Kenya
Where most of our safaris run
Kenya is where Chiwo Global Adventures is based and where most of our trips take place. The parks sit within reasonable distance of each other and of Nairobi, which means you can cover two or three in a week without spending the whole trip in a vehicle.
The country also gives you a choice of endings. Many clients finish on the coast, where the pace changes completely after several early mornings in the bush.
Plan My SafariMaasai Mara
The Mara is open grassland with some of the highest predator densities in Africa. Wildebeest herds usually arrive between July and October. River crossings can happen during this period, but not on a schedule, so patience matters more than trying to time one specific day.
The conservancies bordering the reserve are worth considering. Vehicle numbers are limited, and night drives and walking safaris are permitted there, unlike inside the main reserve. Wildlife viewing can be as strong as it is in the reserve itself.
Travel time: About five to six hours by road from Nairobi, or a short flight.
Amboseli
Amboseli is known for large elephant herds moving across open plains, with Kilimanjaro behind them. The mountain is often clearest early in the morning and again at dusk, but can remain hidden for days during the rains.
The park is compact, so two nights is normally enough.
Travel time: About four hours by road from Nairobi.
Tsavo East and Tsavo West
Together, Tsavo East and Tsavo West form one of the largest protected areas in the world. Tsavo East is open and dry, with red earth that stains the elephants. Tsavo West is greener and more broken, with Mzima Springs and views towards the volcanic hills.
Tsavo sits between Nairobi and the coast, which makes it a natural stop on the way to Diani rather than a separate trip.
Samburu
North of Mount Kenya, the landscape turns dry and rocky, and the wildlife changes with it. Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, gerenuk and Somali ostrich are found here and not further south. The Ewaso Nyiro River draws animals through the day.
Samburu suits travellers who have been on safari before and want something different from the Mara.
Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha
Lake Nakuru is fenced and holds both black and white rhino. Flamingo numbers rise and fall with the water level. Naivasha offers boat trips, walking among wildlife on Crescent Island and cycling in nearby Hell's Gate.
Both are close to Nairobi and work well at the start of a longer trip.
Diani and the South Coast
Diani is a long stretch of white sand with a reef offshore. Beyond the beach, there is snorkelling and diving at Kisite Marine Park, dhow trips to Wasini Island and the Shimba Hills a short drive inland.
Watamu and Malindi on the north coast are quieter alternatives.
Nairobi
Nairobi National Park is the only national park bordering a capital city. It has rhino, lion and giraffe against a city skyline. It works well for a half-day trip at the start or end of a safari, particularly for anyone arriving on an early flight with time to fill.
Mount Kenya
Point Lenana, the trekking summit, is reachable without technical climbing. The Sirimon, Chogoria and Naro Moru routes each take four to five days. Slower routes offer a better chance of success because they allow more time to acclimatise.
January and February
Hot and dry. Vegetation is thin and animals gather at water, so game viewing is reliable. This is a good period for photography and for the coast.
March to May
The long rains. Some roads become difficult and a few camps close, but the parks are green, quiet and often less expensive. Expect afternoon downpours.
June to October
The main dry season and the busiest period. The wildebeest herds are usually in the Mara from July, and crossings can continue into October. Book early for these months, particularly for the Mara.
November and December
Short rains, usually brief and in the afternoon. Migratory birds are present from November, which makes this the strongest period of the year for birding.
Five days covers two parks at a comfortable pace. Seven to ten days lets you combine the Mara with Amboseli or Samburu and still finish on the coast. With fewer than four days, most of the trip is spent travelling.
If your time is tight, flying between parks rather than driving can save a full day or more. We will advise when it is worth the extra cost.
Most trips run by road in a 4x4 or tour van with a driver-guide. This gives you flexibility and helps keep the cost down.
Light aircraft connect Nairobi's Wilson Airport with airstrips in the Mara, Amboseli, Samburu and on the coast. They are worth considering when the alternative is a long drive.
The SGR train between Nairobi and Mombasa is a comfortable option for reaching the coast. We can arrange transfers to meet you at either station.
International flights arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, and some coastal trips use Moi International Airport in Mombasa.
Most visitors need travel authorisation before arrival, and requirements can change. We confirm what applies to your nationality when we prepare your quote and can help with the application.
Yellow fever certification may be required depending on your route and where you have travelled before. Malaria precautions are advised for most parks and for the coast. Speak to a travel clinic well before you fly.
Park entry and conservation fees are charged at different rates for citizens, residents and non-residents. These are included in every quote we send.
Where to go in Kenya
Maasai Mara
Big cats and the migration months
Amboseli
Elephants beneath Kilimanjaro
Tsavo
Space, and plenty of it
Samburu and the North
Different country, different species
The Rift Valley Lakes
Close to Nairobi, and worth the stop
Diani and the South Coast
Where most safaris end
Nairobi
More than a transit point
Mount Kenya
The second-highest mountain in Africa
Tell us what you would like to see
Send us your dates, who is travelling and the parks you have in mind. If you are not sure which parks suit you, tell us what you want from the trip and we will suggest a route.