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"Kimkim is the perfect solution for independent travelers who are too busy to plan it all themselves" - Gayle R., traveled with kimkim in October 2019

Introducing Kenya

What comes to mind when you imagine Kenya? If you think of slender giraffes, wild-maned lions, and herds of zebra and wildebeest migrating across the open savanna, you're not wrong—but there's more to Kenya than the safari vacation you've been dreaming about. Beyond being one of the best places on earth to view the "Big 5," Kenya also offers gorgeous Indian Ocean coastline to explore, cultural engagement with Masaai tribespeople and other local experiences, and the opportunity to witness incredible conservation efforts at wildlife rescues in Nairobi and beyond. 

When is the best time to visit? 
The general consensus about Kenya is that there are two seasons, dry and wet, dictated more by rainfall than by fluctuation in temperature. But in reality, weather in Kenya is more nuanced than that—and depending on altitude, seasonal monsoon winds, and proximity to Lake Victoria, you may experience rain at any time of year. All that said, the most popular travel times are December-January and July-August, typically the driest and best for viewing wildlife. Other times of year have their perks, though: wet conditions mean abundant flora, lower prices, and fewer safari groups crowding the national park roads.

How many days do I need?
Due to the unpredictability of animals in their natural habitat, patience is key: the more time you spend, the more likely it is that you'll observe a wide range of wildlife. Safari tours can range from a single day to multiple weeks, though three to five days per park is enough for most people. A popular option for travelers keen on safari is to spend a few days in the famous Masai Mara reserve and a few days in another of Kenya's parks—or combine your time with a trip to Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater.

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 7 days · 10 days · 12 days · 14 days

Kenya Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
See lions in the wild hunt for buffalo
Map of Kenya Wildlife Safari - 10 Days
Kenya Wildlife Safari - 10 Days

This exciting 10-day itinerary allows you to truly discover Kenya's diverse wildlife and dramatic landscapes. Your trip will start in the bustling central city, Nairobi before you depart for the countryside and visit Amboseli National Park, which is home to Africa's highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro. Over these 10 days, you will also see the most famous Kenyan parks, including Hell's Gate, Mount Longonot, Lake Nakuru, Lake Bogoria, and Maasai Mara, which are home to thousands of wildlife species as well as incredible hiking trails and viewpoints.

A camel at Diani Beach
Map of Best of Kenya: Landscape, Safari, & Beach - 12 days
Best of Kenya: Landscape, Safari, & Beach - 12 days

If you want to experience all of Kenya's top destinations—while also getting the chance to lay back and relax—this exciting 12-day itinerary is for you. You'll start the trip in the bustling capital Nairobi before departing for Kenya's national parks to discover majestic landscapes, see the Big Five, spot diverse bird species, visit chimpanzees, watch an animal migration at Maasai Mara, swim in turquoise blue water, and more.

Mt. Kenya
Ultimate Kenya: Mt. Kenya Trek & Maasai Mara Safari - 12 Days

This active, 12-day adventure includes some of Kenya's best outdoor experiences. After sightseeing in Nairobi, spend several days hiking to the top of Mt. Kenya, the second-highest mountain in Africa. This amazing and challenging experience is followed by several days of safari and wildlife-spotting activities, as well as cultural immersion in the Maasai Mara.

A group of feeding zebras in Serengeti National Park
Kenya & Tanzania Wildlife Safari - 7 Days

This exciting itinerary includes unforgettable game drives in Kenya and Tanzania for travelers who like to be on the move. Start with two nights in Nairobi for an introduction to Kenyan culture and wildlife conservation. Then, fly to Kilimanjaro, where you'll visit three beautiful safari destinations, including the Serengeti and UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater. Enjoy the comfort of private transfers and unique all-inclusive lodgings for the ultimate African adventure.

Rhinos in Kenya, one of the so-called "Big Five"
Map of "Big Five" Safari Experience - 10 Days
"Big Five" Safari Experience - 10 Days

Explore Kenya's wildlife, landscapes, and native culture on this diverse 10-day itinerary. After taking in sweeping views of the Great Rift Valley, you'll go on safari tours in Lake Nakuru National Park and Maasai Mara National Reserve. Then you'll have the chance to tour a Maasai village, visit a pair of national parks, hike to the summit of Mt. Longonot, and see elephants in the wild at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Lions
Map of Luxury Safari in Kenya - 12 Days
Luxury Safari in Kenya - 12 Days

Travelers who enjoy the finer things in life while getting out into nature will love this 12-day luxury safari tour in Kenya. Stay in some of the country's most beautiful and distinctive safari lodges and city accommodation, including the unique Giraffe Manor, where you can get up (very!) close to the beautiful creatures.  Meet Maasai people and learn about their lives at the Maji Moto Maasai Cultural Camp. Spot a wide variety of animals and birds at numerous wildlife reserves, including buffalo, wildebeest, zebras, lions, and much more.

