Wildlife Safaris in Kenya: Witness the African Big Five & the Great Migration on Kenya Holiday Tours

When it comes to Wildlife Tours in Africa, Kenya stands tall as it’s one of the most iconic wildlife viewing destinations in the world. Popularly sometimes referred to as home to safaris, Kenya is nested into in East Africa, bordered by Uganda on the West, Tanzania on the South, Somalia on the North, and a large Indian Ocean on the East. Wildlife Safaris in Kenya/Kenya wildlife safaris offer an enchanting blend of sweeping savannahs, diverse ecosystems, and some of the planet’s most spectacular wildlife encounters. Whether it’s your first-time safari in Africa, Kenya has you covered as it offers a wide range of experiences and adventures for all kinds of people. Wildlife viewing in Kenya is one of the top highlights of, Kenya holiday tour.

Although popular for its spectacular wildebeest migration, Kenya also hosts several other wildlife species, including the famous African big five (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephant) that can be found in its various national parks and national reserves all year round. From the moment you step off the plane, Kenya greets you with a warm breeze and a rhythm of life deeply connected to the natural world. The journey into the wild often begins with a short domestic flight or a scenic game drive from Nairobi, the country’s capital, to any of your preferred first destination.

The acacia dotted plains and the open wilderness makes Kenya a magical destination for safaris in Africa. As you traverse the country, you start to feel the anticipation of the adventure, not just of seeing animals, but of stepping into the natural ancient theaters where every moment is unscripted and raw.  Book your Wildlife Safaris in Kenya with Nirvana Safaris – contact us today and get your journey well customized to fit your preferences.

Where to see wildlife in Kenya: Top Safari Destinations in Kenya (National Parks & Reserves in Kenya)

Kenya is a blessed country, hosting several national parks and national reserves that are home to wildlife all year round. One of the top safari destinations in Kenya for Kenya Wildlife Safaris/Wildlife Safaris in Kenya is the iconic Masai Mara National Reserve, which is popular for its spectacular wildebeest migration and the African Big Five Animals. The Masai Mara National Reserve is in the heart of most Wildlife Safaris in Kenya – most Kenya wildlife safari packages include visiting this iconic Reserve. Besides Masai Mara National Reserve, there are several other to wildlife viewing destinations in Kenya. Here are some of the best safari parks in Kenya that you should visit during your Kenya Vacation/Kenya Holiday Tour/Kenya trip.

 

Maasai Mara National Reserve: Best Destination for Wildlife Safaris in Kenya

Located in the southern part of Kenya in the Rift Valley province Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the best Safari parks in Kenya. This iconic safari destination spans an area of about 1,510 km2 (580 sq mi), encompassing areas known as the Maasai Mara National Reserve, the Mara Triangle, several Maasai group ranches, and the Maasai Mara Conservancies. This National Reserve is one of the best wildlife viewing destinations in Kenya, hosting a healthy number of wildlife species including lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, elephants, and rhinos among others.

The Masai Mara National Reserve also host the Great wildebeest Migration – a natural migrations that involves movement of over 1.5 million mammals (Wildebeest, Zebra, and Gazelles) from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to Masai Mara National Reserve in search for fresh pastures and water. The Migration is usually dictated by the weather. Read more….

 

Amboseli National Park

The Amboseli National Park also formally known as the Maasai Amboseli National Reserve is located in southern Kenya in the Loitoktok District, spanning an area of about 392 km2 (151 sq mi). This National Park is one of the most picturesque Kenya Safari Park, known for its acacia trees, large herds of elephants, and the back drop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Besides its picturesque view, Amboseli National Park is home to several wildlife species including; African bush elephant, Cape buffalo, impala, lion, cheetah, spotted hyena, Masai giraffe, Grant’s zebra, and blue wildebeest. Amboseli in one of the best safari park for wildlife viewing in Kenya.

