The Ultimate Kenya Safari Itinerary: National Parks, Travel Tips & What to Expect

“I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.” — Susan Sontag

Kenya wasn’t originally at the top of ours, but once the idea took hold, everything fell into place faster than we ever imagined.

What started as a casual conversation about traveling to Africa someday turned into a fully booked, 12-day Kenya safari itinerary across some of the country’s most iconic national parks, shared with close friends and guided by a driver who quickly became one of the most important (and memorable) parts of our trip.

My boyfriend, Tim, and I traveled with two other couples—Allison and Ryan and Emily and Bryan—which ended up being the perfect group size to fill one safari vehicle and to share the experience together.

This trip wasn’t just our first time in Kenya—it was our first time on safari.

And while it came with early mornings, long drives, and a few unexpected challenges (including me getting sick midway through the trip), it delivered some of the most unforgettable wildlife encounters, landscapes, and accommodations we’ve experienced anywhere in the world.

If you’re planning your first Kenya safari—or wondering whether it’s worth the effort, cost, and long-haul flights—this post walks through exactly how our itinerary flowed, what surprised us most, and what we wish we’d known before going.

This isn’t just our Kenya safari itinerary—it’s everything we learned the hard way so you can plan smarter.

For detailed guides to each destination, you can jump ahead using the links below, or keep reading for the full itinerary overview and planning tips.

If you’re considering your first African safari, Kenya is one of the best places in the world to start.

What makes a safari in Kenya especially beginner-friendly is the combination of wildlife density, diverse landscapes, and a well-established tourism infrastructure that simplifies logistics without sacrificing adventure.

In a single trip, you can experience:

• Wide-open savanna
• Mountain forests and cooler highlands
• Flamingo-filled lakes
• Some of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa

—all without crossing borders or dealing with domestic flights.

Kenya also offers:

• English-speaking guides and experienced safari operators
• A wide range of accommodations, from mid-range lodges to luxury camps
• Excellent wildlife viewing year-round
• A sense of adventure without feeling unsafe or inaccessible

As travelers from the U.S. visiting Africa for the first time, Kenya felt both exciting and approachable, which made the experience even more enjoyable.

Traveling with two other couples also worked perfectly. Six people filled one safari vehicle comfortably, allowed us to split costs, and made long driving days far more fun. If you’re debating group size, this setup struck the ideal balance between social and manageable.

Most international travelers fly into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, which is the main gateway for Kenya safaris and where most itineraries begin and end.

From the U.S., there are no direct flights to Kenya, so expect at least one connection, often in:

• Europe (Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London, Paris)
• The Middle East (Doha, Dubai)

Allison, Ryan, Tim and I flew from Houston and Emily and Bryan flew from Washington D.C.

All three couples built in plenty of buffer time to give ourselves some breathing room in case something went wrong—which unfortunately, it did.

Between delayed departures, an unexpected reroute to Iceland (can’t make this stuff up!), missed connections, and an overnight in Frankfurt (for me and Tim), simply getting to Kenya ended up being one of the most stressful parts of the entire trip—and a reminder that international travel doesn’t always go exactly as planned.

In addition to our built-in buffer, Allison and I both had international phone access, which allowed us to rebook flights in an airport that didn’t host our airline (this was crazy!), contact our travel agent and safari operator, and communicate with the third couple who flew separately from us in real time.

(I’ll be sharing the full flight chaos story in a separate post—because yes, it deserves one.)

Kenya is absolutely worth the journey—but getting there smoothly requires flexibility, patience, and a little backup planning.

• Build in an extra buffer day (at least 24 hours in Nairobi) before your safari starts
• Expect long travel days
• Avoid tight connections when possible
• Assume delays will happen—and plan accordingly
• Invest in travel medical insurance and an international data plan

If you’re planning your first safari, don’t underestimate the logistics of getting there, and most of all, stay positive when hiccups inevitably happen.

Rather than trying to see everything, our Kenya safari itinerary focused on quality over quantity, allowing enough time in each region to truly experience it.

Here’s how our Kenya safari flowed:

• Days 1–3: International travel & Nairobi
• Days 4–5: Samburu National Reserve
• Day 6: Mount Kenya National Park
• Days 7: Lake Nakuru National Park & Lake Elmenteita
• Days 8–11: Maasai Mara National Reserve
• Day 12: Return to Nairobi & departure

Each stop offered something completely different, which kept the trip feeling dynamic and well-balanced rather than repetitive.

