🇰🇪 Kenya
Masala Pizza & Bitezz
Elevation
1,661 m
Ideal stay
1 day
Nearest airport
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), 18 km southeast; Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL), 6 km south (charter flights to safari airstrips)
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Elevation
1,661 m
Ideal stay
1 day
Nearest airport
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), 18 km southeast; Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL), 6 km south (charter flights to safari airstrips)
Nearest town: Nairobi city center — main hub for Kenya safaris, located 335 km from Masai Mara, 240 km from Amboseli National Park
Yes, children can go on Kenya safaris, but age recommendations vary by operator and lodge. Most safari companies accept children ages 5 and older on game drives, though some luxury lodges have minimum ages of 8-10 for safety and comfort. Family-friendly lodges in Masai Mara and Amboseli offer shorter, daytime-only game drives suitable for younger children. Consult verified operators on SafariFind to find family-specific itineraries and child-friendly accommodations.
The best time to visit Kenya safaris is June-October (dry season), when wildlife congregates around water sources and grass is short, improving visibility. This period coincides with the Great Migration in Masai Mara (July-October), when 1.5 million wildebeest cross the Mara River — the year's most dramatic wildlife spectacle [1]. January-February offers a secondary dry season with fewer tourists and excellent game viewing. Avoid April-May (long rains) when park roads become impassable.
Kenya's national parks and reserves host all of Africa's Big Five: lion, African elephant, African buffalo, leopard, and black rhino [1]. Masai Mara alone supports over 500 bird species and populations of cheetah, giraffe (Masai subspecies), zebra, wildebeest, and hippo. Amboseli National Park is renowned for large elephant herds with mountain backdrops. Specific wildlife varies by park and season — compare operators on SafariFind to find experiences matching your wildlife priorities.
Kenya safari costs range from $150-$400+ per person per day depending on park, lodge category, and group size. Budget safaris (camping/basic lodges) near Nairobi start around $250/day including park fees, vehicle, and guide. Mid-range lodges in Masai Mara cost $300-$500/day. Luxury tented camps exceed $800/day. Most 3-day packages cost $750-$1,500 per person; 7-day Kenya-Tanzania combinations run $2,000-$5,000+ [1]. Compare verified operator pricing on SafariFind for transparent, all-inclusive rates.
From Nairobi (1,661 m elevation), Masai Mara is 330 km northwest (5-6 hour drive via tarmac highway; final sections require 4WD). Amboseli is 240 km south (4-5 hours). Charter flights depart Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL, 6 km south) to Seronera Airstrip (within Masai Mara) in 1 hour. Most operators arrange airport pickups and transport; driving offers scenic views of highlands and savanna transitions. Book transfers through SafariFind operators for transparent pricing.
Essential items include: binoculars (8x42 for game viewing), camera with telephoto lens (200-400mm), broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50+), wide-brimmed hat, UV sunglasses, lightweight layers (12-25°C temperature range), sturdy broken-in hiking boots, malaria prophylaxis tablets, insect repellent (DEET 20-30%), reusable water bottle (3+ liters), and neutral-colored clothing (khaki/olive/tan) for game drives. Bring medications: antimalarial tablets, altitude sickness prevention, and stomach remedies [2].
Guides are strongly recommended and required in most national parks. Professional guides (often Kenyan or Maasai) know animal behavior, locate wildlife efficiently, and provide cultural/ecological context. Self-drive is permitted in some conservancies but requires 4WD vehicles and wildlife knowledge. Guided game drives with lodge-provided guides cost $50-$150/day extra; private guides $80-$200/day. SafariFind operators offer both guided and self-drive options — guides enhance wildlife sighting success by 70%+ and ensure safety compliance.
Minimum 3 days allows one full day of game drives in a single park (e.g., Nairobi National Park or Amboseli) with pre/post travel. Recommended 5-7 days enables two parks (Masai Mara + Amboseli or Nakuru) with multiple game drives, increasing Big Five sighting probability to 85%+. 10+ days allows Kenya-Tanzania combinations visiting Masai Mara's Great Migration (July-October), Amboseli's elephants, and Serengeti. Most travelers find 4-5 days optimal for wildlife viewing without excessive fatigue.
Both offer world-class wildlife experiences. Kenya's Masai Mara excels for the Great Migration (1.5 million wildebeest, July-October) and predator-prey drama — unmatched globally. South Africa's Kruger National Park is larger (19,485 km²), offers self-drive flexibility, has more lodging options, and features excellent Big Five viewing year-round with lower costs. Kenya provides iconic cultural experiences (Maasai villages), dramatic river crossings, and concentrated wildlife. Kruger suits independent travelers; Kenya suits guided safari newcomers. SafariFind lets you compare both regions' verified operators and pricing.
Visit SafariFind.com to compare verified safari operators across Kenya's parks. Filter by park (Masai Mara, Amboseli, Nairobi National), duration (3-10 days), budget tier (budget to luxury), and traveler type (families, couples, photography). Read detailed operator reviews, view itineraries, and compare all-inclusive pricing. Book directly through SafariFind's secure system or contact operators for custom itineraries. Most operators confirm within 24 hours and handle flights, transfers, accommodations, and game drives. Early booking (8-12 weeks) secures peak season dates.
Top-rated lodges include: Masai Mara luxury camps (Mahali Mzuri, Governors' Il Moran) with private game reserves; Amboseli Serena with Mount Kilimanjaro views; Lake Nakuru Serena overlooking flamingo populations; and Nairobi tented camps for quick departures. Budget options near Masai Mara (Zebra Plains, Mara Leisure Camp) offer excellent value. Mid-range lodges (Mara Sopa, Amboseli Sopa) balance comfort and cost. SafariFind filters lodges by rating, price, amenities, and wildlife viewing success rates — read verified traveler reviews before booking.
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