 

Tsavo East & West

The Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks are two of Kenya’s largest and most iconic wildlife conservation areas, jointly covering over 22,000 square kilometers. These two National Parks are located in southeastern Kenya, separated by the Nairobi-Mombasa highway. While on a Kenya wildlife safari tour/Kenya Vacation, these two National Parks are among the best safari parks to visit especially for wildlife viewing.

The Tsavo East National Park is known for its vast open plains, red-dust elephants, and the Galana River. On the other side, the Tsavo West National Park is more rugged and scenic, featuring volcanic hills, lava flows, and the famous Mzima Springs—an oasis that attracts a variety of wildlife.

Ol Pejeta Conservancy

The Ol Pejeta Conservancy, located on the foot hills of Mount Kenya is one of the leading wildlife sanctuaries in Kenya – a must visit during Kenya Wildlife Safaris/Wildlife Safaris in Kenya. This sanctuary spans over 90,000 acres near Nanyuki. Ol Pejeta Conservancy is renowned for its pioneering conservation efforts, including being home to the last two remaining northern white rhinos on Earth.

The sanctuary is also home to several other wildlife species including; the Big Five, chimpanzees at the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, and endangered species such as Grevy’s zebras and black rhinos. This sanctuary is one of the most rewarding destinations for eco-conscious travelers in Africa.

Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park one of Kenya’s best safari parks for both wildlife viewing and bird watching. This National Park is located in the heart of the Great Rift Valley in the Nakuru region. Lake Nakuru National Park is one of Kenya’s most picturesque and accessible safari destinations from its capital, Nairobi.

This National Park is popular for its shallow soda lake that attracts millions of flamingos and several other water birds. Besides its arrays of birdlife, Lake Nakuru National Park is also a thriving sanctuary for diverse wildlife, including endangered black and white rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, lions, and leopards among others. Lake Nakuru National Park also features stunning landscape,  acacia woodlands, waterfalls, and sweeping views from Baboon Cliff, making it a favorite for photographers and nature lovers alike.

Types of Safari Experiences in Kenya: Activities to do during Kenya Wildlife Safaris

While on a wildlife safari tour in Kenya, there are various ways of exploring Kenya’s iconic National Parks and National Reserves. The most popular ways of exploring Kenya’s iconic destinations during a Kenya Wildlife Safari/Wildlife Safari in Kenya include the following;

Game drives (day and night) – Wildlife Safaris in Kenya

Safari game drives or game drive adventures are the most popular ways of exploring protected area in Africa and Kenya. Safari game drive during wildlife safari in Kenya grant visitors an opportunity ot witness wildlife, natural landscapes and beauty of Kenya during a Kenya holiday tour. Game drive safari in Kenya are done in customized 4*4 safari vehicles with enough space for both viewing wildlife and taking photographs. If you are looking forward to visiting Kenya for a wildlife viewing experience, expect to embark on a safari game drive especially in popular destinations like Masai Mara National Reserve.

Hot air balloon safaris

Although most travelers consider hot air balloon safaris in Kenya as an expensive option – for those looking for an epitome of luxury that blends with wildlife viewing, hot air balloon safaris in Kenya are a great option for wildlife adventures. The Balloon rides are known for their unique panoramic views of the vast Kenyan landscapes and wildlife below. During a Kenya Wildlife Adventure tour, Hot Air balloon safaris are a great way to discover Kenya’s iconic Destinations.

Walking safaris

Besides game drives and hot air balloon safaris in Kenya, the other way of explore Kenya’s Wildlife is by guided nature walking safari tours. Although not popular in top safari destinations because of the presence of top predators, Nature walking safaris are a great way to explore Kenya’s wildlife and landscapes. Walking safaris in Kenya are known for offering visitors the rare opportunity to witness small creatures that cannot be seen in safari vehicles. Nature-guided walking safaris are best for nature lovers as they draw you closer to nature at its natural state.

Boat safaris (e.g., Lake Naivasha)

The other way to explore Kenya is through Boat safari. Although boat safaris are less popular during Holiday tours in Kenya, destinations like Lake Naivasha offer the rare opportunity for visitors to experience Kenya while on a safari boat.