👉 Throughout this post, you’ll find links to detailed guides for each destination in case you want to dive deeper into specific parks, lodges, or experiences.

Most Kenya safaris begin in Nairobi, and while many travelers rush straight through, we found it to be an important and meaningful introduction—and conclusion—to our time in Kenya.

After a long international journey, Nairobi gave us a soft landing before heading into the bush.

And for Tim and I, ending our trip here also helped ease the transition back into city life after days on safari.

• Main international gateway for Kenya safaris
• Easy access to ethical, conservation-focused wildlife experiences
• Adds cultural context before (or after) time in national parks

Because of flight delays, Tim and I missed our planned first day in Nairobi and instead explored the city at the end of our trip, while the other two couples visited on day one.

Lesson learned: flexibility is key in Kenya!

At the beginning of our trip, we:

• Met our safari operator and driver-guide, Dennis
• Had dinner and settled in at our hotel

On our final day, we:

• Fed Rothschild’s giraffes at the Giraffe Centre
• Visited the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, one of Kenya’s most respected elephant conservation organizations

Before the trip, we adopted an adorable orphaned rhino named Apollo through Sheldrick.

But when we learned he was at a different nursery, they graciously allowed us to switch our adoption to an elephant named Kiasa, whom we were able to meet in person.

Watching the baby elephants run in from the forest and hearing their rescue stories was definitely one of the most special and emotional moments of the entire trip!

We stayed at Nairobi Serena Hotel, which felt like a true oasis after all the travel chaos and our unplanned overnight stay in Frankfurt. We were definitely ready for a good night’s sleep!

Why we liked it:

• Central location near Uhuru Park
• Spacious rooms and attentive service
• Pool, spa, and multiple restaurants—ideal before or after safari

Other great Nairobi hotel options:

• The Social House: stylish, modern, and mid-range
• Tribe Hotel: upscale with excellent dining
• Sarova Stanley: historic and centrally located
• Ole Sereni: overlooks Nairobi National Park (great for short stays)

Yes—one night and one full day is perfect for first-time visitors.

You can experience Nairobi’s most iconic wildlife encounters, enjoy great food, and get a feel for the city without overloading your safari itinerary.

If you have extra time, Nairobi National Park, Karura Forest, museums, markets, and cultural centers are all easy additions.

If you’re exploring on your own, some tour packages even combine Nairobi National Park, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and the Giraffe Centre for you!

Samburu National Reserve was one of the most unexpected highlights of our Kenya safari—and the place where the trip truly began to feel real.

Located in northern Kenya, Samburu is drier, hotter, and more rugged than the southern parks most people picture when they imagine a safari.

The landscape is defined by dusty red earth, thorny acacia trees, and the winding Ewaso Ng’iro River, a lifeline for wildlife in this harsh environment.

Game drives here were quieter and less crowded than in more popular reserves, which made each encounter feel more personal and unfiltered.

Samburu National Reserve is most notably known for its Samburu Special Five (species rarely seen elsewhere in Kenya):

• Grevy’s zebra
• Reticulated giraffe
• Beisa oryx
• Somali ostrich
• Gerenuk

Beyond the Special Five, we also saw large elephant herds, giraffes, baboons, birds, and more.

The reserve also has:

• Fewer crowds than southern reserves
• Raw, untamed feel that’s ideal for first-time safari travelers

What We Did in Samburu

This was where we truly settled into safari life—early mornings, dusty roads, and long stretches scanning the landscape.

It set the tone for the rest of the trip and eased us into the rhythm of safari travel before heading south.

During our visit, we had:

• Morning and afternoon game drives
• Downtime, pool time, and meals at the lodge
• Samburu warrior demonstration at the lodge

If you’re building a Kenya safari itinerary and debating whether northern Kenya is worth the extra drive, Samburu is absolutely worth it.

It offers a side of Kenya that feels wilder, less polished, and deeply memorable, especially for first-time safari travelers.

We stayed at Samburu Intrepids Camp, and it ended up being a perfect fit for this part of the trip.

Set along the river, the camp felt remote but comfortable—exactly what you want early in a safari when you’re adjusting to the pace and environment.

Tents were spacious, staff were incredibly attentive, and falling asleep to the sounds of wildlife outside was surreal in the best way.

What we loved most:

• Prime location along the river for wildlife sightings
• Comfortable tents with real beds and private bathrooms
• A relaxed, intimate atmosphere after long game drives

If you’re looking for a mid-range safari camp in Samburu that balances comfort with an authentic safari feel, this is a great option.

