KENYA SAFARI TOURS: Best Operators & Packages

When most people think of safari in Africa, they think of Kenya. Staying at the best luxury Kenya hotels, safari lodges, and tented camps to explore Kenya in comfort and elegance. Nothing says “classic safari” quite like a Kenyan safari. A Kenyan safari tour not only boasts spectacular natural beauty in one of the most unspoiled places on the planet, but it also brings you up close and personal with Africa’s most sought-after wildlife, regardless of whether you are visiting the African continent for a family vacation, a romantic honeymoon, or for sightseeing. Read through this post to find out more.

Kenya Safari Tours

Kenya Safari Tours offers travelers the opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife of Kenya. With its sweeping savannah grasslands, dense forests, Rift Valley lakes, and tropical coast, Kenya is known as the historical home of the East African safari. The country is inhabited by charismatic megafauna, including the Big Five (elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, and rhino), as well as a variety of other wildlife.

Various Forms Of Kenya Safari Tours Available

These several Kenya Safari Tours are available to cater to different preferences and interests.

#1. Game Drive Safaris

Game drives are the most popular type of safari tour in Kenya. They involve exploring national parks and reserves in a 4×4 vehicle with a trained guide. Game drives offer the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife.

#2. Walking Safaris

Walking safaris provide a more immersive and intimate experience with nature. Accompanied by an armed guide, visitors can explore the wilderness on foot, learning about the local flora and fauna and enjoying the sights and sounds of the bush up close.

#3. Fly-In Safaris

Fly-in safaris involve traveling to remote and inaccessible areas of Kenya by small aircraft. This allows visitors to reach remote national parks and private conservancies quickly, minimizing travel time and maximizing time spent on safari.

#4. Cultural Safaris

Cultural safaris focus on experiencing the rich cultural heritage of Kenya. Visitors can interact with local tribes, such as the Maasai or Samburu, and learn about their traditions, customs, and way of life.

#5. Conservation Safaris

Conservation safaris combine wildlife viewing with opportunities to contribute to conservation efforts. Visitors can participate in activities such as animal tracking, anti-poaching patrols, or wildlife monitoring.

#6. Photographic Safaris

Photographic safaris are tailored for photography enthusiasts who want to capture stunning images of Kenya’s wildlife and landscapes. These tours are led by professional wildlife photographers or guides with expertise in wildlife photography, who provide guidance and advice on capturing the best shots.

#7. Family Safaris

Family safaris are designed to cater to the needs and interests of families traveling with children. These tours provide child-friendly activities, accommodations, and guides who are experienced in engaging and educating young travelers about wildlife and conservation.

#8. Luxury Safaris

Luxury safaris offer a high-end experience with luxurious accommodations, personalized services, and exclusive amenities. These tours often include private game drives, gourmet dining, and upscale lodges or tented camps.

#9. Birdwatching Safaris

Kenya is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 1,100 bird species recorded. Birdwatching safaris focus on spotting and identifying various bird species in different habitats, including wetlands, forests, and savannahs.

#10. Hiking Safaris

For those who enjoy hiking and trekking, Kenya offers several options for exploring its diverse landscapes. From climbing Mount Kenya, the second-highest peak in Africa, to hiking through the scenic gorges and valleys of Hell’s Gate National Park, hiking safaris provide an active and adventurous experience.

Best Kenya Safari Tours

Kenya offers world-class wildlife viewing in legendary game reserves such as the Masai Mara National Reserve. There are many Kenya safari tours available, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury experiences. The best Kenya safari tours can vary depending on individual preferences and interests.

The best Kenya safari tours include:

#1. Masai Mara Safari

The Masai Mara National Reserve is renowned for its abundant wildlife, including the annual wildebeest migration. Safari tours in the Masai Mara offer incredible opportunities to witness the lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and other iconic African animals.

