Safaris in Kenya

Going on safaris in Kenya is simple. Many people are doing it; however, some have had bad experiences. But a bad experience doesn’t mean danger. Thankfully, serious incidents are rare, so don’t worry. As a first-time traveller, you should be thinking about how to plan your safari right for the best experience. This safaris in Kenya travel guide will show you how to have a fantastic adventure and avoid common mistakes that could spoil the trip. Keep reading to learn how to make your safari fun and stress-free.

Safety Measures for Safaris in Kenya

Wow! You just saw your first lion. Seeing this animal in the wild makes the whole safari worth it. But here’s the thing: Kenya’s beautiful landscapes also have risks that could spoil your trip.

Leaving the van for a perfect photo is tempting, but that could turn you into the next unlucky traveller people talk about. From wild animals to harsh conditions, a safari needs careful planning.

There are essential rules to follow to stay safe and enjoy your trip.

Safety During Safari Game Drive

A safari game drive is a fantastic adventure, but how you act in the vehicle can make or break the experience for everyone.

Therefore, there are some actions you need to avoid. Perhaps you were chatting loudly, not knowing that you made the lions in the area vanish, ruining the experience for everyone. Or your music was so loud that it disturbed your fellow travellers and the animals. Other behaviours include standing in the vehicle, feeding animals, etc.

One of the main jobs of your safari guide is to keep you safe. They are experts who know animal behaviour, rough terrain, and ways to prevent danger. Therefore, make sure to follow their instructions.

Safety When Camping

Camping in the wild is an experience you don’t want to miss. But the wild also comes with some… unexpected visitors.

Here’s how it usually goes: You camp, crawl into bed, and sleep off. Then, at 1 AM, you wake up scratching because your hand is covered in bites. What happened? Mosquitoes just had a feast on you. And the worst part? You might leave with malaria! Instead of enjoying game drives, you’ll be searching for medicine.

Apart from mosquitoes, other insect bites can cause itching and infections. Below are some of the ways to protect yourself from insect bites;

• You should apply insect repellent before sleeping.
• You should sleep under a treated net.
• If the weather allows, you should wear fitted long sleeves.
• Make sure you zip up your tent before sleeping.
• Keep food away from your tent to avoid attracting hungry animals.

Safety When Encountering Baboons

Baboons are unlike other wild animals, which also means they require extra caution. Why? Because they have no shame and a lot of confidence. These sneaky thieves will grab anything they can. Leave your car window open? They’ll take it as an invitation. Look away for a second? Your snacks are gone. And once they snatch something, good luck getting it back!

Below are tips to keep out Baboons:

• Keep your valuables hidden and avoid carrying things that might catch their eye.
• Feeding baboons only makes them bolder. Once they link humans with food, they become even more daring.
• It has been reported that baboons have been seen jumping into cars to steal bananas in Uganda’s Kibale National Park. A baboon breaking into your car isn’t a pleasant experience. Therefore, always roll up your windows properly.

When Is the Best Time to Experience Safaris in Kenya?

People often recommend July to September or January to February for a safari. These months offer great wildlife sightings but have challenges that not all travellers would like. Those times are peak seasons, which usually have higher prices.

Furthermore, many travellers go on safari. So, to snap a lion close-up, you will need to fight 20 other tourists for the perfect angle.

The best time to visit Kenya depends on your goals. Do you want to witness the Great Migration or something else? Different seasons offer different experiences.

Below, we’ll highlight the best times for top safari experiences.

Best Time to See the Wildebeest Migration

The best time to see the wildebeest migration is during the dry season. This is from July to September. This is when millions of wildebeest cross the Mara River.

The dry season makes water less available, so animals gather around waterholes. This makes it easier to spot them and capture stunning photos.

Note: This is the busiest travel season, so book early to avoid the crowds.

Best Time for a Kenya Safari

Sunny days make safaris more enjoyable. The best months are from June to October and January to February. These are the times you can easily see animals because they gather at waterholes.

For a quieter experience, January to February is a good option. Plus, there are fewer mosquitoes because there is less standing water.

Cheapest Time for a Kenya Safari

Travel between November and December or March to May for a budget-friendly safari in Kenya. This is the rainy season. The difficulty in the season lowers the price and crowd. An advantage is that some animals, like hippos, are more active during this time.

However, there are downsides. Roads can get muddy, and some remote areas may be hard to reach.

Top Destinations for Safaris in Kenya

Maasai Mara

Next to Tanzania’s Serengeti, the Maasai Mara is one of Kenya’s most famous safari spots. It’s named after the Maasai people, who have lived there for generations. This park houses the Big Five: lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos. It also houses herds of zebras and gazelles.

One of the most significant experiences is the Great Wildebeest Migration, in which over a million wildebeests cross the plains. This fantastic event makes Maasai Mara a must-visit destination.

Another fantastic experience is seeing the tall acacia trees. These trees are so tall that they provide shade for elephants and giraffes.

Amboseli National Park

In this park, you will be standing on an open plain, watching herds of elephants pass by. In the distance, giraffes stretch their necks to reach the tall acacia trees. It is unique because you also get a clear view of Africa’s tallest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. This is what Amboseli National Park offers.

The park is famous for its close-up elephant sightings, making it the perfect place to capture amazing photos. For more details about this park, see this article.

 Nairobi National Park

Just a short drive from Nairobi’s city centre, you’ll reach the National Park. It offers a unique safari experience without leaving the city. As you explore, you’ll see the Nairobi skyline in the background.

The park is home to four of the Big Five: lions, leopards, black rhinos, and buffalos. However, you won’t find elephants here since they prefer larger areas with more plants to feed on.

 Tsavo West & East National Parks

Tsavo West and Tsavo East are other notable parks in Kenya. These parks are known for their red soil, volcanic hills, and rocky landscapes.

At Tsavo West, you can visit Mzima Springs, a series of natural pools fed by underground rivers. But be careful; crocodiles and hippos are often found there.

In Tsavo East, you’ll likely see herds of elephants. However, the Big Five can be spotted in the Tsavo area.

This is just a glimpse of what you can experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kenya a good destination for a first-time safari?

Yes, Kenya is an excellent place for a first-time safari. It has top parks, many animals, and well-planned tours, so you can find what works for you.

What are the different types of safari tours in Kenya?

Kenya has two main types of safari tours: private and group. Private safaris let you decide where to go, when to travel, and which parks to visit. They are best for those who want a personal and special experience.

Group safaris in Kenya follow a planned schedule and route. They are usually cheaper and last between 3 to 7 days.

Small groups share a vehicle, making it an excellent choice for those who want to travel on a budget and meet new people.

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