Iconic Africa

Kenya

The Original Safari Destination

Kenya is the home of the original safari (the word ‘Safari’ means journey in local KiSwahili) and is still, quite deservedly, Africa’s most iconic wildlife destination. One-tenth of all land in Kenya is designated as national parks and reserves, the most famous being the Maasai Mara playing host to the annual migration of thousands of wildebeest and zebra. North of the equator, the Laikipia Plateau stretches from the slopes of snow-capped Mt. Kenya to the rim of the Great Rift Valley. Here you can combine game viewing to view Kenya’s endangered black rhino with activities such as mountain biking, river rafting and camel safaris. Amboseli and Samburu Game Reserves lie off the beaten track and are famous for vast herds of elephant. For relaxation, the magnificent Indian Ocean boasts beautiful white sandy beaches and marine reserves where the pace slows to that of the Swahili fishermen.

Campaign style luxury tented camps and private bush homes invoke an ‘Out of Africa’ romanticism and many of the privately owned conservancies are at the heart of pioneering wildlife conservation and community programmes. All combine to conjure up a collage of images that have become synonymous with an African safari.

Kenya’s diverse regions
from the Mara to Samburu

Laikipia Plateau & Lewa Conservancy

Many of these privately managed wildlife areas are at the forefront of modern-day conservation. Having created plenty of success stories they have become a stronghold for rare species, notably black and white rhino. Not being subject to national park rules also means there is a vast variety of activities on offer such as horse and camel riding, patrols with anti-poaching units and more. Lewa and Laikpia receive a fraction of the number of visitors that other parts of Kenya do, making for a unique, exclusive and truly rewarding safari experience.

Maasai Mara & Mara Conservancies

The Maasai Mara is world famous for its rolling savanna landscape and the annual spectacle of the wildebeest migration, when millions of plains game and the predators that follow, wend their way to greener pastures. Outside this phenomenon there are many resident wildlife species that make the Mara their home year-round so the game experience here is always phenomenal. Of course, the Mara is also home to the handsome Maasai people, resplendent in their striking red and synonymous with Kenya's landscape.

Samburu & beyond

A place of baked orange earth and parched vegetation, Samburu is a harsh, arid environment - yet wildlife and colourful cultures still flourish here. It’s best known for the Samburu people, especially their colourful dances, clothing and the singing wells, but another huge draw is Samburu’s wildlife. Samburu is home to some unusual and specially adapted species such as Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe and gerenuk. The big cats are never far away, while swirling above, martial eagles, bateleurs and pygmy falcons patrol the skies.

Amboseli, Tsavo & Chyulu Hills

Amboseli is a photographer’s dream, with snow-capped Kilimanjaro forming the backdrop to wide open spaces where large herds of elephant roam. Tsavo East & West have their own distinct ecosystems with Tsavo East home to open, undulating plains whilst Tsavo West is hillier, and dotted with volcanic ridges. Between these two huge areas lie the stunning Chyulu Hills where open plains and rolling hills are scattered with rocky outcrops. You are unlikely to see another soul whilst game driving or hiking here – we love it!

Laikipia Plateau & Lewa Conservancy

Maasai Mara & Mara Conservancies

Samburu & beyond

Amboseli, Tsavo & Chyulu Hills

Unforgettable experiences in Kenya

Witness the great wildebeest migration

Observe the extraordinary singing wells of Samburu

Have breakfast with Giraffes

Float in a hot air balloon over the Mara at sunset

Gallop through the African bush

Experience hands on conservation in Lewa

Ride for Lions with the Great Plains Foundation, Kenya

Sleep under the African night sky on a starbed

A selection of our favourite places to stay in Kenya

Elephant Pepper Camp – Maasai Mara

Cheetah Country

Elephant Pepper is a small and remote seasonal boutique camp situated in the Mara North Conservancy on the edge of the Maasai Mara Game Reserve in an area teeming with game, making it the perfect base to explore the magic of the Mara. Read More

Giraffe Manor – Nairobi

Breakfast with the famous residents

Not many places in Africa can claim true international celebrity. Giraffe Manor can. Set in 120 acres of forest 20kms from Nairobi, the manor is a world away from the bustle of the city. It offers an unparalleled wildlife experience as giraffes vie for attention at the breakfast table, the front door and even your bedroom window. Read More

Mara Plains Camp – Maasai Mara

Luxury in the Mara

This exclusive tented camp boasts sweeping views and with just seven rooms, is among the smallest and most personal camps in the Mara. Being placed in one the richest wildlife ecosystems in the world also means that rarely a night passes without lion roaring nearby or seeing leopards regularly wandering through camp. Read More

Sirikoi – Lewa Conservancy

Secluded eco-luxury

Sirikoi is a spectacular lodge situated on private land in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy with a gold rating for eco-tourism and conservation. With only four luxury guest tents, Sirikoi offers unparalleled hospitality, fabulous game and top environmental credentials making it one of Kenya’s leading lodges. Read More

