10 Best Places to Visit in Kenya on Safari

• Best Place to See the Great Migration river crossing: The Maasai Mara is the prime location for this spectacle. Watch dramatic and chaotic scenes as herds brave crocodile-infested waters, a true bucket-list wildlife moment.
• Best Place to See Rhinos in Kenya: The protected Lake Nakuru sanctuary offers almost guaranteed sightings of both black and white rhino, making it one of the most reliable places in East Africa to see this magnificent and endangered animal.
• Best Place for Rhino Conservation: Your visit to conservancies like Ol Pejeta in Laikipia directly funds vital anti-poaching units. This makes Laikipia not only one of the best places to see rhinos in Kenya, but also a hub for contributing to their survival.
• Best Places for Walking Safaris: Go beyond the vehicle and connect with the wilderness on foot at Lake Naivasha’s Crescent Island. Expertly guided bush walks, camel treks, and horseback safaris offer a thrilling and intimate perspective of the landscape and its smaller wonders while viewing non-predatory animals like giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest.

Kenya’s most famous safari destination, the Maasai Mara National Reserve, offers an exceptional wildlife spectacle across its vast, golden savannas. It is a timeless landscape of acacia-dotted plains, winding rivers, and dramatic escarpments, home to an astonishing density of animals, including the highest concentration of big cats in the world. The reserve is synonymous with the Great Migration, a breathtaking natural wonder that sees millions of wildebeest and zebra thunder across the plains in a desperate search for fresh grazing.

What to Expect

• Prepare for a classic safari experience defined by iconic wildlife and stunning landscapes.
• Vast Savannas: Witness sweeping grasslands that stretch to the horizon, dotted with acacia trees and teeming with life.
• Predator Action: Observe large prides of lions, elusive leopards, and swift cheetahs that thrive in this target-rich environment.
• Great Migration: From July to October, experience the earth-shaking spectacle of millions of wildebeest and zebra on their annual journey.
• Maasai Culture: Engage with the semi-nomadic Maasai people and learn about their deep connection to this ancestral land.
• River Crossings: The Maasai Mara is where to see the Great Migration river crossing. Watch these dramatic and chaotic scenes as herds brave crocodile-infested waters.

Why You Should Go

• The Maasai Mara delivers an unforgettable safari that captures the very essence of wild Africa.
• Iconic Scenery: Capture postcard-perfect images that fulfill every expectation of an African safari.
• Unmatched Wildlife: Enjoy some of the most reliable and rewarding game-viewing on the continent, year-round.
• Natural Wonder: Witness the Great Migration, one of the most awe-inspiring wildlife events on the planet.
• Cultural Immersion: Gain a unique insight into the traditions and daily life of the proud Maasai warriors.
• Photographic Opportunities: Find endless inspiration, from magnificent sunrises to dramatic predator-prey interactions.

Best Time to Visit

• Migration Peak: Travel between July and October to see the wildebeest herds in their greatest numbers.
• Dry Season: Visit from June to October for pleasant weather and prime game-viewing as wildlife gathers at water sources.
• Fewer Crowds: Consider the shoulder months of June and October for a quieter but still rewarding experience.
• Lush Scenery: Travel from November to May to see the "green season," with newborn animals and dramatic skies.

Best for: First-time safari-goers and witnessing the Great Migration.

Recommended Length of Stay: 3-4 Days

Find your ideal adventure by exploring Zicasso’s Great Migration safaris and tours.

Amboseli National Park is celebrated for providing the quintessential image of Africa: immense herds of elephants roaming across dusty plains with the majestic, snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro serving as a breathtaking backdrop. This compact park’s fragile ecosystem, centered around the life-giving swamps and lakes fed by Kilimanjaro's meltwater, supports a remarkable diversity of wildlife and offers some of the best opportunities in the world to get up close with gentle giants.