Make the Most of Your Time in Kenya

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Elephants in Amboseli National Park, with Mt. Kilimanjaro in the distance
How Many Days to Spend in Kenya

If you have two weeks to spend in Kenya, you can visit several wildlife reserves and national parks, devote time to beaches and learn about the local people and their culture....

A pair of lions in the Maasai Mara, Kenya
Map of 10 Days in Kenya - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Kenya - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

If you have 10 days to spend in Kenya, you'll likely want to spend a few on safari in Maasai Mara National Reserve. How you organize the rest of your time is up to you: round...

A family of elephants in the Maasai Mara National Reserve
Map of 2 Weeks in Kenya - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Kenya - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Two weeks is a perfect amount of time to spend in and around Kenya. There are many ways to structure your trip. Combine a wilderness safari with a cultural tour around the...

Kenya Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip

Our Latest Kenya Content

Elephants in Amboseli National Park, with Mt. Kilimanjaro in the distance
How Many Days to Spend in Kenya

If you have two weeks to spend in Kenya, you can visit several wildlife reserves and national parks, devote time to beaches and learn about the local people and their culture. Most travelers come to Kenya to go on safari, and this can be done comfortably, however, in as few as five days by sticking to the places closest to Nairobi. With longer in Kenya, you can visit a great range of parks or fit in other activities.

Recharge on the sunkissed shores of Zanzibar
Map of Zanzibar Beach Holiday - 5 Days
Zanzibar Beach Holiday - 5 Days

If you're looking to escape the daily grind, five days in a tropical paradise like Zanzibar might be what the doctor ordered. More than inviting white-sand beaches and crystalline waters, the island of Zanzibar is also home to a rich culture and fascinating medieval history. You'll experience it all, plus have your pick of various optional activities—including a romantic sunset cruise.

A tree-climbing lion
Map of Tanzania Safari Adventure - 5 Days
Tanzania Safari Adventure - 5 Days

The great misconception about going on safari in Africa is that you need at least a couple of weeks. In reality, even in just five days, you can enjoy the safari experience of a lifetime. This itinerary includes game drives in three different national parks in Tanzania—one of the continent's most popular and famous safari destinations—Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Kenya Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Kenya map: One Week in Kenya - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
One Week in Kenya - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Kenya map: 5 Days in Kenya - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in Kenya - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Kenya map: 14 Days in Kenya - 4 Unique Itineraries
14 Days in Kenya - 4 Unique Itineraries
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Kenya
Travel specialist Susan Deslaurier
active 15 hours ago

Susan Deslaurier

My joy is creating authentic and enriching experiences that go beyond “viewing” a faraway land, providing a cultural bridge with local people that leads to life-changing experiences for travelers....

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Travel specialist Joseph Thuo
active 4 hours ago

Joseph Thuo

Born and raised in Kenya, in the land of the Maasai (Narok), I started traveling extensively around the country back in College, exploring unique destinations and cultural experiences one after...

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Travel specialist Joseph Njoroge
active 5 hours ago

Joseph Njoroge

Kenya should be on top of every adventure traveler's list, with over 40 wildlife National parks and reserves, the annual wildebeest migration crossing from Serengeti to Masai Mara, the great...

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Travel specialist Lize Enderstein
active 3 hours ago

Lize Enderstein

I work as a senior consultant for African Travel Gateway and have 15 years of experience in the travel industry. We plan, book and implement tailor-made holidays for our clients that fit within...