👉 Read more: Samburu National Reserve Safari Experience

After several early mornings and long game drives, Mount Kenya National Park provided a refreshing contrast.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounds Mount Kenya, Africa’s second-highest peak, and is defined by cooler temperatures, lush forest, and dramatic elevation changes rather than open plains.

• Adds variety beyond savanna landscapes
• Slower pace between long driving days
• Wildlife viewing without being in a vehicle

Instead of traditional game drives, we watched animals wander in and out of a watering hole below the lodge—often while sipping coffee or relaxing after dinner.

It was calm, quiet, and restorative.

• Short, guided nature walk (with a surprise Dawa at the end!)
• Watched monkeys, buffalo, and elephants visit the watering hole
• Drinks and meals at the lodge
• Cultural presentation after dinner

Mount Kenya added variety to our itinerary and reminded us that safari doesn’t always mean bouncing around in a safari vehicle all day.

This slower pace was especially welcome as we transitioned from northern Kenya toward the busier parks in the south.

We stayed at Serena Mountain Lodge, one of the most unique accommodations of the trip.

The lodge overlooks a salt lick and watering hole, meaning wildlife comes to you—elephants, buffalo, and other animals regularly pass through.

Why it’s special:

• Wildlife viewing without leaving the lodge
• Cooler climate and forest setting
• A peaceful break between long driving days

⚠️ Important update: Serena Mountain Lodge sadly closed (hopefully they will reopen again in the future!). While I’m so grateful we were able to experience it in 2020, travelers planning a trip to Mount Kenya National Park today will need to choose an alternative nearby.

Here are some popular alternatives to consider for your stay:

• Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club: resort-style with beautifully landscaped grounds and Mount Kenya views
• Naro Moru River Lodge: classic, rustic safari-style lodge that’s a good base for nature walks and Mount Kenya hikes
• Rhino Watch Safari Lodge: mid-range, eco-friendly lodge with cottages and tents set in a quiet forested area
• Sweetwaters Serena Camp: not inside Mount Kenya National Park, but nearby and often paired with it; it offers excellent wildlife viewing (including rhinos)

👉 Read more: Mount Kenya National Park & Serena Mountain Lodge Stay

The next stop was as much about rest and scenery as it was wildlife—and it ended up being one of the most beautiful accommodations of our entire trip.

Located in central Kenya within the Great Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru National Park is one of the country’s most accessible safari destinations, known for its rhino population and birdlife.

Nearby Lake Elmenteita provided a serene lakeside base and some of the most beautiful sunsets of the trip.

This stop also added variety and balance to our overall Kenya safari route.

• One of the best places in Kenya to see black and white rhinos
• Flamingos and exceptional birdlife (numbers vary seasonally)
• Breaks up long travel days perfectly

The park’s compact size makes wildlife sightings more concentrated, making it ideal for a shorter stop.

For us, it was one of the most emotionally memorable safari stops of the trip (our first lion and rhino sightings, including a baby rhino!)—and a perfect transition between Mount Kenya and the Mara.

• Game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park
• Relaxed poolside and lakeside time at Lake Elmenteita
• Meals at the lodge, including a surprise bush breakfast!

We stayed at Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp, and it was easily one of the most beautiful lodges of the entire trip.

Tents overlooked the lake, meals were fantastic, and the atmosphere felt serene and unhurried—exactly what we needed at this point in the itinerary.

Why one night is perfect:

• Incredible lake views and sunsets
• Luxurious tented experience
• Surprise bush breakfast overlooking the lake
• Ideal stop between safari regions

👉 Read more: Lake Nakuru & Lake Elmenteita Safari Experience

If there’s one place that defines the classic image of safari in Kenya, it’s the Maasai Mara.

This is classic safari country—vast plains, dramatic skies, and nonstop wildlife activity—and the park many people picture when they imagine their first African safari (and for good reason!).

• Highest concentration of wildlife in Kenya
• Iconic safari landscapes
• Best chance for big cat sightings, including lions, cheetahs, and leopards
• Home to the Great Migration (July–October), when millions of wildebeest and zebras move through the region

Located along the Tanzanian border, the Mara is part of the greater Serengeti ecosystem and offers exceptional game viewing year-round—even outside migration season.

• Sunrise and afternoon game drives
• Hippo breakfast
• Maasai village visit
• Downtime, pool time, cultural demonstrations, and meals at the lodge

Spending three nights here allowed us to:

• Experience multiple game drives without feeling rushed
• See wildlife at different times of day
• Truly soak in the scale and energy of the Mara

For first-time safari travelers especially, the Mara offers a sense of scale, abundance, and classic safari scenery that’s hard to match elsewhere.