What to Expect

• Kilimanjaro Views: Enjoy unparalleled, picture-perfect views of the world's tallest free-standing mountain on clear days.
• Elephant Herds: Observe some of the largest-tusked elephants in Africa as they graze, socialize, and bathe.
• Observation Hill: Climb this unique vantage point for a panoramic perspective of the park’s plains, swamps, and wildlife.
• Dusty Plains: Traverse the park’s famously dry and dusty lake beds, which create a dramatic, ethereal atmosphere.
• Swampy Wetlands: Discover lush green marshes that act as a magnet for elephants, hippos, buffalo, and abundant birdlife.

Why You Should Go

• Gentle Giants: Experience intimate and awe-inspiring encounters with the park's famously relaxed elephant populations.
• Postcard Pictures: Capture the classic, timeless photograph of elephants against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.
• Prolific Birdlife: Spot over 400 species of birds, including pelicans, flamingos, and raptors, in the park's wetlands.
• Easy Access: Combine your visit easily with other parks due to its relatively close proximity to Nairobi and Tsavo.
• Unique Landscape: Witness the stark and beautiful contrast between the arid plains and the vibrant, life-sustaining swamps.

Best Time to Visit

• Peak Visibility: Travel from June to October when clear, sunny skies provide the best chance of seeing the mountain.
• Dry Conditions: Navigate the park’s roads with ease during the dry months, allowing access to all areas.
• Concentrated Wildlife: Watch animals congregate around the swamps and waterholes, making for excellent game viewing.

Best for: Iconic views of Mount Kilimanjaro and incredible elephant encounters.

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 Days

Begin planning your adventure with Kilimanjaro views on a Zicasso Exclusive Kenya Safari: Luxury Adventure in 10 Days.

Maasai Mara vs Amboseli

Choosing between these two iconic parks often comes down to your primary safari goal.

• Choose the Maasai Mara if you are a first-time safari-goer seeking the classic "Big Five" experience. It offers vast, open savannas, unparalleled predator sightings, especially big cats, and the dramatic spectacle of the Great Migration from July to October. The sheer density and diversity of wildlife are unmatched.
• Choose Amboseli if your dream is to see huge herds of elephants with the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. The landscape is more compact, with dusty plains and lush swamps, offering a different and equally stunning visual experience. While it has other wildlife, the focus here is undeniably on the elephants and the view.

For an all-encompassing, action-packed safari, the Maasai Mara is the top choice. For iconic scenery and the best elephant viewing in Africa, Amboseli is a must-see. Many itineraries perfectly combine both.

Set in the rugged, semi-arid landscapes of northern Kenya, Samburu National Reserve provides a truly distinct safari experience far from the more frequented southern parks. This wild and untouched wilderness is defined by the life-giving Ewaso Ng'iro River. It attracts an array of unique wildlife adapted to the harsh environment. You can discover the "Samburu Special Five," a collection of rare and remarkable species found only in this region.

What to Expect

• Special Five: Search for the reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, Somali ostrich, beisa oryx, and the long-necked gerenuk.
• Riverine Life: Watch elephants, lions, and leopards congregate along the palm-fringed banks of the Ewaso Ng'iro River.
• Arid Landscapes: Explore the dramatic beauty of the dry, rocky terrain set against distant purple mountains.
• Cultural Encounters: Meet the Samburu people, whose vibrant culture and traditions are intrinsically linked to this land.
• Unique Activities: Partake in guided bush walks and camel-back safaris for a different perspective on the wilderness.

Why You Should Go

• Rare Wildlife: Witness the unique collection of animals that cannot be found together anywhere else in Kenya.
• Fewer Crowds: Enjoy a more intimate and exclusive safari experience with fewer vehicles than in the southern parks.
• Authentic Culture: Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the Samburu warriors, close relatives of the Maasai.
• Dramatic Scenery: Photograph the stunning contrast of the green river valley against the stark, beautiful desert landscape.
• Leopard Sightings: Take advantage of one of the best locations in Kenya to spot the elusive and beautiful leopard.

Best Time to Visit

• Prime Viewing: Visit from June to October, when the climate is dry and animals cluster along the Ewaso Ng'iro.
• Second Season: Travel from December to March for another excellent dry period with fantastic wildlife sightings.
• Avoid Rains: Steer clear of the heavy rains in April and May when some lodges may close and roads become difficult.

