Kenya

The original safari — and the Great Migration’s grand stage.

Best time: Jul–Oct (migration river crossings); Jan–Feb (calving, fewer crowds)
Malaria: Malaria present in most safari areas — prophylaxis advised
Book ahead: 6–12 months for peak Mara camps
From: $450 pp / day land-only

The Maasai Mara in full migration is the global hero image of safari for a reason. Kenya pairs world-class big-cat country with private conservancies that buy you space, off-road freedom and night drives the national parks can’t offer.

When to go

Migration & dry season

Jul – Oct

River crossings in the Mara; prime game viewing; book early.

Green season

Nov – Mar

Lush, fewer vehicles, lower rates; calving in the south Jan–Feb.

Long rains

Apr – May

Quietest and cheapest; some camps close; dramatic skies.

Signature parks & reserves

Maasai Mara

Big cats and the migration’s northern stage.

Mara conservancies

Lower vehicle density, off-road and night drives.

Amboseli

Elephants beneath Kilimanjaro.

Samburu

Arid-north species you won’t see further south.

Know before you go

Conservancy: Community-owned land bordering the reserves — fewer vehicles, more freedom, a daily fee on top of the rate.
The Great Migration: A year-round circuit, not one event. River crossings in the Mara peak Jul–Oct.
Park vs. conservancy fees: Daily entry/levies of roughly $70–200/person, often quoted separately from the lodge rate.