It truly felt like the grand finale our safari deserved!

We stayed at Mara Serena Safari Lodge, perched high above the plains with sweeping views in every direction.

The lodge was larger and more social than our previous stays, which made sense because of the Mara’s popularity.

Why it works well in the Mara:

• Incredible panoramic views
• Central location for game drives
• Comfortable rooms and great service

Watching the sunrise over the plains from the property alone was unforgettable!

👉 Read more: How to Spend 3 Days in Maasai Mara National Reserve

Kenya is large, and safaris involve long drives between regions—but those days ended up being some of our favorites.

The landscapes changed dramatically, we stopped in places we never would have found on our own, and each transition helped us understand how diverse the country really is.

During the drive, Dennis told us lots of interesting things, including:

• Many farms that make Kenya a leading producer of coffee and tea around the world
• Folks grow a lot of rice and sell fruit like pineapples, mangoes and watermelons, as well as coal on the side of the roads
• Motor bikes are fairly new to Kenya, coming from China about ten years ago (back in 2020)
• Kenya has female doctors and teachers
• Unemployment is around 39% across the country

He also shared stories of a man in Tanzania who had nine wives and forty kids and started his own village and school.

Here are the stops that made our transit days feel like part of the adventure rather than something to rush through.

On our way from Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve, we stopped at Trout Tree Restaurant, a lush garden restaurant built around a flowing river and giant trees.

This wasn’t just a lunch break—it was a reset after travel chaos and the first moment where the trip felt calm and intentional—and the food was delicious!

Why it’s worth stopping:

• Fresh trout farmed on-site
• Shaded outdoor seating overlooking the river
• Clean bathrooms and space to stretch your legs

What surprised us: How peaceful it felt after city traffic—and how quickly it set the tone for safari life. We even got to see some cool, endangered Colobus monkeys with their babies outside the restaurant!

👉 Best for: Breaking up a long drive and easing into the trip

On the way from Mount Kenya to Lake Nakuru, we stopped at the equator for a deminstration.

Some equator stops can feel touristy—but this one was genuinely fun and surprisingly educational.

A local guide demonstrated how water spins differently in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres and explained why Kenya’s location affects everything from climate to agriculture.

Why it’s worth stopping:

• Hands-on equator demonstrations
• Quick geography lesson you’ll remember
• Easy souvenir stop without pressure

What surprised us: How much we actually learned—and how excited everyone was to straddle both hemispheres at once.

You can also buy a certificate stating you’ve been to the equator, which Emily and Bryan opted for.

👉 Best for: First-time visitors and anyone who enjoys nerdy travel moments

Between Mount Kenya and Lake Nakuru, we stopped for lunch at Sarova Lion Hill Lodge, perched above Lake Nakuru with sweeping views of the park.

This stop was less about wildlife and more about pacing—a chance to sit, eat a proper meal, and soak in the scenery instead of rushing to the next destination.

Why it’s worth stopping:

• Panoramic views over Lake Nakuru
• Buffet-style lunch ideal for groups
• Clean restrooms and space to relax

What surprised us: How restorative a simple, scenic lunch can be mid-safari.

👉 Best for: Recharging on a long day of driving

The drive from Lake Nakuru to the Maasai Mara is long, but it’s also one of the most scenic days of the trip.

Rolling hills, small villages, grazing cattle, and endless sky made this feel like a window into everyday life outside the parks.

Along the way, we stopped at Sarova Mara Game Camp for another buffet lunch, and everything was included except for drinks (we paid 400 KES or so for bottles of water).

Why it’s worth noting:

• Breaks up a long drive
• Casual, no-rush meal
• Opportunity to observe rural Kenya

What surprised us: How much we enjoyed simply watching the landscape change.

👉 Best for: Travelers who enjoy slow travel moments

Each stop on this itinerary felt intentional—not rushed, not repetitive, and not overwhelming.

From the rugged remoteness of Samburu to the cinematic drama of the Maasai Mara, this route showcased just how diverse a Kenya safari itinerary can be, especially for first-time visitors.

If you’re planning your first safari, this balance of:

• Wildlife density
• Landscape variety
• Comfortable (but not over-the-top) lodges

…is exactly what makes Kenya such an incredible introduction to safari travel!

Getting around Kenya on safari looks very different from a typical road trip, and understanding this upfront makes the entire experience smoother and far more enjoyable.

