Kenya is arguably one of the best countries for an African safari, offering a diverse range of expansive landscapes, breathtaking wildlife, and fascinating cultures.
Whether you want to witness the great wildebeest migration, spot the Big 5, or explore the rich Maasai heritage, the Kenya safari parks have something for everyone. You can also enjoy stunning views of Mount Kenya, the second-highest peak in Africa, or relax on the pristine tropical beaches of the Indian Ocean. With so many options, it can take time to choose where to go.
Asilia Africa enjoys robust partnerships with many notable camps and lodges in Kenya and Tanzania’s most famous wildlife reserves. Should you want to venture into a reserve where we don’t have camps, we can still craft memorable safari adventures accompanied by sensational accommodations.
Here are, in our opinion, Kenya’s top destinations and suggestions that, if time allows, can be combined to offer you the outstanding variety you seek and experiences of a lifetime. Read on to find out more!
Nairobi National Park: Urban Safari in a Wildlife Haven
Should your travel schedule offer you the opportunity, and you want a swift and easily accessible safari experience, look no further than Nairobi National Park. This park is the world’s only wildlife capital, where you can see various animals roaming freely against the backdrop of the city skyline.
Nairobi National Park is just 7 km (4.3 miles) south of Nairobi, Kenya’s capital and largest city. It covers an area of 117 km² (45 sq² miles) and has a diverse landscape of grasslands, forests, rivers, and valleys. The park is home to over 100 species of mammals and 400 species of birds. You can spot endangered black rhinos, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, hippos and wildebeests. A visit to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, the park’s orphanage, where orphaned and abandoned animals are cared for and rehabilitated, is recommended.
Visitor activities include game drives, walking trails, picnic sites, and camping facilities. You can also enjoy educational programs, cultural events, and conservation initiatives. The park is a must-see destination for anyone who loves nature and wildlife. It is a place where you can witness the beauty and harmony of Africa’s flora and fauna within sight of the city while learning about the challenges and opportunities of conservation.
Highlights:
- Spotting the Big 5.
- Visiting the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
- Walking along the Hippo Pools Trail.
- Guaranteed black rhino viewing in a wild and natural setting.
The Masai Mara: Kenya’s Pride and Joy
Millions of wildebeests and zebras migrate annually across the Mara River, searching for fresh pastures. This natural phenomenon, known as the Great Migration, is one of the ultimate spectacular wildlife events on the planet, and it can be relished while on safari at Rekero Camp, owned and operated by Asilia Africa. It sits along the Talek River, a significant migration river-crossing point for the wildebeests and zebras.
A visit with the Maasai people is an essential cultural activity. Enjoy an educational walking safari, learn about the Maasai culture and traditions, see their villages, meet the children, appreciate genuine and warm hospitality and witness splendid, colourful traditional ceremonies.
The Masai Mara is one of the best places to visit in Kenya and is home to the Big 5, some of Africa’s most iconic and endangered animals. Here, you have an outstanding opportunity to spot them and other remarkable creatures such as cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and over 500 species of birds.
For an unforgettable and exhilarating experience, take to the skies on a hot air balloon excursion, soaring above the savannahs and enjoying a bird’s eye view of the landscape and wildlife. End this adventure with a delicious champagne breakfast on the plains. All of these unique experiences can be enjoyed when staying at Rekero Camp.
Highlights:
- Incredible Great Migration viewing.
- Wonderful visits with the local Maasai communities.
- Fantastic spotting of the Big 5 and other wildlife.
- Memorable Hot-Air Balloon excursions.
Samburu National Park: Discover Extraordinary and Unique Wildlife
Samburu National Park is a stunning wildlife sanctuary situated in northern Kenya. Spanning 165 square kilometres on the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River, this reserve is home to diverse wildlife, beautiful landscapes and rich culture. Samburu is known for its rare and unique wildlife, including the reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, beisa oryx, and Somali ostrich. These animals are called the Samburu “Special 5” and can only be found in this region.
