Kenya Safaris: Holidays and Tours

Safari Holidays and Tours in Kenya

From the golden grasslands of the Masai Mara to the distant silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro, Kenya is a land of contrasts and connection. It’s a country where wildlife roams freely across vast savannahs, ancient rainforests hide rare species, and sun-drenched coastlines invite you to rest and reflect. Whether you’re tracking elephants through acacia-dotted plains or spotting flamingos at Lake Nakuru, a Kenya safari holiday invites you to truly wake up in the wild.

Our Kenya adventures offer something for every kind of traveller — from classic game drives through world-renowned national parks to community-led experiences and overnight stays beneath the stars. You might watch lions at dawn in Amboseli, take a guided walk through Samburu, or combine your trip with time in Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater or on the shores of Zanzibar.

No matter your route, Kenya delivers unforgettable moments. Think wildebeest migrations, black rhino sightings, leopard tracks in the dust — and that indescribable feeling when you realise nature is happening all around you, not just in front of you.

A Selection of our Kenya Safari Holidays

When is the best time to go on Kenya safari holidays?



Kenya offers year-round safari opportunities, but the dry season from late June to October is often considered the best time for wildlife viewing. During these cooler, clearer months, animals are easier to spot as they gather around rivers and waterholes, and it’s also the prime time to witness the dramatic spectacle of the Great Migration as vast herds move across the plains.

The wet season, from November to May, brings a different kind of magic. The landscapes turn vivid green, birdlife flourishes, and there are fewer crowds — but thicker vegetation can sometimes make wildlife harder to see.

Whether you’re drawn to thundering hooves or emerald scenery, Kenya safari holidays promise something extraordinary in every season.

What wildlife can you see on Kenya safari holidays?



Kenya is one of Africa’s most rewarding safari destinations, offering close encounters with an incredible variety of wildlife.

You’ll have the chance to see the legendary Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo — alongside other remarkable species such as giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, hippos, and crocodiles.

Kenya’s diverse ecosystems also support an astonishing bird population, from flocks of flamingos colouring the lakes to soaring eagles, hornbills, ostriches, and more. Whether you're watching a pride of lions at dusk or spotting rare birds on a quiet morning drive, Kenya safari holidays deliver unforgettable moments for every nature lover.

The Top Safari Destinations in Kenya for Safari Holidays and Tours

Kenya is home to some of the most iconic wildlife regions on the planet, each offering a unique landscape, atmosphere, and safari experience. From world-famous reserves to lesser-visited gems, these are the must-see destinations for your Kenya safari holiday.

Masai Mara National Reserve

The Masai Mara is Kenya’s most celebrated safari destination — and for good reason. Its open plains are home to thriving lion populations, abundant herbivores, and the awe-inspiring Great Migration between July and October. Game drives here are action-packed, and the golden sunsets are unforgettable. Whether it’s your first safari or your fifth, the Mara delivers.

Amboseli National Park

Set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli is famous for its large herds of elephants and striking photographic opportunities. The park's flat terrain makes for excellent wildlife viewing, especially during the dry season. You’ll likely spot cheetahs, buffalo, and hyenas, all framed by towering acacia trees and snow-capped peaks in the distance.

Lake Nakuru National Park

Known for its colourful flamingo populations and excellent rhino sightings, Lake Nakuru is a compact yet wildlife-rich park in central Kenya. It’s a great spot for travellers short on time or combining destinations. In addition to black and white rhinos, you might see Rothschild’s giraffes, leopards, and thousands of bird species along the water’s edge.

Samburu National Reserve

Less visited than the Mara or Amboseli, Samburu offers a raw and rugged safari experience in Kenya’s northern frontier. This reserve is home to unique wildlife not found in the south, including Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, and the gerenuk (also known as the giraffe gazelle). With fewer crowds and stunning riverine landscapes, Samburu is a perfect choice for travellers seeking something off the beaten track.

Tsavo East & Tsavo West National Parks

Together, Tsavo East and West make up one of Africa’s largest protected wilderness areas. Tsavo East features wide open spaces, red-dusted elephants, and sweeping views, while Tsavo West offers more dramatic terrain with volcanic hills and natural springs. These parks are ideal for longer safaris or overland trips connecting Nairobi and the coast.

Mount Kenya & Forest Reserves

Kenya’s central highlands offer a completely different kind of safari experience, where mountain hikes and forest walks replace open-vehicle game drives. The slopes of Mount Kenya and surrounding reserves are home to bushbuck, monkeys, and elusive forest elephants, as well as vibrant birdlife. This is a great choice for active travellers or those looking to extend their trip beyond the savannah.

The Types of Kenya Safari Holidays That We Offer

Kenya safari holidays don’t follow a one-size-fits-all format — and neither do we. Whether you're a first-time traveller, seasoned explorer, or planning something special for the whole family, we offer a range of flexible and immersive experiences designed to suit your interests, travel style, and budget.

Classic Game Drive Safaris: Traditional 4x4 safaris in Kenya’s most iconic parks, including the Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Lake Nakuru — perfect for photography, wildlife viewing, and epic sunrises.

Walking & Cultural Safaris: Step beyond the vehicle with guided bush walks and visits to local communities. These experiences offer a deeper connection to the landscape and the people who live alongside the wildlife.

