Where I Went on a Safari in Kenya

Going on an African safari in Kenya was one of the most memorable trips I’ve ever taken. I’d dreamed about it for years, but I wasn’t sure where to begin or how to plan the logistics. Once I finally committed to the trip, I learned a lot—both from research and from the actual experience. If you’re thinking about doing a safari in Kenya, I’ll walk you through where I went, how I planned it, and what I’d do differently next time.

There are a lot of variables to consider—from which region to explore to how much you’re willing to spend. Planning around the wildlife you want to see, the type of accommodations you prefer, and the overall feel of the trip can really shape the experience. I’ll share what worked well and what I’d adjust if I did it again.

Key Points

• Combine two different safari regions for more wildlife variety and contrasting landscapes
• Consider smaller private conservancies for a more flexible, low-crowd experience
• Choose a guide who has good reviews for a more engaging and proven experience.

Where I Went on an African Safari in Kenya

I spent most of my time in Masai Mara National Reserve and Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Both offered something totally different, and that contrast made the trip feel more complete.

The Masai Mara was exactly what I pictured when I thought of a traditional safari—huge herds, open plains, and lots of big predators. I was there in late August during the tail end of the Great Migration, and seeing that many animals moving together was surreal. The wildlife density was incredible. Lions, elephants, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras—you could spot all of them in a single drive.

Ol Pejeta Conservancy, in contrast, felt more intimate. It’s located in Laikipia and blends wildlife viewing with active conservation efforts. It’s one of the few places where you can see both black and white rhinos and also do night drives or walking safaris. The pace is slower, but I loved how it allowed me to focus on smaller moments and different species.

What It Was Like in the Masai Mara

I stayed at a mid-range safari camp near the Talek River. It was basic but comfortable—canvas tents with en-suite bathrooms, hot water provided by a solar system, and meals served in a communal open-air dining area.

What really made it special was the location. Being close to the river meant we often heard hippos at night and saw wildlife just beyond the camp boundaries during the day. It made every early morning game drive feel like an extension of the camp itself.

The Masai Mara ecosystem is dense with animals, so we didn’t need to drive far to start spotting wildlife. Mornings were especially active—on our first drive, we saw a lion pride feeding on a wildebeest, elephants walking across the road, and a group of hyenas trailing a zebra herd. The sheer number of sightings each day was something I hadn’t experienced anywhere else, and it quickly set a new bar for what a safari could feel like.

That said, this is one of the most visited safari regions in Kenya. Some high-profile sightings, like cheetahs on the hunt or a leopard in a tree, attracted multiple vehicles. There were times when we pulled up to a scene with five or six other jeeps already gathered. It didn’t ruin the experience, but it did remind me that the Mara, while legendary, isn’t exactly off the beaten path. Still, the quality and variety of wildlife made it absolutely worth it.

Why I Loved Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Ol Pejeta was quieter, and I liked that. It’s a private conservancy in Laikipia, so it doesn’t get the same volume of tourists as more popular reserves. That made the game drives feel more relaxed and personal, with fewer vehicles at each sighting and a stronger connection with the landscape.

One of the highlights for me was the opportunity to do a night drive—something not allowed in most national parks. That’s when we saw animals I wouldn’t have seen otherwise, like aardvarks, genet cats, and bat-eared foxes. It gave the experience a whole different dimension.

What stood out even more was how much emphasis Ol Pejeta places on education and conservation. The guides weren’t just drivers—they were deeply knowledgeable about the ecosystem, and shared detailed insights on species protection efforts, habitat management, and animal tracking techniques.

The conservancy is also home to the last two remaining northern white rhinos, which we were able to visit under strict supervision. That moment really brought home how much of a role these safari destinations play in wildlife preservation, not just tourism. It added a layer of meaning to the experience that I hadn’t anticipated.

Safari Costs and What I Spent

The cost of a safari depends heavily on the region, type of accommodation, time of year, and how you structure your trip. I booked a mid-range safari with a local operator, and it came out to about $3,800 per person for a 7-day trip. That price included round-trip domestic flights from Nairobi to the Masai Mara and Laikipia, six nights of lodging (split between a tented safari camp and a conservancy lodge), twice-daily game drives, all meals, and park and conservancy fees.

In addition to the base cost, I spent around $300 on extra expenses—tips for guides and camp staff, a few drinks that weren’t included, and some small souvenirs along the way. My round-trip international flight from the U.S. to Nairobi cost about $1,100, so my total trip cost was closer to $4,900.

If you're on a tighter budget, there are group safaris that start around $150–$250 per day. These often include shared vehicles and simpler accommodations, but they still provide solid wildlife experiences. On the higher end, luxury safaris can run $800–$1,200 per day or more, with private guides, boutique lodges, and premium services like chartered flights and gourmet dining.

The time of year plays a big role too. I went in August during high season, which is more expensive due to the Great Migration and good weather. If you’re looking to save, shoulder season (like March or November) often comes with lower rates—sometimes 20–30% less—without sacrificing too much in terms of wildlife viewing.

For a deeper breakdown across all budgets, check out how much safaris typically cost.

What I’d Do Differently Next Time

Next time, I’d stay longer at Ol Pejeta or explore one of the smaller conservancies around the Mara, like Naboisho. These private areas usually allow off-road driving and offer a more flexible game drive experience.

I’d also look into simplifying the logistics with a more all-inclusive itinerary. That would save time on organizing transport between regions and figuring out permits and fees on the go.

Depending on your priorities, other destinations across Africa offer completely different safari experiences. Some places are better for seeing specific species, others for avoiding crowds, and some for combining wildlife with cultural experiences. It’s worth exploring the best places to go on safari in Africa to compare your options.

Helpful Considerations While Planning

Kenya is just one of many incredible options for a safari. Each African safari country has its own rhythm and character. South Africa is ideal for first-timers, Tanzania is unmatched during the Great Migration, and Botswana offers a remote, water-based experience. Uganda and Rwanda stand out for gorilla trekking. Namibia, Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique each have their own appeal depending on how wild or curated you want the trip to be. Even places like Gabon and the Republic of Congo are emerging as options for those looking for something entirely different.

Wildlife, accommodation style, safety, terrain, and cost vary a lot from place to place. It’s also worth considering the safest countries in Africa to visit, especially if you’re traveling for the first time.