Best safari specialist in Kenya

Kenya is the classic east African safari destination. The country is synonymous with thrilling game drives across grassy plains to see lion prides, cheetahs in full flight, herds of elephants and loping giraffes. This is the place of the great migration, with thousands of wildebeest and zebras making their way across the savannah and braving croc-infested rivers. It’s where you can admire views of Mount Kilimanjaro and learn about the culture of the Masai.

1. Classic Kenya safari, Exodus Travels

This eight-day, small-group tour features the classic experiences you want from a safari holiday in Kenya. You’ll spend three nights in a tented camp in the Masai Mara, joining game drives to watch wildlife including lions, buffalo, cheetahs and hyenas. Come in August through to October to see one of nature’s most dramatic spectacles as wildebeest, gazelles and zebra in their thousands make the precarious migration across the savannah. Among other highlights is time spent in Lake Nakuru National Park, with its population of white rhinos. Price includes return flights, accommodation in a lodge, tented camp and hotel, all activities and some meals.

2. Kenya camping safari, G Adventures

Encompassing the very best of a safari adventure — from sweeping savannahs to the Great Rift Valley — this nine-day camping trip takes you off the beaten track to enjoy Kenya’s culture and wilderness. Travel through the farmlands of the Kikuyu people, view Mount Kenya and visit a Samburu village to see demonstrations of traditional dance. You’ll go on a safari drive in Samburu National Reserve, before browsing the markets of Nakuru and camping at the edge of Lake Nakuru National Park, where you’ll hope to find rhinos, hyenas and lions. And you’ll stay at a permanent tented campsite in the Masai Mara National Reserve renowned for its big cats. Price includes accommodation, activities and most meals. Flights excluded.

3. Kenya safari: Masai Mara, Amboseli and Diani Beach, 2by2 Holidays

This classic, ten-night Kenya safari tour visits three world-class game reserves: the Masai Mara, renowned for the density of its game populations; Lake Nakuru, with its rhino and giraffe; and Amboseli, which has large herds of elephants and spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The trip rounds off with a chance to recuperate by heading to the warm Mombasa south coast to spend time on Diani Beach. Tours depart weekly, and price includes all meals, game drives and park fees while on safari, and all-inclusive accommodation at the beach.

4. Wild Masai Mara in Kenya, Jules Verne

This exhilarating African safari trip pairs time in the esteemed and luxurious Governors Camp, the Masai Mara’s original tented camp, with prime wildlife viewing. Sitting in the forest on the banks of the Mara River, this is an ideal place to see hippos, crocodiles and abundant birdlife. The five-day tour is suitable for couples and single travellers (there is no single supplement on select departure dates). Price includes flights, park entry fees, meals, excursions and the services of local guides. Departures between February and November.

6. A safari through Kenya, Llama Travel

Take a bucket-list safari in Kenya, travelling from Aberdare National Park, with its dense population of elephants, to Samburu. At the Ol Pejeta Conservancy you’ll see the last two northern white rhinos in existence and the trip culminates at the Masai Mara, site of the annual Great Migration. You’ll experience game drives by night and day, and — as well as going in search of the Big Five — enjoy opportunities to engage with local communities and an add-on option of time at Diani Beach on the Indian Ocean coast. The price includes flights, guides, lodge accommodation and all meals, and you’ll travel in a four-wheel drive that guarantees everyone a good view of the wildlife. The tour runs from June to November.

7. Wildlife of Kenya’s Masai Mara, Naturetrek

Run by wildlife-specialist operator Naturetrek, this ten-day tour takes in two of Kenya’s standout wildlife reserves: Lake Naivasha in the Rift Valley and the grassy savannah of the Masai Mara. The itinerary includes a stop at Elsamere, where Joy and George Adamson once lived, now home to colobus monkeys and hippos. You’ll stay five nights in a luxury bush camp in the Masai Mara Game Reserve, taking game drives and bush walks to see species such as elephants, blue wildebeest, Masai giraffes and cheetahs. The price includes flights, accommodation, most meals and expert guides. Tours run in October and November.

8. Kenya’s Masai Mara: Photo safari, Naturetrek

With elephants, Masai giraffes, lions, leopards, cheetahs and more than 450 species of birds, Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve ranks among the best-loved wildlife hotspots on the planet. Visit on a ten-day tour that features seven nights in Mlima Cottage, a private residence on the reserve’s northern border. With a maximum group size of six, there’s flexibility to get those precious photos during early-morning and late-afternoon game drives. Evenings offer delicious meals, companionship and time to review your images. You’ll be accompanied by expert naturalist and wildlife photographer John Haskew, who is based in the Masai Mara. The price includes flights, accommodation, excursions and most meals. Departs in November.