Kenya Safari Tours UK: Complete Guide to Wildlife, Costs & Travel Tips
UK travelers if you are in for a warm holiday escape, Kenya would be the ideal destination. And the most talked about tour is the Kenya safari UK citizens must definitely experience, its authentic and diverse wildlife encounter is one of a kind in the world. Do apply for a Kenya visa for safari in advance to enjoy your tour without any delay.
A holiday offers a chance to unwind, explore new cultures, enjoy adventure or simply relax. So whether you have plans for relaxing on the beaches, thrilling wildlife safari or cultural tour, you can engage in every activity in Kenya.
What is so special about Kenya safari?
Kenya is regarded as the most special destination for wildlife safari because it is home to the Big Five (lion, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, and leopards), the Great wildebeest, gazelles and zebra migration in Maasai Maara and the dense forests and the vast savannahs.
The landscape is varied and incredibly dramatic, from vast open plains of the savannahs (with scattered grasslands and trees like acacia) to the snow mountain peak of Mount Kenya, lakes, Mount Kalimanjaro, rainforests, heath and alpine moorlands and deserts.
Due to its rich ecosystem, it is home to many wildlife parks. Safaris in these parks are led by highly skilled local guides and visits to the Maasai community villages are also accompanied by guides who are locals.
To have the best time, UK travelers are suggested to book Kenya safari packages UK, from any city in advance. Do know that even if you are traveling for safari, you will have to apply for a Kenya visa for safari.
Why choose Kenya Safari?
You must choose Kenya Safari because it offers diverse wildlife encounters, spot the Big Five up close, be a part of the Great Migration in Maasai Mara (if visiting between July to October), witness large herds of elephant with Mount Kilimanjaro in the backdrop (the tallest mountain in Africa) in Amboseli and stay in eco-friendly luxurious resorts near the parks.
Book Kenya safari tours UK from reputed travel operators who include highly experienced guides, and are a part of the conservation efforts initiated by the government.
Kenya stands out for providing tour packages for African Safari UK citizens, according to different traveler types and their preferences. The Kenya safari tour packages available are luxury or budget safaris, family-friendly trips, honeymoon and even combining with beach time along the Indian Ocean.
Key destinations for Kenya safari
The main key destinations for Kenya Safari which every UK citizen must include in their packages for Kenya safari tours UK to visit are:
- Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Lake Nakuru National Park
- Amboseli National Park
- Lake Naivasha
- Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks
- Aberdare National Park
- Samburu National Reserve
Which safari is best in Kenya
The best safari depends on the Kenya safari packages UK citizens have selected and the experiences they want to indulge. However some best safari in Kenya are:
Maasai Mara National Reserve:
Wildlife safari in Maasai Mara is the most iconic Kenya safari UK citizens must definitely witness its charm. And if you want to witness the Great Migration, one of the spectacular moments on Planet Earth that takes place only in Kenya, visit during the months from July to October. Millions of Wildebeest’s, zebras and gazelles, migrate from Serengeti in Tanzania to Maasai Mara in Kenya, crossing the Mara River.
Apart from the Great Migration, the Maasai Mara National Reserve is home to the Big Five and many wild animals.
Near the park are the villages of the Maasai tribe, most Kenya safari packages UK, also include a cultural tour of these villages.
Amboseli National Park:
At Amboseli National Park capture the best wildlife moments, you can see large herds of elephants with picturesque views of Mount Kilimanjaro at the setting, the highest peak in Africa known for its snow, dormant volcanoes, rainforests, savannah's, barren slopes.
Samburu National Reserve:
If you want to spot the rare and endangered Samburu Special Five visit the Samburu National Reserve Kenya. These five unique species are found only in Kenya and nowhere else. The Samburu Special Five include:
- Reticulated Giraffe, striking net-like pattern
- Grevy’s Zebra, stunning narrow stripes and is the largest and most endangered zebra species in the world.
- Beisa Oryx, it is a long-horned antelope
- Gerenuk is a long-necked antelope. Nicknamed as giraffe-necked gazelle
- Somali Ostrich, only naive to northern Kenya.
Lake Nakuru National Park:
The Lake Nakuru National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers, where they can enjoy the scenes of the pink lake which happens when huge flocks of flamingos migrate here during a particular season. The park is also popular for the rare black and white rhinos and the breathtaking scenes of the Rift Valley.
Tsavo East & West National Parks:
The Tsavo East and West National Parks are known for their diverse landscape, and is Kenya's largest park. Here get carried away by the scenes of the lava fields, natural springs, varied landscape and red elephants (because they are dug in red dust).
Quick Recommendation Based on Your Goals
Based on the preferences, in most Kenya safari packages UK travelers can opt for the following:
- Maasai Mara National Reserve: First-time safari + wildlife spectacle + Witness the Great Migration
- Amboseli National Park: Huge herds of elephants + Mount Kalimanjaro in the setting
- Samburu: Five endangered species found only in northern Kenya
- Lake Nakuru: Huge flocks of flamingoes + white and black rhinos
- Tsavo East & West: Diverse landscape + Red elephants
Post-safari beach stay in Kenya & beyond
To double the excitement in your Kenya safari tours UK travelers don't miss to include other tourist attraction sites and beach stays for relaxation. For Kenya safari visa which is the Kenya online visa you can Contact us.
Post-Safari Beach Stays in Kenya
- Diani Beach: Famed for its luxury resorts, and water sports.
