The 582,646sqm beautiful and diverse land of Kenya ranges from the barren wastelands and turquoise waters of Turkana and Sibiloi, to the lush forests and farmlands that surround Mt Kenya, endless plains in the Masai Mara and Amboseli and a sparkling Indian Ocean coastline. The country is rich with culture and history; home to an astonishing 42 tribes including the most famous, Masai tribe and the beautiful Samburu. But access and planning can be tricky across such huge areas, especially when you have limited time for your Kenya safari holiday and what to make the most of every day.
Here's a map of Kenya and some suggestions on how to route your trip, so that you can spend more time enjoying all that Kenya has to offer and less time in transit…
MAP OF KENYA
KENYA SAFARI ROUTE PLANNER
Option 1 (flying): Laikipia – THE Mara – Amboseli (for the wildlife lovers)
This is a flying only route and, with limited time, flying really is the best way to get around the country. Just bear in mind that you’ll have strict baggage limits on local flights (usually 15kgs in soft bags only), but don’t let that deter you; you’ll be surprised how much you can squeeze into your luggage limit.
Start by flying North to Laikipia, there are a number of excellent properties in this area offering a range of different experiences. Ol Pejeta (that’s where you’ll find The Safari Cottages) is most famous for it’s prolific wildlife and it is home to the Big Five including the last two Northern White Rhinos on the planet. Samburu and Lewa are also excellent locations for wildlife lovers.
You can fly directly to the Masai Mara from Nanyuki and, depending on the time of year and your interests and preferences, there are a number of excellent properties in the reserve itself and the surrounding conservancies. Your plane will stop at all the airstrips where passengers are hopping on and off, so expect this flight to work like a bus service and listen out for your stop. Our favourite spots in the Mara are Serian, Spekes Camp and Kicheche Bush Camp.
You’ll then fly directly to Amboseli from the Masai Mara. Another of Kenya’s most famous wildlife areas and by now elephants will feel like family and the call of lions will be just another normal sound in your day! We love Tawi Lodge and Ol Donyo. You can then catch your return flight to Nairobi to board your international flight home.
Option 2 (flying): Laikipia – THE Mara – Diani (safari & beach)
If you’d like to finish your safari with a beach holiday then you’ll be happy to hear that Kenya has incredible, beautiful beaches (the white sands of the South coast easily rival those of Zanzibar), rich culture (check out Lamu) and incredible food (the Swahili/Italian fusion restaurants of Watamu are incredible!). This route is much the same as the above but you will fly to the coast (direct from the Mara) to relax; the perfect finale to your Kenya safari holiday. On the coast, we love Kizingo (Lamu), Kobe Suite Resort (Watamu) and Waterlovers (Diani).
*If you’re short on time and want to skip the Mara you can fly to Nairobi from Nanyuki late morning, and connect with an afternoon flight to Diani in the South Coast.
Option 3 (driving): Laikipia – The North (for the WILD SOULS)
For those who are more adventurous at heart, it’s an easy four hour drive to Ol Pejeta where you can tick off the Big Five and ease into your safari. Then, once you’ve got your wildlife fix (because who goes on a Kenya safari holiday and doesn’t see lions and elephants?) it’s a beautiful drive across the hills and farmlands of Laikipia and down the rift valley escarpment into Samburu to seek out more endangered, Northern species such as generuk, oryx and the beautiful Vulturine guinea fowl. This is also a great spot for leopards so keep your eyes peeled.
You’ll then continue driving further into Kenya’s more secretive Northern frontier to soak up this untouched wilderness and meet the Samburu people who call this land home. In Samburu we love Elephant Bedroom Camp and, in the North, Sarara or Saruni Rhino.
Option 4 (driving): Laikipia – The Lakes – The Mara (a Classic Kenya road trip)
This trip starts just like the one above, but instead of heading North you’ll spend a day driving through the beautiful forests and heathland of the Aberdares National Park. Make sure you stop to enjoy a picnic enroute and take the view! Then you’ll descend into Kenya’s Lake District, to unwind on Elementaita or see the flamingoes of Nakuru. We love Loldia House. Relax on the lake shores, take a canoe to Crescent island or a day trip to Nakuru National Park.
You’ll then continue your adventure into the Masai Mara; around five hours of driving time (depending on where you stay) through farmland, lava fields and villages before you are traversing the epic plains of this world famous wildlife area.
*If you travel to the Mara between July - October you’ll likely witness the great migration! This is peak season in Kenya so if you prefer to steer clear of the crowds then opt for accommodation in the surrounding conservancies rather than in the park itself.
JOINING A GROUP SAFARI
If planning your own Kenya safari holiday feels a little daunting then a great place to start is by joining a group safari. Click here to see the full list up upcoming group safaris that we are hosting and find more details.
We hope to see you soon!