#2. Amboseli National Park

Known for its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli National Park is home to large herds of elephants and a variety of other wildlife. Safari tours in Amboseli provide an opportunity to observe elephants up close and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

#3. Samburu National Reserve

Located in northern Kenya, Samburu National Reserve offers a unique safari experience with its diverse wildlife and striking landscapes. Tours in Samburu provide the chance to spot rare species such as Grevy’s zebras, Somali ostriches, and reticulated giraffes.

#4. Lake Nakuru National Park

Famous for its pink flamingos, Lake Nakuru National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Safari tours in this park allow visitors to admire a wide variety of bird species, as well as encounter rhinos, lions, and other animals.

#5. Tsavo National Park

Safari tours in Tsavo offer a chance to see diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, cheetahs, and giraffes, in a vast and unspoiled wilderness. Tsavo National Park is one of the largest wildlife reserves in Africa, divided into Tsavo East and Tsavo West.

#6. Laikipia Plateau

The Laikipia Plateau is a private conservancy known for its conservation efforts and offers a unique safari experience. Tours in Laikipia provide opportunities for game drives, guided walks, and interactions with local communities.

#7. Meru National Park

Meru National Park is a hidden gem in Kenya, known for its lush landscapes and abundant wildlife. Safari tours in Meru offer a more off-the-beaten-path experience, with opportunities to see elephants, lions, leopards, and rhinos.

#8. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a private reserve in northern Kenya, is well-known for its effective conservation initiatives. Lewa’s safaris provide exclusive access to rare wildlife sightings like Grevy’s zebras and black rhinos.

#9. Maasai Cultural Safaris

For those interested in immersing themselves in the local culture, Maasai cultural safaris provide a unique experience. These tours combine game drives with visits to Maasai villages, where you can learn about their traditions, customs, and way of life.

#10.Aberdare National Park

Aberdare National Park offers a different kind of safari experience, with its dense forests, moorlands, and high-altitude scenery. Safari tours in Aberdare provide the opportunity to spot unique wildlife, such as bongo antelopes and golden cats.

Kenya Safari Tours From Nairobi

Nairobi offers various Kenya safari tours, ranging from short 2-day tours to longer 12-day tours. Top options include the Maasai Mara Guided Safari, Amboseli National Park, 3-Day Masai Mara Shared Budget Safari Tour, and group joining safaris. Factors to consider include tour length, destinations, accommodation type, and activities. Kenya safari tours from Nairobi have a wide range of options to choose from.

Tour Operators and Packages Available

#1. Natural World Kenya Safaris

They offer a variety of safari tours ranging from 2-12 days. One of their popular options is a 2-day safari to Amboseli National Park, where you can witness stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and encounter diverse wildlife.

#2. Right Choice Tours & Safaris

Right Choice Tours provides a 3-day budget safari tour to the famous Masai Mara National Reserve. This shared tour, with a maximum of 8 people per vehicle, offers an affordable way to experience the incredible wildlife of Masai Mara.

#3. Bienvenido Kenya Tours and Safaris

This operator offers a 9-day luxury safari tour that covers all major parks in Kenya. The itinerary includes visits to Samburu National Reserve, Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Laikipia), Lake Nakuru National Park, and Masai Mara National Reserve.

#4. Amazing Memories Safaris

They have a 5-day luxury safari tour that takes you to Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru National Park, and Masai Mara National Reserve. This private tour includes accommodation in luxury lodges and tented camps.

#5. Spirit of Kenya

Spirit of Kenya offers an 11-day off-the-beaten-track safari tour, providing a more adventurous and immersive experience. This tour takes you to various destinations, including Amboseli National Park, Tsavo West National Park, and Tsavo East National Park.

#6. Axis Africa Safaris

They offer a variety of safari tours from Nairobi, including a 3-day Masai Mara group joining safari and a 7-day Kenya classic safari that covers multiple national parks.

#7. Tazama Africa Holidays

This operator provides a range of safari tours, including a 4-day Masai Mara safari and a 6-day Kenya wildlife safari that covers Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, and Masai Mara.

