The Ultimate Guide to Kenya Safaris

Masai Mara

The Masai Mara is undoubtedly Kenya’s most famous wildlife reserve, renowned for the annual Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the Mara River in search of greener pastures. The Mara offers an unparalleled wildlife experience, including the Big Five—lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos.

Jan – June
$100 per adult for 12 hours
$50 per child for 12 hours

July – Dec
$200 per adult for 12 hours
$100 per child for 12 hours

Distance from Nairobi
Approximately 270 km (5 hours by road, 1 hour by flight)

Amboseli National Park

Known for its large elephant herds and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli is a photographer’s paradise. The park’s landscape is dominated by swamps and marshes, providing a unique backdrop for wildlife viewing.

$60 per adult per day
$35 per child per day

Distance from Nairobi
Approximately 240 km (4 hours by road, 45 minutes by flight)

Samburu National Reserve

Samburu is a less frequented but equally captivating reserve located in the arid northern region of Kenya. The park is home to unique wildlife species, such as the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and Somali ostrich, which are not found in other parts of the country.

$60 per adult per day
$35 per child per day

Distance from Nairobi
Approximately 350 km (6-7 hours by road, 1 hour by flight)

The Great Rift Valley

A dramatic geographical wonder stretching across Kenya, the Great Rift Valley is home to a series of picturesque lakes and escarpments teeming with birdlife and wildlife. Highlights include Lake Naivasha, known for boat safaris and hippos; Lake Nakuru, famed for flamingos and rhinos; and Lake Elementaita, a quiet, scenic escape. The valley offers diverse safari experiences—from game drives to hot springs, crater lakes, and panoramic viewpoints.

Park Entry Fees (Lake Nakuru National Park)
$60 per adult per day
$35 per child per day

Distance from Nairobi
Approximately 160 km to Lake Nakuru (2.5–3 hours by road)
Approx. 100 km to Lake Naivasha (1.5–2 hours by road)

Tsavo

Tsavo is Kenya’s largest national park. Tsavo is divided into East and West, each offering distinct experiences. Tsavo East is known for its vast, arid landscapes and red elephants, while Tsavo West features lush, hilly terrain and the stunning Mzima Springs

$60 per adult per day
$35 per child per day

Distance from Nairobi
Approximately 240 km to Tsavo West (4 hours by road)
Approximately 300 km to Tsavo East (5 hours by road)

Ol Pejeta (Mt Kenya Region)

Ol Pejeta is renowned for its successful rhino conservation efforts and is home to the last northern white rhinos. The conservancy offers a mix of wildlife experiences, including walking safaris and night drives.

$110 per adult per day
$55 per child per day

Distance from Nairobi
220 km (approximately 3.5 hours by road or 40 minutes by flight)

Basic Info

Time Difference

Kenya is 3 hours ahead of GMT.

Average Climate

During your safari to Kenya you will cross several weather zones: Nairobi – cool and dry, Mt. Kenya – chilly, Masai Mara – pleasant weather but chilly during the early morning game drives. Our rainy season is from November – December and April – June that involves short light showers that stop within an hour or so. Please prepare your clothes accordingly. Informality is the keynote. Be prepared for cool evenings at higher altitudes and on safari, try to wear neutral colors as much as possible. Green, beige and khaki are best not to startle the game. A hat and a pair of sunglasses are advisable for protection against the sun. Laundry can be done at most lodges. Light comfortable shoes are important.

Currency Conversion

The currency of Kenya is the Kenya Shilling (KES).

Entertainment & Night Life

Nairobi offers the most choices for entertainment in Kenya, with an assortment of casinos, nightclubs, and movie theatres. The main theatres offer Hollywood features, with an assortment of Bollywood films showing in many of the cinemas. Nairobi and Mombasa both offer a good selection of dance clubs. Some clubs offer live entertainment in Nairobi, otherwise most feature discos with a DJ. Local theatres are located in Nairobi and Mombasa, providing productions of popular plays. Many hotels and lodges provide evening entertainment. Often this will include traditional tribal dancing.