Most Kenya safari itineraries involve a mix of long overland drives and game drives, often on the same day.

While flying between parks is an option, we traveled almost entirely by road with a private driver—and honestly, I’m glad we did.

Traveling overland allowed us to:

• See more of the Kenyan countryside
• Stop for photos, bathrooms, or snacks when needed
• Begin wildlife viewing the moment we entered a reserve
• Travel at a pace that felt flexible, not rushed

That said, it’s important to go in with realistic expectations.

• Drive times are long. Five to six hours between regions is common—sometimes more with road conditions.
• Roads can be rough, especially after rain. Expect bumps, dust, and the occasional pothole.
• A 4×4 vehicle is essential. This isn’t optional for safari terrain.
• Cell service drops quickly once inside national parks and reserves.

Some days were exhausting. Others were surprisingly peaceful, watching landscapes change, villages pass by, and wildlife appear when you least expect it.

Our driver and guide, Dennis, made a huge difference. Having the same person with us for the entire trip meant:

• No daily handoffs
• Consistent driving style
• Someone who understood our pace and interests
• A deeper connection to the experience overall
• Lots of knowledge of the parks, reserves, and wildlife

For first-time safari travelers, I strongly recommend a private driver-guide, even if it costs a bit more. The comfort, flexibility, and peace of mind are worth it.

We stayed at a mix of comfortable lodges and tented camps that balanced location, views, and overall experience, without feeling overly luxurious or out of reach.

• Nairobi: Nairobi Serena Hotel
• Samburu National Reserve: Samburu Intrepids Camp
• Mount Kenya National Park: Serena Mountain Lodge
• Lake Nakuru National Park: Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp
• Maasai Mara National Reserve: Mara Serena Safari Lodge

Each lodge offered a different atmosphere, from remote and intimate to scenic and social, and different landscapes, ranging from riverfront wildlife sightings to panoramic savanna views.

👉 For detailed lodging reviews, check out my individual park guides.

Safari is incredible—but it’s not a luxury resort vacation in the traditional sense. Knowing that ahead of time makes the experience so much better.

Here’s what I wish someone had spelled out for us before our first Kenya safari.

A Kenyan visa is required for U.S. travelers. You can apply online through the official eVisa website.

Apply in advance (but not too far in advance, since single-entry visas are typically valid for 90 days from the date of issue), and print a copy to carry alongside your passport.

Note that the payment system can be glitchy—we had to try multiple times before it worked.

Plan a visit to a travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure.

Common recommendations for Kenya often include:

• Yellow fever
• Typhoid
• Routine vaccinations (MMR, Tdap, etc.)
• Malaria prevention (depending on region and season)

We also packed a small pharmacy that ended up being invaluable:

• Pain relievers
• Anti-diarrheal medication
• Motion sickness meds
• Cold/flu medicine
• Electrolyte packets

Personal lesson learned: Some antibiotics and malaria meds can upset your stomach—eat before taking them. I learned this the hard way mid-trip.

• Only drink bottled or filtered water
• Avoid brushing your teeth with tap water unless your lodge confirms it’s safe
• Lodges and camps are generally very careful with food prep

We never had an issue with food at lodges—just be mindful when outside major accommodations.

Restrooms outside of lodges can be basic (think squat/long-drop toilets, no toilet paper, no sinks).

Always carry a small fanny pack or daypack with essentials like tissues and hand sanitizer

I also brought along this VENUS TO MARS Female Urinal that came in handy more than once (just saying!).

It’s all part of the adventure—but much easier when you’re prepared.

You don’t need a brand-new safari wardrobe, but a few things are worth prioritizing:

• Neutral-colored clothing (beige, olive, tan)
• Layers and a light jacket or fleece for early mornings
• Comfortable closed-toe shoes + a pair of comfy sandals
• Wide-brim hat & sunglasses
• Sunscreen (you’ll use more than you think)
• Bathing suit—most lodges have pools
• Binoculars (100% worth it—we used them daily) + a good camera
• International travel adapter with USB ports
• Backpack or daypack for daily excursions
• Flashlight or headlamp for walking around camps at night

Tipping is customary in Kenya, especially for drivers, guides, and camp and lodge staff.

Your safari company will usually provide guidelines based on trip length, group size, and level of service, but when in doubt, just ask! It’s expected and appreciated, not awkward.

Here are a few more things that are worth knowing in advance:

• Early mornings are the norm (especially for game drives)
• Days can feel long with lots of time in the vehicle
• Sunscreen and hydration are essential
• Internet is limited and unreliable—embrace it
• You’ll be dusty, tired, and exhilarated all at once!