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Trip Reviews for Kenya

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim
Michael

Outstanding, Trip to Kenya Courtesy of Nariku Travel Experiences. · Kenya - Nov 26 - Dec 4, 2021

Traveler: Michael C. - Local specialist: Joseph Thuo

In the past year I have been to, among other places, Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, Greece and Portugal, and my trip to Kenya was my favorite. This is due in large part to Nariku Travel Experiences. I gave them a basic blueprint of what I wanted to see, do and accomplish and they delivered. Thank you Joseph and Susan. The guide for most of my trip, George, was outstanding. George was knowledgable, personable and downright fun to be around. I miss his and being part of the A-Team. The safari... read more

In the past year I have been to, among other places, Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, Greece and Portugal, and my trip to Kenya was my favorite. This is due in large part to Nariku Travel Experiences. I gave them a basic blueprint of what I wanted to see, do and accomplish and they delivered. Thank you Joseph and Susan. The guide for most of my trip, George, was outstanding. George was knowledgable, personable and downright fun to be around. I miss his and being part of the A-Team. The safari experiences at Maasai Mara, Hell's Gate and Shimba Hills will be forever an amazing memory -- and they delivered incredible photos to match. And if you want to immerse yourself into the culture of the Maasai people, Nariku Travel Experiences is the only way to go.

So again, thank Susan, Joseph and George -- I am truly grateful for what you came up with -- and you delivered 100%.

Joseph Thuo profile photo
Joseph Thuo, local specialist, responded to this review:

Hi Michael

Thanks so much for the awesome review! On behalf of the entire team, we are so happy to hear that both we and Kenya lived up to your expectations. Also glad to hear you had an authentic experience with the Maasai People at Maji Moto Maasai Cultural Camp.

We appreciate for trusting us with your trip plans, and hope to see you again in the near future with more trips to East Africa or any other part of the world.

With warm and best Regards,
Joseph

Joseph and Jossy Travel Rock! Absolute must for Kenya Safari · Kenya - Dec 14 - Jan 3, 2020

Traveler: Barry D. - Local specialist: Joseph Njoroge

I recently went on holiday with Joseph from Jossy Travel for a 3 week solo safari. The holiday was planned last minute due to some personal issues and I simply gave Joseph a short description of what I wanted to do (Im a photographer who also loves hiking), a request for a driver with a truck for viewing and an idea of my budget. From the first contact, Joseph himself planned and organised the holiday from start to finish! He prepared a detailed itinerary within 24 hours which covered most of... read more

I recently went on holiday with Joseph from Jossy Travel for a 3 week solo safari. The holiday was planned last minute due to some personal issues and I simply gave Joseph a short description of what I wanted to do (Im a photographer who also loves hiking), a request for a driver with a truck for viewing and an idea of my budget. From the first contact, Joseph himself planned and organised the holiday from start to finish! He prepared a detailed itinerary within 24 hours which covered most of what I wanted to do, and after a call to agree the details, he booked all the hotels within 2 days without issue. Joseph also recommended a flying doctor service and provided a packing list. Best of all, he also said he would be happy to act as my guide for the 3 weeks!

Joseph picked me up at the airport directly and we spent the next three weeks driving through national parks and across Kenya. Joseph was fantastic from start to finish. He organised every day from the moment I woke up, until evening and nothing was forgotten. We stayed at multiple hotels and camps throughout the 3 weeks and the quality and service was perfect. On christmas eve, I had a problem with one camp, and Joseph immediately moved me at no additional cost, without effort to a new camp....Joseph seems to know most of the camp and hotel owners in Kenya as they always welcome him!

Joseph's guiding skills are also excellent. On average, we spent 10-12 hours per day in a park or reserve and every day was always interesting as he taught me about the animals and local customs from each of the local tribes. Aside from all that, Joseph was simply fun to be with! We laughed a-lot throughout the trip and I also had the pleasure of meeting his family during the trip.

I would have no hesitation recommending Joseph and Jossy Travel to help plan and run your safari holiday.

Joseph Njoroge profile photo
Joseph Njoroge, local specialist, responded to this review:

Barry, my apology for late reply, thank you for your honest and 5 star review, I quickly learned you love nature and wildlife which is also my passion making great teamwork, it turned up to be one of best trip the end of last year and great way to start this year, we visited 8 different parks and reserves and tries to get the best early and late afternoon shorts, getting stuck with our 4X4 was fun and to crown it all was visit to my family on our way to Samburu Park, I will say it was a 3 weeks of fun. Hope you will Come back with your photography friend.

Joseph

Amazing experience! · Kenya - Dec 24 - Jan 4, 2020

Traveler: Marcos G. - Local specialist: Susan Deslaurier

Amazing experience!

Susan Deslaurier profile photo
Susan Deslaurier, local specialist, responded to this review:

Thanks Marcos, happy to hear that you enjoyed your trip!