Welcome to Kenya

Kenya is the ultimate safari country — and so much more. On an area of 580,367 km² (about the size of France), the country combines a breathtaking diversity of landscapes and experiences:

• The Big Five — Lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo in the wild. Kenya is one of the best places in the world to see all five
• The Great Migration — Every year, over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras cross the Mara River. The greatest wildlife spectacle on earth
• Dream Beaches on the Indian Ocean — 536 kilometers of coastline with white sand, coral reefs, and Swahili culture
• Mount Kenya (5,199 m) — Africa's second-highest mountain, surrounded by mystical mountain forest with rare plants
• The Great Rift Valley — the geological rift that divides Africa, with flamingo lakes, hot springs, and dramatic escarpments
• 44 Ethnic Groups — from the world-famous Masai to the Swahili coastal culture to the Samburu in the north
• Silicon Savannah — Nairobi is Africa's tech capital, inventor of M-Pesa (mobile payment), and one of the continent's most dynamic cities

What makes Kenya special is the combination: You can watch lions in the Masai Mara in the morning, have lunch over the Great Rift Valley, and enjoy the sunset on the Indian Ocean in the evening. Safari and beach — hardly any other country offers this so effortlessly.

Kenya is also one of the most accessible safari countries in Africa: good infrastructure, English as an official language, eight hours direct flight from Germany, and a huge selection of accommodations — from backpacker camps to luxury safari lodges.

1. The Great Migration at the Mara River — Millions of wildebeest plunge into the crocodile-infested river. July to October, more dramatic than any documentary. → Chap. Masai Mara
2. Balloon Ride over the Masai Mara — Glide over the endless savannah at sunrise, with lions, giraffes, and elephant herds below you. Champagne breakfast in the bush. → Chap. Masai Mara
3. Elephant Herds in Front of Kilimanjaro in Amboseli — Africa's most iconic postcard motif: huge elephant herds in front of snow-capped Kilimanjaro. → Chap. North & Wildlife Parks
4. Adopt Elephant Orphans at the Sheldrick Trust — Watch orphaned baby elephants in their mud bath, feed them, and follow them through remote sponsorship. → Chap. Nairobi
5. Diani Beach — Africa's Most Beautiful Beach — Powdery white sand, turquoise water, colobus monkeys in the palms. Kite surfing, snorkeling, sundowners. → Chap. Coast & Beaches
6. Lamu — Time Travel to the Swahili World — UNESCO World Heritage without cars: donkey taxis, centuries-old stone houses, dhow sailing at sunset. → Chap. Coast & Beaches
7. Safari in Nairobi National Park — Lions, rhinos, and giraffes with Nairobi's skyline in the background. Nowhere else in the world. → Chap. Nairobi
8. Flamingos at Lake Nakuru — Thousands of pink flamingos turn the soda lake into a pink painting. → Chap. Highlands & Rift Valley
9. Cycling in Hell's Gate National Park — The only park you can explore by bike — among vulture colonies, zebras, and steaming gorges. → Chap. Highlands & Rift Valley
10. Samburu — The Rare Five — Grevy's zebra, gerenuk, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, and Somali ostrich are only found here. → Chap. North & Wildlife Parks
11. Nyama Choma by the Campfire — Slowly grilled goat meat under the starry sky of the savannah, with an ice-cold Tusker beer. → Chap. Food & Drink
12. Fort Jesus in Mombasa — The 16th-century Portuguese fortress tells 400 years of coastal history. UNESCO World Heritage. → Chap. Coast & Beaches
13. Snorkeling in Watamu — Turtles, manta rays, and colorful coral reefs in Watamu Marine National Park. → Chap. Coast & Beaches
14. Visit a Masai Village — Traditional dances, beadwork workshops, and learn about the life of Africa's last semi-nomads. → Chap. Masai Mara
15. Climb Mount Kenya — Through bamboo forest, moorland, and glacier ice to Africa's second-highest peak. → Chap. Highlands & Rift Valley

Kenya is located on the equator, but thanks to its altitude and proximity to the coast, it has a surprisingly diverse climate. There are no four seasons, but rather dry and rainy seasons.

🔴 Long Rainy Season: March – May

Heavy, often daily rainfall, especially in the highlands and on the coast. Roads in parks can become impassable. Lowest prices, fewer tourists, but limited safari experience. Many lodges close in April/May.

🟢 Best Time for Safari: July – October

The absolute recommendation for safari travelers:

• Dry Season: Animals gather at waterholes — perfect for wildlife viewing
• Great Migration: July to October, the wildebeest are in the Masai Mara. The Mara River crossing usually occurs in August/September
• Pleasant Temperatures: Nairobi 20–25°C, coast 25–30°C, cool nights in the Mara (10–15°C)
• Highest prices and fully booked lodges — book 6–12 months in advance!

🟢 Best Time for Beach + Safari: January – March

Kenya's second dry season — warm, sunny, and excellent for combining safari and beach vacation:

• Coast: 30–33°C, perfect swimming weather
• Parks: Animals easily visible, fewer tourists than Jul–Oct
• No migration in the Mara, but excellent predator sightings
• Birdwatching: Migratory birds from Europe are present

🔵 Short Rainy Season: November – December

Short, light showers — usually in the afternoon, sunny in the morning. The landscape is green and beautiful, prices moderate. A good time for connoisseurs!

Climate Table: Nairobi (1,660 m altitude)

Kenya is not a classic budget travel destination — mainly due to the safari costs. Park fees, guides, and lodges drive the budget up. However, outside the parks and on the coast, you can travel very cheaply.

Daily Budget per Person

Safari Costs (Main Items)

Other Costs