Best for: Experienced safari travelers seeking rare species and fewer crowds.

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 Days

Samburu vs Maasai Mara for a First-Timer

• The Maasai Mara is the quintessential choice for a first safari. Its wide-open grasslands make wildlife easy to spot, it offers the best chance of seeing all the "Big Five," and it hosts the world-famous Great Migration. It delivers the classic African safari experience you've seen in documentaries.
• Samburu offers a more unique, off-the-beaten-path experience. The landscape is arid and dramatic, and the appeal lies in seeing the "Samburu Special Five"—rare animals you won't find in the Mara. While it has predators, the focus is less on ticking off the Big Five and more on discovering unique species in a less crowded environment.

If it's your first safari and you want the iconic experience and the highest chance of seeing a wide variety of classic animals, choose the Maasai Mara. If you prioritize unique sightings, fewer crowds, and a different kind of landscape, Samburu is an excellent and adventurous choice.

Discover the unique wildlife of the north on a custom-tailored Kenya Vacation: Samburu, Mount Kenya, Lake Nakuru, and Masai Mara.

Nestled in the heart of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru National Park is a vibrant mosaic of shimmering water, acacia woodland, and rocky cliffs. Famed for the vast flocks of flamingos that fringe its shores in a sea of pink, the park is also one of Kenya's most important rhino sanctuaries. This compact and ecologically diverse park offers a rewarding safari experience with a high chance of spotting some of Africa's most iconic and endangered species.

What to Expect

• Pink Flamingos: Marvel at the spectacle of thousands, sometimes millions, of lesser and greater flamingos feeding in the shallow alkaline lake.
• Rhino Sanctuary: Enjoy excellent opportunities to see both black and white rhino in a protected, fenced environment.
• Rare Giraffes: Spot the endangered Rothschild's giraffe, which thrives here thanks to successful conservation efforts.
• Stunning Viewpoints: Drive up to Baboon Cliff or Lion Hill for breathtaking panoramic views of the lake and its surroundings.

Why You Should Go

• Avian Paradise: Delight in one of the world's greatest bird spectacles, with over 450 species recorded.
• Guaranteed Rhinos: As the best place to see rhinos in Kenya, Lake Nakuru greatly increases your chances of ticking off one of the Big Five with reliable sightings.
• Scenic Beauty: Admire the park’s picturesque landscape, which includes the largest euphorbia forest in Africa.
• Easy Day-Trip: Visit conveniently from Nairobi, making it an excellent addition to any Kenyan itinerary.
• Big Cat Sightings: Look for lions, often seen relaxing in acacia trees, and the elusive leopard that hides in the woodlands.

Best Time to Visit

• Prime Birding: Visit from January to February when migratory birds are present and flamingo numbers can be at their peak.
• Dry Conditions: Travel from June to March for sunny days and easy navigation around the park.
• Pleasant Weather: Enjoy comfortable and mild temperatures throughout the year due to the park’s altitude.

Best for: Rhino sightings, incredible birdlife, and a quick trip from Nairobi.

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Days

Add a splash of pink to your trip with Zicasso’s Essential Kenya: Safaris in Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru.

Stretching from the slopes of Mount Kenya to the edge of the Great Rift Valley, the Laikipia Plateau is a pioneering landscape of private and community-run conservancies dedicated to innovative wildlife conservation. This vast wilderness features some of Kenya's most exclusive and diverse safari experiences. You can find rare species, engage in unique activities, and enjoy an intimate connection with nature away from the crowds.

What to Expect

• Conservation Focus: Visit leading conservancies like Ol Pejeta, which is home to the last two northern white rhinos on Earth.
• Chimpanzee Sanctuary: See rescued chimpanzees at the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the only place to do so in Kenya.
• Rare Species: Encounter healthy populations of endangered animals, including Grevy's zebra and African wild dogs.
• Varied Activities: Go beyond traditional game drives with activities like walking safaris in Kenya, camel trekking, and horseback riding.