Visa & Passport

Traveling to Kenya is now easier than ever! Visitors to Kenya no longer require a visa. Instead, all travelers simply need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). The ETA is quick, straightforward, and guaranteed for every eligible traveler—so you can book your trip with confidence.

Passport Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.
• Make a few photocopies of your passport—keep one with you (separate from the original) and leave one at home for safekeeping.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

• Since January 2024, Kenya requires most visitors to obtain an ETA before arrival.
• The ETA replaces the old visa system—visas on arrival are no longer issued.
• Apply online at the official portal: www.etakenya.go.ke.
• Processing usually takes about 3 working days, and approval is guaranteed for all eligible travelers.

Who Doesn’t Need an ETA?

• Citizens of certain countries are exempt from the ETA requirement.
• This includes travelers from East African Community partner states (Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo) as well as some Caribbean and Pacific nations.
• For the latest exemption list, check the official ETA website.

What You’ll Need to Enter Kenya

• Valid passport
• Approved ETA (if required for your nationality)
• Return or onward ticket
• Proof of sufficient funds for your stay

Health & Safety

Kenya is a very safe country to visit. Its tourism industry is one of the most important in the country and thousands of travellers go on safari safely every month.

Air Evacuation insurance

For any dire emergencies, our air evacuation policy is there for you, included with every safari.

Certified driver guides/ safari directors

All our driver guides and safari directors have been rigorously trained to adhere to our very stringent safety measures.

24/7 concierge service

For any help whatsoever, small or big, our concierge service is always there for you.

Fully inspected Vehicles

Our vehicles are inspected and serviced after every safari with backup vehicles always on standby.

On ground offices

With our offices and Cosmic directors on ground in Africa you can be rest assured we’ve always got your back.

Health and Hygiene

We prioritize guest well-being with sanitized vehicles, high hygiene standards at lodges, and travel in malaria-low-risk zones. Medical support is never far.

Safe from City Crime

Our guests spend their time in remote, peaceful safari regions—far from urban crime zones—with no security issues on the tourist circuit.

Anti-theft measures

All accommodations and vehicles are secured, and our staff is trained to safeguard guest belongings, with safes available in most lodges.

Trusted Safari Circuit Only

Our itineraries stick to Kenya’s well-established and secure safari routes, where tourism is the main economy and safety is paramount.

Secure Accomodation partners

We only work with vetted lodges and camps that meet international safety and hygiene standards, with 24/7 security on site.

Packaging List

Proper planning and packing is the key to a safe and comfortable trip to Kenya. Make sure you keep the following in mind when packing for your trip.

Remember that Kenya has a tropical climate. You should prepare yourself for a wide variety of conditions that may include dust, and wet, hot and/or cool weather. Put careful thought into your preparations and pack accordingly depending on your reason for traveling to Kenya and the activities you intend to participate in. Furthermore, make certain that your luggage can withstand harsh conditions as well, particularly if you intend to travel to different parts of the country. You also need to keep the requirements of the airline you will be flying with in mind. And don’t forget to leave some space to bring back gifts!

Here are some basics to have when packing for your trip to Kenya:

Do’s & Don’ts

• We understand that you want to take as many pictures of the beautiful country as possible, but before you begin to take pictures of houses or people, ask for their permission. In some cases, you may be required to offer a tip for those pictures.

• Watch your money. Make sure that, when switching currency you do so in a reputable hotel, foreign exchange bureau or bank.

• Do not display your valuables to the world; this will keep you from being the target of theft.

• Only carry what you need in regards to money when venturing out.

• Keep yourself “undercover” – do not display jewelry.

• If you are going on a safari, watch your clothing choices. Bright colors (such as whites and blues) attract wild animals as well as insects. Camouflage clothing, is in some cases, illegal to wear.

• Never approach a wild animal, even if they appear harmless.

• Drinking water – it is safer to drink bottled or mineral water.

• Tipping is OK although not mandatory in most places. A tip of $5 (or equivalent) is acceptable for most services.