Skip to main content
Sweeping landscape of Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
East Africa

Kenya

Accessible and diverse

7 parks and reserves5 trip options

Kenya pioneered modern safari tourism. The Masai Mara conservancy system offers excellent wildlife with lower crowds than national parks. Laikipia provides a different, intimate experience. Infrastructure is strong.

Highlights

Masai MaraLaikipia PlateauAmboseliLake NakuruSamburu

Parks & Reserves

7 areas
๐Ÿฆ

Wildlife Sighting Probabilities

Estimated chances of seeing key species based on operator feedback

These are estimated probabilities based on typical multi-day visits. Actual sightings depend on season, weather, time spent in the park, and luck. Wildlife behavior is unpredictable.

Masai Mara National Reserve

Data source: Operator feedback aggregation ยท Updated 2025-01

LionBig 5
95%Almost certain

Excellent population, multiple prides

African ElephantBig 5
90%Almost certain

Common throughout

Cape BuffaloBig 5
90%Almost certain

Large herds

LeopardBig 5
75%Very likely

Good sightings, especially along rivers

RhinocerosBig 5
30%Possible

Black rhino, uncommon

Hippopotamus
95%Almost certain

Mara River pools

Giraffe
95%Almost certain

Masai giraffe common

Spotted Hyena
90%Almost certain

Abundant

Cheetah
80%Very likely

Excellent open grassland habitat

Wildebeest
80%Very likely

Migration peaks July-October

African Wild Dog
15%Uncommon

Rare, occasional visitors

Amboseli National Park

Data source: Operator feedback aggregation ยท Updated 2025-01

African ElephantBig 5
98%Almost certain

Famous for large-tusked elephants, almost guaranteed

Cape BuffaloBig 5
85%Very likely

Common in marshes

LionBig 5
70%Very likely

Good population

LeopardBig 5
30%Possible

Present but rarely seen

Hippopotamus
90%Almost certain

In marshes

Is Kenya right for you?

Best for

  • +Conservancy experiences
  • +Migration river crossings
  • +Mount Kilimanjaro views
  • +Accessible safaris

Consider alternatives if

  • -Those avoiding crowds (main Mara)
  • -Budget travelers in high season

What you gain

  • โ€ข Conservancy system means lower vehicle density
  • โ€ข Strong infrastructure and accessibility
  • โ€ข Excellent guiding standards

What you trade

  • โ€ข Main Mara reserve can be crowded
  • โ€ข Some areas over-commercialized
  • โ€ข Less variety than Tanzania in single trip

Ready to plan your Kenya safari?

Tell us what matters most to you

Start planning

Planning essentials

When to go

Peak: July to October (dry, migration)
Shoulder: January-February, November-December
Green: April-May (long rains)
Mara river crossings typically July-October

Practical info

Gateway: Nairobi (NBO)
Visa: Yes, e-visa available
Malaria: Variable by region
Cost: Above averageModerate ($60-80/day in Mara)

Explore Kenya

Day-by-day itineraries
View all