Compare Kenya’s top safari destinations, Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, Samburu and more. Private safaris from Nairobi or the coast.
Nairobi & the coast
2–8 nights
Private & tailor-made
Established 1995
These parks and reserves are reached by road or short flight from Nairobi. Travel times are realistic door-to-door estimates, not best-case figures.
If you are staying in Diani, Mombasa, Watamu or Malindi you do not need to fly to Nairobi first. These destinations work as two and three day safaris from your beach hotel.
Most travellers are choosing between two or three parks. Find the line below that sounds most like your trip.
Start with the Maasai Mara. Add Lake Nakuru or Ol Pejeta for rhino, since Amboseli has none and leopards are rarely seen there.
Amboseli for Kilimanjaro, Tsavo West for volcanic hills and springs, Samburu for dry northern light and unusual species.
From Nairobi choose Amboseli or Lake Nakuru. From the coast choose Tsavo East. Short distances mean more time watching wildlife.
Amboseli, Lake Nakuru and Tsavo East keep drives short and sightings frequent. We arrange interconnecting rooms and flexible drive times.
Fly or drive from Diani, Mombasa, Watamu or Malindi into Tsavo or Amboseli, then finish on the Indian Ocean coast.
Tell us your dates, budget and what you most want to see. We have been planning Kenya safaris since 1995 and will suggest the right parks.
A side-by-side view of the parks we are asked about most often.
| Destination | Best Known For | Ideal Stay | Access | Best Suited To |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maasai Mara | Big cats and the migration | 3 to 4 nights | Road or air from Nairobi | First timers wanting classic Kenya |
| Amboseli | Elephants and Kilimanjaro views | 2 to 3 nights | Road or air from Nairobi or the coast | Short trips, families, photographers |
| Tsavo East | Red elephants and open plains | 2 to 3 nights | Road from the coast | Beach holidays adding a safari |
| Tsavo West | Volcanic hills and Mzima Springs | 2 nights | Road from Nairobi or the coast | Scenery lovers and repeat visitors |
| Lake Nakuru | Flamingos and rhino | 1 to 2 nights | Road from Nairobi | Short Rift Valley add ons |
| Samburu | Northern species and dry country scenery | 2 to 3 nights | Road or air from Nairobi | Travellers who have seen the Mara |
If your question is not covered, send it to us and we will answer directly.
The Maasai Mara is the usual first choice for the density of big cats and plains game. If you have fewer days or are starting from the coast, Amboseli and Tsavo East give you an excellent first safari with far less driving.
Amboseli is about four hours by road and under an hour by air, and Lake Nakuru is around three hours. Both work well for two or three night trips that start and end in Nairobi.
Yes. Tsavo East is two to three hours away by road and is the most popular coast safari. Tsavo West, Taita Hills and fly-in trips to Amboseli are all possible from the coast.
Two parks over five to seven days is a comfortable balance. Visiting three or more in a week means long transfer days and less time watching wildlife.
June to October is dry with the best game viewing and the migration in the Mara. January and February are also good. The March to May long rains bring green landscapes, lower prices and excellent birdlife.
Every safari we plan is private. You travel with your own 4×4 and your own driver-guide, with no fixed group departures.
Tell us your dates, where you are starting from and what you most want to see. We will recommend the right parks and send a private safari quote.
We'll reply within 24 hours with a suggested itinerary and price
