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, and the large herds of elephant attracted by the waters of the Ewaso Ng’iro river, bisecting the reserve.
Kenya’s finest wildlife sanctuary, the Masai Mara is a natural 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 home for predators and plains wildlife.
Where: Rift Valley Province
Ideal for viewing: cheetah, Grant’s gazelle, leopard, lion, Thompson’s gazelle
Though Lake Nakuru is relatively small, the lake is known for one of the greatest bird spectacles on earth – thousands, sometimes millions of fuschia-coloured flamingos. Over 400 species of birds are found here, and the surrounding park is famous for its sizeable population of rhinos and the rare Rothschild’s giraffe.
Where: Rift Valley Province
Ideal for viewing: black rhino, defassa waterbuck, lion, Rothschild’s giraffe, white rhino
The vast, remote, lowland area of Meru National Park is the setting for Joy Adamson’s book ‘Born Free’. Lined with doum plams, its border with Shaba Reserve is the Ewaso Ng’iro River, and boasts greater diversity of species than some other Kenyan parks (in particular its birdlife, for which the park is renown).
Though the wildlife of the Laikipia Plateau is abundant (one of the last refuges for the black rhino), its tranquillity and remoteness is the major attraction. On walking and riding safaris, accompanied by Masai, a total immersion in the African bush is experienced; a feeling of solitude rarely found elsewhere.
Where: Central Province
Ideal for viewing: black rhino, greater kudu, leopard, lion, reticulated giraffe
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. A full host of plains game, more than 50 mammals and 400 bird species make this one of Kenya’s most sought-after destinations.
Where: Rift Valley Province
Ideal for viewing: elephant, gerenuk, leopard, lesser kudu, lion
Lake Naivasha is the highest and purest of the Great Rift Valley’s lakes and offers outstanding bird watching with more than 400 species recorded. Its lush vegetation creates a fine setting for Joy Adamson’s house and also supports a variety of other wildlife, as does nearby Hell’s Gate National Park.
Where: Rift Valley Province
Ideal for viewing: cape clawless otter, Grant’s gazelle, impala, red and blue sunbird, osprey
Excellent for: Vehicle safaris, Birdwatching
Wildlife
Kenya has a wealth of wildlife to discover but here are the most popular animal species and wildlife events. Let us know the ones you would particularly like to see…
Wildlife trips
1 related group tour.6 related trip ideas.Bear in mind that our trip ideas give you a sense of what’s possible but our strength is in tailoring your itinerary.
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.
Witness the annual migration of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, zebra and other game around the Serengeti-Masai Mara ecosystem, one of the ‘must see’ events of the natural world.
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
Dry season
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 Sep: Flamingoes in the Rift Valley Lakes
Jul to Aug: The Migration – wildebeest & zebra head north to Masai Mara
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
Places to stay
16 related places to stay.But there are more options we can offer, just ask us for more details.
With sweeping plains on one side and Nairobi on the other, this tented camp is situated deep within riverine forest and is the fisrt accommodation allowed inside Nairobi National Park.
Giraffe Manor is a small, exclusive hotel, famous for its resident herd of giraffe. It offers a rich blend of welcoming accommodation, highly trained staff and one of Nairobi’s finest kitchens.
This multiple award-winning luxury lodge, consisting of nine cottages that artfully incorporate natural features and blend into the rocky landscape, stands where George Adamson’s camp once stood.
This comfortable lodge nestles on the so-called Lion Hill, amidst beautifully landscaped tropical gardens, overlooking the the Rift Valley and Lake Nakuru with its population of pink flamingoes.
Tortilis Camp is an elegant luxury tented camp named after the local tree. With views of Kilimanjaro it is located just outside the Amboseli National Park, in one of the few remaining areas of unspoiled woodland.
Set within the Masai Mara Natural Reserve, Little Governor’s Camp is intimate in character and comprises just 17 luxurious tents tucked away around a large watering hole teeming with animals and birdlife.
This safari camp is located in the exclusive 20,000 acre Olare Orok Conservancy, which lies along the banks of the Ntiakatiak River, a seasonal river with permanent hippo pools.
This camp is located in a secluded and remote corner of the Ol Pejeta Conservancy and consists of six spacious guest tents, each comfortably furnished with en suite bathrooms.
One of the Mara’s premier properties, this seasonal (June to March) eco-camp consists of nine tents overlooking the Talek River, in the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem.
Governors’ Camp has a magical setting, so much so that around a century ago it was reserved – exclusively – for Kenya’s colonial governor and his royal visitors.
Loldia is set on manicured lawns on the green shores of Lake Naivasha. Nestled under acacia trees on one of the country’s oldest farms, it has breathtaking views of the lake and the dormant volcano of Mount Longonot.
Kicheche Bush Camp consists of six spacious, fully insect-proof custom designed tents, equipped with twin or double beds, linen, bedside tables, luggage racks and rugs.
Wildlife+
4 places to go en route to or from a wildlife location…
Located about 20 kilometres south of Malindi, Watamu is a small coastal town that boasts the spectacular Watamu Marine National Park which is home to a thriving population of marine life.
