Kenya safaris — operator-built, season-matched, ready to book

Most travellers settle on 6–10 days for Kenya. Six days is the sweet spot for Masai Mara and Amboseli done properly — two Mara nights, a full Amboseli day, and a Lake Naivasha stopper. Eight to ten days adds Samburu, Laikipia's rhino country, or a Kenya coast finish. Great Migration and cross-border itineraries benefit from 10–12 days. Shorter than four days, you'll spend too much time on road transfers relative to time in the parks.

July to October is peak season — the Great Migration is in the Masai Mara, river crossings happen from July, and dry conditions make wildlife viewing easy. January to March is dry, hot, and excellent for big cat action. November brings brief short rains — lower rates, fewer vehicles, still excellent sightings. April to May is the long rains — dramatic skies and the lowest rates, though some Mara camps close for maintenance.

Mid-range private Kenya safaris typically run USD 650–1,000 per person per day. Luxury safaris with top tented camps run USD 1,100–2,000 per day. Ultra-luxury experiences including Giraffe Manor and exclusive conservancy camps run USD 2,000–4,500+ per day. The biggest cost drivers are camp choice, Masai Mara conservancy fees (which are separate from park fees), and internal flights.

Both are exceptional. The Masai Mara is smaller, easier to navigate, and delivers consistent big-cat sightings year-round. The river crossings (July–October) are the most dramatic wildlife spectacle in the world. The Serengeti is larger, wilder, and better for the calving season (January–February) and sheer scale. For most first-timers, we recommend the Serengeti for a longer safari and the Mara for a shorter high-impact trip — or combine both in an 11-day cross-border journey.

Yes — internal scheduled flights are reliable and the best way to cover multiple Kenya regions efficiently. Wilson Airport in Nairobi serves the Masai Mara (45 min), Amboseli (40 min), and Samburu (90 min). Fly-in safaris eliminate long road drives and give you more game drive time. For most luxury itineraries, we recommend flying at least one leg — especially into the Mara, where the road from Nairobi takes 5–6 hours.

For the right traveller, absolutely. Giraffe Manor works best as a Nairobi start or finish — one night before flying into the bush, or as a farewell celebration after safari. The giraffe encounters at breakfast are genuinely magical and impossible to recreate anywhere else. Rates are high, but the experience is unique. We typically recommend one night maximum — it's a special moment, not a multi-night base. Book 12–18 months ahead for peak dates.

Kenya introduced a free Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) for most nationalities in January 2024, replacing the previous visa requirement. Apply online before travel at the Kenya Immigration portal. Some nationalities still require a visa — check the Kenya Immigration Service website or ask our team. Yellow-fever vaccination is required if arriving from an endemic country. Kenya is a malaria zone — prophylaxis is recommended for most visitors.

For peak Mara season (July–October), book 9–12 months ahead. Giraffe Manor books 12–18 months in advance for peak dates and is often the bottleneck in Kenya luxury itinerary planning — secure it first before building the rest of the route. Exclusive conservancy camps and top Mara properties also fill early for festive periods. Shoulder-season journeys can often be arranged 3–4 months out with good availability.