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Wildlife Locations

17 recommended locations. Please contact us for further suggestions.

Amboseli National Park

The snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro dominates the backdrop of Amboseli National Park and creates a highly scenic setting which, for many, is the classic image of East Africa. With a full host of plains game, more than 50 mammals and 400 bird species, this is one of Kenya’s most sought-after destinations. Find Out More

  • Where: Rift Valley Province
  • Ideal for viewing: African elephant, gerenuk, leopard, lesser kudu, lion
  • Excellent for: Walking safaris, Vehicle safaris

Laikipia Plateau

The wildlife of the Laikipia Plateau is abundant and it serves as one of the last refuges for the black rhino. Yet its tranquility and remoteness is the major attraction, and walking safaris with Masai guides in the African bush offer a feeling of solitude rarely found elsewhere in Kenya. Find Out More

  • Where: Central Province
  • Ideal for viewing: black rhino, greater kudu, leopard, lion, reticulated giraffe
  • Excellent for: Walking safaris, Vehicle safaris

Lake Naivasha

The highest and purest of the Great Rift Valley’s lakes, Naivasha offers outstanding birdwatching, with more than 400 species recorded. It supports a variety of other wildlife, including a good population of hippo, and its lush vegetation provides a perfect setting for Joy Adamson’s house. Find Out More

  • Where: Rift Valley Province
  • Ideal for viewing: Grant’s gazelle, impala, red and blue sunbird, osprey, hippo
  • Excellent for: Birdwatching , Vehicle safaris

Lake Nakuru National Park

Although Lake Nakuru is relatively small, it is known for one of the greatest bird spectacles on earth – thousands of fuschia-coloured flamingos. Over 400 species of birds are found here, and the surrounding national park is famous for its sizeable population of rhinos and the rare Rothschild’s giraffe. Find Out More

  • Where: Rift Valley Province
  • Ideal for viewing: lesser flamingo, greater flamingo, Rothschild’s giraffe, white rhino, black rhino
  • Excellent for: Birdwatching , Walking safaris, Vehicle safaris

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

Established in 1995, the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy covers 251 square kilometres and plays host to Grevy’s zebra, sitatunga, leopard, lion, elephant and wild dog. This private reserve is particularly well known for its successful wildlife conservation, especially in connection with the endangered black rhino. Find Out More

  • Where: Laikipia Plateau
  • Ideal for viewing: black rhino, Grévy’s zebra, lion, wild dog, African elephant
  • Excellent for: Wildlife for families

Mara North Conservancy

Formed as a not-for-profit organisation, the Mara North Conservancy represents the heart of one of the world's most important wildlife habitats. Its partnership between 11 camps and over 800 Masai landowners aims to create a world-class conservancy and exclusive safari experience in the Masai Mara ecosystem. Find Out More

  • Where: Adjacent to Masai Mara
  • Ideal for viewing: lion, leopard, cheetah, white-bearded wildebeest, Burchell’s zebra
  • Excellent for: Walking safaris, Wildlife for families, Vehicle safaris

Masai Mara National Reserve

Kenya’s finest wildlife sanctuary, the Masai Mara is a paradise of gently rolling grasslands studded with acacia trees. Remaining as the ancestral homelands of the Masai, a curious harmony between man and wildlife exists that allows a route for the large migrations and a home for predators and plains wildlife. Find Out More

  • Where: Rift Valley Province
  • Ideal for viewing: cheetah, Grant’s gazelle, leopard, lion, Thompson’s gazelle
  • Excellent for: Walking safaris, Wildlife photography, Vehicle safaris

Meru National Park

The vast, remote, lowland area of Meru National Park was the setting for Joy Adamson’s book ‘Born Free’, and it boasts greater diversity of wildlife species than some other Kenyan parks, in particular its birdlife. Highlights include both Grevy’s and common zebra, gerenuk, lion, leopard and wild dog. Find Out More

  • Where: Eastern Province
  • Ideal for viewing: beisa oryx, gerenuk, Grévy’s zebra, lesser kudu, Somali ostrich
  • Excellent for: Birdwatching , Walking safaris, Vehicle safaris

Mount Kenya National Park

Africa’s second highest mountain and arguably its most beautiful, Mount Kenya’s highest peak reaches 5,199m and is sacred to the Kikuyu people. An ancient extinct volcano, Mount Kenya – and its National Park – are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Find Out More

  • Where: East Africa
  • Ideal for viewing: lammergeier, olive ibis, Hartlaub’s turaco, Syke’s monkey, bushbuck
  • Excellent for: Birdwatching , Walking safaris, Vehicle safaris

Nairobi National Park

Kenya’s first national park, established in 1946, Nairobi National Park lies at an altitude of 1,500 to 1,760m and covers approximately 117 square kilometres. During the dry season it provides sanctuary for numerous migrating herbivores along with a host of other wildlife, in particular, rhinos. Find Out More