- Nyali & Bamburi (Mombasa): Lively beaches with luxury resorts
- Watamu: Popular for its marine parks, coral reefs and eco-friendly stays and underwater activities like snorkeling and scuba diving.
- Malindi: Offers a beach relaxation along with cultural (Swahili culture) and historical experiences.
- Lamu Island: This island is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, popular for its quiet beaches, Swahili culture, and dhow sailing.
Other Top Tourist Attraction Spots in Kenya
- Lake Naivasha: Engage in walking safari, enjoy boat rides, and birdwatching.
- Mount Kenya: The second highest mountain in Africa, adventure lovers can indulge in hiking
- Great Rift Valley: Scenic points, lakes and unusual landscapes.
- Hell’s Gate National Park: A diverse landscape ideal for cycling and walking safaris.
- Nairobi National Park: The only national park in the world that is near the city.
- Cultural Experiences: Guided tours to Maasai community villages to learn about their lifestyles.
Why Combine Safari, Beach & Attractions in Kenya?
- Since you can have all the experiences in one country, making travel easy.
- You will have chance to have diversified experiences: Wildlife + Beaches + Underwater marine activity + Mountains + Culture
- All types of travelers are welcomed: Couples + Family with kids + First time visitors
How much does a Kenya Safari cost from the UK
Here’s a sample breakdown of your Kenya safari from UK, depending on your style, budget, duration and inclusion.
Typical Kenya Safari Costs (Excluding UK–Kenya Flights):
Budget Kenya Safari:
- Range: For a 5-7 day Kenya safari UK travelers will need to pay approx £1,400-£2,000 which includes basic accommodation, group/shared vehicle, and game drives.
- Example of a 6-day Kenya package, depending on the season you are traveling it is estimated to start around £1,436-£1,785.
Mid‑Range Kenya Safari:
- Range: For a 7-9 day Kenya safari UK travelers will need to pay approx £2,000-£4,2000 which includes basic comfortable lodges/ tented camps, private or semi‑private vehicles, and game drives.
- In a 7-day mid‑range safari it will cost around £2,100-£4,200, all‑inclusive of park fees and accommodation.
Luxury Kenya Safari:
- Range: For a 7-10 day Kenya safari UK travelers will need to pay approx £5,000-£15,000 which includes high‑end lodges or luxury tented camps, private game drives and premium services.
- Premium private Kenya safari tour packages include personalized, private guides and high-end experiences.
Add International Flights (UK ↔ Nairobi)
Depending on the season you are traveling to Kenya your flight fare will vary, however apart from the peak season, the flight fares to Kenya is estimated to be around £600-£1,200.
What is the Best time for Kenya Safari from UK
The best time for Kenya safari tours from the UK varies, as it depends on what you want to see. But it is important to know the ideal season as well, so check the safari seasons below according to different months.
What are the Prime Kenya Safari Seasons
1. Dry Season (June to October): Best Overall
- This is the Great Migration season, millions of wildebeests, gazelles and zebras migrate, crossing the Mara River.
- Easy spotting of animals near the water sources.
- Excellent for game drives, and walking safaris
- Spectacular wildlife photography
- Weather conditions: Cool mornings and evening and warm in the daytime
- Peak tourist season, so you can expect large crowd
- Book early
2. Short Dry Season (January to February)
- Have a close encounter with the Big Five, and other predators in the open areas.
- Ideal weather conditions, perfect for outdoor activities and wildlife sightings.
- Weather conditions are dry and warm.
- Fewer crowds than June-October months
3. Wet Seasons (March-May & November-December)
- Best season to watch the newborn calves
- Engage in birdwatching
- The landscape lush green and you can expect rainfall
- Drawback: As this is the rainy season, some dirt roads may become muddy, making entry to some park areas impossible.
Tour operators from UK for booking Kenya safari tour packages
For UK travelers booking Kenya safaris, top operators include specialists like:
- Audley Travel
- Hayes & Jarvis Travels
- Kuoni
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which are the main destinations for Kenya Safari?
Below is the list of the main destinations for Kenya Safari:
- Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Amboseli National Park
- Lake Nakuru National Park
- Lake Naivasha
- Tsavo East & Tsavo West National Parks
- Samburu National Reserve
- Aberdare National Park
Which is the best safari in Kenya?
The best safaris in Kenya include Maasai Mara National Reserve, Samburu National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, Tsavo East and West, Lake Nakuru National Park, Mount Kenya National Park, and Aberdare National Park, each of these parks are different, home to different animals, and varied landscape.
How to reach Kenya from the UK?
UK citizens if you have received your Kenya visa for safari tour, get ready to fly to Kenya. The main international airport in Kenya is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, which takes around 8-9 hours to fly from Heathrow or Gatwick International Airports in London.
Is a Kenya visa for UK citizens required?
Yes, Kenya visa for UK citizens is required, travelers on booking their Kenya safari tour packages, they need to obtain the Kenya e visa online before entering the country, as visa on-arrival is not allowed.
What is the Kenya tourist visa for UK citizens?
The Kenya tourist visa for UK citizens is the Kenya online visa (Kenya electronic travel authorization) which must be applied online. Once you receive the Kenya visa for UK citizens, your visa is valid for 90 days.
If you have any plans to enter Kenya for tourism, business or to transit, simply go for this hassle-free visa application process. But before that Check your eligibility for Kenya eTA and apply for Online Kenya Visa 4 days in advance of your flight.