Wildlife, culture and exclusive safari experiences
Kenya’s landscapes are vast and varied. The country’s expansive national parks, as well as fascinating Maasai culture and exclusive conservancies, make for fantastic safari experiences.
Depending on when you visit, you may witness the drama of the Great Wildebeest Migration or be equally awed by glimpses of lions, leopards and cheetahs. The views over the border to Kilimanjaro from Amboseli and adventures in the dramatic Great Rift Valley are just as memorable.
Many of the country’s reserves place a strong emphasis on conservation, keeping their environmental impact to a minimum and concentrating on supporting local communities, so you can be sure that your luxury safari in Kenya has a positive impact. Wherever you choose to stay, guided by our experts’ decades of combined expertise, you’ll find Kenya a very special destination for a luxury safari. You can even combine Kenya with Tanzania, or other fantastic Africa destinations for multi-country explorations.
Our team delight in bringing this magical country to life on private, personalised journeys that favour genuine and rewarding luxury Kenya safari experiences. Your highlights might be visits to exclusive conservation areas, stays at locally run camps or relaxing at intimate luxury lodges. Adventures to this game and culture rich country can be as action-packed or as laidback as you wish.
You’ll also have the support of a personal concierge, based on the ground in Kenya and on hand to ensure you travel in absolute comfort and luxury from start to finish.
Experiences picked by our Kenya safari specialists
Watch the wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara
Experience the visceral excitement of the world famous wildebeest migration on the Maasai Mara and private conservation areas.
See Kilimanjaro from Amboseli
Pop into Amboseli for stunning views over the snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro.
Visit the Maasai in the Chyulu Hills
Further east to Chyulu Hills for remarkable insight into the lives of the Maasai.
Track black rhino in the Laikipia region
Venture north to the romantic Laikipia region of the Great Rift Valley with expert guides who’ll help you seek out the elusive black rhino.
Spot lions, cheetahs and leopards in Samburu
Visit the Samburu National Reserve for a variety of landscapes where lions, cheetahs and leopards stalk their prey.
Luxury Kenya safari lodges
There are many incredible places to stay in Kenya. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our safari experts:
Why book with Jacada?
Safari expertise
Our experts bring decades of first-hand expertise. They’ve lived and travelled across Africa and are regularly on the ground reviewing the most exclusive camps and experiences. You’ll also have the support of a personal concierge, based in region.
Unforgettable guides
We handpick the most knowledgeable guides, who bring each destination to life with care and passion. They’re chosen for their ability to provide unrivalled insight into the region’s wildlife and landscapes as well as a genuine, memorable experience.
Positive impact
By travelling with us, you directly support a range of initiatives spanning wildlife conservation to community engagement. Our luxury trips are designed to prioritise experiences that are positive for you and the places you visit.
Trip inspiration
Get inspired with our Kenya example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure
Where to go
Amboseli
A thriving elephant population set against the backdrop of mount kilimanjaro makes Amboseli a wildlife photographer's dream. Combined with meaningful cultural experiences and plenty of plains game and predators, there’s days of safari to be had here.
Borana Conservancy
Snow-capped Mount Kenya looms out of the sky to the south with mountains and deserts to north making the Borana Conservancy a particularly beautiful location for your luxury Kenya safari. With a focus on conservation, endangered species, as well as iconic Kenyan wildlife.
Chyulu Hills
Chyulu Hills isn’t like anywhere else in Kenya. Volcanic cones, craters, rocky outcrops and lava fields dominate the landscapes. Wildlife now thrives here after years of hunting with lions and black rhino returning to the area.
Kenyan Coast
Palm fringed, white sand beaches with laidback resorts are the perfect base to discover the coast. Coral reefs and hundreds of brightly colored fish can be found on snorkelling and diving adventures. Above the shoreline there’s boat trips and exhilarating kite surfing.
Laikipia Plateau
One of Kenya’s top wildlife destinations with a focus on sustainability and conservation. Big cats, herds of elephants, black rhino and plains game roam here. Explore in jeeps, on foot or even by camel.
Lake Nakuru
Nakuru national park is a small, perfectly formed park. Lake Nakuru itself, in the middle park, is home to pretty pink flamingos who feed in the shallow waters. Large game and hundreds of bird species can be found here for an exciting safari experience by the water.