Why You Should Go

• Support Conservation: Your visit directly funds vital conservation projects, making it one of the best places to see rhinos in Kenya while contributing to their survival.
• Intimate Experience: Connect with the wilderness on a deeper level through immersive, expertly guided activities.
• Unique Encounters: Track wild dogs on foot or ride alongside giraffes for a truly unforgettable safari adventure.
• Guaranteed Sightings: Take advantage of the high wildlife densities in conservancies like Ol Pejeta to see the Big Five.
• Stunning Scenery: Enjoy dramatic views of Mount Kenya from the high-altitude plains of the plateau.

Best Time to Visit

• Prime Game Viewing: Visit from June to September, when dry conditions make wildlife easier to spot.
• Excellent Weather: Enjoy sunny days and cool, comfortable evenings perfect for safari activities.
• Second Season: Plan your trip for December to March for another fantastic period of weather and game viewing.

Best for: Exclusive conservation-focused safaris, rare species, and diverse activities.

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 Days

Engage in a safari with a purpose by planning a Luxury Kenya Cheetah Safari: Mara, Meru, and Laikipia.

Dominating the central Kenyan highlands, Mount Kenya is an extinct volcano and Africa's second-highest peak, presenting a world of breathtaking alpine beauty. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a trekker's paradise, offering a quieter and arguably more scenic alternative to Kilimanjaro. Its diverse slopes are cloaked in bamboo and rainforest, which give way to otherworldly moorlands dotted with unique flora, and finally, a dramatic crown of glaciers and snow-capped peaks.

What to Expect

• High-Altitude Trekking: Hike through diverse ecological zones on well-maintained trails to reach scenic peaks like Point Lenana.
• Glacial Landscapes: Witness the rare sight of equatorial snow and the dozen retreating glaciers that carve the mountain's summit.
• Unique Flora: Discover the strange and beautiful high-altitude vegetation, including giant groundsels and lobelias.
• Forest Wildlife: Spot animals like elephants, buffalo, and colobus monkeys on the lower forested slopes.

Why You Should Go

• UNESCO Site: Explore a designated World Heritage Site recognized for its exceptional beauty and ecological importance.
• Quieter Trails: Enjoy a more serene and solitary trekking experience with far fewer hikers than on Kilimanjaro.
• Active Adventure: Break up a traditional vehicle-based safari with a rewarding and challenging multi-day hike.
• Rich Biodiversity: Experience a remarkable range of habitats, from dense montane forest to stark alpine desert.

Best Time to Visit

• Clearest Skies: Trek from December to March for the sunniest and warmest conditions on the mountain.
• Best Conditions: Plan your hike from July to early October for another dry season with excellent trekking weather.
• Avoid Rains: Stay away during the rainy seasons of April to June and late October to November when trails are slippery.

Best for: Active travelers, high-altitude trekking, and unique alpine scenery.

Recommended Length of Stay: 3-5 Days, including acclimatization

Conquer Africa's second-highest peak as part of a Zicasso Icons of Kenya: Maasai Mara and Mount Kenya Walking Safari.

Covering a vast swath of southeastern Kenya, Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks form one of the largest protected areas in Africa, a massive wilderness of raw beauty and historical legend. Tsavo East is known for its flat, arid plains and the iconic "red elephants" that dust themselves in the ruddy soil, while Tsavo West offers a more dramatic volcanic landscape of rolling hills, lava flows, and the life-giving Mzima Springs.

What to Expect

• Red Elephants: Witness the famous spectacle of elephants, as well as zebra and other animals, colored red by the region's iron-rich soil.
• Vast Wilderness: Experience a true sense of untamed Africa in a massive, uncrowded, and wild landscape.
• Volcanic Scenery: Discover the rugged beauty of Tsavo West, including the Shetani Lava Flows and Chaimu Crater.
• Crystal Springs: Visit Mzima Springs, where you can watch hippos and crocodiles glide through crystal-clear water from an underwater hide.