You can also spot other animals, such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, large elephant herds, buffaloes, hippos, and crocodiles. For those interested in birdwatching, the reserve offers over 450 species.
Beyond its wildlife, Samburu is also a cultural hub. You can visit local villages and learn about the traditions and customs of the Samburu people, who are a nomadic tribe living in harmony with nature. You can witness their dances, ceremonies, and crafts and join them for a camel ride or nature walk. Samburu offers guests various activities, including game drives, birdwatching, bush meals, and sundowners.
Highlights:
- Game drives to see the Samburu “Special 5”.
- Sensational birdwatching.
- Fascinating and rewarding Samburu cultural visits.
- Best for quintessential African sunsets and delectable sundowners.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy: A Rare Rhino and Conservation Success Story
Waking up to the sound of lions roaring, hyenas laughing, and birds singing as you sip your coffee in your cosy tent is enthralling. Gazing outside, a stunning view of Mount Kenya, the second-highest mountain in the country, fills your vision. You are in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a wildlife paradise and a role model for wildlife conservation.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy is home to the Big 5 and many other amazing animals, such as giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, and wild dogs. It is also a sanctuary for some of the most endangered species in the world, such as the critically endangered black rhinos and the last two remaining Northern White Rhinos. You can visit the rescued chimpanzees in their natural habitat and learn about their stories and personalities.
However, Ol Pejeta Conservancy is also about people and culture. You can meet the local communities who live and work in harmony with nature and witness the conservation team’s efforts, who use trained dogs to protect the wildlife from poachers.
Your stay at Ol Pejeta Conservancy will be comfortable and memorable, thanks to Asilia Africa’s Ol Pejeta Bush Camp, a charming tented camp on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River. Game drives, night drives, walking safaris, and lion tracking will fill your time. You will always have exciting activities in this incredible place.
Highlights:
- Visiting the endangered rhinos and chimpanzees.
- Meeting the local communities and conservation team.
- Enjoy incredible views of Mount Kenya accompanied by romantic sundowners.
- Experiencing the thrill of game drives, night drives, walking safaris, and lion tracking.
Naboisho Conservancy: Community-led Conservation
If you want an authentic and unforgettable Kenyan safari experience while positively impacting the environment and the people, look no further than the Naboisho Conservancy. This private conservancy is a 50,000-acre (22,230-hectare) reserve bordering the famed Masai Mara National Park that provides an exclusive and immersive wildlife experience, benefiting both nature and the local communities.
The best way to experience the Naboisho Conservancy is to stay at Asilia Africa’s boutique and stylish camps, Naboisho Camp and Encounter Mara, which both offer high-quality accommodation, expert guiding, warm hospitality and contribute to wildlife conservation and the empowerment of the local communities.
The conservancy is a partnership between over 500 Maasai landowners who lease their land for wildlife protection and tourism. Conservancy fees provide them with sustainable livelihoods while supporting projects like the Mara Naboisho Big Cat Project, among others.
Highlights:
- Witness various massive pride of lions.
- Explore the Diverse Wildlife by Day and Night.
- Walk with the Maasai Warriors and Learn about their Culture.
- Soar over the sweeping Savannahs in a Hot-Air Balloon.
Tsavo West National Park: Explore Tsavo West’s Rich and Rugged Beauty
Tsavo West is a vast, spectacular, rugged wilderness region in Kenya’s southeastern region. As Kenya’s second-largest national reserve, it covers 3,500 m² (9,065 km²). It consists of a savannah ecosystem with open grasslands, scrublands, Acacia woodlands, belts of riverine vegetation, rocky volcanic ridges, hills, and ancient lava flows. Tsavo West is one of the most scenic national parks in Kenya.
