Time it with the seasons
July to October is the long dry season and the classic Great Migration window in the Maasai Mara. January to February is also dry and quieter. The long rains usually fall from April to May.
Kenya safari blog
Tips, wildlife and stories from Kenya.
Practical advice and wildlife insight from our Nairobi team, plus stories shared by our guests.
Kenya safari travel tips
Combine far-apart regions
Pair the Mara's plains with Lewa or Samburu in the north, or Amboseli beneath Kilimanjaro, for contrasting landscapes and wildlife rather than repeating the same scenery.
Fly between parks to save days
Scheduled light-aircraft flights from Nairobi's Wilson Airport reach most major parks in about an hour, replacing long road transfers.
Pack soft and neutral
Light aircraft limit luggage to around 15 kg in soft bags. Choose khaki, olive and tan clothing, layers for cold early drives, and a good pair of binoculars.
Stay in conservancies
Private conservancies such as Lewa allow night drives, walking safaris and off-road sightings, with fewer vehicles at each sighting.
Check entry and health requirements
Apply for Kenya's electronic travel authorisation before you fly, and ask your doctor about yellow fever and malaria advice for your route.
Kenya wildlife facts
Lewa's rhino stronghold
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, together with Borana, protects one of Kenya's largest populations of both black and white rhinos.
Grévy's zebra
The endangered Grévy's zebra, with narrow stripes and large round ears, is found mainly in northern Kenya, including Lewa and Samburu.
The Mara River crossings
During the migration, wildebeest and zebra cross the Mara River in dramatic herds, facing Nile crocodiles waiting in the water.
Amboseli's elephants
Amboseli is famous for large elephant families and some of Africa's longest-studied elephants, set against Mount Kilimanjaro.
Samburu Special Five
Samburu is home to the reticulated giraffe, Grévy's zebra, Beisa oryx, gerenuk and Somali ostrich, all adapted to the dry north.
Flamingo lakes
Rift Valley soda lakes such as Nakuru and Bogoria can host huge flocks of lesser flamingos feeding on algae.
Guest stories
Guest stories will appear here once approved. Travelled with us? Share your story.
More reading: Safari journal
Kenya safaris
Plan your Kenya safari
From the Maasai Mara Great Migration to rhino tracking in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, our Nairobi team designs and books tailor-made Kenya safari holidays.
Lewa WildernessFamily-run lodge in Lewa ConservancyLewa & Borana safariRhino and conservancy itineraryAll Kenya safarisMaasai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu & moreBook a Kenya safari
New to Kenya? Read our Kenya safari blog for travel tips, wildlife facts and guest stories.