Why You Should Go

• Huge Biodiversity: Explore one of Kenya's most important and diverse ecosystems, home to a vast array of species.
• Unique Sightings: Enjoy the special experience of seeing the park's famous red-dusted elephants.
• Dramatic Landscapes: Photograph the breathtaking contrast between the green Mzima Springs and the black lava flows.
• Fewer Vehicles: Take pleasure in a more private and exclusive safari experience with far fewer tourists than in the Mara.
• Historical Significance: Visit the land made famous by the legendary "Man-Eaters of Tsavo" lions in the late 19th century.

Best Time to Visit

• Dry Season: Travel between June and October, when the weather is dry, and wildlife is easier to spot.
• Concentrated Wildlife: Watch animals congregate along the rivers and at Mzima Springs, making for superb viewing.
• Avoid Rains: Steer clear of the two rainy seasons (November and April-May) when some areas may become inaccessible.

Best for: Wild, off-the-beaten-path adventures and unique volcanic landscapes.

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 Days

Tsavo East vs Tsavo West: Which Is Better?

• Tsavo East is vast, flat, and arid. It’s known for its huge herds of dust-red elephants and offers a classic, raw safari experience. The sheer scale of the park gives you a sense of true wilderness. Game viewing can be more challenging due to the terrain but is rewarding when you find it.
• Tsavo West is more geographically diverse and scenic. It features volcanic hills, ancient lava flows, and the lush oasis of Mzima Springs. The varied landscape makes for stunning photography but can also make wildlife harder to spot than on the open plains of Tsavo East.

For travelers who want to see large herds of elephants and experience a vast, untamed wilderness, Tsavo East is ideal. For those who prioritize dramatic, volcanic scenery and unique geological features like Mzima Springs, Tsavo West is the better choice.

Discover the wild heart of Kenya by planning a 7-Day Tour of Kenya: Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli, and Tsavo.

A beautiful freshwater jewel in the Great Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha offers a tranquil and picturesque break from the rigors of a traditional safari. Just a short drive from Nairobi, its shores are fringed with papyrus swamps and graceful fever trees, creating a haven for an incredible variety of birdlife and a healthy population of hippos. The lake provides a different kind of wildlife experience, where you can leave the vehicle behind for boat trips and walking safaris.

What to Expect

• Hippo Pods: See large groups of hippos wallowing in the shallows and grazing on the shores in the evening.
• Boat Safaris: Take a boat trip across the lake to get incredibly close to birds, hippos, and other wildlife.
• Rich Birdlife: Listen to the iconic cry of the African fish eagle and spot over 400 other bird species.
• Crescent Island: A key destination for walking safaris in Kenya, take a guided walk among non-predatory animals like giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest on this famous peninsula.

Why You Should Go

• Easy Access: Enjoy a scenic and straightforward two-hour drive from Nairobi, making it an ideal first or last stop.
• Water-Based Activities: Experience a welcome change of pace from vehicle-based game drives with serene boat trips.
• Walking Safaris: Relish the rare opportunity to walk alongside wild animals in a safe and beautiful environment.
• Great Combination: Break up the journey perfectly between the Maasai Mara and parks in the north like Lake Nakuru.

Best Time to Visit

• Long Dry-Season: Visit from June to March for the best weather, with minimal rainfall and lots of sun.
• Pleasant Weather: Enjoy comfortable, mild temperatures year-round, making it ideal for boating and walking.
• Consistent Viewing: See resident wildlife like hippos and giraffes, as well as prolific birdlife, throughout the year.

Best for: Water-based safaris, birdwatching, and relaxing walking tours.

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Days

Add a relaxing water safari to your journey after taking a look at our 10 Best Places to Visit in Kenya on Safari.

The Aberdare National Park encompasses a magnificent range of steep, forested ravines and high, open moorlands, creating a misty and magical highland wilderness. This picturesque and often overlooked park offers a unique safari experience, famed for its special "treetop" lodges that allow for incredible wildlife viewing directly from your luxurious accommodation. The cool, misty atmosphere and lush vegetation make it a world away from the sun-drenched savannas of the Mara.

