How many parks should I visit on my first safari?

Stick to 2-3 parks maximum. More parks means more driving time and less actual game viewing. Better to spend 2-3 days in each park than rushing through many.

Is it safe to drive myself on safari?

Not recommended for first-timers. Professional guides know animal behavior, best viewing spots, and park roads. Self-drive saves money but you'll see far fewer animals and risk getting lost.

What's the difference between parks and conservancies?

National parks have more tourists and restrictions (no night drives or walking). Private conservancies cost more but offer exclusive experiences, night drives, and walking safaris with fewer crowds.

Do I need malaria medication?

Yes, most Kenya safari areas are malarial zones. Consult a travel medicine doctor 4-6 weeks before departure. Common options include doxycycline or atovaquone-proguanil.

How much should I tip safari guides?

Tip your driver-guide $10-15 per person per day, lodge staff $5-10 daily, and camp staff collectively $20-30 per day for your group. Tips are a significant part of their income.

How to plan your first Kenya safari itinerary

Plan 7-10 days focusing on 2-3 parks to avoid excessive driving. Include Maasai Mara for the Great Migration (July-October) or year-round game viewing, plus either Amboseli for elephant herds or Tsavo for fewer crowds. Book accommodations 3-6 months ahead, especially for peak migration season.

Choose your safari season. July-October offers the Great Migration in Maasai Mara but costs 40-50% more and requires booking 6 months ahead. November-June has better prices, fewer crowds, and excellent game viewing year-round. Avoid April-May for heavy rains.
Pick 2-3 parks maximum. For first-timers: Maasai Mara (2-3 days) for Big Five and migration, plus Amboseli (2 days) for elephants with Kilimanjaro views, or Lake Nakuru (1-2 days) for flamingos and rhinos. Add Tsavo East or West (2 days) if you want fewer tourists.
Plan your routing. Fly into Nairobi. Drive times: Nairobi to Maasai Mara 5-6 hours, to Amboseli 4 hours, to Nakuru 3 hours. Book domestic flights (Wilson Airport) to save time: Nairobi-Maasai Mara costs $200-300 each way and takes 45 minutes.
Book accommodation by park access. Stay inside park conservancies for better game viewing and fewer restrictions. Maasai Mara: conservancies like Ol Choro or Motorogi cost $300-800 per person daily but offer night drives and walking safaris. Budget options outside parks start at $100 daily.
Arrange transport and guides. Hire a 4WD vehicle with driver-guide for $150-200 daily including fuel. Reputable operators: Gamewatchers Safaris, Governors' Camp, or Basecamp Explorer. Avoid the cheapest options - your guide makes or breaks the experience.
Plan your daily schedule. Game drives at 6:30am-9am and 4pm-6:30pm when animals are most active. Rest during midday heat. Most lodges include all meals and game drives in their rates. Budget extra for park fees: $70-80 per person per day for major parks.

How many parks should I visit on my first safari?: Stick to 2-3 parks maximum. More parks means more driving time and less actual game viewing. Better to spend 2-3 days in each park than rushing through many.
Is it safe to drive myself on safari?: Not recommended for first-timers. Professional guides know animal behavior, best viewing spots, and park roads. Self-drive saves money but you'll see far fewer animals and risk getting lost.
What's the difference between parks and conservancies?: National parks have more tourists and restrictions (no night drives or walking). Private conservancies cost more but offer exclusive experiences, night drives, and walking safaris with fewer crowds.
Do I need malaria medication?: Yes, most Kenya safari areas are malarial zones. Consult a travel medicine doctor 4-6 weeks before departure. Common options include doxycycline or atovaquone-proguanil.
How much should I tip safari guides?: Tip your driver-guide $10-15 per person per day, lodge staff $5-10 daily, and camp staff collectively $20-30 per day for your group. Tips are a significant part of their income.