Family Safaris: Itineraries crafted with younger travellers in mind — shorter travel days, family-friendly lodges, and exciting activities like warrior school or junior ranger programmes.

Small Group Adventures: Sociable, sustainable travel for those who enjoy the camaraderie of group experiences without losing the sense of personal discovery.

Tailor-Made & Private Safaris: Work with us to design a personalised trip — whether you're after a honeymoon, solo escape, or specific wildlife focus like birding or the Great Migration.

Whatever you choose, our team will help you build a Kenya safari holiday that feels like it was made just for you.

Why Book Your Kenya Safari Holiday with Awake in the Wild?

We don’t believe in boxed-up travel. Every trip we plan is built around you — your style, your pace, and your connection to nature. At Awake in the Wild, we focus on creating meaningful safaris that are accessible, inclusive, and rich in experience.

Flexible Options: From affordable group adventures to tailor-made private trips, we cater to all kinds of travellers.

Ethical Travel: We prioritise responsible tourism, support local guides and conservation efforts, and avoid practices that exploit wildlife.

Authenticity Over Luxury: While comfort matters, we’re more interested in whether your safari makes your heart race and your jaw drop.

Personalised Support: We’ll be with you every step — from first enquiry to your return home.

Inclusive and Welcoming: We actively welcome LGBTQ+ travellers, solo explorers, and families of all shapes and sizes.

A Kenya safari holiday should be unforgettable — for the right reasons. And that’s what we’re here to deliver.

We also believe that safaris should be as much about connection as they are about wildlife. That means offering moments that go beyond the lens — like listening to traditional stories around a campfire, learning about tracking from local guides, or simply sitting in silence while a giraffe strolls past your tent. These moments, often unplanned, are what stay with you long after the trip ends.

Where to Stay on a Kenya Safari

Kenya offers an incredible range of accommodation, from rustic wilderness camps to charming lodges and stylish tented hideaways.

With Awake in the Wild, you’re not locked into one travel style — we work with hand-picked stays that suit all comfort levels and price points.

You might spend one night in a solar-powered bush camp under the stars and the next in a lodge perched above a river teeming with hippos.

Many properties are eco-conscious, community-run, or located in conservancies that directly support local conservation.

Many of the stays we recommend are located within private conservancies or community-run reserves, offering more exclusive wildlife encounters and a chance to support local livelihoods.

These areas often allow for walking safaris, night drives, and fewer vehicles — giving you a richer, more intimate safari experience.

Whether you prefer a comfortable base with all the amenities or a back-to-nature stay with lantern-lit paths and campfire storytelling, we’ll match your safari to the right stay.

Combine Your Safari With...

Looking to extend your Kenya safari holiday? East Africa is full of unforgettable experiences that pair perfectly with your time in Kenya.

Zanzibar: After days on safari, unwind on the white-sand beaches of this spice-scented island with warm Indian Ocean waters and Swahili charm.

Tanzania’s Northern Circuit: Combine Kenya with a visit to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara — ideal during the Great Migration months.

Mount Kenya Trekking: Add a high-altitude adventure to your trip with scenic hikes around Africa’s second-highest mountain.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda or Rwanda: Pair your Kenya safari with a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with endangered mountain gorillas in nearby Uganda or Rwanda.

The Kenyan Coast: Swap safari dust for sea breeze with a visit to Kenya’s coastline. From the Swahili culture of Lamu to the white sands of Diani Beach, the coast offers a perfect mix of relaxation, water sports, and coastal charm.

Just let us know your dream combination — we’ll make it happen.

Travelling from the UK to Kenya

Getting to Kenya from the UK is straightforward, with multiple international flights connecting major UK airports to Nairobi and Mombasa. Direct flights from London Heathrow to Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) are available daily with airlines such as British Airways and Kenya Airways, taking around 8.5 hours. You can also find one-stop options via cities like Doha, Amsterdam, or Istanbul if you’re looking for more flexibility or regional departures from Manchester, Birmingham, or Edinburgh.

Most travellers begin their Kenya safari holidays in Nairobi, where it’s easy to connect with domestic flights or transfers to national parks and game reserves. If you're combining your safari with beach time, flights into Mombasa or onward connections to Diani and Lamu are also available.

UK passport holders will need an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) to enter Kenya, which must be applied for online in advance. We’ll guide you through every step, so you can focus on the excitement ahead.

Start Planning Your Kenya Safari Holiday

Kenya is calling — are you ready to answer?

Whether you want to witness the Great Migration, enjoy a multi-generational family trip, or finally tick that Big Five moment off your bucket list, Awake in the Wild is ready to help you make it real. Our team is here to guide you through every detail, from picking the right parks to choosing the best time to go.

And because we’re an independent team with a deep love for wild places, you won’t get upsold or fed a script. You’ll get honest advice, flexible planning, and the reassurance of full financial protection through our membership with PTS and ATOL. With Awake in the Wild, your Kenya safari holiday is more than just a booking — it’s a journey we take together.

Call us today or complete our short enquiry form — and let’s start planning your journey into the wild.

Frequently Asked Questions about Safari Holidays in Kenya