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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 · 21 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.

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.

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.

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.

Lake Victoria from above
Kenyan Culture & Wildlife: Lake Victoria, Kisumu, & Maasai Mara - 8 Days

Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa and the second-largest freshwater lake by surface area in the world, giving you plenty to explore on this eight-day itinerary. Dive into lake life on Rusinga and Mfangano islands, stroll the streets of Kisumu city, and safari through the famous Maasai Mara reserve as you enjoy a spectrum of what Kenya has to offer.

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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
Map of How Many Days to Spend in Kenya
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....

Elephant sightings in Masai Mara National Park
Map of 1 Week in Kenya - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Kenya - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Kenya is an excellent place to holiday in Africa, especially for safari-goers. With an entire week, you'll experience the country's healthy national park and conservancy...

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...

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Kenya Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip
Photos from top left clockwise: Elephants crossing a road in Tanzania, Maasai people in Kenya, Giraffe in Nairobi National Park, and a lake in Ngorongoro Crater
Kenya or Tanzania Safari

Choosing between a safari in Kenya or Tanzania can be challenging, as both countries offer unique experiences and incredible wildlife diversity. To help you make the best...

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Our Latest Kenya Content

Spot big cats like cheetahs as you race across Kenya's national parks on safari
Map of East Africa Safari Adventures & Gorilla Trecking: Kenya, Tanzania & Uganda - 21 Days
East Africa Safari Adventures & Gorilla Trecking: Kenya, Tanzania & Uganda - 21 Days

Enjoy a three-week wildlife and cultural adventure in East Africa, a region abounding with national parks, reserves, and tribal communities. The safari truck awaits as you set off into Kenya's most famous parks, like Masai Mara, to spot elephants, lions, cheetahs, and more. Then, cross into Tanzania for more thrilling game drives on the Serengeti and the volcanic crater at Ngorongoro before continuing deep into the Ugandan rainforest to witness the last remaining wild mountain gorillas in the world.

Ride a hot-air balloon over Serengeti National Park
Map of Wild East African Odyssey: Savannas & Beaches in Kenya & Tanzania - 21 Days
Wild East African Odyssey: Savannas & Beaches in Kenya & Tanzania - 21 Days

Experience the splendor of East Africa on a three-week journey to two of its most gorgeous and biodiverse countries: Kenya and Tanzania. Meet rescued animals, like elephants and giraffes, in Nairobi, then see these animals in the wild on game drives. After a hot-air balloon trip over the golden savannas of the Masai Mara Reserve, you'll cross into Tanzania for more safari fun, including at the "Cradle of Mankind," Ngorongoro, before wrapping up with snorkeling and sunset cruises in Zanzibar.

The Masai Mara National Reserve is that it is renowned for its high concentration of predators, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs
Map of 1 Week in Kenya - 3 Safari Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Kenya - 3 Safari Itinerary Ideas

With one week to spend in Kenya, you can comfortably visit four safari destinations. Travelers wanting to hit the highlights can go on game drives to spot the Big Five in Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru, while those looking to discover lesser-traveled destinations can venture to Samburu for a cultural exchange and to see the world's last two white rhinos at Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Birders will enjoy bush walks, spotting exotic species at Taita, and over 500 species like secretary birds and hornbills at Tsavo.

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Kenya Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map One Week in Kenya - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
One Week in Kenya - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Map 5 Days in Kenya - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in Kenya - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Map How Many Days to Spend in Kenya
How Many Days to Spend in Kenya
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Kenya
Travel specialist Joseph Thuo
active 18 mins 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...

read more...
Travel specialist Lize Enderstein
active 21 mins ago

Lize Enderstein

I work as a senior consultant for African Travel Gateway and have 18 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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Travel specialist Petru van Zyl
active 7 hours ago

Petru van Zyl

I started in the travel industry in August 1998 and have 25 years experience as a travel consultant. I am a senior consultant who specializes in FIT travel, group travel, VIP clients, luxury...

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Travel specialist Melvin Mapetla
active 1 day ago

Melvin Mapetla

I believe in the transformative power of travel, seeing it as a journey that unveils a world of unforgettable moments. In my role as General Manager at Truly Swahili, we focus on creating...

read more...
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Related Destinations

Travelers who visit Kenya also visit these destinations
Tanzania
Tanzania
Uganda
Uganda
Ethiopia
Ethiopia

Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan

Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.

