Kenya Safari Tips: How to Book and Plan Your Trip
Planning a safari in Kenya can feel overwhelming the first time: dozens of parks to choose from, wildly different price ranges, and every agency claiming they’re the best. When I was planning mine, I spent hours figuring out what’s worth booking, when to go, and how much to tip without offending anyone.
If you’re in the same boat, this guide will save you time (and money). Below, I’ll walk you through everything I wish I knew before my first Kenya safari, from the best time to visit to the exact steps for booking, tipping, and choosing the right park for your budget.
When is the Best Time to Go on Safari?
One of the most important Kenya safari tips you’ll ever get is this: before you even think about how to book your Kenya safari, make sure you choose the right time to go. The season you travel in will completely shape your experience: do you want to witness the Great Migration, avoid the crowds, or maybe just snag a more budget-friendly trip?
Here’s how different seasons can impact your safari adventure:
Dry Season (June – October)
This is the absolute peak safari season in Kenya. Vegetation is sparse, making it easier to spot wildlife, and many animals gather around water sources. June and July are perfect for witnessing the Great Migration in the Masai Mara.
But here’s the catch: it’s also the most expensive time to go on safari, with more tourists around, so booking your Kenya safari in advance is a must. Personally, I’d say it’s worth every cent. We went in September, and although it was pricier, I can tell you from experience it was unforgettable.
We were hoping to catch that jaw-dropping moment when thousands of wildebeest risk their lives crossing a crocodile-infested river. Unfortunately, going in early September meant we missed it by just a few days. Our guide said there are no strict rules, but if you’re after the Great Migration, July or August is your best bet.
Green Season (November – March)
This period brings occasional rains, turning the landscape lush and green, which can make spotting animals a bit more challenging. But don’t worry, it’s far from impossible. Plus, prices drop and crowds thin out, making it a solid choice if you’re figuring out how to book a Kenya safari on a tighter budget
Rainy Season (April – May)
Personally, I’d skip this one. While it’s the cheapest time to go on safari, heavy rains make the roads harder to navigate, and your chances of seeing all the wildlife you want are lower. If you’re searching for reliable Kenya safari tips, most guides will tell you this is the least favorable time to plan your trip.
If you’re going on a Kenya safari, chances are that you will visit Nairobi. Here you will find the best tips on where to find a safe accommodation close to all of the attractions.
Which Safari Park to Choose in Kenya?
One of the most common questions people ask when planning their trip is: which park should I choose for my Kenya safari? If you’re looking for Kenya safari tips from someone who’s actually been there, here’s the truth: you can’t really go wrong, but Masai Mara and Amboseli are the two heavy hitters. Both parks offer incredible wildlife encounters, but they differ in size, price, and overall vibe. Here’s what you need to know before deciding how to book your Kenya safari.
Masai Mara - The Classic Safari Experience
Have you watched The Lion King? Well, that scenery you’re picturing, that’s Masai Mara in real life. Famous for the Great Migration, Masai Mara is home to the iconic Big Five: lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, and elephant.
We chose Masai Mara for our trip and managed to spot all five in just two days! Of course, nothing is guaranteed, some people camp out for a week and still don’t tick off every animal on the list, but the odds are pretty good here.
Since 2024, entry fees have increased significantly, so expect to pay:
- January 1 – June 30: 100 USD per person per day
- July 1 – December 31: 200 USD per person per day (it used to be only 80 USD, so plan your budget accordingly).
On top of the park fees, remember you’ll also need to budget for transportation, a guide, and accommodation. Most local agencies offer packages that include all of this, making booking a Kenya safari a lot easier.
Don’t forget to factor in how much to tip your Kenya safari guide, the usual recommendation is $10–20 per person, per day, but if your guide goes the extra mile (ours did!), you’ll definitely want to give a little more.
Amboseli - A Safari with Kilimanjaro Views
If Masai Mara feels too heavy on the wallet, an Amboseli safari is a fantastic alternative. The park is smaller and the entrance fees are lower, but the experience is still unforgettable, especially with Mount Kilimanjaro towering in the background.
Amboseli is known for its massive elephant herds, and you’ll also spot zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, and predators like lions and cheetahs. This park is often called a photographer’s paradise, thanks to the postcard-perfect scenery of wildlife wandering across the plains with Africa’s tallest mountain in the distance.
Expect to pay:
- Whole year: 90 USD per adult per day
- Whole year: 40 USD per child per day
Just like with Masai Mara, you’ll need to arrange transport, a guide, and lodging. Many agencies offer Amboseli safari packages that make the whole booking process simple and stress-free.
If you don’t mind potentially missing one or two of the Big Five but want breathtaking landscapes, fewer crowds, and a slightly lighter hit on your budget, Amboseli National Park is absolutely worth it.
How to Book a Kenya Safari
When it comes to booking a safari in Kenya, you have two main options:
- Organize everything yourself – transport to the park, accommodation, and a guide once you’re there.
- Book through a local safari agency that offers a full package – transport, meals, accommodation, park fees, and a professional guide.
If this is your first trip to Africa or your very first safari, honestly, go with option two. Yes, you can plan everything separately, but it takes a lot of time and the savings are usually minimal. We chose a local agency for our trip and it made everything so much easier (and stress-free).
