22 Best Safari Destinations in Kenya Bit By Bit Guide

September 10, 2026

Planning to explore magical Kenya?
Discover the best national parks, wildlife reserves, conservancies and marine destinations in Kenya including current park fees, accommodation costs, best times to visit and expert travel tips.

Kenya is one of Africa’s most spectacular safari destinations. From the world-famous Maasai Mara and elephant-filled Amboseli National Park to the rugged landscapes of Samburu and the turquoise beaches & tropical waters of the Indian Ocean, in Kenya you are always spoilt for choices be they bushes or beaches getaway.

Whether you’re planning a Solo Kenya safari, family holiday, honeymoon, luxury safari, photography trip or safari-and-beach vacation, there is a destination to suit your interests and budget.

In this bit by bit guide, discover the best places to visit in Kenya in 2026, what makes each destination special, the best time to visit, accommodation options and indicative park-entry costs.

Kenya Safari at a Glance

Destination	Best known for	Recommended stay
Amboseli	Big Tuskers & Mt. Kilimanjaro	2–3 nights
Tsavo East	“Red” Elephants, maneless male lions & vast wilderness	2–3 nights
Tsavo West	Big 5 game, Mzima Springs & scenery	2–3 nights
Lake Nakuru	Rhinos & birding	1–2 nights
Samburu	Samburu Special Five	2–3 nights
Maasai Mara	Big Five Safari, Maasai Culture & Wildebeest Migration	2- 4 nights
Shimba Hills	Coastal wildlife & hiking	1–2 nights
Nairobi National Park	Wildlife in the capital	1 day
Aberdare	Forest & mountain wildlife	1–2 nights
Ol Pejeta	Rhino conservation	1–2 nights
Lewa	Conservation & luxury safari	2–3 nights
Meru	Remote wilderness	2–3 nights
Lake Naivasha	Hippos, birds & boat trips	1–2 nights
Hell’s Gate	Cycling & hiking	1 day
Lake Bogoria	Hot springs & flamingos	1 day
Lake Baringo	Birdwatching & boating	1–2 nights
Kakamega Forest	Birding	1–2 nights
Mount Kenya	Hiking & mountain scenery	2–5 nights
Watamu & Malindi	Marine life & beaches	2–4 nights
Kisite-Mpunguti	Snorkelling & dolphins	1–2 days
Shaba	Northern wilderness	1–2 nights
Giraffe Centre	Giraffes & family experiences	Half day

1/22. Maasai Mara National Reserve

Ever dreamed of standing on open African plains as thousands of wildebeests thunder past, or spotting the Big Five randomly as they stalk through golden grasslands or replaying that moment?

Maasai Mara National Reserve, is one of Kenya’s most iconic safari destination. Named after the ancestral Maasai people and the “Mara” (meaning “spotted” terrain), this legendary wildlife sanctuary offers an unmatched, front-row seat to the raw beauty of the African wild.

Whether you are a first-time traveller or a seasoned adventurer, a journey with WanderMasters Tour and Travel turns this bucket-list dream into an unforgettable reality.

The Mara is also internationally famous for the 8th Wonder of the world, Great Wildebeest Migration, when enormous herds cross between Tanzania’s Serengeti and the Maasai Mara ecosystem.

Rich Cultural Heritage: A safari isn’t just about the wildlife. Immerse yourself in authentic Maasai culture with interactive visits to local villages. By booking with us WanderMasters Tours you directly support sustainable community tours that provide vital income, healthcare, and education to local Maasai families. While at it, get to carry unforgettable cherished memories.

Best time to visit

July to October is the classic show time, the migration season. Excellent wildlife viewing is possible throughout the year.

Easily accessible from Nairobi by road 6hrs or by air 45 minutes.

Accommodation

Budget: US$80–200 per night
Mid-range: US$200–450 per night
Luxury: US$500–1,500+ per night
Ultra-luxury: US$1,000–3,000+ per person/night

2026 entry fees

The Maasai Mara uses its own reserve tariff rather than the standard KWS national-park tariff.

Period	Kenyan Citizen	EA Resident	Non-Resident
Jan–Jun 2026	KSh 1,500	KES 2,500	US$100
Jul–Dec 2026	KSh 3,000	KES 5,000	US$200

Ready to Explore, Experience & Unwind in Mara? Connect with our travel experts The Best Maasai Mara Packages to get a gist of Mara and other East African Safari itineraries and packages.

Get in touch with us on Instagram to see more of our professionally curated Excursion packages, latest itineraries and rates. while at it, book your unforgettable safari or request for a bespoke one.

Want to explore more? the 2nd/ 22 Safari destination is ……………………. ?

2/22. Amboseli National Park

Amboseli is one of Kenya’s most photogenic national parks, famous for its large elephant herds and spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

The park’s open plains, wetlands and acacia landscapes create outstanding wildlife-viewing and photography opportunities.

Amboseli is one of Kenya’s most photogenic national parks, famous for its large elephant herds and spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

The park’s open plains, wetlands and acacia landscapes create outstanding wildlife-viewing and photography opportunities.

Getting to Amboseli from Nairobi

You have 3 best options to get to Amboseli:

By Road: A 4-hour drive via the Nairobi-Mombasa highway, turning off at Emali.

By Air: A quick 35-minute flight from Wilson Airport directly to the Amboseli airstrip

SGR Train: Board an Intercounty train 8:00AM from Nairobi Terminus 1hour 30 minutes later youre in Email where your Camp can organize a transfer or take a Cab. Tip, be at the Terminus 30 minutes before departure. To ensure that, depart from your hotel earlier, your cab driver should use the express way or you will miss Amboseli “Cubs” and the rest of the game.