Safari is incredible, but it’s not a traditional luxury vacation.

Being mentally prepared for long days and occasional discomfort makes the experience far more rewarding.

And, the more flexible you are, the more magical it feels!

👉 For packing lists, health tips, and planning advice, see my Kenya Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

Short answer: yes—absolutely.

Long answer: it depends on what kind of traveler you are.

A Kenya safari is worth it if you:

• Love immersive, once-in-a-lifetime experiences
• Are okay with early mornings and full days
• Can roll with unpredictability (weather, wildlife, road conditions)—we visited during the worst locust infestation across East Africa in 70 years and had to deal with those little guys flying into our vehicle each day!
• Care more about being there than checking boxes
• Want real, meaningful wildlife encounters—not just photos

For us, the early wake-ups, long drives, and occasional hiccups were all part of the adventure—and in many ways, they’re what made the experience so memorable.

There’s something grounding about watching elephants cross the road at sunrise. About sitting silently as lions disappear into tall grass. About realizing how small you are in landscapes that haven’t changed much in thousands of years.

Safari isn’t flashy in the way some trips are. It’s not constant adrenaline or luxury-for-luxury’s-sake.

It’s slower, deeper, and more humbling—and that’s exactly why it stayed with us long after we returned home.

A safari may not be the best fit if:

• You dislike early mornings
• Long drives frustrate you
• You need constant Wi-Fi or connectivity
• You prefer highly structured, resort-style vacations
• You want full control over every detail

Safari requires flexibility and a willingness to let the experience unfold on its own terms.

If that excites you rather than stresses you out, Kenya is absolutely worth it!

Q: Is Kenya safe for first-time safari travelers?

Yes. With a reputable tour company or private guide, Kenya feels safe, organized, and welcoming throughout our trip.

Safari tourism is a major industry, and guides are highly experienced.

Lodges prioritize security, and we never felt unsafe inside parks or while traveling between destinations with our driver.

Q: How many days do you need for a Kenya safari?

10 to 14 days is ideal if you want to visit multiple regions without rushing. Shorter trips are possible but more limited.

We spent 12 days in Kenya and felt that it was the perfect amount of time!

It was long enough to see several parks while still having time to enjoy each one.

Q: What’s the best time to visit Kenya for safari?

Kenya offers excellent wildlife viewing year-round.

• July–October: Peak season for the Great Migration
• January–March: Fewer crowds, baby animals, and great visibility
• April–May: Rainy season (lush landscapes, fewer tourists)

We visited in February and loved it, especially seeing so many baby animals!

Q: Do you need to book a tour for a Kenya safari?

For first-time safari travelers, yes—I strongly recommend it.

We booked with Sense of Africa and are glad we did!

A guided safari simplifies:

• Transportation logistics
• Park permits and entry
• Wildlife spotting and tracking
• Safety and timing

Having an experienced guide dramatically improves both the ease and quality of the experience.

Q: Is the Maasai Mara the best park in Kenya?

It’s the most iconic, but not necessarily the best for everyone.

The Maasai Mara offers classic safari scenery and incredible wildlife density, but Samburu National Reserve and Lake Nakuru National Park gave us completely different (and equally memorable) experiences.

That variety is what made our Kenya safari feel so special.

Q: Is a Kenya safari too expensive?

Safaris aren’t cheap, but they’re not one-size-fits-all either.

Kenya offers:

• Mid-range lodges and camps
• Luxury safari experiences
• Custom itineraries based on budget

When you consider that accommodations, meals, guides, park fees, and transportation are often included, the value becomes clearer.

For more context, we spent around $10-11k per couple for this entire kenya safari itinerary, including flights.

Without hesitation—yes!

Kenya offered everything we hoped for in a first safari: incredible wildlife, dramatic landscapes, meaningful cultural experiences, and memories we’ll carry for a lifetime.

If you’re deciding whether a Kenya safari is worth the effort, planning, and cost, let this be your sign: it absolutely is.

To continue planning, explore my detailed guides to:

• Samburu National Reserve Safari Experience
• Mount Kenya National Park & Serena Mountain Lodge
• Lake Nakuru & Lake Elmenteita Safari Experience
• Maasai Mara National Reserve Itinerary
• One Day in Nairobi
• Kenya Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

Together, these destinations create a well-rounded Kenya itinerary that balances adventure, comfort, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Safe travels! 🐘✨

XOXO Sara at Travel A-Broads