Kenya Safari Camps
Safari Regions in Kenya
Kenya is not a country you can see all in one go. There are multiple destinations and experiences that will keep you coming back again and again.
Kenya's safari destinations are spread across the country and each is dense with wildlife. Guests landing in or departing from Nairobi might choose to spend a night or two in this vibrant city which has plenty on offer, including game viewing at Nairobi National Park for a local game drive. Reaching the safari parks is done by vehicle or by a short domestic flight from Wilson Airport.
To the south of Kenya lies the Greater Masai Mara region, which comprises of the renowned Masai Mara National Reserve and adjacent Mara Conservancies. With its abundant wildlife, this is one of the best places in the world to see lion, leopard and cheetah. To the north lies the rolling high-altitude hills of Laikipia where you will find Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Also very worth visiting is the semi-desert of Samburu National Reserve; the country’s highest peak, Mount Kenya; and blissful palm-fringed beaches that extend along the Indian Ocean coast.

Greater Masai Mara
The Masai Mara National Reserve and the surrounding conservancies form one of the most famous safari destinations in Africa. The Mara is known for its big cats and annual Great Migration.

Samburu
Samburu National Reserve abuts the remote northern deserts of Kenya. Alongside leopard and elephant, the reserve is known for its rare animals — the ‘Samburu Big 5’ — reticulated giraffe, Grévy’s zebr…

Nairobi
Most trips to Kenya start and end in the capital, Nairobi. The country’s economic and business hub has a slew of great bars, restaurants and cultural sites, and a national park right on its outskirts.