What to Expect

• Treetop Stays: Spend the night in iconic lodges overlooking floodlit waterholes.
• Nocturnal Viewing: Watch a parade of animals, including elephants, rhinos, and giant forest hogs, visit the waterholes after dark.
• Misty Mountains: Explore the atmospheric beauty of the dense montane rainforest, often shrouded in mist.
• Cascading Waterfalls: Discover spectacular waterfalls, such as Karuru and Chania Falls, that plunge down the steep ravines.

Why You Should Go

• Unique Lodges: Enjoy a safari experience unlike any other, where the animals come to you.
• Night Viewing: Maximize your wildlife sightings by observing shy, nocturnal animals from the comfort of your lodge.
• Photogenic Scenery: Capture the stunning beauty of the lush rainforests, moorlands, and dramatic waterfalls.
• Cooler Climate: Escape the heat of the lower-lying parks in the refreshingly cool and crisp mountain air.

Best Time to Visit

• Dry Roads: Travel from July to October, when the park's tracks are dry and much easier to navigate.
• Cool Temperatures: Enjoy the coolest and most pleasant months of the year, perfect for exploring the highlands.
• Second Season: Plan a trip from December to February for another dry and favorable period.

Best for: Unique treetop lodge experiences and seeing nocturnal forest wildlife.

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Days

Experience the magic of a treetop safari on a Kenya Family Safari that includes the Aberdare highlands.

After the dust and adventure of a safari, the Kenyan Coast will give you the perfect tropical finale, with the historic city of Mombasa at its heart. This ancient port is a vibrant melting pot of African, Arab, and Indian cultures, where the scent of spices hangs in the air of the narrow streets of the Old Town. Beyond the city, idyllic white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and swaying palm trees stretch for miles, providing a serene setting for relaxation, reflection, and aquatic adventure.

What to Expect

• Historic Old Town: Wander through the atmospheric alleys of Mombasa's Old Town and visit the imposing 16th-century Fort Jesus.
• Azure Waters: Relax on pristine beaches like Diani Beach and enjoy the warm, inviting waters of the Indian Ocean.
• Vibrant Markets: Immerse your senses in the bustling spice and food markets, showcasing the region's rich culinary heritage.
• Marine Life: Snorkel or dive in protected marine parks to discover vibrant coral reefs and a dazzling array of tropical fish.

Why You Should Go

• Perfect Finale: Unwind and process your incredible safari experiences in a tranquil and beautiful beach setting.
• Cultural Blend: Immerse yourself in a completely different side of Kenya, rich in history and Swahili culture.
• Beach Relaxation: Indulge in barefoot luxury at world-class resorts or charming boutique hotels right on the sand.
• Water Sports: Engage in a variety of activities, from dhow sailing and dolphin watching to kite surfing and deep-sea fishing.
• Easy Logistics: Combine your safari and beach holiday easily with a short flight from Nairobi to Mombasa.

Best Time to Visit

• Sunny Skies: Travel from June to October, when the weather is dry, sunny, and less humid.
• Calm Seas: Enjoy excellent conditions for snorkeling, diving, and other water sports during these months.
• Second Season: Plan your beach getaway from January to March for another period of hot and dry weather.

Best for: The perfect bush and beach finale, cultural history, and relaxation.

Recommended Length of Stay: 3-5 Days

Combine the best of both countries with a Highlights of East Africa Safari: Kenya and Tanzania. This itinerary offers the ultimate Great Migration experience by following the herds from the vast plains of the Serengeti into the dramatic river-crossing landscapes of the Maasai Mara, while also including unique wonders like the Ngorongoro Crater.

Kenya offers endless natural beauty and dramatic settings, enhanced by the wonders of wandering wildlife. Every luxury safari experience is unique and your trip will dazzle you with diversity, immersing you in fascinating, untamed ecosystems, from the shadows of Mount Kenya to the splendor of the Great Rift Valley.

Get inspired with our Kenya safaris and look for more ideas about the best time to visit, what to do, and more with our Kenya safari guide. Speak to a Zicasso Kenya safari specialist when you are ready to start planning your trip.