Planning the Ultimate African Safari in Kenya

I’ve had dreams of being on the Serengeti for as long as I can remember. An African safari in Kenya ranked high on my bucket list adventures. So when the stars aligned (time & money), I jumped at the opportunity to cross “Safari on the Serengeti” off my list.

I had high expectations of a safari in Kenya and it did not disappoint. This an awe-inspiring experience that will stay etched in my memory forever. I can still hear the distant roar of lions echoing in my mind from my trip. The knowledge that wild animals were wandering through the nearby bush had me on high alert for most of my trip. Admittedly, I have an unhealthy fear of large animals. So the thought of planning a safari in Kenya puzzled even my closest friends. After it was all over, I can truly proclaim the experience to be incredible and I will absolutely do it again.

When to Go

Kenya offers fantastic safari experiences throughout the year, but the timing of your visit can impact the wildlife sightings. The dry season, from June to October, is the most ideal timing for wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources and the bush isn’t as dense. Less places to hide make the dry season perfect for catching a lioness on the hunt. If you’re lucky, you may even witness a kill (it’s the circle of life).

Don’t sleep on a September visit. You’ve probably seen the videos of the thousands of wildebeest crossing the Mara river and the inevitable crocodile encounters with some less fortunate animals as they make their way. If you have dreams of this sighting being a part of your visit, take a chance and go during early September. You are almost guaranteed to see the famed wildebeest migration in action.

Finally, the green season (November to May) brings lush landscapes and an abundance of migratory birds. It’s also rainy season which can be a challenge for game drives on muddy unpaved roads. I experienced this firsthand, as my safari group was stuck a few times over the course of our safari experience. There is little more frightening than watching for lions and hippos while your safari guide/driver digs the truck out of knee deep mud.

How to Plan Your Experience

Kenya is not one of those places where you get there and then figure it out. It is unlikely that you will arrive, rent a car to drive to your accommodations in the wild. Therefore, it is imperative that you have a fully laid out plan ahead of landing in the country to make the most of your time. The good news is planning a Kenyan safari is pretty easy. Most lodges offer a level of support and resources to get you there and back with very little stress.

Kenya boasts several renowned national parks and reserves, each offering a unique safari experience. Amboseli National Park is famous for its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, while the Maasai Mara is renowned for the Great Migration. Choose tour operators and accommodations that prioritize sustainable and responsible tourism practices to ensure the preservation of Kenya’s incredible natural heritage. I chose to stay on Ol Pejeta Conservancy and Olare Motorogi Conservancy in two of the Kicheche camps. Not only do you get up close with wildlife, a portion of your rate at Kicheche is allocated to wildlife conservation and community projects.

Accommodations in Kenya range from luxury lodges to tented camps, each providing a different level of comfort and experience. Whether you prefer a cozy campfire under the stars or the luxury of a safari lodge, there are options to suit every taste and budget.

About My Experience

We landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) located just outside of the capital city of Nairobi and immediately hopped a commuter flight to the conservancy. Our flight was like a bus in the air. It made several stops on dirt runways in the middle of the jungle along the way to my stop. I had never seen a person check the runway for animals before takeoff and landing but there’s a first for everything. There are other options to make it to your accommodations, so check the Maasai Mara site for details.

A driver from Kicheche met us at a small hut that operated as the waiting area for arriving flights and whisked us away to our sanctuary for the next few days.

What you need to know

All of the campsites were a series of tents. But not just any tent, I would call this ‘glamping’. The tents had nice beds and indoor bathroom facilities but make no mistake it is a tent. The only thing protecting us from wildlife were soft fabric walls and a zipper closed door.

Additionally, there are no fences around the camp grounds and the host/guides do not carry weapons. After all, we are in the plains where the wildlife lives. You are protected by some savvy locals generally carrying a stick. I typically like to walk to get to know the area when I travel. But here, you cannot leave your tent without an escort. And you will probably want an escort when you hear the roar of the lions or the calls of the elephants nearby. There isn’t a local market for you to easily procure the things you left behind, so pack accordingly.

Finally and depending on the site, you may be rationed water for bathing/showers. We had one bucket filled with hot water in the evening to accommodate us. This was really about conservation.

The Safari

The day starts early for morning game drives. You can opt to pass on the morning drives if you prefer to sleep in. But understand many animals are more active before dawn which provides the perfect setting for seeing them in action. We dressed in layers as it was pretty chilly at dawn. However once the sun came up, some late mornings were pretty gruesome. Having the option of peeling off a few layers as the day went on was much needed. And having a bit of sun protection in my bag was absolutely necessary.

After a few very important instructions for mingling with wild animals, we were on our way. Roads felt more like dirt paths but the vehicles are well equipped to handle the terrain. Predators tend to hunt early and spend the hotter hours lazing under the shade of trees. Which was welcomed news since the driver makes a pit stop in the midst of the savannah for refreshments that were packed for our outing. This was also the bathroom stop. It’s pretty hard to enjoy this pit stop on your first outing with fears of some predator jumping out the bush at any moment on your mind.

Kenya’s wildlife is incredibly diverse, featuring the “Big Five” (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros) along with a myriad of other species. Over the course of the morning, we saw plenty of elephants, buffalo and lions making their way through the bush. We spotted cheetah moving across the plains and hippos resting just under the water. Leopards were a bit trickier to find but we managed to spot one hiding out in a tree to escape the hyena.

The morning hours passed quickly so we returned to our campsite around noon for a midday rest before heading out again for an evening game drive. As the day cools, predators make their return to the hunt. We followed along for some prime viewing and capped off the evening drive with sundowners (a ‘happy hour’ during sunset over the African Bush). Most of the activity was done shortly after sunset providing ample time to return to camp and refresh before dinner. After which we were escorted back to our tent and zipped in for the night. This came with instructions on how to call for help if needed. But sleep didn’t come easy for me with the sounds of hyena and lion making their evening rounds. This cycle repeated each day with new and exciting finds each time we went out.

Beyond the Safari

A safari in Kenya is not just about wildlife; it’s also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Maasai people. Most of the guides are Maasai. Take the time to learn about their traditions, dances, and way of life. But don’t ask how many cows they own. It’s the equivalent of asking someone how much money they have in their bank account.

After spending a full 7 days on safari, we opted to disconnect on the beach. Diani Beach is just a short commuter plane ride from Masaai Mara sitting on the Indian Ocean. Our accommodations offered spa treatments beach walks and private dining under the stars. The staff gifted us with traditional sarongs to take home as a reminder of our stay. A beautiful way to refresh after so many days bouncing around in jeeps searching for wildlife.

My View

Embarking on a safari in Kenya is a journey into the heart of the wild. Every moment is a chance to witness the beauty of nature. My experience left me with a new found appreciation of nature and memories that I will continue to take with me. If you have ever considered this adventure, make a plan and go now.