  • Where: East Africa
  • Ideal for viewing: black rhino, Grant’s zebra, Coke’s hartebeest, lion, Cape buffalo
  • Excellent for: Vehicle safaris

Ol Kinyei Conservancy

Ol Kinyei is renowned for having unspoilt and spectacular views over the Mara plains and for being home to a wide variety of wildlife. It’s a great location from which to observe the annual Serengeti wildebeest migration (June to October), as well as wildebeest calving during February and March. Find Out More

  • Where: East Africa
  • Ideal for viewing: cheetah, lion, African elephant, wildebeest, Grant’s zebra
  • Excellent for: Vehicle safaris

Olkirimatian Conservancy

Olkirimatian Conservancy is an African wildlife paradise situated in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. This wild and rugged reserve has been tailored towards high-end photographic safaris. With complete exclusivity and several purpose-built photography hides, the area is unrivalled for small group photography tours in East Africa. Find Out More

  • Where: Southern Kenya
  • Ideal for viewing: lion, caracal, leopard, African elephant, masai giraffe
  • Excellent for: Fly-in safaris, Wildlife photography, Vehicle safaris

Samburu National Reserve

Samburu is a remote, arid wilderness of scrub desert and scorched savannah coloured with sandy creams, muted greens and earthen ochre; perfect camouflage for its wildlife and bird species rarely found elsewhere. Large herds of elephant are attracted by the Ewaso Ng'iro River, which bisects the reserve. Find Out More

  • Where: Northern Province
  • Ideal for viewing: beisa oryx, gerenuk, Grévy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Nile crocodile
  • Excellent for: Walking safaris, Wildlife photography, Vehicle safaris

Diani Beach

Diani Beach is one of Kenya’s most exclusive locations for a beach stay, whether you want to snorkel, scuba dive or simply relax. Situated just south of Mombasa, the white sands and turquoise warm waters of the Indian Ocean create a perfect end to an African wildlife safari. Find Out More

  • Where: South east coast
  • Excellent for: Beach stay

Mombasa

Located on the east coast of Kenya, bordering the Indian Ocean, the city of Mombasa is one of Africa’s major tourist destinations, with an Arab, Indian and colonial European heritage. Here you will encounter friendly people, some of the best beaches in the world, outstanding hotels and diverse marine life. Find Out More

  • Where: South east coast
  • Excellent for: Beach stay

Nairobi

Kenya’s bustling capital is more than just a starting point for your wildlife safari. Places to visit in the city include the Karen Blixen Museum, Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and the Giraffe Centre. For those staying longer, nearby Nairobi National Park has a wide diversity of wildlife. Find Out More

  • Where: Nairobi Province
  • Excellent for: City stopover

Watamu

Located about 15 kilometres south of Malindi, Watamu is a small town on the Indian Ocean coast, nestled between lush tropical forest and pristine beaches. It boasts the spectacular Watamu Marine National Park, home to a thriving population of marine life, including sea turtles, whale sharks and manta rays. Find Out More

  • Where: East coast
  • Excellent for: Beach stay

View trips to these locations

Wildlife trips

Kenya is renowned as one of Africa’s best locations for wildlife, it diversity, endless beauty and world-class facilities guarantee its enduring popularity. As well as the legendary Masai Mara and the Great Rift Valley, it is blessed with rich marine life, the little-known northern desert and temperate highlands around Mount Kenya.

12 recommended trips. Our trip ideas are offered to inspire you and can be tailored to suit your requirements.

Big Cat Weekend

This ideal whistle-stop wildlife getaway to the Masai Mara is an opportunity to see some of the finest wildlife on earth. Lion, leopard and cheetah hunt topi, eland and gazelle in this pristine wilderness, herds of elephant roam the grasslands, while hippos and crocodiles cruise the riverbanks. Find out more about Big Cat Weekend

  • Price (inc. flights): 6 days from £2,395
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • J
    • F
    • M
    • A
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Kenya’s Rift Valley Wildlife Photography

Join wildlife photographer Sean Weekly in southern Kenya for a full week of photography in the exclusive Olkirimatian Conservancy. Combine game drives, without the crowds, and time in purpose-built hides to capture a stunning portfolio with some familiar and lesser-known African species. Find out more about Kenya’s Rift Valley Wildlife Photography

  • Price (inc. flights): 10 days from £7,995
  • Trip type:
    Group Tour
    Tailor-made can be arranged
  • When to go:
    • A
    • S

Kenya Adventure Camping

An outstanding value safari, staying in private camps in Amboseli National Park and the Masai Mara. All the big cats can be found here, together with large numbers of elephants and giraffes. If you value wildlife and adventure above the need for luxury accommodation, then this is the trip for you! Find out more about Kenya Adventure Camping

