Kenya safari tours

Lounging cheetah on the Masai Mara looks up at the camera in Kenya

Go beyond the city limits and out into the African wilderness – safari style

There are so many reasons to visit  Kenya  ( delicious food , rich culture and friendly people are just a few), but embarking on a safari has to be at the top of the list. Whether you’re itching to head out on a game drive, cruise along Lake Naivasha or learn about the daily life of the  Maasai warriors  during a village visit, a safari in Kenya will steal your heart (and refuse to give it back).

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While the park’s stunning Lake Nakuru isn’t a sight to scoff at, it’s Africa’s endangered rhino population that avid safari-goers long to see. If you’re lucky, you might spot one or two white rhinos stopping to drink at the water’s edge after a morning spent walking the arid landscape. But if you’re really lucky, you might spot an elusive black rhino – an animal that’s been critically endangered since 1996.

The Maasai Mara Game Reserve promises a whole heap of unforgettable wildlife sightings, from a herd of elephants wandering across the landscape to gazelles staying wary of a predator’s watchful gaze. But the chance to catch sight of a black-maned lion as it basks in the African sun or see the spots of a cheetah as it prowls through the brush makes all of those early wake-up calls and late nights worth it. 

Your local leader’s not just there to keep you safe from the wild animals you see on your game drives but also to teach you about their mating rituals, eating patterns and migration habits. As you cross the Great Rift Valley, learn about the spectacular wildebeest migration where one million wildebeest move towards greener pastures in the Maasai Mara region. 

Take your wildlife adventure off land and onto water with a boat trip on Lake Naivasha, the highest lake in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. Cruise the lake’s surface in search of thirsty, thirsty hippos in need of rehydration at the water’s edge and get your camera out to take photos of the magnificent birdlife in this part of the world – think African fish eagles, saddle-billed storks and lesser flamingoes. 

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Kenya Wildlife Safari

When is the best time to go on a safari in Kenya?

Generally speaking, January, February and June to October are the best times to go on safari in Africa. This is the dry season, so animals tend to come out into more open spaces in search of water, making them easier to spot. However, you’ll be able to spot animals year-round and enjoy fewer crowds if you travel outside peak season.

Read more about the best time to go on safari .

Am I guaranteed to see animals?

We can’t guarantee you’ll spot the Big 5, but you’d have to be seriously unlucky to see no animals at all. On our safaris, you’ll explore some of the best game parks and national reserves in the world. These protected areas are filled with a huge variety of species and your expert driver and local leader will be on hand to point you in the right direction (literally).

What are the "Big Five"?

The “Big 5” used to refer to the five big game animals that were the most difficult to hunt. Now that most shooting is done on a camera, the Big 5 are the most exciting animals to spot while on safari: the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo.

What should I pack for a safari in Kenya?

Loose, light layers in neutral colors are the best attire for a safari (dark colors will get hot in the sun and can attract the Tsetse fly). You’ll also want a sun hat, some good walking shoes, a camera, sunscreen and bug spray. For more details, check out our  ultimate Africa packing guide . 

What type of food will be served on a safari in Kenya?

It depends on the trip style you've chosen. On our Basix trips, you’ll have a cook travelling with you who'll whip up various local and Western-style dishes.

Along your route, your cook will stop to purchase fresh, locally sourced food for your meals. For breakfast, expect fruit, eggs, toast and cereal; lunch is often sandwiches and salads; and dinner is a hearty meal like pasta, curry or a BBQ.

On our Original and Comfort trips there'll be more meals at camps and lodges. One thing's for sure: you won't be hungry on safari!

What are the toilets and showers like on safari?

Most permanent tented camps have private bathrooms with flushing toilets and warm showers.

Many campsites we stay at have communal facilities with flushing toilets and warm showers; however, in some of the more remote areas, there may only be basic facilities (toilets and cold running water).

Will I be able to use my mobile phone on safari?

Some of our hotels and campsites will have wi-fi, however, internet and phone access may be limited in more remote areas.

But you won’t think twice about emails and social media when you’re watching a pride of lions prowl through long grass or enjoying a drink around the campfire with your group.

Are Intrepid trips accessible for travelers with disabilities?

We are committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

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