A safari in Kenya is never just about ticking animals off a checklist — it’s about stepping into living, breathing ecosystems where every dawn brings new drama. For first-time travelers, I often recommend combining conservancies in Amboseli, Laikipia, and the Mara for a 7–10 day adventure. If your journey begins in Nairobi, you can even swap a city hotel for a night in Nairobi National Park, where wildlife roams against the backdrop of skyscrapers.
Let’s explore what you can expect in each of these iconic destinations:
Amboseli National Park
- Elephants in abundance: Amboseli is one of Africa’s best places to see large herds of elephants, often framed by the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Rare antelopes: Keep an eye out for the long-necked Gerenuk gazelle and the elusive Lesser Kudu.
- Predators & plains game: Lions, cheetahs, and a wide variety of plains animals roam freely, making every game drive a spectacle.
Laikipia (Ol Pejeta & Lewa Conservancies)
- Big cats & predators: Lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas are commonly seen.
- Rhinos: Both Black and White rhinos thrive here, making Laikipia one of the best places to encounter these endangered giants.
- Elephants & savannah game: Expect elephants alongside zebra, gazelles, and other plains species.
- Wild dogs: Rare but thrilling, African wild dogs occasionally appear in Laikipia’s conservancies.
Maasai Mara & the Mara Conservancies
- Big cat capital of Africa: The Mara is unrivaled for lion prides, with excellent chances of spotting cheetahs and leopards.
- Plains game galore: Herds of giraffe, zebra, eland, topi, gazelles, and more fill the savannah.
- The Great Migration: From July to early October, over a million wildebeest thunder in from the Serengeti — one of nature’s greatest spectacles.
Nairobi National Park
- Rhinos on the city’s edge: Both Black and White rhinos are frequently sighted here.
- Plains game variety: Cape buffalo, Burchell’s zebra, Maasai giraffe, eland, impala, and other herbivores roam freely.
- Predators: Lions are occasionally spotted.
- Unique experiences: A visit to the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage adds a heartwarming conservation story to your safari.