Mara; visibility is excellent.
Excellent general game viewing and clear skies for photography.
- The crown jewel of Kenya, famous for the annual Great Migration and exceptional year-round predator sightings.
- Renowned for its large elephant herds and iconic views of Mount Kilimanjaro across the border in Tanzania.
- A rugged, arid park home to the "Special Five" species not found in the southern parks.
- One of the largest park systems in the world, known for "red elephants" (from the volcanic soil) and Mzima Springs.
The winter months are best for witnessing the Great Migration, while the short dry season in January offers great visibility and fewer crowds.
Kenya is perfect for first-timers who want to see massive concentrations of animals and iconic landscapes. It offers a perfect blend of high-action wildlife and cultural heritage.