What to Expect on a Safari in Kenya
They call Kenya “The Pride of Africa” – and for very good reason. This East African treasure is one of the world’s most cherished first-time safari destinations, steeped in raw beauty and diverse ecosystems. It promises an unparalleled wildlife experience with a multicultural backdrop, making it a top country on our radar at Next Adventure. Wondering what to expect on safari in Kenya? Read on for a closer look at the pulse-quickening moments of a game drive to an immersion in the local communities playing a vital role in conservation.
A Typical Day on Safari in Kenya
What’s a day on a Kenyan safari really like? It’s not your average holiday itinerary, that’s for sure. A typical safari in Kenya is orchestrated around the animals’ most active hours, with early mornings and late afternoons being prime viewing times. Here’s a snapshot of what awaits you:
Early Morning Game Drives
Expect an early wake-up call, and after a light breakfast, your first game drive of the day begins – either in an open-sided 4x4 vehicle or from a custom-built safari land cruiser. The advantage of this early start is watching the animals rise with the sun, ready for the day ahead. Plus, as the golden light bathes the savannah, photo opportunities are endless.
Mid-Morning Return & Breakfast
After a couple of hours in the bush, you’ll return from your first drive, arriving back at camp in time for a more leisurely breakfast. Feast on fresh fruits, warm croissants, eggs made to order, and rich Kenyan coffee.
Midday Downtime
The heat of the early afternoon is often too intense for much wildlife movement, save for the occasional elephant using its trunk to splash water or mud on its back. For guests, this is the quietest time of the day. Relax with a drink in hand, take a refreshing dip in the camp’s pool, or simply enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding wilderness.
Afternoon Game Drives or Bush Walks
As the temperature cools, expect to gear up for your second game drive. This is when large herbivores like buffalo and giraffe become more active. For the adventurous, your camp may offer an insightful bushwalk led by an expert guide, offering a close-up look at the flora and fauna that you’d otherwise miss from the vehicle.
Sundowners & Dinner Under the Stars
Safari days always end serenely with an African sundowner or sunset cocktail. After an exciting day in the bush, enjoy a refreshing drink while watching the sunset, often from a scenic vantage point with quintessential acacia trees and rolling plains. Later, dinner is served in the camp’s open-air dining area or under a canopy of stars. Expect fine dining – from grilled meats to Swahili-inspired dishes, all prepared using organic, locally sourced ingredients.
Top Tips for First Time Safari Travellers
Here’s our best-kept advice when it comes to making a safari in Kenya truly memorable:
Pack Light and Pack Smart: With safaris, less is definitely more. Many domestic flights to safari areas impose strict baggage weight limits of 15 kg per passenger, including hand luggage. Choose neutral clothing (olive, brown, beige) to blend in – bright colours can scare off wildlife. But foremost, layering is key: mornings can be chilly, but the midday heat will have you stripping down to shorts and a T-shirt.
Respect Wildlife At All Times: Stay in vehicles unless your guide says it’s safe to get out, and remain quiet when you spot animals. The less you interfere with the wildlife's natural behaviour, the more authentic your experience will be.
Be Patient: Africa’s wildlife doesn’t exactly operate on demand. Some species, especially elusive ones, may take time to reveal themselves. Patience and silence are rewarded big-time in the wild.
Top Things to Do in Kenya
Kenya offers various one-of-a-kind experiences that’ll enrich your safari journey and connect you more deeply with its roots:
Witness the Wildebeest Migration: If you can time your trip during the Great Migration – generally at its best between July and October – the scenes of thousands of wildebeests and zebras making the perilous Mara River crossing will stay with you forever. The drama unfolds as predators like crocodiles lie in wait and big cats prowl nearby.
Visit a Maasai or Samburu Community: Explore the homes, traditions, and rituals of Kenya’s pastoralist tribes. The Maasai and Samburu are known for their beadwork, oral storytelling, and warrior traditions.
Hot Air Balloon Over The Mara: Rising at dawn to drift over the Maasai Mara in a hot air balloon is a jaw-dropping experience. From above, you’ll get a rare bird’s-eye view of the wildlife, including possible sightings of predators and scavengers around their overnight kills.
Community-Based Conservation
Kenya’s conservation success story has long intertwined with local communities living in and around wildlife habitats. As you embark on a safari, you’re connecting with this narrative in real-time, supporting sustainable efforts aimed at protecting both the wildlife and the people who coexist with them.
Safaris in Kenya are bursting with wildlife, rugged beauty, and powered by communities committed to conservation. From before sunrise to after dark, what to expect on safari in Kenya is an adventure steeped in both awe and connection.
Contact Next Adventure for more information about Kenya custom safaris, as well as community-based conservation and diverse activities and community visits in East Africa.
