10 Reasons Why Kenya Remains Africa’s Top Safari Destination

Kenya has a long-standing reputation as one of the best places to see nature and wildlife in their natural habitats. Many people who travel to Kenya return time after time because the country provides visitors with amazing experiences with animals and a variety of different landscapes, cultures, and well-established tourist services. No matter if you’re going for the first time or you’ve been going for many years, there will always be something different when you go to Kenya.

We will provide you with 10 reasons why Kenya is the number one safari location in Africa.

1. Home to the World-Famous Maasai Mara

The Maasai Mara National Reserve is a central point in Kenya for the most spectacular safaris anywhere in Africa. It remains one of Earth’s finest wildlife areas.

The reserve is famous for;

• The Annual Great Migration of Wildebeests
• There is an abundance of lions.
• Fabulous mammals such as giraffes, elephants, and hunting dogs are also present.
• The ability to see many species such as zebras, antelopes, etc…

Every year from July through October, nearly 1.5 million wildebeests, thousands of zebras, and antelopes traverse into the Maasai Mara during this spectacular time of year known as The Great Migration. This life-changing experience attracts all the best photographers and filmmakers around the globe, and those who love wildlife.

In addition, the Maasai Mara offers:

• Hot Air Balloon Safari
• Full-Day Game Drives
• Cultural Visits to Maasai Communities
• Privately Owned Conservancy With Exclusive Access

All of these combined experiences will ensure that the Maasai Mara is a top destination in Africa and continues to provide visitors with the best possible safari experiences.

2. Kenya Has an Incredible Variety of National Parks

Kenya has more safaris than most African countries combined. Here are examples of different safari landforms in Kenya:

• Grassland Safaris
• Lake Safaris
• Mountain Safaris
• Forest Safaris
• Desert Safaris and Coastal Habitat Safari

Some of Kenya’s best-known safari parks include:

• Amboseli National Park (home to large Elephant herds and views of Mount Kilimanjaro)
• Lake Nakuru National Park (famed for the flamingos and rhinos)
• Tsavo East & Tsavo West National Parks (the largest intact wilderness left in Kenya)
• Samburu National Reserve (home to many endangered species)
• Meru National Park (remote areas with little development)
• Nairobi National Park (wild animals with a city skyline)

With these numerous Eco safaris, you have an excellent opportunity to see many different ecosystems in just one country. Enjoying a grassland safari, mountain adventure, and lake wildlife viewing will allow you to explore the multifaceted nature of this beautiful country without leaving the country!

3. The Great Wildebeest Migration

Considered by many to be one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders, the Great Migration has been described as one of the most incredible natural spectacles in the world. This enormous phenomenon is a significant driving force behind why many people travel to Kenya for a safari on their bucket list.

July through October is when massive herds will start their journey across the Mara River, and this experience has a very theatrical and unpredictable nature to it due to the crocodiles lurking in the waters waiting for their prey, the predators who are standing on the river banks waiting to pounce once they see a herd crossing, and the thousands of wildebeest and zebras that will all leap at once into the river as they search for survival.

Witnessing the migration while on a safari in Maasai Mara, Kenya, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, as Kenya provides tourists with the most excellent views of the Great Migration because of the area’s flat, open terrain and accessibility.

4. Kenya Has Unique Wildlife Found Nowhere Else

The country of Kenya has a one-of-a-kind wildlife ambiance for tourism, as there are many species of wildlife that are only found within the region.

Kenya’s Samburu region is known for having a very special collection of five unique animals, including:

• Grevy’s zebra
• Somali ostrich
• Reticulated giraffe
• Beisa oryx
• Gerenuk

Although these species can be seen in many different locations around Africa, they are best represented by the northern region of Kenya, where they thrive in relatively dry environments. In addition to having an abundance of recreational and cultural attractions, northern Kenya contains spectacular scenery and mountain ranges to view. The Ewaso River provides habitat to many species and provides them with much-needed water when moisture is scarce.

The combination of both popular safari animals and unique species results in Kenya being one of the most popular safari destinations in the world.

5. Easy Access From Nairobi City

Nairobi is among the most important tourist departure points in Africa for safaris; therefore, it is relatively easy to travel to Kenya when;

• Most International Cities have direct air service to Nairobi
• Nairobi has paved roads leading to major Game Parks
• Wilson Airport provides daily service to Safari Country
• Reliable hotels, restaurants, and transport services
• Safaris are easy to book

Also, Nairobi National Park is located within 15 minutes of the city. Visitors can enjoy seeing lions, rhinos, and giraffes with Nairobi’s skyline in the background—this is something you won’t find in any capital city worldwide.

6. Kenya Offers Safaris for Every Budget

Kenya’s diversity is one of its major advantages, since it caters to all types of travelers:

• Budget Safaris – these include group joining tours, shared Land Cruiser safaris, and budget tented camps.