#8. Explorer Kenya

Explorer Kenya offers a 7-day luxury safari tour that explores Amboseli National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, and Masai Mara National Reserve.

#9. Natural Tours and Safaris

Natural Tours and Safaris offers a range of safari trips leaving from Nairobi, including road safaris and flight tours with exciting game-viewing drives. Some of the top packages include the 4-day Amboseli & Tsavo West National Parks tour and the 11-day Kenya Wildlife Safari.

#10. Africa Kenya Safaris

Africa Kenya Safaris offers 2-4 day tours to discover Kenya’s amazing wildlife, with packages leaving from Nairobi. Some of the top packages include the 4-Day Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru Safari and the 3-Day Amboseli National Park Safari.

Tanzania And Kenya Safari Tours

Tanzania and Kenya offer some of the best safari experiences in Africa, with a range of tour packages available to explore the wildlife and culture of these two countries. Both countries offer top safari experiences in Africa, with various tour packages available. Top options include SafariBookings, National Geographic Expeditions, TourRadar, Go2Africa, and Natural Tours and Safaris.

Features of Tanzania and Kenya Safari Tour

Tanzania and Kenya safari tours offer a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers looking to explore the wildlife and culture of these two countries

#1. Combined Safaris

Many tour operators offer combined Tanzania and Kenya safari tours that allow you to explore the highlights of both countries. These tours often include visits to popular destinations such as the Serengeti National Park, Masai Mara National Reserve, Ngorongoro Crater, and Amboseli National Park.

#2. Abundant Wildlife

Both Tanzania and Kenya are renowned for their diverse and abundant wildlife. Safari tours in these countries provide opportunities to see iconic African animals such as lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and many more in their natural habitats.

#3. Stunning Landscapes

From the vast savannah plains of the Serengeti to the picturesque Maasai Mara, Tanzania, and Kenya offer breathtaking landscapes that serve as the backdrop for incredible wildlife encounters. You can witness dramatic sunsets, rolling hills, acacia-dotted landscapes, and even the Great Rift Valley.

#4. Great Migration

The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the most famous wildlife spectacles on the planet. It involves millions of wildebeests, zebras, and other animals moving in search of fresh grazing. Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara are prime locations to witness this awe-inspiring event.

#5. Cultural Experiences

Tanzania and Kenya are home to rich and diverse cultures. Safari tours often provide opportunities to interact with local communities, learn about their traditions, visit Maasai villages, and even participate in cultural activities.

#6. Luxury Accommodation

Many safari tours offer a range of accommodation options, including luxury lodges and tented camps. These accommodations provide comfortable and stylish settings, often located in prime wildlife areas.

#7.Experienced Guides

Safari tours are led by experienced guides who have extensive knowledge of the wildlife, landscapes, and local cultures. They can enhance your safari experience by providing valuable insights and ensuring your safety and enjoyment.

#8. Flexible Itineraries

Safari tours can be tailored to suit different preferences and interests. Whether you prefer a shorter tour focused on specific parks or a longer expedition covering multiple destinations, there are options available to accommodate various travel styles.

#9. Diverse Ecosystems

Tanzania and Kenya are home to a wide range of ecosystems, including savannahs, wetlands, mountains, and coastal areas. This diversity allows for a variety of wildlife species and unique experiences.

#10. Hot Air Balloon Safaris

Hot air balloon safaris are a popular option in Tanzania and Kenya. Float above the savannah and witness the sunrise as you spot wildlife from a unique vantage point.

Kenya Safari Tours Cost

The cost of Kenya safari tours depends on several factors, including the duration of the tour, the level of accommodation, the number of people traveling, and the time of year. Additionally, park entrance fees are an additional cost to consider. The entrance fees for national parks in Kenya are typically around $50 per day, and this cost is usually included in the overall tour package if you book through a tour provider.

Estimated cost for Kenya safari tours

#1. Budget Safaris

Budget safaris in Kenya can range from $150 to $300 per person per day. These tours include basic accommodations and transportation. A budget safari in Kenya costs approximately $1700 per person for 10 days

#2. Mid-Range Safaris

Mid-range safaris in Kenya usually cost between $300 and $500 per person per day. These tours offer more comfortable accommodations and often include additional amenities and services.

