top of page
Saruni-Basecamp-Saruni-Samburu-Accommodation-Safaris in Samburu Kenya with Safari Ambitions. Saruni Samburu camp overlooking the African Plains in Kenya.

Safaris in Kenya

Safaris in Kenya to The Masai Mara, Naboisho, Amboseli, Samburu, Laikipia, Meru, Lewa with Safari Ambitions

The Original "Out of Africa"

Perhaps the best know safari destination of all, Kenya has it all. It is simply spectacular. Home of the Big 5, the wide expanses of open plains are absolutely awe-inspiring and with backdrops such as Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya, you can't fail to be wow'd by its beauty and bewitching vistas. 

National Parks & Private Reserves

Good to Know:

  • Home of the Great Migration from July to November with main river crossings from July to August across the Mara River. Albeit the timing of the migration can be affected by environmental and weather factors.

  • The Big 5 game viewing along with most other African species.

  • Spectacular & varied scenery with open plains, mountainous terrain, abundant wildlife & exquisite birdlife.

  • Huge range of luxury safari camps & affordable mobile camps.

  • Riding/Walking/Vehicle/Small Group/Mobile safaris.

  • Peak Season is during the dry winter months of July to September. 

  • Shoulder Seasons are June and October when there can be fewer tourists and lower prices. November sees the start of the short rainy season with some park/camp closures, however this is a good time to take the opportunity to enjoy a less crowded Kenya at lower prices. Things start to ramp up again in January and February.

  • Gateway to a Kenya Safari is generally via Nairobi (London 8h 40m / New York 13h 30m).

  • The risk of malaria is low in Nairobi, the surrounding areas and the highlands (at high altitude) including the Masai Mara. During the wet season from November to May, it is more prevalent, therefore antimalarials are advised in all areas.

  • If you're looking for a true "Out of Africa" experience, then Kenya is for you! Nairobi is also home to the famous Giraffe Manor. 

Safaris in Kenya 

Timeless Wilderness, Iconic Wildlife

Kenya is the birthplace of safari—an iconic land where wide open plains, towering mountains, and rich cultures come together in one of Africa’s most awe-inspiring destinations. From the drama of the Great Migration to the haunting beauty of arid northern landscapes, Kenya offers unmatched diversity in wildlife, scenery, and safari experiences.

Whether you’re tracking big cats across golden savannahs, walking with Samburu guides in ancient lands, or ending your journey on Mombasa’s sun-drenched coast, Kenya delivers safari at its most exhilarating and elemental.


Masai Mara National Reserve

Best for: The Great Migration, big cats, classic game drives

The Masai Mara is Kenya’s most celebrated safari destination and one of the best places in Africa for close encounters with lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The open plains are home to the Big Fivelion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—as well as abundant giraffe, hippo, zebra, and wildebeest.

From July to October, the Mara hosts the Great Migration, where over a million wildebeest and zebra cross into Kenya from the Serengeti, braving crocodile-infested rivers and stalking predators.

Stay in everything from classic tented safari camps with lantern-lit dining to luxury lodges with private decks overlooking wildlife-rich rivers.


Naboisho Conservancy (Greater Mara Ecosystem)

Best for: Off-road game drives, walking safaris, low-density tourism

Bordering the Masai Mara, Naboisho Conservancy offers a more intimate safari experience with fewer vehicles and exclusive access to pristine wilderness. The conservancy is known for exceptional lion densities, large herds of elephants, giraffes, zebra, and frequent cheetah and hyena sightings.

Here, you can enjoy night drives, bush walks, and cultural visits to nearby Maasai communities. Camps in Naboisho are typically small, eco-conscious, and community-owned, offering an authentic and low-impact safari experience.


Amboseli National Park

Best for: Iconic elephant views, Mt. Kilimanjaro backdrop, photography

Few safari scenes are more iconic than elephants crossing the plains beneath the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. Amboseli is famous for its large herds of elephants, many with impressive tusks, as well as buffalo, zebra, giraffe, and wildebeest.

Birdlife is prolific in the wetlands, and predators like lion, hyena, and cheetah are regularly seen. The park is ideal for photography and offers excellent game viewing in a compact, scenic area.

Stay in lodge-style accommodations or tented camps with Kilimanjaro views and direct access to the park’s heart.


Laikipia Plateau

Best for: Conservation-based tourism, endangered species, private reserves

Stretching across central Kenya, Laikipia is a mosaic of private and community-owned conservancies known for cutting-edge conservation and unique safari experiences. This is one of the few areas in Kenya where you can see wild dogs, and it's a stronghold for black and white rhino, along with Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and eland.