  • Price (inc. flights): 9 days from £3,495
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • J
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Migration Special

After the Serengeti rains have ended and the grassland has turned to dust, witness the astonishing natural phenomenon of the Great Migration as huge herds of wildebeest and zebra make the long trip to the Masai Mara in search of fresh pasture. An unforgettable experience and a photographer’s dream. Find out more about Migration Special

  • Price (inc. flights): 10 days from £7,595
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • J
    • J
    • A
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    • O

Samburu & Masai Mara Safari

This 9-day classic safari incorporates the renowned Samburu and Masai Mara National Reserves. Staying in three luxury lodges, explore the rivers and plains of the Great Rift Valley, while looking for herds of elephant, big cats and Samburu specialties including Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe. Find out more about Samburu & Masai Mara Safari

  • Price (inc. flights): 9 days from £3,995
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • J
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Masai Mara Photo Safari

Join award-winning photographer Bret Charman on this 10-day tour to Kenya’s Masai Mara which has been designed to maximise photographic opportunities in this iconic wildlife location. There will be a particular focus on the region’s population of big cats, including lion, cheetah and leopard. Find out more about Masai Mara Photo Safari

  • Price (inc. flights): 10 days from £6,495
  • Trip type:
    Group Tour
    Tailor-made can be arranged
  • When to go:
    • J
    • F

Ultimate Kenya Safari

A rich blend of outstanding scenery and memorable wildlife can be found on this trip to three of Kenya’s top wildlife locations - Lake Naivasha, Laikipia Plateau and the Masai Mara. Enjoy game drives, walking safaris and boat trips, before relaxing at a luxury hideaway lodge on the shores of Lake Victoria. Find out more about Ultimate Kenya Safari

  • Price (inc. flights): 13 days from £7,795
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • J
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Classic Africa Explorer

This 37-day comprehensive itinerary, which visits no less than seven countries, delivers the ultimate African safari experience and a wealth of contrasts. Travel to some of Africa’s best National Parks and stay in a range of classic lodges, hotels and tented camps on this wildlife trip of a lifetime. Find out more about Classic Africa Explorer

  • Price (inc. flights): 37 days from £16,495
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • A
    • M
    • J
    • J
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Elephant Watch

Observe elephants at close quarters on this specialist safari providing an opportunity to learn about their social structure in the company of expert Samburu naturalists. Spending four nights at the Elephant Watch Camp, you will participate in game drives and walks, birdwatching and bush picnics. Find out more about Elephant Watch

  • Price (inc. flights): 7 days from £9,985
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • J
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Wings over Kenya

This itinerary travels from Amboseli National Park in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro, to the highlands of Laikipia Plateau, and on to the savannahs of the Masai Mara. Flying between locations and staying in top quality camps is one of the most exciting ways to experience Kenya’s excellent wildlife areas. Find out more about Wings over Kenya

  • Price (inc. flights): 9 days from £4,395
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • J
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Masai Warriors & Wildlife Galore

Ideal for young explorers, this amazing journey visits the land of the Masai warriors on a fun family educational programme in some of Kenya’s finest wildlife reserves. Staying in small camps and lodges, learn about wildlife, identify tracks and listen to the mysterious sounds of the savannah at night. Find out more about Masai Warriors & Wildlife Galore

  • Price (inc. flights): 11 days from £5,295
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • J
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Kenya’s Birds & Wildlife

On this tour we travel from Nairobi National Park to the Masai Mara enjoying their superb variety of birds and mammals. Highlights include grey crowned crane, lesser flamingo, and some exciting endemic species. We should also see herds of zebra and wildebeest in the Mara, as well as a variety of other mammals. Find out more about Kenya’s Birds & Wildlife

  • Price (inc. flights): 13 days from £6,395
  • Trip type:
    Group Tour
    Tailor-made can be arranged
  • When to go:
    • F
    • M

When to go

Kenya is a year round destination, but the best season is July to February. The wildebeest migration from the Serengeti into the Masai Mara takes place from July to September.

Seasons

  • Dry season

    Jan to Feb: A brief dry lull between the short and long rains
  • Long rains

    Mar to May: This is the wettest time of the year
  • Cool and dry

    Jun to Oct: Cool and dry. The best time of year to travel, but peak season
  • Short rains

    Nov to Dec: A couple of months of intermittent rain to freshen things up

Wildlife events

  • Jul to Aug: The Migration – wildebeest & zebra head north to Masai Mara
  • Jul to Sep: Flamingoes in the Rift Valley Lakes
  • Aug to Sep: Time for butterflies!
  • Oct: Migrating humpback whales off the coast
  • Oct to Nov: The migration – herds head south, birds arrive from Eurasia