Authentic travel experiences

Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

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Once you are happy with the trip, you can easily book via kimkim’s secure payment platform.

Local support during your trip

You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.

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Kimkim offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not fully satisfied with us, we’ll work with you to make it right.
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A portion of every kimkim trip goes toward the removal of carbon from the atmosphere. Learn more
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Kimkim is accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating.

Seller of Travel Registration number: CST #2136279-40.
Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.

Trip Reviews for Kenya

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

A Phenomenal Trip
Kenya | Jan 6 - Jan 14, 2025

Briana
Briana W.
Bethesda, MD | Reviewed on Jan 16, 2025
We (my fiance and I ) just returned to the U.S. after spending 12 amazing days in Kenya. Joseph did a great job at organizing our trip and ensured we got what we desired out of our visit, which included cultural immersion, safari drives, and a relaxing stay at the beach. Joseph was communicative and provided all of the details for our trip a few days before our arrival date. (I am very organized and thrive on details so I appreciated this very much.) Our driver, Eric, was amazing! He was... Read more

We (my fiance and I ) just returned to the U.S. after spending 12 amazing days in Kenya. Joseph did a great job at organizing our trip and ensured we got what we desired out of our visit, which included cultural immersion, safari drives, and a relaxing stay at the beach. Joseph was communicative and provided all of the details for our trip a few days before our arrival date. (I am very organized and thrive on details so I appreciated this very much.) Our driver, Eric, was amazing! He was knowledgeable, professional, and always prioritized our safety while exploring the country. We recommend Joseph and the rest of his team and will use them again in the future. Thanks for everything!

Hotel Reviews
Fairview Hotel, Nairobi
Nairobi

The grounds here are beautiful! The staff are friendly and helpful. The property is very secure and I felt safe staying here while in the city.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lake Naivasha Country Club
Naivasha

The food here was incredible. We spent 12 days in Kenya and the food here was within my top two out of all our lodging experiences during the trip. Having all the wild life animals right outside your door was a unique experience. The only downside was our mattress was SO hard. My fiance and I struggled to fall asleep. However we were only here for one night so not a huge issue. The pros outweighed the con for sure.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Maji Moto Maasai Cultural Camp
Maji Moto

This is a once in a life time experience. If you are looking for a true cultural immersion, then look no further! The people were warm and welcoming in a very sincere way. We felt like family while staying with them and learned so much about their culture. Honestly, I am not an outdoorsy person so this was outside of my comfort zone but I would stay here again and again to get to experience and learn more about the Maasai culture.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ashnil Mara Camp
Maasai Mara

My fiance and I loved this place! To the point where we were a little sad to leave despite heading to the beach to relax for the remainder of our trip. The food-delicious. The accommodations-gorgeous and comfortable! The staff-friendly and happy to help. Amos checked on us and helped us during our stay and was wonderful at his job. Thank you for welcoming us! We shall return

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Diani Sea Lodge
Diani Beach

The rooms are a bit dated but the air conditioner works and the bed is comfortable. We spent all of our time in the sun anyway so I was not as worried about the accommodations. The staff were friendly and helpful. My only downside was the quality of the food was lacking in terms of options and flavors for different meals. However, the beach was pretty and the pool was nice.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Joseph Thuo
Joseph
Joseph Thuo
Local specialist in Nairobi, Kenya | Replied on Jan 17, 2025
Dear Briana Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience! It was truly a pleasure organizing your trip, and I’m thrilled to hear that you and your fiancé had an amazing time in Kenya. I’m especially glad that the level of detail and communication met your expectations—I know how important that is when planning a big adventure! Eric will be delighted to hear your feedback as well; I’ll be sure to pass along your appreciation. Ensuring our guests feel... Read more

Dear Briana

Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience! It was truly a pleasure organizing your trip, and I’m thrilled to hear that you and your fiancé had an amazing time in Kenya. I’m especially glad that the level of detail and communication met your expectations—I know how important that is when planning a big adventure!

