Classic Kenya: Masai Mara, Amboseli, Diani
Duration : 12 days
Route : Nairobi (1 night) → Masai Mara flight (3 nights) → Amboseli flight (2 nights, Kilimanjaro) → Diani beach flight (4 nights) → return Nairobi (1 night)
Custom travel to Kenya
Kenya is one of the world's most iconic safari destinations — East African country, 580,000 km² (1.1 times France), 55 million inhabitants, where wildlife coexists with 42 human ethnicities (Maasai, Kikuyu, Samburu, Turkana, Pokot). Cradle of humanity (Olduvai Gorge at border, hominid fossils Homo habilis 1.8 million years). 23% of territory in protected areas, 60 national parks and reserves. Masai Mara ('the marbled' in Maa, 1,510 km², northern extension of Tanzanian Serengeti) — theater of Great Wildebeest Migration from August to October, one of the world's highest predator densities (lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas), spectacular Mara River crossings. Amboseli (at the foot of Kilimanjaro, iconic view of elephants at the foot of Africa's roof 5,895 m, Africa's most iconic image). Samburu (in arid north, endemic 'Special Five' wildlife: Grevy's zebras, reticulated giraffes, Beisa oryx, Somali ostriches, gerenuk antelopes). Lake Naivasha (Rift Valley freshwater lake, hippos, giraffes, hiking). Tsavo (largest park, red dunes, red-dust-covered elephants). Diani and Watamu beaches on Indian Ocean (Swahili coast, Arab heritage). Perfect safari + beach combination in 12-14 days. One of Africa's most iconic destinations.
Highlights
- Masai Mara: Great Migration and Big Cats
- Amboseli: elephants at the foot of Kilimanjaro
- Samburu: Special Five (endemic wildlife)
- Lake Naivasha: hippos and flamingos
- Diani beaches (Swahili coast)
- Authentic Maasai: boma visits
Sample itineraries
Complete Kenya: Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, Naivasha
Duration : 14 days
Route : Nairobi (1) → Samburu (3, Special Five) → Lake Naivasha (1) → Masai Mara (3) → Amboseli (2) → Diani (3) → Nairobi (1)
Exclusive Kenya: Angama and Mnemba
Duration : 12 days
Route : Nairobi (Hemingways, 1 night) → Angama Mara (4 nights, world top) → Ol Donyo Lodge Amboseli (2) → Diani Alfajiri Villa (4) → return
When to go
June-October is the best period (dry season, wildlife concentrated at water points, Mara crossings August-October). January-February: 2nd dry season, still abundant wildlife. Avoid April-May (long rains, some lodges closed) and November (short rains).
- Dry season (Migration) (July – October) — Great Migration in Mara August-October
- Short dry season (January – February) — Migration return to South, wildebeest births in Serengeti
- Long rains (March – May) — To avoid for safaris (difficult roads)
- Short rains (November) — Green landscapes, few tourists
Practical information
Safe in safari zones and beaches (vigilance Nairobi pickpockets, Somali border not recommended). Online eTA for French citizens ($35, since 2024). Mandatory yellow fever vaccine if arriving from endemic country. Antimalarial recommended. Avoid tap water. Cards accepted in premium lodges and big cities, cash (USD or shillings) elsewhere. Appropriate attire for Maasai (covering). Ranger tipping $10-$20/day (essential for their income).
Frequently asked questions
When?
June-October (dry season, Mara crossings August-October). January-February (alternative). Avoid April-May (rains).
How long?
12 days for Masai Mara + Amboseli + Diani. 14 days to add Samburu.
Budget?
€4,800-€6,500 per person for 12 days in comfort, excluding flights. Premium: €8,500-€12,000. Flights: €800-€1,200.
Visa?
Online eTA ($35, since 2024). Mandatory yellow fever vaccine if arriving from endemic country.
Family?
Yes, from age 8-10. Family lodges available. Diani beaches ideal for children (coral reef protects).
How to get around?
SafariLink/AirKenya domestic flights between parks. Safari 4×4 with ranger.
Kenya or Tanzania for Migration?
Tanzania (Serengeti) houses migration 9-10 months/year. Kenya (Masai Mara) only August-October. For spectacular Mara crossings: Kenya August-October.
See Big Five: possible?
Possible in Masai Mara (all 5 species) but requires several game drives (3 days minimum). To guarantee: add Tanzanian Ngorongoro.
Combine?
Yes: Kenya + Tanzania (Migration Tanzanian side), Kenya + Rwanda (gorillas), Kenya + Madagascar.
Tips?
Essential for rangers ($10-$20/day) and lodge staff. Important income source.