What You Need to Know: A Kenya safari usually centers on the Maasai Mara (US$100–200 per day entry, migration July–October), with Amboseli and Lake Nakuru (US$90 each) and the coast. Our Kenya itineraries combine it with Tanzania or with gorilla trekking, from US$2,892 per person for 6 days, for 2 travelers at mid-range lodges with park fees included.
Where to Go on a Kenya Safari
| Destination | Known for | Time from Nairobi |
|---|---|---|
| Maasai Mara | Big cats; the migration July–October | 5–6 hours by road, 45 minutes by air |
| Amboseli | Elephants with Kilimanjaro behind them | 4–5 hours |
| Lake Nakuru | Black and white rhinos | 3–4 hours |
| Lake Naivasha | Boat rides, walking among giraffes | About 2 hours |
| Ol Pejeta | Rhinos, chimpanzees, the Big Five | About 4 hours |
| Samburu | Northern species, leopards | 5–6 hours |
| Tsavo East and West | Red elephants, wilderness | 4–5 hours |
| Diani Beach | White sand, reef, dolphins | 1 hour by air |
| Lamu | Swahili old town, dhows | 1.5 hours by air |
Every destination has its own guide below, with fees, travel times and the best time to go.
Our Kenya Safari Itineraries
Our Kenya trips pair the country's best parks with Tanzania or with gorillas. Prices are starting prices per person for 2 travelers at mid-range lodges (luxury for the luxury safari), including park fees and the permits listed; regional flights are quoted separately and your written quotation gives the final price.
| Itinerary | Days | From (per person) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tanzania and Kenya | 6 | US$2,892 | Serengeti and Maasai Mara by road |
| Maasai Mara and Serengeti | 9 | US$4,338 | Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara |
| Luxury Kenya and Tanzania | 13 | US$11,050 | Six parks at luxury lodges |
| Maasai Mara and Rwanda gorillas | 9 | US$5,938 | Mara, gorillas, golden monkeys |
| Kenya and Uganda gorillas | 10 | US$5,620 | Mara, Nakuru, Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth |
| Kenya and Uganda | 14 | US$7,798 | Amboseli, Nakuru, Mara, chimps, gorillas |
| Kenya and Rwanda gorillas | 14 | US$8,348 | Mara, Nakuru, Amboseli, gorillas, Lake Kivu |
We can also plan a Kenya-only safari, for example a 5-day private Maasai Mara safari from Nairobi, or add the coast, Samburu or Ol Pejeta to any route.
Kenya Park Fees in 2026
| Park | Non-resident adult |
|---|---|
| Maasai Mara National Reserve | US$100 per day January–June, US$200 July–December |
| Amboseli, Lake Nakuru (premium parks) | US$90 per 24 hours |
| Nairobi National Park, Tsavo East and West, Meru | US$80 per 24 hours |
| Hell's Gate | About US$50 |
| Ol Pejeta Conservancy | About US$110 per day |
Kenya Wildlife Service fees rose in October 2025 and are paid through the eCitizen system; the Maasai Mara is run by Narok County. All fees are included in our quotations.
How We Run Kenya Trips
Our Kenya trips are planned by us and run on the ground by trusted local partner operators: you get one written quotation and one point of contact, and a private vehicle with a driver-guide for your group only. In Kenya that is a 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, sliding windows, a fridge and binoculars. We plan the route with you, our Kenya partners cost it, and we send you one written quotation and stay your contact throughout. A sample from our partners' quotes: a private 5-day Maasai Mara safari from Nairobi for 2 travelers at Mara Sopa Lodge, with the Land Cruiser, guide, park fees and full board, came to about US$2,500 per person in April.
When Is the Best Time for a Kenya Safari?
June to October is the dry season and the best time overall, with the migration in the Mara from about July to October. January to March is also dry and quieter. April and May are the long rains, with lower lodge prices; November brings short rains.
Kenya Entry Requirements: eTA, Health and Insurance
Every visitor to Kenya needs an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), about US$30–35, applied for at etakenya.go.ke at least 3 days before you fly. Kenya is on the yellow fever list, so carry your certificate if you continue to Tanzania, Uganda or Rwanda. US citizens need a passport valid for six months.
Kenya or Tanzania: Which Safari Suits You?
Kenya is easier to reach, with the Mara close to Nairobi and plenty of flights; Tanzania has more space, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, and Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar. You don't have to choose: the two are linked by road at Isebania–Sirari and Namanga, and our 9-day Maasai Mara and Serengeti safari crosses from one to the other. See also our Tanzania safaris.
How to Book a Kenya Safari
A 30% deposit confirms your trip and the balance is paid on arrival. Refunds: 100% if you cancel 60 days or more before arrival, 90% at 30–59 days, 60% at 15–29 days, 25% at 10–14 days, and nothing under 10 days. Gorilla and chimpanzee permits follow the park authorities' own rules and are usually non-refundable once issued.
Common Questions About Kenya Safaris
How much does a Kenya safari cost?
Our Kenya itineraries start from US$2,892 per person for 6 days, for 2 travelers at mid-range lodges with park fees included. A private 5-day Maasai Mara safari starts from US$2,410 per person for 2 travelers at mid-range lodges.
When is the Maasai Mara migration?
Usually July to October, with August and September the peak for river crossings.
Do I need a visa for Kenya?
You need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), about US$30–35, applied for online at least 3 days before travel.
Can a Kenya safari include gorillas?
Yes: fly from Nairobi to Kigali or Entebbe, as in our Maasai Mara and Rwanda gorilla safari.
Who runs your Kenya safaris?
Trusted local partner operators in Kenya, with private Land Cruisers and driver-guides; we plan the trip and stay your contact.
The Bottom Line
Kenya gives you the Maasai Mara, Amboseli and the coast within a short drive or flight of Nairobi. Combine it with the Serengeti or with gorillas for the best of East Africa.
Tell us your dates, the number of travelers and what you want to see, through the booking form, on WhatsApp +255 678 992 599 or by email to jaynevytours@gmail.com, and we will send a written quotation and itinerary.