Aberdare National Park
Amboseli National Park
Arabuko Sokoke Forest
Central & Northern Kenya
Diani Beach
East Africa
Hell's Gate National Park
Kakamega Forest
Kenya
Kenya & Tanzania Safaris
Kenya Coast & Beaches
Choosing your East African safari destination
East Africa packs some of the world’s best wildlife viewing into three neighbouring countries. Kenya is the most flexible place to start: classic savannah parks, rhino sanctuaries, Rift Valley lakes, mountains and a long Indian Ocean coast, all within reach of Nairobi. Tanzania adds the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Zanzibar. In Uganda, we arrange gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
First-time visitors usually begin with the Maasai Mara, then add Amboseli, Lake Nakuru or Samburu depending on their interests and the days they have. Use the guides above to compare parks, or take our 5-question quiz and we will suggest a route.
Destinations at a glance
| Destination | Known for | Good time to go |
|---|---|---|
| Maasai Mara | Big cats and the Great Migration river crossings | July to October for the migration, January to February is also good |
| Amboseli | Large elephant herds with Mount Kilimanjaro views | June to October and January to February |
| Lake Nakuru | Rhinos, Rift Valley birdlife and scenery | Year-round |
| Samburu | Northern species such as Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe and gerenuk | June to October and January to February |
| Tsavo East and West | Vast wilderness and red-dust elephants | June to October and January to February |
| Diani Beach | White sand, warm water and reef trips | December to March and July to October |
| Serengeti and Zanzibar | Endless plains, migration herds and island beaches | June to October, with Zanzibar also good December to February |
| Bwindi (Uganda) | Mountain gorilla trekking | Drier months are June to September and December to February |
How long should you stay?
- 3 to 4 days: one or two nearby parks, such as the Maasai Mara or Amboseli with Lake Nakuru.
- 5 to 7 days: the Maasai Mara plus one or two more parks, the sweet spot for most first-timers.
- 8 to 10 days or more: a wider Kenya circuit, a bush and beach holiday, or Kenya and Tanzania combined.
Destination questions, answered
Which destination is best for a first safari in Kenya?
The Maasai Mara is the classic first choice for big cats and, from about July to October, the Great Migration river crossings. Many first-time guests add Amboseli for elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro behind them, or Lake Nakuru for rhinos and Rift Valley scenery. A 5 to 7 day trip covers two or three of these comfortably.
How many days do I need for a safari?
Three to four days is enough for one or two nearby parks. Five to seven days suits the Maasai Mara plus one or two more parks. Eight to ten days or more lets you build a wider circuit, add the coast, or combine Kenya and Tanzania without rushing.
What is the best time to visit Kenya?
The dry seasons, June to October and January to February, are the easiest for game viewing and road access. The migration river crossings in the Maasai Mara usually happen from about July to October. November to December and March to May are greener and quieter with lower rates, and the heaviest rain normally falls in April and May.
Can I combine Kenya and Tanzania in one trip?
Yes. The Maasai Mara and the Serengeti are one connected ecosystem, so a combined itinerary lets you follow the herds across the border. We arrange overland and flight options, and you can finish at the Kenyan coast or in Zanzibar. See our Kenya and Tanzania safaris page.
Do you offer gorilla trekking?
Yes. We arrange gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. Permits are limited and must be secured well in advance, and the trek pairs well with a Kenya safari. Gorilla trekking is the only Uganda experience we currently offer.
Is Kenya safe for tourists?
Safaris in Kenya are well established, and our drivers and guides know the parks and roads closely. Read our Safety and Health page for practical advice, and check your own government’s current travel guidance before you book.
Do I need a visa to visit Kenya or Tanzania?
Most visitors need an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) for Kenya or a visa for Tanzania, and rules differ by nationality and change from time to time. Securing the right documents is the traveller’s responsibility, so please check the official immigration websites. We are happy to point you in the right direction.
Can I add a beach stay after my safari?
Yes. Many guests finish with a few days on the Kenyan coast at Diani Beach, or on Zanzibar. Our bush and beach itineraries combine the two, and we will advise on the best time for the coast.
Not sure where to start?
Take our 5-question quiz, or message us and we will plan it with you.