The region is known for its Late Stone Age archaeological sites, adding to this region’s mystique and allure. Rock-climbing enthusiasts will love the cliffs in areas of Tsavo West, offering sensational views of the distant peak of Mount Kilimanjaro and herds of giant tusk elephants roaming the plains below. With bountiful and gorgeous topography, the sunsets are pretty stunning.
Tsavo West is home to diverse wildlife, such as elephants, lions, cheetahs, leopards, buffaloes, and various plant and bird species. The Ngulia Sanctuary within the park provides a refuge and haven for some of Kenya’s remaining Eastern black rhinos. The Mzima Springs’ permanent water supply is a popular attraction for wildlife, including hippos, elephants, crocodiles, beautiful birds, and fish.
A few comfortable to luxurious camps and lodges can be found. Asilia’s safari planners will gladly source the perfect accommodation for you in this magical part of Kenya.
Highlights:
- Exploring the ancient history.
- Climbing the majestic cliffs.
- Witnessing the diverse wildlife on game drives.
- Savouring stunning sunsets with sensational sundowners.
Amboseli National Park: Amboseli: Elephants, Culture, and Kilimanjaro
Amboseli National Park is located near the border with Tanzania and offers breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. Imagine watching the sunrise over the snow-capped peak while elephants roam the grasslands below. This setting is one of the most beautiful places in Kenya, and a magical and iconic experience awaits you.
The park is famous for its massive population of elephants, among the most studied in the world. You can get close to these majestic animals and observe their behaviour, social structures, and communication. See lions, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos, adding even more excitement. In addition, you can see giraffes, zebras, hyenas, wildebeests, and many more.
Amboseli is also about culture, and the park is home to the Maasai people. You can learn about their traditions and lifestyle by visiting one of their villages and witnessing their colourful ceremonies and dances.
Mount Kilimanjaro’s snowcapped peak, best seen in the early morning or late afternoon, can be enjoyed on walking safaris to Observation Hill. The summit offers unforgettable views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The dry Lake Amboseli, sometimes filled with water and flamingos during the rainy season, is a great place to see the contrast between the park’s arid and wet habitats.
Excellent camps are available, and our Asilia trip advisors will gladly help you select an ideal option.
Highlights:
- Incredible elephant sightings.
- Fantastic walking safaris with a Maasai warrior.
- Amazing location for breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro.
- Educational and engaging Maasai cultural visits.
Mara North Conservancy: A Private Safari Paradise
Mara North Conservancy (MNC) is a stunning private wilderness area located in the north-western zone of the Maasai Mara Ecosystem, which borders the Maasai Mara National Reserve. MNC was established in 2009 as a Not-For-Profit organisation to support conservation efforts in the Greater Maasai Mara Ecosystem.
The conservancy is a partnership between 12 Tourism Partner members, including six camps, three lodges, three riding outfits, and over 1000 Maasai landowners. The aim is to create a world-class conservancy that follows best-practice principles and has long-term commitments to the environment, wildlife, and local communities.
MNC believes in low-bed density tourism to provide an exclusive safari experience while minimising environmental impact. The conservancy is famous for its abundance of lions, the Great Wildebeest Migration, and the Maasai people, known for their distinctive customs and dress. It is undoubtedly one of the most renowned safari destinations in Africa. MNC is an area of high biodiversity, housing 550 bird species and 95 mammal species. Out of all the species found in the conservancy, MNC values the presence of lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, black rhinos, buffalos, zebras, hippos, giraffes, hyenas, and a wide variety of antelope species. The birding experience is also exceptional.
MNC has superb camps you can explore, and our Asilia safari planning team will be happy to assist you in choosing the ideal location.
Highlights:
- Witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration.
- Exploring the conservancy on horseback and camping under the stars.
- Experiencing the Maasai culture.
- Enjoy the luxury of the camps and balloon rides, night drives, spa treatments, and fine dining.
Our team are waiting to help you plan your dream safari, simply enquire now to begin the adventure of a lifetime!
