If you want to visit the wildlife capital of Africa, Kenya is the right choice. A Kenya safari can include the Masai Mara, Tsavo East and West National Parks, Lake Nakuru National Park, Amboseli National Reserve, and Nairobi. Read on to discover the best safari spots and what you can expect when you visit. If you’re not sure where to start, consider these tips:
Masai Mara
For the best wildlife viewing experience in Kenya, book a trip to the Masai Mara during the Great Migration. The migration is the largest gathering of wildebeest and other large animals in the world. It is also an incredible sight to see as dead wildebeest carcasses float downstream in the Mara River, where crocodiles feast on them. For the best family holiday in Kenya, combine a Masai Mara safari with other destinations in Kenya.
There are three main reasons to visit the Masai Mara: the dry season (July to October), the rainy season (July-September), and the migration period (June-October). In general, you can visit the Masai Mara from late June to early October, when the park is drier and less crowded. However, you should keep in mind that a Masai Mara safari is a lot more expensive during the high season, especially during the Great Migration.
Tsavo East and West National Parks
Tsavo East National Park is the oldest and largest national park in Kenya. It is situated in the semi-arid region of the Taru Desert. This park was established in 1948 and is situated near Voi in Taita-Taveta County, a former coastal province. To get the best experience of the park, book your safari early. The best way to see its wildlife is to visit the park before it is overrun by tourists.
Tsavo East is a popular destination for travelers and often combines with a beach trip to Mombasa. In addition to viewing wildlife, visitors should also visit the Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary. Because the park lies in an area where malaria is prevalent, you should take precautions to avoid contracting malaria. While you’re out in the parks, don’t forget to cover up at dusk and apply insect repellent containing DEET. You can find more information about malaria prevention here.
Lake Nakuru National Park
The best Kenya safari in Lake Nakuru National Park will offer you a chance to see some of Africa’s most iconic animals, including the lion, leopard, and Rothschild’s giraffe. It is located about three hours from Nairobi. The park is home to a wide variety of birds and wildlife, including the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe. A visit to Lake Nakuru will allow you to spot the African elephant, giraffe, buffalo, and hyena, as well as flamingos and eagles.
If you’re traveling by car, the best way to get to Lake Nakuru is via the A104 road. The park is only 4km south of Nakuru town. The Maasai Mara National Reserve is about five hours’ drive from Lake Nakuru. You can take a flight into Nakuru if you’d prefer. The park’s airstrip, however, is not always operating.
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park is a little-known but beautiful park that is 200km from Nairobi and is right next to the Tanzanian border. You will see more than 50 different mammal species in this park, including lions, leopards, and two kinds of gazelle. In addition to these large mammals, you’ll see monkeys, wild dogs, and olive and yellow baboons.
Amboseli National Park has two seasons – the dry season (June to October) and the wet season, from July to September. Both seasons have good weather, though roads can be muddy in parts. During this time, you’ll find that Amboseli is relatively quiet in terms of tourism. However, you will still be able to see plenty of wildlife, and you will also find that prices and availability of tours and accommodation are cheaper.
Nairobi National Park
When to go on a Kenya safari depends on your budget and the number of days you’d like to spend in the country. For example, if you want to see lions, you might want to stay in the park only three days instead of four, which will cost more, but you’ll be able to see more animals and spend less money per day. If you can afford to stay for longer, consider sharing a vehicle with a friend. Otherwise, you might need to spend as little as $150 to $200 a day.
You might think that a Kenya safari will involve lions, cheetahs, and leopards, but you’ll get to see plenty of elephants and buffalo. Even if you don’t see any predators, you’ll likely see klipspringers, Thomson’s gazelles, zebras, buffalo, and reedbucks. You can also enjoy close encounters with orphaned elephants at the David Sheldrick wildlife trust and the Giraffe Center. There are over 100 species of birds, so you’re bound to see a few that you’re not familiar with.
Aberdares National Park
One of the most popular activities during your safari is bird watching. This park has the second highest concentration of black rhinos in the world. You can also catch over 250 species of birds while on this trip. Although the park is open all year, the wet season is the most exciting time to visit. You can also go trout fishing in the moorland’s small streams. Rainbow and brown trout are common species to be caught in the mountain streams. Sports fishing licenses are required for this activity and cost around Kshs 515.
If you love viewing wildlife, a trip to Aberdares National Park is a must. The park has plenty of excellent viewing areas, and you’ll be able to spot the Big 5! You’ll also see plenty of antelopes, forest hogs, and primates. There are also over 2,000 elephants in this park. You’ll also be able to spot a black and white colobus monkey and an endangered side-striped jackal.
Best Kenya Safari 