Nomadic dani

If you’re dreaming of breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife, and unforgettable adventures, a Kenya safari should be at the top of your bucket list. Known as the birthplace of safari, Kenya offers some of the best game drives, diverse ecosystems, and luxurious lodges in Africa. Whether you’re tracking the Big Five or witnessing the Great Migration, here’s everything you need to know about an unforgettable safari experience in Kenya.

I have visited Kenya 4 times over the last 7 years, all for work related trips and for long periods (4 weeks at a time). When it comes to safaris, Kenya has decades of experience and a lot of people in Kenya are employed by the hospitality and tourism industries.

There are so many tour operators in Kenya now that I would advise to go with a will known operator who is eco friendly and has good practise when it comes to giving a safe safari experience for both yourselves but more importantly the wildlife that call Kenya their home. And when you are on safari, if there is something you are not happy with in regards to practises please do report it.

🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQ+ Rights in Kenya

Disclaimer: This is hard to say but Kenya (and a lot of African countries) still do not accept same sex relationships, they are illegal. As part of my job I am sent to various countries for filming and this side of my life I do keep quiet here. Saying that, in my experience I have seen a mixture of tourists on these trips, from solo to families, couples and groups of friends (same sex). This is a hard one for me because Kenya is beautiful and wild but these are the laws.

With that being said, from my experience here are some of the top places to visit in Kenya when it comes to your ultimate wildlife adventure!

Maasai Mara National Reserve – The Crown Jewel of Kenya’s Safaris

The Maasai Mara is one of the world’s most famous safari destinations, known for its abundant wildlife and the annual Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River in search of fresh grazing lands. You will be amazed how vast the landscape is!

I have visited the Maasai Mara main reserve, Mara Triangle reserve and all of the connecting conservancies, all of which have all of the wildlife you could ever dream of. The conservancies in my opinion are a great place to go as a lot of these are owned by Maasai people who have given up farm grazing land to be restored into wild areas. The Maasai people all own this and rent it out and using their earnings to invest in their communities, such as education and development. This also helps to restore natural wildlife corridors. I have also seen Rhinos in this area, which is rare!

Safari Highlights include the Big Five – Lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo and at the right time of year experiencing the Great Migration (July–October).

Lake Nakuru National Park & Lake Naivasha – Flamingos & Rhinos

If you love birdwatching, Lake Nakuru is a must-visit. This park is home to thousands of flamingos, along with rare white and black rhinos. I have also spent time here and the landscape feels very different to that of the Maasai Mara. Lake Naivasha is also a must see, much quieter than Nakuru. As this is only a few hours from Nairobi it is great for a short safari trip.

Amboseli National Park – Elephants & Mount Kilimanjaro

Somewhere i have yet to visit but I realllly want to go! Amboseli is famous for its huge elephant herds and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak.

Samburu National Reserve – a quieter adventure.

Somewhere else I have yet to visit but I have only heard good experiences. For a less crowded safari, Samburu offers a rugged, remote wilderness experience with unique wildlife species comapred to that of the Maasai Mara.

Safari Options

When it comes to staying in Kenya there are so many options for every budget whether you want complete luxury or more budget friendly options. Just remember to do your research and stay with a safari company that is investing back into its people, looking after the land and most importantly offering experiences that are putting the wildlife first.

Some companies now also run eco safari vehicles (so powered by electric). I personally think that the best vehicles are the proper safari vehicles (The big Toyotas that off-road with a minimal amount of people per vehicle). This allows you a better view of the animals but also comes with very knowledgable guides who will have gone through appropriate years of training to be able to drive and give you the best and safest safari experience for you and the animals. In my time I have a lot of small tightly packed mini buses that now also do safaris but I don’t recommend them.

_{The weather here can change. Check out the huge storm clouds and big skies!}

My experience

I have spent a lot of time in Kenya and it is one of my top places to visit. Here are some tips for if its your first time on safari!

• Wear neutral-colored clothing (avoid bright colours to blend in with nature), This will keep you cool but also keep the mosquito bites at bay.
• Binoculars for spotting wildlife at a distance.
• Camera with zoom lens for capturing incredible animal shots.
• Sunscreen, hat & sunglasses for protection from the African sun.
• Learn a few easy Swahili words before you go away. Kenyans are very friendly and any extra effort is always appreciated!
• Make sure to tip the people that are looking after you. This includes guides and the people working at your accommodation.
• There is more to Kenya than just the big animals. Look out for amazing coloured birds, small mammals and reptiles, beautiful flora and breathtaking landscapes.
• Be prepared for rain. In my experience general morning are clear and most afternoon when i have visited we have had a small shower.
• Make sure to look speak to a medical professional in regards to any vaccinations you may need. You will most likely be taking anti Malaria tablets.

_{A few select images of taken by myself of some of wildlife you will encounter! For more wildlife images please visit my Instagram Page}

A Kenya safari is more than just a vacation—it’s a chance to connect with nature, witness incredible wildlife, and experience rich cultures. Whether you’re watching a pride of lions in the Maasai Mara, standing in awe of elephants in Amboseli, or marveling at flamingos on Lake Nakuru, Kenya promises an adventure of a lifetime.