Eric will be delighted to hear your feedback as well; I’ll be sure to pass along your appreciation. Ensuring our guests feel safe, informed, and immersed in the beauty of Kenya is always our top priority. We have also noted your feedback on all the accommodations and will pass along your message to them.

We would love to welcome you back in the future for another unforgettable journey! Wishing you both all the best and hoping to see you again soon.

Asante sana (thank you very much)

Best regards,
Joseph & Team

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An absolutely fantastic trip. All our accommo...
Kenya | Jan 6 - Jan 15, 2025

Mark
Mark F.
the Netherlands | Reviewed on Jan 16, 2025
An absolutely fantastic trip. All our accommodation and guides were wonderful. Not one single complaint. Read more

An absolutely fantastic trip. All our accommodation and guides were wonderful. Not one single complaint.

Hotel Reviews
Ichumbi Gorilla lodge

If I could give it more than five stars I would. David and his staff are amazing!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Maji Moto Maasai Cultural Camp
Maji Moto

We loved this camp we stayed at!

Ashnil Mara Camp
Maasai Mara

This was another of the camps we stayed at, and we loved it as well! Recommended!

Activity Reviews
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Kenya

It's a great place where you can see plenty of elephants and see them being taken care of!

Maji Moto Maasai "Olpul" Bush Camp
Maji Moto Maasai "Olpul" Bush Camp
Maji Moto

Very cool experience and wonderful camp!

Local specialist: Joseph Thuo
Joseph
Joseph Thuo
Local specialist in Nairobi, Kenya | Replied on Jan 16, 2025

Hi Mark,

Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you had a fantastic trip and that everything met your expectations. It was our pleasure to be a part of your journey, and we hope to welcome you again for another adventure probably visiting South Africa, Tanzania or any part of the world.

Regards,
Joseph

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My hat is off to both Nadia and Stephanie! T...
Kenya | Sep 9 - Oct 6, 2024

J
Judie B.
Buffalo, NY | Reviewed on Nov 27, 2024
My hat is off to both Nadia and Stephanie! This almost 4 week trip to Africa was spectacular. Everything went off without a hitch except for one incident in Tanzania which Stephanie handled professionally and without incident. The incident in question was not KIMKIM's fault or the guides but that of the guide's office in Arusha. My son and I were very well taken care of and every request along the way was handled timely and efficiently. The guides were extremely accomodating for all my... Read more

My hat is off to both Nadia and Stephanie! This almost 4 week trip to Africa was spectacular. Everything went off without a hitch except for one incident in Tanzania which Stephanie handled professionally and without incident. The incident in question was not KIMKIM's fault or the guides but that of the guide's office in Arusha. My son and I were very well taken care of and every request along the way was handled timely and efficiently. The guides were extremely accomodating for all my son's requested related to getting the photography he wanted. We have traveled extensively as my son is a professional photographer so we are well experienced. This is the second time I have used KIMKIM and I will do it again probably for Norway and Patagonia in the near future. Again Thank you to Nadia and Stephanie for a great African tour.
Judie and Chris Behrend

Local specialist: Stephanie Louw
Stephanie
Stephanie Louw
Local specialist in Cape Town | Replied on Jan 08, 2025
Dear Judie and Chris, Thank you so much for your kind words! It was an absolute pleasure helping plan your incredible African adventure. I’m so glad to hear that you both had such a wonderful time and that everything went smoothly, aside from the minor issue in Tanzania, which I’m happy to have helped resolve. It’s always a joy working with seasoned travelers like yourselves, especially when it involves supporting Chris in capturing those perfect photographic moments! I appreciate your... Read more

Dear Judie and Chris,

Thank you so much for your kind words! It was an absolute pleasure helping plan your incredible African adventure. I’m so glad to hear that you both had such a wonderful time and that everything went smoothly, aside from the minor issue in Tanzania, which I’m happy to have helped resolve.

It’s always a joy working with seasoned travelers like yourselves, especially when it involves supporting Chris in capturing those perfect photographic moments! I appreciate your trust in KimKim, and I look forward to assisting you again with your future trips!

Thank you again for allowing us to be part of your journey, and I wish you many more unforgettable adventures ahead!

Warm regards,
Stephanie

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