Best Websites to Book Your Kenya Safari
SafariBookings.com – The biggest platform where you can compare local safari agencies and packages for every national park in Africa. I recommend asking for at least 4–5 quotes before deciding – prices and inclusions can vary a lot.
GetYourGuide.com – If you don’t find anything you like on SafariBookings, this is another easy and reliable option. I’ve booked with GetYourGuide multiple times for different activities and the experience has always been smooth and reliable. Below, you can search and compare prices from trusted local safari operators and book instantly:
My Recommendation - Balu Travel (Masai Mara, Kenya)
For our Masai Mara safari, we booked through Balu Travel, a local agency based in Nairobi. Everything was included: transport from Nairobi, three meals a day, park entry fees, accommodation, and a skilled guide who knew exactly where to take us for the best wildlife sightings. Below is the quote we got in 2024 for the Masai Mara camps:
How Many Days Do You Need for a Kenya Safari?
We personally spent 3 days (2 nights) in Masai Mara, and it was phenomenal. Keep in mind that depending on which park you choose, you’ll lose quite a bit of time just driving there.
Like most travelers, our goal was to see the Big Five, and we did it! Although it wasn’t easy. We struggled to find a rhino for hours, most guides had given up (they all communicate via radio), but our driver decided to try a remote, off-the-beaten-path area – and we got lucky!
Our guide told us that some people camp out for up to 10 days and still don’t see all the Big Five. With 3 days, you have a decent chance of spotting everything, but there are no guarantees. The more time you have, the more relaxed the pace and the better your odds of incredible wildlife encounters at different times of day.
If you have the time and budget, 5 days is ideal for a truly unhurried safari experience. But realistically, 3 days is enough for most people, especially for Masai Mara.
Which Accommodation for Your Safari?
Accommodation on a Kenya safari depends on your travel style and budget. Generally, you’ll find three main options:
- Budget campsites – simple tents, shared facilities, perfect for solo travelers or backpackers.
- Mid-range lodges – private ensuite rooms with electricity and running water, comfortable but not over the top.
- Luxury safari lodges – high-end stays with swimming pools, gourmet dining, and premium service, often costing $1,000+ more compared to budget options.
For Masai Mara specifically, the difference between budget and mid-range safari accommodation is usually around $100–300 per person, depending on the season and location.
Best Midrange Camp in Masai Mara (My Pick)
We stayed at Jambo Mara Safari Lodge, which I can wholeheartedly recommend. I think it’s the best mid-range option with private bungalows, electricity, hot water, a swimming pool, table tennis, billiards, and a fantastic location right at the park entrance. Here we had a breakfast and dinner every day plus they pack you a lunch in the morning for your game! One night, we even woke up to the sound of elephants roaring nearby, surreal and unforgettable! If you want to check what it looks like and availability, you can find it here.
What to Pack for a Kenya Safari
Packing smart will make your safari much more comfortable. Here’s what I recommend bringing:
- Light, breathable clothing in neutral colors (beige, khaki, olive green) – to blend in and avoid attracting insects.
- A warm jacket for early morning game drives (it can get surprisingly cold).
- Insect repellent, I used a natural one which worked great.
- Cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Power bank, as some safari camps turn off electricity at night.
- Camera or phone with good zoom (binoculars are a bonus, but guides usually have one).
- Small backpack for water, snacks, and essentials during drives.
- Cash in local currency (Kenyan Shilling) for tipping your guide (around $10–20 per person, per day).
- Passport, visa, yellow fever certificate, and printed booking confirmations.
- E-SIM card for internet, to stay connected even in remote areas. For me Airalo worked great, even in the furthest corners of Masai Mara.
Final Thoughts
If you’re still wondering whether a Kenya safari is worth it, let me tell you, it’s one of the best trips we’ve ever taken. Seeing lions just a few meters away, watching a leopard drag its prey up a tree, hearing elephants trumpet outside our lodge at night, it’s the kind of experience that sticks with you forever.
Three days felt perfect for us: enough time to tick off the Big Five, enjoy a few quiet game drives, and still have energy left for Diani Beach afterward. My advice? Book through a trusted local agency, don’t skimp on a decent lodge (you’ll thank me after that long bumpy ride), and pack more insect repellent than you think you’ll need.
Kenya blew our expectations out of the water, and if it’s even remotely on your radar – just go.
FAQ: Booking a Kenya Safari
What’s the easiest way to book a safari in Kenya?
The simplest option is to book through a trusted local safari agency. They handle everything – transport, park fees, accommodation, and a professional guide – so you can just enjoy the experience. Platforms like SafariBookings or GetYourGuide are great for comparing packages and prices.
How much should you tip your safari guide?
The usual recommendation is $10–20 per person, per day. If your guide goes above and beyond (ours definitely did!), leaving a little extra is always appreciated.
When’s the best time to go on safari in Kenya?
June to October is peak season with the best wildlife viewing and the Great Migration in July–August. November to March is cheaper and quieter but a bit greener, making animals harder to spot. April and May are rainy months and generally not ideal for safaris.