Kenya Safaris Tour Holidays – Compare 30 Kenya Safari Packages

Kenya Safaris offer an unparalleled journey through the historical heart of East African adventure, featuring sweeping savannah grasslands teeming with iconic wildlife. This includes the majestic big cats and the renowned Big Five: elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, and rhino. The diverse landscapes, from northern deserts and western dense forests to Rift Valley lakes and the tropical coast, create an enchanting backdrop for any safari. Jackal Adventures Ltd ensures that visitors experience a well-established safari industry, providing unforgettable encounters with wildlife amid Africa’s stunning natural beauty.

The Best 20 Kenya Safaris Tour Packages – Compare 20 Kenya Safari Packages

8 Frequently Asked Questions About Kenya Safaris

When is the best time to visit Kenya? Best Time to Visit Kenya

“June to October is an excellent time for Kenya tours. During these months, the weather is generally dry, although it can get quite hot in October and at the end of September. Most trails remain open, and this period coincides with the wildebeest and zebra migration in the Masai Mara National Reserve. As the Dry season progresses, water sources for animals become scarce, drawing them to the remaining ones in large numbers. However, high-season prices apply during these months, and crowds are larger. In some parks, the queue of safari vehicles can detract from the experience, and some areas of the Masai Mara can be overwhelmed with vehicles during the migration. In the Dry season, June is one of my favorite months to visit.

Visiting from November to February also has its benefits. During this time, migrating birds arrive, rains rarely disrupt travel, and the country transforms into a lush green landscape. Most travelers avoid March to May due to the potential for heavy rains, which can turn safari trails into muddy bogs. That said, prices are lower during these months. I once visited in April and was fortunate to encounter very few other visitors (except for local visitors around Easter) and enjoyed clear skies.”

 

Why Visit Kenya? Major Attractions of Kenya Safaris by Jackal Adventures

Outstanding wildlife is the primary reason to embark on Kenya Safaris. While many visitors are drawn by the migration, Kenya offers exceptional experiences year-round, boasting numerous world-class national parks. Beyond the renowned Masai Mara, there are Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks, and Samburu National Reserve, all providing superb wildlife viewing opportunities. This diversity results in a wide range of Kenyan safari possibilities.

Kenya is Big Five territory, home to healthy populations of elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, and rhinos. Birdlife is equally impressive, and the cultural aspect is significant, with the Maasai, Samburu, Turkana, and other indigenous communities enriching the experience. The variety of habitats also contributes to the stunning scenery, from the endless horizons of the Masai Mara and the tropical forests of Kakamega Forest National Reserve to the starkly beautiful northern parks and unparalleled Kilimanjaro views from Amboseli.

What Does a Kenyan Safari Cost? Kenya Safaris by Jackal Adventures

The cost of Kenya Safaris varies widely, depending on the type of experience you desire and your budget. Kenya offers a diverse range of safari options, from budget-friendly trips starting at around $200 per person per day to luxurious Kenya safaris costing up to $1,000 per person per day. Accommodation is a significant factor in determining the price, but how you travel between the parks also affects the cost. Air transfers, typically through Nairobi, can be expensive but significantly reduce travel time, allowing you more time to enjoy the parks. Most Kenya safari packages include transport, accommodation, all meals, and activities such as game drives, providing comprehensive and hassle-free experiences.

› Factors influencing the cost of a Kenya safari

How is the Wildlife Viewing? Kenya Safaris by Jackal Adventures

Wildlife viewing on Kenya Safaris can vary between parks, but some of the most popular destinations—such as Amboseli, Masai Mara, Samburu, and Lake Nakuru—offer exceptional opportunities. These parks boast dense wildlife populations, making them ideal for seeing a wide variety of animals in a short period. Other parks cater to more specialized interests, such as birdwatching and primate spotting in Kakamega, or seeking the elusive sitatunga in Saiwa Swamp National Park, often without the crowds.

For a more exclusive Kenyan safari experience, consider the conservancies of the Laikipia Plateau. Although pricier, these areas—apart from Ol Pejeta Conservancy—are free from crowds and offer excellent wildlife viewing. Most conservancies allow off-road driving, enabling you to get closer to the animals than in national parks.

› More about viewing Kenya’s wildlife and animals

How Safe is Kenya for Tourists? Kenya Safaris by Jackal Adventures

Kenya Safaris are generally safe, but there are some important considerations for tourists. While Nairobi and some other Kenyan cities have a reputation for violent crime, many visitors, including myself, have spent significant time in these areas without issues. However, it’s important to remain cautious and follow local advice when in the cities.

Road travel in Kenya poses a significant risk due to the high accident rate. To minimize this danger, limit your time in Nairobi and other cities, avoid traveling at night, and consider flying between parks. Kenya’s true charm lies in its natural landscapes rather than its urban centers.

The risk from wild animals is minimal; most Kenya safari operators have excellent safety records. By following safety briefings and instructions from guides, you can enjoy a safe and memorable safari experience.

 

How Do I Select a Reliable Tour Operator for Kenya Safaris? by Jackal Adventures

Choosing a reliable operator for Kenya Safaris involves thorough research and direct communication. Start by reading traveler reviews on SafariBookings.com, where you’ll find detailed accounts of others’ safari experiences and insights into the professionalism of various operators.

It’s crucial to contact any tour companies you are considering before booking. Ask specific questions about transport modes, meal frequency, daily safari schedules, guide languages, and the number of travelers per vehicle. This helps ensure the safari meets your expectations and requirements.

Not all operators offer customized Kenya tours, so being well-informed is key. An operator’s willingness to answer your questions can indicate their level of customer service and reliability during the safari.

 

What Type of Accommodation Can I Expect on Kenya Safaris? by Jackal Adventures

The type of accommodation you can expect on Kenya Safaris generally depends on your budget. At the lower end, campsites are typically basic, sometimes crowded, and not always in the best locations within the national parks or reserves. However, they are affordable and usually equipped with ample facilities such as showers and toilets.

Lodges are the mainstays of the Kenya safari experience, with quality varying significantly. Many lodges within the reserves and national parks have excellent locations but may be aging and in need of renovation. Others are luxurious and have been recently updated.

In tented camps, including mobile camps, you will sleep in large, walk-in tents that are similar in size to lodge rooms but have canvas walls and floors. This allows you to hear the sounds of the African night, and with well-spaced tents, hopefully not your neighboring guests. Most lodge rooms and tents of this kind feature comfortable beds, sometimes a desk, and usually a private bathroom; some even offer an outdoor shower with walls for privacy but no roof. In tented camps, you may need to recharge your devices at a power station in the main public area rather than in your room.

What Can I Expect from Kenya Safaris? by Jackal Adventures

A typical day on Kenya Safaris begins with a gentle wake-up call well before sunrise. After quickly dressing and enjoying a coffee or tea, you’ll head out for a few hours in a safari vehicle, accompanied by other guests, a driver, a guide, and sometimes a tracker. Early mornings and the hours just before sunset are prime times for wildlife viewing.

You’ll return to the lodge or camp mid- to late morning for a hearty sit-down breakfast. The hottest part of the day is spent relaxing, followed by lunch and more downtime, as even the animals seek shade during this period. Afternoon tea, often referred to as High Tea in a nod to colonial-era safari traditions, is served around 3 PM or 3:30 PM.

After tea, you’ll head out again to look for wildlife until after dark. Just before sunset, you’ll partake in another safari tradition, the ‘Sundowner,’ where you’ll watch the sunset while enjoying your drink of choice. You’ll return to camp in time to freshen up before dinner and then head to bed, ready to start the adventure again early the next morning.