Lamu Archipelago
Situated in the twinkling waters of the Indian Ocean sits the unspoilt paradise of the Lamu Archipelago. Off the beaten track, this remote beach hideaway offers a rich cultural heritage, ready to be discovered.
Lewa
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy has proudly turned this former cattle ranch into a thriving wildlife reserve home to a large percentage of Kenya’s black and white rhinos. Close ties to the local Masaai community mean genuine cultural exchanges.
Loita Forest
Loita Forest is the place of birds; diverse habitats of wooded areas, swamps and rivers are a haven to many Kenyan and migratory bird species. No large predators allows for abundant walking trails, guided by local Maasai for an authentic and rewarding experience on foot.
Maasai Mara
The Masai Mara is one of the most famous national parks in the world. The place to see the Great Wildebeest Migration thundering through the Mara River and masses of varied wildlife from the big five to birdlife.
Mara Conservancies
A small collection of private conservancies border the Masai Mara and with no fences, wildlife roams freely. Visitors however, are restricted so expect exclusive safari experiences and alternative activities such as walking safaris.
Meru National Park
Meru has an abundance of water; regular rainfall, swamps and several rivers coursing through the landscapes attract a diverse range of wildlife. Get caught up in the touching story of Elsa the lion cub from the novel ‘Born Free’ which was set in Meru
Nairobi
Scratch the surface and Kenya’s capital and find there’s more than meets the eye in this bustling metropolis. Stunning hotels, markets, museums, wildlife sanctuaries and it’s even got its own national park.
Samburu
Home to the Samburu and an area of great cultural and natural significance. Some of the species that roam this arid landscape cannot be found anywhere else, including Grevy’s zebra.
Solio Private Reserve
Solio is Kenya’s leading rhino sanctuary and a wildlife haven to many other creatures including over 300 species of birds. Another shining star of conservation that offers varied safari experiences.
Meet your safari experts
When to visit Kenya
January to March is hot and humid but game will be condensed around water. July to October are the ideal months to travel, with the Great Migration in action.
River crossings
July–August
Safari
June–October
Walking safaris
July–October
Migratory birds
October–April
Big Five
December–March
Kenya travel guides
Plan your trip to Kenya
Whatever you want from your adventure in Kenya, our team of safari experts are ready to help.
Ask our experts
What are the top luxury safari lodges in Kenya?
Some of the top luxury safari lodges in Kenya include Wilderness Mara, Angama Mara, Reteti House and Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp. Each of these luxury safari lodges offers the highest quality service, complete with comfortable rooms and delicious meals in an excellent location, often within a private conservancy or reserve area.
What is the ideal season for a Kenya wildlife tour?
The best season to visit Kenya for a wildlife tour is between January and February, because it offers the opportunity to witness many baby animals during calving season, and the high-action predator behaviour that comes with it. This is also an ideal season for wildlife spotting because days are warm and dry, and shorter grass from the dry season makes wildlife easier to spot.
Is Kenya good for a first time safari?
Yes, Kenya is a great destination for a first time safari because it offers fantastic wildlife viewing, including chances to see the Big Five, in places such as the Maasai Mara, Mara Conservancies and Amboseli National Park. Kenya is also well-connected, with many international flights into Nairobi airport and good internal flight options to help you reach your destination.
Which are the best destinations to combine with Kenya?
One of the best destinations to combine with Kenya is Rwanda, where you can go gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Combining gorilla trekking in Rwanda with a safari in Kenya allows you to see a fantastic range of African wildlife. You can also combine Kenya with Mauritius, Zanzibar or the Seychelles for beach and relaxation, all of which are reachable by direct flight from Kenya.
Are there other things to do in Kenya besides safari?
Yes, there are plenty of other things to do in Kenya besides safari. You can learn about Kenya’s strong indigenous cultural heritage on a visit to a Maasai village, where you’ll meet some of the Maasai people and hear about their traditions. You can also spend some time relaxing after your safari at Kenya’s beaches, either on the Kenyan Coast or at the Lamu Archipelago.
Don't take our word for it
Inside the Maasai Mara
In southwestern Kenya, the Maasai Mara has one of the world’s highest wildlife concentrations year-round. Across its vast grasslands, the Big Five – lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and African buffalo – roam alongside rarer animals like pangolins and caracals.
Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.