#3. Luxury Safaris

Luxury safaris in Kenya can range from $500 to over $1,000 per person per day. These tours provide high-end accommodations, personalized services, and exclusive experiences.

How Much Is A Safari Trip To Kenya?

The cost of a Kenya safari can vary widely depending on various factors. Budget safaris range from $150 to $300 per person per day, mid-range safaris between $300 and $500, and luxury safaris from $500 to over $1,000 per person per day. During shoulder season, a 10-night safari in premier camps costs $7,500 to $10,000 per person, while budget 3-day Masai Mara safari tours start at $350 and luxury accommodations can cost up to $1,500 per person. Actual prices may vary based on tour operator, itinerary, and park entrance fees. Researching and comparing different packages from reputable operators is recommended.

How Much Does A 5-Day Safari In Kenya Cost?

A 5-day Kenya safari can be budgeted at $550 per person, mid-range at $550 to $725, and luxury at $800 to $1,350, with prices varying depending on the type of safari.

How Much Is A 4-Day Safari In Kenya?

The average cost for 4-day budget safaris in Masai Mara is between US$420 to US$900 per person. Mid-range 4-day safaris in Kenya can cost between US$850 to US$1,500 per person. Luxury 4-day safaris in Kenya can be booked for around US$1,000 per person.

What Is The Best Time To Go On Safari In Kenya?

The best time to go on a safari in Kenya is during the dry season, which occurs from June to October. This period offers optimal wildlife viewing opportunities as the vegetation is less dense and animals gather around water sources. The wildebeest migration, a highlight of the safari experience, usually reaches the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya around September and October. While wildlife viewing is good year-round in Kenya, the dry season is generally considered the best time for optimal visibility of wildlife.

Is Safari Cheaper In Kenya Or Tanzania?

Safaris in Kenya are cheaper compared to Tanzania. Kenya offers more budget-friendly options for accommodation, transportation, food, and fees. It is a better option for those on a tighter budget. Tanzania, on the other hand, is known for its larger national parks which contribute to higher costs. Nevertheless, both countries offer great safari experiences, and the specific prices can vary depending on the tour operator, itinerary, and level of luxury desired.

Which African Safari Is The Cheapest?

South Africa and Namibia are the cheapest African safari destinations. These countries offer a range of budget-friendly options for accommodations, transportation, and safari activities. Additionally, self-drive safaris in places like Kruger National Park in South Africa can be a cost-effective way to experience wildlife viewing.

Why Are Kenya Safaris So Expensive?

Kenya safaris can be expensive due to factors such as limited infrastructure, complex logistics, high staff-to-guest ratios, and the country’s tourism policy emphasizing high prices and low density to protect ecosystems. The fees paid for safaris support conservation efforts and local communities. While Kenya is not an expensive destination compared to other African countries, costs can still be higher due to the more developed tourism industry.

How To Do Kenya Safari On A Budget?

To do a Kenya safari on a budget, consider choosing budget camping safaris, comparing prices and tour operators, opting for alternative accommodations, traveling during the low season, spending time in Nairobi, booking with reputable tour operators, considering group tours, planning, and looking for confirmed itineraries. Research and compare different options to find the best budget safari experience in Kenya.

Conclusion

Kenya safari tours are guided tours that take visitors to various national parks and reserves in Kenya to see wildlife and experience the country’s culture. Kenya is known for its savannah grasslands, forests, Rift Valley lakes, and tropical coast. Tanzania and Kenya offer top safari experiences in Africa, with various tour packages available. These tours provide unique opportunities to see iconic African animals, interact with local communities, and enjoy luxury accommodations. Nairobi offers a variety of Kenya safari tours, including short 2-day and 12-day options Park entrance fees are $50 per day. Budget safaris range from $150 to $300 per person per day.