Kenya
The Great Migration in the Mara, elephants under Kilimanjaro and a slow finish on the coast.
- Best time to visit
- Jul–Oct and Jan–Feb
- Getting around
- Safari vehicle, plus light aircraft
- Currency
- Kenyan Shilling (KES)
- Ideal length
- 7–10 days
Kenya is where the safari began
Kenya is the classic safari, and it's closer than people think: a direct flight from Mumbai to Nairobi takes about six hours. The Masai Mara is the headline, with big cats all year and, from July to October, the wildebeest of the Great Migration crossing the Mara River. Amboseli adds elephant herds with Kilimanjaro behind, and the Rift Valley lakes bring hippos, flamingos and boat rides.
July to October is peak season; January and February are also dry, quieter and better value. A week covers two or three parks, ideally with a light-aircraft flight to save long road days. Finish with a few days on the coast at Diani or Lamu. First-time safari-goers, families and honeymooners all fit in here.
The country, park by park
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Kenya's most famous reserve: lions, cheetahs and leopards all year, and from July to October the Great Migration and its river crossings. The private conservancies on its edge mean fewer vehicles, walking safaris and night drives.
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Big elephant herds on open plains with Mount Kilimanjaro behind, clearest early in the morning.
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The Rift Valley lakes: boat rides among hippos on Naivasha, a walk among giraffes on Crescent Island, and rhinos and flamingos at Nakuru.
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Dry northern country with animals you won't see further south: reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra and the long-necked gerenuk.
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The gateway city: the orphaned elephants of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, the Giraffe Centre and Nairobi National Park, with the skyline behind the animals.
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The Indian Ocean coast: white sand and reef at Diani, south of Mombasa, or the old Swahili island town of Lamu, with dhows, donkeys and almost no cars.
Things worth actually doing
Tap the ones you would like on your trip.
Good to know before you go
Apply for the eTA before flying
Every visitor needs an Electronic Travel Authorisation from the official etakenya.go.ke site. It usually takes three working days; apply at least two weeks ahead.
Yellow fever and malaria
Get the yellow fever vaccine and carry the certificate: India checks it when you fly home from Kenya. Ask your doctor about malaria tablets.
Soft bags for bush flights
Light aircraft usually allow about 15 kg each in soft bags, hand luggage included.
Pack neutral colours and layers
Khaki, olive and beige work best on game drives, and early mornings in the Mara are cold.