Alex Walker’s Ngare Serian – Maasai Mara

Safaris of character and substance

If you ever dreamed of having your own slice of Africa, look no further than Ngare Serian, a snug little camp that hugs the banks of the northern section of the Mara River in Kenya. It can only be reached on foot over a narrow rope bridge and is a cosy, intimate place to detach yourself from the modern world. Read More

Sarara – Matthews Mountain Range

A community venture remote and unspoilt

Sarara is situated in the remote Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy in northern Kenya where the savannah plains and lush mountain slopes are home to rare wildlife and the proud Samburu people. It offers a wild safari in this lesser known and dramatically beautiful ‘northern frontier’ of Kenya. Read More

Kalepo Camp – Matthews Mountain Range

Oasis of the rugged North

Kalepo offers a real break from the 'norm' of safari game drives, and a remarkable Kenyan experience set in a dramatic landscape. The resident Samburu people form the heart and soul of the region and the absolute highlight of your stay is spending time in their company. Read More

More places to stay

Elephant Pepper Camp – Maasai Mara

Giraffe Manor – Nairobi

Mara Plains Camp – Maasai Mara

Sirikoi – Lewa Conservancy

Alex Walker’s Ngare Serian – Maasai Mara

Sarara – Matthews Mountain Range

Kalepo Camp – Matthews Mountain Range

A collection of safaris in Kenya

See Itinerary

Maasai Mara with Safaris Unlimited – 6 & 8 Night Options

Set Departure | Horseriding safari Kenya

Riding amongst Africa’s animals is an active, exhilarating and adrenalin fuelled safari. The six or eight night riding safari with Gordie and Felicia Church of Safaris Unlimited traverses the greater Mara Conservancies (adjacent to the Masai Mara), on a mobile safari that is full of punch and all class. Experiencing this spectacular unfenced and expansive wilderness eco-system on the back of a horse is a journey like no other.

See Itinerary

Great Walk of Africa with Tropical Ice

Set Departure | Kenya Mobile Hiking Safari

This is Africa’s definitive walking safari. Hiking for several days along two of the most beautiful rivers on the continent, which are the home to the biggest elephant herds in Africa, it’s no wonder this trip has been described as ‘the greatest African bush experience on the continent’.

See Itinerary

Kids on Safari

Inspiration Itinerary | Kenya's playground

Kenya offers a sensational family holiday, imagine feeding a giraffe over breakfast, watching hippos wallow in the mud, seeing lion in their natural habitat. Kenyans love kids and families and many safari camps offer 2-bedroom family tents so you are safe under one roof. The camps cater for kids of all ages with kid packs, guided walks around camp looking for dung beetles, cooking classes and other thrilling and educational adventures to.

See Itinerary

Kenyan Air Safari

Inspiration Itinerary | North to South by plane

Kenya is famed for the Masai Mara, with its prolific game sprawled across vast open plains. It is also the location of one of Mother Nature's greatest spectacles; the annual wildebeest migration, with millions of wildebeest followed by zebra, plains game and predators. Flying over these landscapes is a highlight of any Kenya safari, however, you will also visit Lewa and the Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy in northern Kenya for further diversity.

See Itinerary

Classic Kenya

Inspiration Itinerary | Amboseli, Laikipia & Masai Mara

Home to the original safari, this classic Kenya itinerary combines time in Nairobi to see the highlights, then a light aircraft charter flights carries you across the country to Amboseli, which sits in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro; Laikipia offers dramatic views of Mount Kenya and finally, the famed Masai Mara, with its vast plains full of game and the annual wildebeest migration is the perfect end to this safari.

See Itinerary

Ker & Downey Kenya Mobile Safari

Mobile Camping Safari | The Original Outfitters

Ker & Downey Safaris was founded over sixty years ago, based on the concept of using the finest equipment with the most experienced professional guides. In addition, these safaris would be creatively tailored to suit you and your interests. Using private mobile camps you will visit remote areas, move on or stay put as ones mood dictates and be free of timetables, all factors which contribute towards making a Ker & Downey safari exceptional in every way.

See Itinerary

Kenya in Style with Julia Salnicki

Set Departure | September 2025

Join long time friend of The Classic Safari Company, Julia Salnicki, on this insightful small group Kenyan safari, packed full of wildlife encounters and enriching cultural experiences. Blending the world famous Maasai Mara with the remote and wildlife rich Laikipia and northern Kenya regions, including a visit to the remarkable Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, this journey offers one of the most comprehensive explorations of Kenya imaginable.

More safaris

Kath from The Classic Safari Company did an amazing job in putting together our wonderful trip to Kenya and Zanzibar.

Mr & Mrs Adams

A wonderful trip to Kenya that went without a hitch.

Mr & Mrs Langley

The Classic Safari Company offers so much experience and passion! Every aspect of our experience in Kenya and Tanzania was planned to perfection!

Jo-anne & Dean Mifsud

Kenya truly awakened me. Maasai, Pokot, Turkana and Samburu are the tribes I had the utmost honour of spending time with. My experience solidified the meaning of tribe. That we’re all connected, we’re all one.

Ms Franks

Begin your journey now

Take advantage of our highly personalised advice, inspiration and experience

CALL 1300 130 218