Ol Pejeta
In the foothills of Mount Kenya, Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a leader in conservation. It’s home to the last two northern white rhino on the planet and is one of the largest black rhino sanctuaries in Ea…
Our Kenyan Safaris
Safari holidays in Kenya will often begin from Nairobi when guests arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and are fetched by one of Asilia's friendly guides. Our Kenyan safaris come in three forms: standard itineraries like Kenya Explored (nine days), and shorter Asilia Adventure 'bolt-on' itineraries which include Active Southern Kenya (three days). All of these provide you ideas for planning, showing how camps and regions can be combined smoothly. When you're ready, enquire with our friendly safari experts who will help you put together an incredible safari to Kenya, designed just for you.
Kenya’s Ultimate Highlights
FROM US$5,107
per person sharing
Destinations
Nairobi, Samburu, Greater Masai Mara, Kenya Safari
Things to Do in Kenya
Kenya is an easy country to travel, with a well-established tourism industry and lots of things to see and do. Here are some of the country’s highlights, the wildlife you may encounter, the people you might meet, plus a guide to the cuisine and some useful travel tips.
Wildlife
There’s a reason Kenya is one of the top safari destinations. Not only is it home to all of the most iconic African animals, but visitors can also find many rare and endangered species in Kenyan reserves and conservancies.
Start with the Big 5 in the Masai Mara (lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos and black rhinos). The Mara is a particularly great place to see big cats, including cheetahs. Then of course, there is the world-famous Great Migration that journeys into the Mara every year, from around July to October.
Samburu is known for its own special Big 5: the reticulated giraffe, the blue-skinned Somali ostrich, the beisa oryx, Grevy’s zebra and the long-necked gerenuk antelope.
Then take a snorkelling or diving trip from the Kenyan coast to discover marine life that includes dugongs, dolphins, turtles and whales.
Culture
There are 44 officially recognised tribes in Kenya, including the Maasai, Samburu, Swahili and Turkana. Kikuyu is the largest ethnic tribe. Those from non-African backgrounds mostly have British or Indian heritage.
The majority religion is Christianity, practised by more than 80 percent of the population, followed by Islam. Hinduism is also practised, as well as traditional tribal faiths.
Travel Tips
Here are some handy tips for travelling in Kenya:
- The main languages are Swahili and English.
- The currency is Kenyan shillings and there are plenty of ATMs, including at Nairobi’s international airport. You can also use US dollars for tips on safari.
- Start every conversation with a greeting. It’s normal to shake hands with people upon meeting, often with the left hand on the right arm as a show of respect.
- Please ask before taking someone’s photograph.
- On safari, the dress code is casual. Along the coast (with the exception of beach destinations) and in traditional villages, it’s respectful to dress conservatively.
- For the best value, travel outside peak season. Most camps slash their rates during the low season, when there is still plenty of wildlife to see in national parks and reserves.
- Pack light and in a soft bag. Light aircraft flights have strict restrictions on luggage weight. Remember that most camps have laundry facilities.
- Tipping is entirely at your own discretion, but the recommended amount is roughly US$15-20 per person per night for a guide (you can hand that over to your guide directly at the end of your stay) and US$10-15 per person per night for the camp staff (this is usually put in a communal tip box and shared between the staff equally). You can tip in Kenyan shillings or US dollars, which will be exchanged.
Cuisine
Nyama choma (Swahili for roasted meat, usually of beef or goat) is a typical Kenyan meal. The meat is usually served with kachumbari, a salsa of tomatoes, onions, chili and lime juice, and ugali, which is like polenta.
You’ll see tilapia from Lake Victoria on plenty of menus, usually fried.
There’s a big Indian population in Kenya, which is reflected in commonly found dishes and snacks, such as samosas, biryani, pilau and chapati. The cuisine gets more flavoursome closer to the coast, where there’s a strong Indian and Arabic influence.
On safari, you’ll usually get a chance to try all of these typically Kenyan foods, as well as international dishes (pasta, pizza, curries, Western-style breakfast) and lots of fresh salads and fruits.
Travel with the East Africa safari experts
Asilia owns and operates safari lodges and experiences in Kenya: it's our back yard. Our friendly and knowledgeable guides are from the region, and our classic safari camps and lodges are situated in prime locations close to the action.
Kenya Safari Activities
Frequently Asked Questions About Kenya Safaris
-
How much does a safari cost in Kenya?
arrow_drop_downA Kenyan safari will cost about US$ 700 - US$ 1,200 per person, per day. A typical Kenya safari will last 5 – 10 days, so you should budget around $3,500 - $12,000 per person, depending on the level of accommodation you prefer. These budget estimates would cover the safari camps, park fees, meals and drinks, and would exclude your international flights and certain other expenses like internal transport, visas and insurance.
-
What is the best time to go on safari in Kenya?
arrow_drop_downThe best time to go on a Kenya safari is during the drier weather from late June to mid-October and from late December to mid-March. The wildebeest migration is typically in the Masai Mara from late July until early November, with other wildlife being excellent year-round in Kenya. Low-season travel (from late January-March and during June and November) is also a good time to visit Kenya, with fewer tourists in the parks and much better rates on offer for a less expensive trip.
-
Is Kenya or Tanzania better for safari?
arrow_drop_downBoth Kenya and Tanzania offer excellent safaris that can include the Great Migration and a classic tented experience. The best option depends on your travel preferences, the availability at the time you want to go, and your budget. Tanzania safaris are usually 20% - 25% more expensive compared to Kenya.
-
What things are there to do Kenya?
arrow_drop_downKenya is an excellent tourist destination: rich in culture, easy to travel with a range of accommodation and plenty to see and do. Safaris are a key highlight which include famous wildlife areas such as the Masai Mara and spectacular sightings like the Big 5 and the Great Migration. Kenya also boasts a beautiful tropical coastline, providing the option of spending a few days by the warm and clear Indian Ocean.
-
What is the best Kenya safari itinerary?
arrow_drop_downThere are a multitude of itinerary options in Kenya, from the Singing Wells in Samburu and the desolate landscapes of Lake Turkana, to the technical climbing challenge of Mount Kenya or hiking amongst the Chyulu Hills in the south west. The Great Migration can usually be incorporated in the Masai Mara from July to late October, but there is excellent wildlife viewing to be found year-round in a variety of different locations across the country.
Positive Impact in Kenya
By making bold, and often pioneering, investments into areas that are ecologically and economically vulnerable, we aim to turn these areas into viable conservation economies, benefitting both the local communities as well as the environment.
We acknowledge that people and nature are inseparable partners, so we work closely with communities, authorities, NGOs and industry partners to achieve the best possible long-term outcomes for all concerned. With the help of our guests, who contribute a levy of US$5 for each night that they stay with us, we’re able to make the most significant positive impact towards our goal of empowering these areas, including the communities and wildlife that call them home.
Further Reading

Visiting the Masai Mara v. the Mara Conservancies

Five reasons a safari in East Africa is the perfect socially distanced holiday
We think it’s safe to say that we’re not alone when we say we’re missing travel. The sights and smells, the adventures and the in-between moments that make a holiday so special and often a once-in-a-l…

A walking safari with Naboisho Camp manager Roelof Schutte
In January 2016, we had the pleasure of staying at Asilia Africa’s Naboisho Camp situated in the 210km² private Mara Naboisho Conservancy in Kenya, during Make It Kenya’s #KenyaLive campaign. Our aim …

The Tribes of East Africa: Maasai People
Possibly Africa’s most famous ethnic group, the Maasai people are semi-nomadic people located primarily in Kenya and Northern Tanzania. They are considered to be part of the Nilotic family of African …
Why travel with Asilia Africa
About UsPositive Impact
Protecting our wilderness areas and the surrounding communities is a key part of who we are.
Prime Locations
Situated in the very best locations within prime game-viewing areas.
Rich Experiences
Our safaris are immersive, authentic and engaging.
Warm Hospitality
Our team welcomes you with warmth and makes you feel at home with genuine African hospitality.
Depend on us
Our expert on-the-ground teams will safeguard your trip, ensuring all runs smoothly.
Commitment to quality
Rely on us to arrange anything you may need, with a superb level of quality throughout.
True Experts
Our internationally recognised team has a genuine passion to share Africa with you.