Where To Go On Safari To Kenya – Our Experts Guide

Samburu – encounter rare northern species

Samburu presents a striking contrast to the Mara, with rugged terrain and unique wildlife. It is home to the ‘Samburu Special Five’: Grévy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and beisa oryx, species that are not commonly found elsewhere in Kenya. The dry riverbeds and dramatic escarpments add to the region’s allure, making every game drive feel like a discovery of an uncharted world.

For those seeking an exclusive retreat, Saruni Samburu Lodge offers a spectacular setting perched on a hilltop with incredible views over the Samburu wilderness. Meanwhile, Sarara Camp and Sarara Treehouses provide a deep cultural experience alongside its wildlife encounters, with a particular focus on elephant conservation. A visit to the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary is a must, where you can witness firsthand the inspiring work of community-led conservation – accessible from both of these properties.

Laikipia Plateau: exclusive conservancy adventures

Laikipia is home to some of the best safari holidays in Kenya, especially for travellers seeking something beyond the traditional game drive. Its private conservancies offer rhino sightings, camel treks, walking safaris, and deep community interaction. 

For example, Lewa Conservancy is a standout destination known for its thriving rhino population and dedication to conservation with properties including Lewa Wilderness and Sirikoi. 

In terms of accommodation, El-Karama Lodge is an ideal choice for families seeking an authentic experience at great value, with access to Ol Pejeta for a memorable game drive, all within a convenient day’s drive. Solio Ranch provides a high-end setting that pairs well with a stay at Giraffe Manor.

For a truly exclusive experience, Ol Jogi boasts a magnificent private home featuring eleven bedrooms across eight cottages, providing an entirely private safari adventure within its vast 58,000-acre conservancy. For those looking for an immersive wilderness experience, Karisia provides expertly guided camel treks through some of Kenya’s most remote landscapes.

Laikipia provides one of the best places in Kenya for safari if you want seclusion, sustainability, and variety.

Tsavo National Parks: untamed wilderness exploration

If you’re searching for the best safari in Kenya that feels remote and secluded, Tsavo East and Tsavo West deliver on every level. These vast, remote landscapes are filled with rugged beauty, dramatic lava flows, and ancient baobab trees. Wildlife is abundant yet dispersed, making every sighting feel like a rewarding discovery.

For an ultra-exclusive experience, properties managed by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, such as Ithumba Private and Little Galdessa, offer unparalleled opportunities to observe rescued elephants in the Tsavo East elephant orphanage as they prepare for life back in the wild. This is not your typical tourist safari route – it’s a deeply moving encounter with conservation in action.

Amboseli & Chyulu Hills – iconic landscapes, iconic wildlife

Amboseli is renowned for its cinematic views of Mount Kilimanjaro and its population of magnificent big-tusked elephants, often seen crossing the open plains against the mountain’s snow-capped backdrop. The Chyulu Hills offer a striking contrast – lush, rolling volcanic landscapes and ancient lava flows set the stage for more exclusive safari experiences. Pairing these two regions offers one of the best Kenya safari tours, with a diverse and visually stunning journey through southern Kenya. 

For those seeking top-tier comfort and style, Angama Amboseli delivers an elegant retreat in the heart of elephant country, while Ol Donyo Lodge, set on the private Mbirikani Group Ranch, offers a deeply immersive safari with panoramic Kilimanjaro views and the freedom of unstructured game activities like horseback safaris, fly-camping, and guided bush walks. 

Meru National Park – underrated luxury

For those looking for a safari experience that is off the beaten path yet still rich in wildlife, Meru National Park is a dream destination. Often overlooked but ranking among the best safari parks in Kenya, with lush landscapes and diverse habitats, Meru offers something truly special. Elsa’s Kopje, perched on Mughwango Hill, provides a stunning vantage point over the park, where visitors can enjoy complete serenity and unspoiled wilderness.

From safari to shore – Kenya’s coastal charm

After days spent traversing the wild, there’s no better way to unwind than on Kenya’s idyllic coastline. The white sands of Diani Beach, the historical charm of Lamu Island, and the marine wonders of Watamu provide a blissful retreat. 

Along Kenya’s stunning coastline, accommodations merge Swahili architectural influences with modern luxuries. Diani Beach boasts fantastic properties such as Alfajiri Villas and Kinondo Kwetu, which offer both exclusivity and comfort. In Kilifi, Sirai Beach House provides exclusive use of a private home, while Lamu Archipelago offers Peponi Hotel for couples, Manda Bay for families, and several Lamu Villas for a more private experience.

Crafting your bespoke Kenyan safari itinerary

When deciding where to go for safari in Kenya, it’s not only about the destination – it’s how you experience it. At the Explorations Company, we create bespoke itineraries tailored to your interests—whether it’s photography, conservation, or cultural immersion. Whether you’re a seasoned safari-goer or planning your first trip, we ensure your journey delivers the best safari holidays in Kenya with attention to detail, expert guiding, and unrivalled comfort.

Sustainable luxury: supporting conservation through travel

Luxury safaris in Kenya are about more than indulgence; they play a vital role in conservation and community empowerment. Choosing the best Kenya safari tours means selecting experiences that benefit both the traveller and the land. Many high-end lodges operate with sustainability at their core, ensuring that tourism directly benefits wildlife protection and local communities. Lewa Wilderness leads the way in rhino conservation, while Saruni Rhino offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to track rhinos on foot. Ol Donyo Lodge in the Chyulu Hills combines a luxury experience with a deep commitment to Maasai communities, making every stay a contribution to a greater cause.

Experience the essence of a Kenyan safari

Whether you’re drawn to the famed Masai Mara, the untouched expanses of Laikipia, or the remote allure of Tsavo, each region offers a unique and captivating journey into the heart of Africa.