Kenya Travel Guide

Where To Visit In Kenya

As a destination, Kenya offers a range of experiences and landscapes to choose from. With so much on offer, we always recommend spending as much time exploring Kenya's diversity as your travel duration allows. Using frequent light-aircraft transfers our experts know how to best navigate Kenya's vast regions, from the untouched wildlands in the North, to the endless savannahs of the Maasai Mara, to her tropical coastline and islands.

Best for safari and wildlife

1. Maasai Mara
2. Amboseli and Chyulu Hills
3. Laikipia Plateau

Best for natural wonders

1. Amboseli and Chyulu Hills
2. Maasai Mara
3. Matthews Mountain Range
4. Rift Valley Lakes
5. Kenya Coast

Best for authentic culture

1. Laikipia Plateau
2. Samburu and Shaba
3. Matthews Mountain Range
4. Maasai Mara

Best for beach and island experiences

With a spectacular coral reef running 280km along Kenya's the palm-fringed coastline, the beaches and islands are paradise for relaxation and marine-life enthusiasts alike. Lamu, Diani, Watamu and the four national marine parks are some of our favourite areas to visit on the Kenya Coast, each offering something unique, from turtle nesting and hatching, exclusive-use villas, and immersive cultural experiences.

Best for Unique Experiences

1. The Great Migration in the Maasai Mara
2. 'Super Tusker' elephants in the Amboseli
3. Turtle nesting and hatching on select areas of Kenya's Coast
4. David Sheldrick Elephant Sanctuary and Giraffe Centre in Nairobi
5. Learn about the famous lion Elsa, and the Meru Rhino Sanctuary in Meru National Park
6. Starbeds, camel trekking and black leopard sightings in Laikipia

Best for Adventure Seekers

1. Laikipia Plateau
2. Matthews Mountain Range
3. Samburu and Shaba
4. Amboseli and Chyulu Hills

Best Time To Visit Kenya

Did you know around half of Kenya is positioned on each side of the equator? This means Kenya's climate doesn't have as clear-cut a 'wet' and 'dry' season as other African destinations, with the 'dry season' experiencing a period of short rains, and the 'wet season' sandwiching a short dry time. To ensure you have the best experience possible, it's important to time your journey around how you want to spend your days, what you want to see, what kind of safari experience you want, and of course what kind of weather you want to enjoy.

Green Season: November to May

During the green season Kenya's landscapes erupt with colour, with indigenous flora and fauna blooming. Wildlife make the most of the natural coverage and baby animals are born. When it comes to weather, rain is minimal except for the months of March to May. January to mid-March is known as a 'short dry season' and rains are typically short, heavy showers in the afternoon and temperatures are mild which makes game drives pleasant. This is also one of the best times of the year for snorkelling and diving. These months also see less crowds in popular safari areas and more accessible pricing.

Highlights: Beautiful scenery, animal births, migratory birds, lesser visitor numbers and low season prices.

Remember: Seasonal camps may be closed.

Dry Season: June to October

August to October are the best months to visit the Maasai Mara and its surrounding reserves as this is when the iconic Great Migration is moving through. With clear skies, this is a great time to enjoy other activities like walking safaris, or cultural experiences.

Highlights: Great Migration, visible game viewing, iconic migration river crossings and predator activity.

Remember: Most popular destinations can get crowded.

Peak Season: July to October & December to January

Peak season (or high season) refers to the time when most people travel to Kenya. This results in accommodations being under heavy demand and prices are at a high. Peak season typically lasts from July to October, and over the festive season in December and January.

Highlights: Great Migration, game viewing and dry days.

Remember: Consider organising trips well in advance to avoid limited availability at the best properties.