Wildlife to See in Kenya: Animals to see in Kenya, Big Five in Kenya, & Great Migration in Kenya

The African Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, & elephant)

What animals will I see in Kenya? Animals to see in Kenya include the iconic African Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, & elephant). The African Big Five is a popular term in the tourism industry in Africa – this term was coined by early big game hunters to Africa, during colonial times. The Big Five Animals were the 5 most dangerous animals to hunt on foot. They are known for their aggressive nature and ability to fight back. Today, in the tourism industry, witnessing these iconic species during your safari tour is considered a great achievement. Most visitors to Kenya are guaranteed opportunities to witness these iconic species in various safari destinations like Masai Mara Nattional Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, Amboseli National Park, and the Ol’ Pejeta Conservancy among other destinations.

Wildebeest Migration (Great Wildebeest Migration)

By now if you haven’t heard about the annual wildebeest migration that takes place in Masai Mara National Reserve each year round? Then you haven’t fallen in love with wildlife viewing yet. The Great Wildebeest Migration/Wildebeest migration in Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve is one of natures spectacles you must witness while on a safari holiday in Africa/Wildlife safari to Africa. Over 1.5 million grazers (wildebeest, zebra, and Gazelles) each year round migrate across the Mara Serengeti Ecosystem in search for nutritious pastures and water.

The Wildebeest migration is a must see during a wildlife safari in Kenya. The migration isn’t just a migration – it’s a thrilling display of survival, strategy, and instinct, where predators lurk at every corner and the mighty Mara River becomes a battleground between life and death – making it one of the most spectacular wildlife events that you’ll witness on earth. By now if you are still wondering what wildlife you’ll see in Kenya? The wildebeest migration should surely be on top of your bucket list during a Kenya safari tour.

Predators

Kenya is one of the best destinations for witnessing the top African predators during safaris. Various National Parks and National Reserves are known for hosting large numbers of predators including lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and the African wild Dogs among others. The most sought after is the African lion that can be spotted in various National Parks and National Reserves in Kenya. One of the best places to see lions and other predators during a Kenya safaris includes: Masai Mara National Reserve, Tsavo East & West National Park, and Lake Nakuru National Park.

Best time to Go on a Safari in Kenya: (Best time to visit Kenya & Kenya Safari Seasons)

Kenya is a great safari destination in Africa – it can be visited all year round; however, depending on what you are interested in witnessing during your Kenya trip, some months of the year may offer more ideal conditions compared to the others. Just like most East African countries, Kenya also has two seasons – Rainy season (wet season) & Dry season (peak season). The different seasons of the year  offer different opportunities for adventures in Kenya as explained here;

Rainy Season in Kenya: Low season ( May, April, & November) – Best for Bird watching in Kenya

Kenya receives two rainy seasons, the long rainy season between May – April and the short rainy season that happens during November. Although not the most preferred season for wildlife viewing in Kenya, the Rainy season still offers wildlife viewing opportunities but best known for its incredible birdwatching opportunities. During the wet seasons, most migratory bird species arrive in the country, adding to its resident species. If you are planning to visit Kenya during these month of the year, you’ll have difficulty in spotting wildlife as the savannas turn green making it difficult to spot wildlife and the tracks become difficult to navigate.

Dry season (High Season): Best season for wildlife viewing in Kenya

Just like the wet seasons, Kenya receives two dry seasons that are also known as the high seasons or best seasons for Kenya wildlife safaris. The long dry season lasts from June to October, this long dry season is the best time to visit Kenya for wildlife safaris. During this time, you’ll be able to witness the spectacular wildebeest migration unfold in the Mara and the African Big Five, especially predators – perhaps in action. The short dry season is between December and January, which also offers opportunities for spotting various wildlife species in the vast open savannas of Kenya. If you are looking forward to visiting Kenya during the high seasons, we recommend booking your safari in advance since most lodges sell out quickly.

Contact us today and get your dream Kenya journey customized to your preferred interests.