The leopards and baboons were vocalizing under the almost full moon while we slept under the stars on the deck of our Banda… Wonderfulness all.
— Rosemary R., Sunnyvale, CA
From the late 70’s when Next Adventure’s founders traversed Mount Kenya and went on a camping safari in the Masai Mara and Samburu, Kenya has been an absolute favorite. We find its classic and dramatic East African beauty unparalleled. Today still the country’s savannas, deserts, highlands, snowy peak and beaches host a rich and varied wildlife including unique desert-adapted species.
Kenya has it all – warm and welcoming people, fascinating cultures, stunning scenery and distinctive wildlife attractions including the magnificent annual wildebeest and zebra migration, so it remains a not-to-be missed safari destination.
Learn more about our work on Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown Kenya
Safari Ideas
Kenya has an international reputation for its classic East African beauty. The country has savannas, deserts, highlands and beaches that contain a rich and varied wildlife population. The presence of a colorful diversity of culture is also one of Kenya’s greatest attractions. Over thirty tribes inhabit Kenya. The five largest and best known are the Masai (or Maasai), the Samburu, the Tugen, the Turkana and the Kikuyu. These groups share a semi-nomadic, pastoral lifestyle, and each has a unique and rich culture. Kenya’s hospitable people, fascinating cultures, great tourist destinations and, especially, stunning scenery and wildlife make it a popular and unique destination.
Kenya is a large and diverse country. Although straddling the equator, the landscape is mostly semi-desert savannah. The climate is generally dry with warm days and cool nights although altitude and prevailing winds affect local conditions. Mount Kenya’s highlands are typically cooler while the northern and lower desert areas are warmer. Safaris operate year-round although East Africa has two rainy periods. The “short rains” fall in November/December and the “long rains” in April/May when lower rates may be available, and the environment is lush and full of life.
The Masai Mara is the centerpiece of any first safari in Kenya. Depending on the season we might recommend camps in different areas of the National Reserve or the surrounding private/community conservancies (especially during Peak Season.) We often combine the Mara grasslands with the rugged Northern Rangelands around Laikipia and Mt Kenya or the spectacular marshes and views of Mt Kilimanjaro in Amboseli.
Quality safari experiences can be found at a wide range of budgets, incorporating overland and flying circuits, and there are outstanding options for small groups of friends and families.
Access is always improving, and Kenya itineraries easily combine with destinations in Tanzania for longer safaris or Rwanda & Uganda for primate trekking experiences.
Kenya Safari Destinations
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Kenya Camps & Lodges
Kenya Experiences
Amboseli Trust for Elephants
The Amboseli Trust for Elephants aims to ensure the long-term conservation and welfare of Africa’s elephants in the context of […]
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Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust
Working to protect the legendary ecosystems and astounding biodiversity of East Africa through conservation efforts that directly benefit wildlife, wilderness […]
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Project Ranger
Project Ranger fills a critical gap in wildlife monitoring, surveying, and anti-poaching operations of existing NGO’s in Africa through an […]
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Asilia Positive Impact
By making bold, and often pioneering, investments into areas that are ecologically and economically vulnerable, Asilia aims to turn the […]
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Rhino Recovery Fund
The Wildlife Conservation Network created the Rhino Recovery Fund (RRF) with the goal of protecting rhinos from wildlife crime and […]
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Pangolin Crisis Fund
The threat to pangolins is severe and there is no time to lose, that is why the Wildlife Conservation Network […]
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Lion Recovery Fund
Created by the Wildlife Conservation Network in partnership with the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, the Lion Recovery Fund funds game-changing conservation […]
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Elephant Crisis Fund
To battle this surge in ivory poaching, the Elephant Crisis Fund is identifying and supporting the most effective projects and […]
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Pack for a Purpose
Pack for a Purpose travelers have taken over 194,783 kgs (428,522 pounds) of supplies meeting essential needs in over 60 […]
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Sanctuary Retreats Philanthropy
A commitment to conservation and responsible tourism has been an integral part of the construction of the properties and daily […]
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Wildlife Works
Wildlife Works is the world’s leading REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation) program development and management company with an […]
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The Pangolin Project
The Pangolin Project is a non-profit organization in its start up phase that was founded in January 2019. It works […]
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SORALO
SORALO is a community-based and community-driven land trust established in 2004 to unite 16 Maasai communities in the management and […]
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Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
As one of Africa’s oldest wildlife charities and a leading conservation organisation, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) embraces all measures […]
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Save The Elephants
Their mission is to secure a future for elephants and to sustain the beauty and ecological integrity of the places […]
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Safe Water for School Initiative
Creating access to clean drinking water is one of the most powerful ways to improve the world. The Safe Water […]
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Reteti Elephant Sanctuary
The Reteti Elephant Sanctuary is situated in the remote Mathews Range, among Kenya’s second largest elephant population. It takes in […]
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Northern Rangelands Trust
The Northern Rangelands Trust supports 39 community conservancies across northern and coastal Kenya. Together, we are changing the game; supporting […]
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