Some examples include:

• 3-day Masai Mara budget safaris
• Affordable camping safaris
• Shared tours to Amboseli Lake, Nakuru, and the Mara
• Public or eco-camps located in the parks
• Mid-Range Safaris – for those looking for more comfort, hot showers, and larger facilities.
• Luxury Safaris – Private Conservancies, Fine Dining, and Exclusive Vehicles provide a premium experience.
• Private Kenya Safaris – these allow the traveler to have complete control over their schedule, route, and photo opportunities.

Because Kenya provides something for every travel style, it is a destination that attracts backpackers, honeymooners, families, photographers, and solo travelers.

7. Beautiful Landscapes That Change Across the Country

Kenya has a large variety of geographical regions, each unique and beautiful in its own way, and offers travelers a constantly changing view of all aspects of nature, from mountains to lakes.

The Maasai Mara is an open savanna landscape with plenty of long grass that provides animals with a surface for food.

There are many mountain and forest regions in Kenya that provide cool climate conditions and green foliage, such as Mount Kenya.

In the Rift Valley region, there are many freshwater lakes with varied wildlife such as large numbers of flamingos, hippopotamus, and many types of bird species. These lakes are Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, and Lake Elementaita.

Tsavo West is a great example of a volcanic landscape where there are vast lava flows, craters, and jagged rock formations.

Semi-arid and Desert landscapes comprise the Northern Regions of Kenya, such as Samburu and Marsabit, which have breathtaking dry terrain.

Beautiful beaches located on the coastal regions of Kenya, including Diani, Watamu, Lamu, and Mombasa, are perfect for visitors who have completed their safari journeys and are looking for an opportunity to unwind and relax. Traveling through Kenya allows for an experience that is like visiting several different countries within one trip.

8. Strong Culture and Authentic Local Experiences

Kenya has over 40 ethnic communities, each with its unique language, culture, and cuisine. Visitors will be able to enjoy genuine cultural experiences through:

• Visiting Maasai villages.
• Watching Samburu warriors dance.
• Experiencing Swahili culture on Kenya’s coast (Mombasa).
• Taste traditional African cuisine.
• Buying handmade crafts and beadwork.
• Shopping at a local market

Many visitors also find great cultural diversity when visiting the Maasai and Samburu communities while on safari. Many visitors will want to learn about:

• The importance of cattle.
• How a Maasai/Samburu family builds their house.
• How to make cloth and beadwork.
• How a Maasai/Samburu family lives.
• Cultural mythology and music.

Interacting with these communities makes your safari much more.

9. Kenya’s Coast Offers the Perfect Beach-and-Safari Combination

Kenya has some of the most stunning beaches in the world. You can fly straight from your safari experience in either the Maasai Mara or Amboseli to some of the finest oceanside resorts on the east coast of Africa.

Kenya has many beach hotspots on both sides of the island, including:

Diani Beach

Consistently rated as one of Africa’s best beaches with its pristine white sands and turquoise waters. Diani Beach is also home to many upscale beach resorts.

Mombasa

Not only is Mombasa steeped in history, but it is also full of exciting Swahili cultural experiences, including visits to the famous Fort Jesus.

Watamu

Watamu is an area protected by a marine reserve and has crystal-clear ocean waters, making it ideal for diving and exploring coral reef systems.

Lamu Island

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lamu Island is known for its unique Swahili architectural style, and is also popular for dhow sailing.

Combining spectacular world-class safari experiences with gorgeous beaches, Kenya continues to be one of the most sought-after all-around travel destinations in Africa.

10. Kenya Has Reliable Safari Infrastructure

Kenya has invested significantly in its safari tourism industry over the years, creating a well-developed safari infrastructure that provides travelers with:

• Well-trained wildlife safari guides
• Quality safari vehicles
• Good roads
• Safe in-country air travel
• Quality lodge accommodations
• National park rules that are easy to follow

Kenya’s well-established safari infrastructure gives it a competitive advantage over most other safari destinations around the world.

Why Kenya Continues to Lead the Safari World

Kenya is an unbeatable safari destination when you consider the many factors that come together to create it: the diversity of wildlife and landscapes, well-developed infrastructure, financial flexibility in terms of pricing, a culture rich with history and customs, and the Great Migration as an attraction…

Travelers seek out the true essence of what makes up Kenya — an authentic experience where local people are friendly and welcoming, parks are carefully managed with an emphasis on conservation, and the journey itself is filled with excitement from beginning to end… Kenya has an offering for everyone, whether you prefer a straightforward group safari or a high-end private luxury journey.

When planning your next African vacation, make sure to include Kenya in your itinerary because it is still the best place to get close to nature with wildlife, see magnificent sights, and create memories that will last a lifetime… For this reason, there is no reason not to be aware of why Kenya remains the number one safari destination in Africa!