Kenyan Safaris | Wildlife Reserves & Parks

Destinations

We plan your entire excursion and recommend the best lodgings for you, depending on your needs.... all you have to worry about is showing up! Plan your safari early by emailing us at liz@zafarie.com.

Maasai Mara

The Maasai Mara Reserve has the most abundant wildlife in Kenya. It should be on the top of your list for a Safari in Kenya. It is the northern ecosystem of the Serengeti but isn't as overcrowded as the southern ecosystem that is entered from Tanzania. It's the size of Manhattan, with rolling hills and majestic sunsets. The wildlife there is rich, with the exception of the White Rhino, which is practically extinct due to poaching. You'll see a rich array of wildlife, such as giraffes, lions, elephants, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, ostriches, monkeys, and the like . But if you are really lucky and have a great guide, you'll experience the more elusive leopards and cheetahs.

The Maasai Mara Reserve is about a 6hr drive from Nairobi or 235km/150miles. If you fly into Nairobi, you can taxi into Nairobi or we can arrange transportation for you to your hotel. Many safaris start in Nairobi, where we pick you up from your hotel and drive out to the Masai Mara Reserve.

Whether you are observing the Great Migration in the busiest safari time of the year, or visiting during off-season, no two safaris will ever be alike. It's a magical experience that only being in the heart of the African safari will ever allow you.

Though there are many options for lodging in and around the Maasai Mara Reserve, the best experiences have been among those who stayed overnight in the reserve and were able to start their safaris without any queues at the Reserve's entrance.

In the summer, the great wildebeest migration from the south to the northern ecosystem of the Serengeti runs from Tanzania to the Maasai Mara in Kenya. It is a spectacular sight to behold, but also the busiest time of the year, so plan at least 6 months ahead for the best lodgings and accomodations. Safaris can happen year round, but for the Maasai Mara, the best times to go are June to October and January to February, where wildlife is abundant and you'll get more sunny days. The best wildlife viewing months in Kenya are during the Dry season from late June to October. The wildebeest migration usually reaches the Maasai Mara in July and remains until October, when they move back to the Serengeti in Tanzania. Wildlife viewing is good year-round but can differ depending on some parks.

Amboseli National Park

Amboseli is the 2nd most popular park in Kenya, located 240 km (150 miles) southeast of Nairobi. The park borders Tanzania, which allows sometimes majestic views of Mount Kilimanjaro on a clear day. The terrain is very different than the Maasai reserve. Vegetation is sparse and low, and the abundance of free-ranging elephants at close range is spectacular. Other wildlife include buffalos, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras and wildebeest.

Lake Nakuru National Park

A sanctuary for rhinos, that are facing extinction and a bird-lovers' paradise. Lake Nakuru lies 156km / 97 miles from Nairobi. It's roughly similar distance from Nairobi as the Maasai Mara Reserve, but about 45 square km / 17 square miles. It has over 450 bird species, including a flamingo haven.

Samburu National Reserve

Off-the beaten track and a lesser known reserve, Samburu also has an array of wildlife compacted in its 165 square km / 63 square miles. It's only one-tenth the size of the Maasai Mara, but is also known for its lions, leopard, cheetahs, wild dogs and rare northern species of Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk and the beisa oryx (also referred to as Samburu Special Five). It's less visited due to its size and longer distance from Nairobi. If your stay in Kenya is much longer and further north, try a visit to this wonderful reserve.

Lake Naivasha

Located between the Maasai Mara Reserve and Lake Nakuru, its a common safari stopover consisting of 139 square km / 54 square miles. Its not a national park, but it contains Crescent Island Sanctuary, which allows you to do walking tours among zebras, giraffes and wildebeests, because there are no predators.

Maasai Mara Village

A safari is not complete without visiting a Maasai Village. Of the many African tribes, the noble Maasai are unique in their philosophy of a balanced existence with their land and their wildlife amongst them. Still surviving as they have done for hundreds of years, their culture is rich with wisdom and simplicity. See some of their beautiful beaded handcrafts, experience a traditional dance, or make a visit to the schoolhouse where the Maasai children are being taught. A worthwhile visit to understand the rich history of this beautiful land. Though mostly a nomadic tribe, ensuring a constant clean water supply for themselves and their cow herds, some tribes have settled more permanently near deep underground water resources.

Nairobi

Most safari tours in Kenya start with a flight into Nairobi and a one night stay. The most notable accomodation is at the Giraffe Manor, where you can share your breakfast with these amazing creatures.

Other notable places to stay and visit in Nairobi is Karen Blixen's farm and home, whose memoir, "Out of Africa", is loved around the world. There's a beautiful veranda restaurant that you can visit for a drink or a bite to eat.

Kibera

As much as there is beauty in Africa, there is also much poverty and inequality. Nairobi has Kibera, the largest sub-saharan slum, where over 2 million people live. It may even be the largest slum in the world.

Kibera was built over several generations, as employment opportunities brought rural migrants to urban centers. Some organizations even provide tours of Kibera, where proceeds are donated to their local Kibera community. We choose our impact through giving 10% of our tour revenues through many non-profits that work throughout Africa. Some of the ones we prefer are listed here: https://www.aidforafrica.org/about-us/

Destinations

Wildlife Reserves & Parks

Maasai Mara

Amboseli National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park

Samburu National Reserve

Lake Naivasha

Maasai Mara Village

Nairobi

Most safari tours in Kenya start with a flight into Nairobi and a one night stay. The most notable accomodation is at the Giraffe Manor, where you can share your breakfast with these amazing creatures.

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Other notable places to stay and visit in Nairobi is Karen Blixen's farm and home, whose memoir, "Out of Africa", is loved around the world. There's a beautiful veranda restaurant that you can visit for a drink or a bite to eat.

Kibera

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As much as there is beauty in Africa, there is also much poverty and inequality. Nairobi has Kibera, the largest sub-saharan slum, where over 2 million people live. It may even be the largest slum in the world.

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