Laikipia offers walking safaris, horseback riding, camel treks, and night drives—adventures rarely found in national parks. Accommodations range from luxury bush villas and intimate tented camps to family-friendly lodges and rustic wilderness hideaways.


Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

Best for: Rhino conservation, exclusivity, horse safaris

Part of the greater Laikipia ecosystem, Lewa is a model of successful conservation. It is home to thriving populations of both black and white rhinos, as well as Grevy’s zebra, sitatunga, and a healthy number of elephants, lions, and leopards.

Safaris here are personalized and conservation-focused. You can enjoy horseback safaris, guided bush walks, or simply relax and watch wildlife from your boutique lodge or elegant tented suite with sweeping views of Mount Kenya.


Samburu National Reserve

Best for: Unique northern species, cultural safaris, arid landscapes

In Kenya’s rugged north, Samburu offers a safari experience unlike anywhere else in the country. The region is home to the Samburu Special Five: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk (the long-necked antelope).

Predators like leopards, lions, and cheetahs are regularly seen, and the Ewaso Nyiro River draws wildlife throughout the dry season. Samburu is also a place of rich cultural interaction, with many lodges partnering with local Samburu communities.

Stay in stylish safari tents, clifftop lodges, or eco-camps tucked into the rocky escarpments.


Meru National Park

Best for: Off-the-beaten-path safaris, rhino sightings, birdlife

Once made famous by the story of Elsa the lioness from Born Free, Meru is wild, untamed, and blissfully under-visited. It offers a varied landscape of rivers, swamps, and acacia woodlands teeming with elephant, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, and over 400 bird species.

Meru also has a dedicated rhino sanctuary, where both black and white rhinos are protected and often spotted. Lions, leopards, and cheetahs roam the park, making it a rich yet quiet safari destination.

Lodges here are remote and peaceful, offering a deep connection to the wilderness in spacious safari tents or secluded stone cottages.


Tsavo East & Tsavo West National Parks

Best for: Vast landscapes, red elephants, wilderness adventure

Covering over 20,000 square kilometers, Tsavo is one of the largest protected wilderness areas in Africa. It's split into two parks: Tsavo East, known for its iconic red-dust elephants, and Tsavo West, with its dramatic volcanic landscapes and Mzima Springs, home to hippos and crocodiles.

Wildlife here includes lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffe, and massive herds of elephants. The parks are less crowded than others in Kenya, making them ideal for seasoned safari-goers seeking solitude.

Stay in classic safari lodges, river-facing camps, or hidden tented retreats, many of which are accessible by road from the coast.


Mombasa & The Kenyan Coast

Best for: Post-safari relaxation, Swahili culture, marine life

After the dust and drama of safari, unwind on the white-sand beaches of Mombasa and the surrounding coast. The Indian Ocean offers warm waters, coral reefs, and marine parks rich with dolphins, sea turtles, and vibrant fish life.

Explore Swahili architecture, historic sites like Fort Jesus, and spice markets in the Old Town. Coastal accommodations range from luxurious beach resorts and private villas to charming boutique hotels built in Swahili style.


Types of Camps & Lodges in Kenya

Kenya offers a rich mix of accommodations to suit every type of traveler:

  • Luxury Tented Camps: Offering five-star service in remote settings—canvas suites, plunge pools, and gourmet cuisine under the stars.

  • Eco-Camps: Intimate, sustainable camps designed for low-impact travel and conservation partnerships.

  • Classic Safari Lodges: Comfortable and well-positioned, these often include larger facilities, pools, and family-friendly options.

  • Mobile Camps: Temporary camps that follow wildlife movements, ideal during the Great Migration.

  • Boutique Coastal Retreats: Along the coast, expect a blend of luxury and Swahili charm, perfect for unwinding after your safari.

Why Choose Kenya for Your Safari?

Kenya is where the spirit of safari began—and it still leads the way in offering diverse, ethical, and unforgettable wildlife experiences.

  • Witness the Great Migration in the Masai Mara

  • See rare species in Samburu and Laikipia

  • Photograph elephants against Kilimanjaro in Amboseli

  • Relax on the Indian Ocean beaches of Mombasa

  • Stay in conservation-focused camps that support local communities

Kenya is safari at its most classic—and its most surprising.
From wild plains to winding coastlines, your adventure starts here.

bottom of page