The Ultimate Kenya Safari Guide: Best Tips for an Unforgettable Adventure

A safari in Kenya is one of the most incredible experiences you can have. Whether you’re watching lions stalk their prey, spotting rhinos in a private conservancy, or driving through endless savannah at sunrise, it’s a trip that stays with you forever. We’ve done it, we loved it, and we’ve put together everything you need to know—what to pack, when to go, and the best place to stay.

Best Time to Visit Kenya for a Safari

Kenya is an incredible safari destination all year round, but the season you choose will impact your experience.

• June to October (Dry Season)

  • Best for wildlife spotting—animals gather around water sources.

  • Minimal rain, so game drives are easy.

  • Peak season, so lodges book up quickly and prices are higher.

• November to May (Green Season)

  • Lush landscapes and fewer tourists.

  • Best time for baby animals.

  • Some short rain showers, but nothing that ruins the trip.

• July to October (Great Migration in the Maasai Mara)

  • Millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles cross the Mara River.

  • One of the most dramatic wildlife spectacles in the world.

  • Expect larger crowds, especially in the Maasai Mara.

    
    

We went in the dry season, and it was absolutely perfect.

What to Pack for a Kenya Safari

Packing smart makes a huge difference on safari. You’ll want layers, comfort, and a few essentials to make the trip easier.

Clothing

• Neutral-colored clothes (khaki, brown, olive) to blend into the environment.

• Layers—mornings and evenings are cold, but afternoons are warm. A fleece is a must. We recommend this one.

• Comfortable boots—not full hiking boots, but sturdy shoes that can handle dusty game drives. We wore these, and they were perfect.

  
  

Essentials

• Sun protection—wide-brim hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen.

• Binoculars—you’ll regret not having them when a leopard is just out of camera range.

• Power bank—charging points can be limited at lodges.

• Bug spray—mosquitoes are no joke.

  
  

For Safari Planes

• Soft-sided luggage—most safari planes have strict 15kg limits, and hard-shell suitcases won’t fit in the hold. We used these soft bags, and they worked perfectly.

• Motion sickness prevention—bush planes can be bumpy. Bring sickness bands and anti-sickness meds if you get queasy.

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Where We Stayed: Borana Lodge, Laikipia

We stayed at Borana Lodge, and it was one of the best safari experiences we’ve ever had.

Why Borana Conservancy is Special

• It’s a private conservancy, meaning fewer crowds and more exclusive wildlife encounters.

• One of the best places in Kenya to see rhinos in the wild.

• You can do horseback safaris, night drives, and bush walks, which aren’t allowed in national parks.

  
  

Why We Loved Borana Lodge

• Each cottage is built into the landscape, giving you unreal views right from your room.

• You get a private veranda and open fireplace—perfect for chilly nights.

• The food is next-level good.

• It’s completely conservation-focused—every stay directly funds rhino and elephant protection.

  
  

If you want a safari experience that is both luxury and meaningful, Borana Lodge is the place to go.

Safari Tips You’ll Be Glad You Knew

• Game drives start early—expect 5 AM wake-ups, but trust us, they’re worth it.

• Ask your guide to turn off the Jeep engine—you’ll be amazed how much closer animals come when it’s silent.

• Take breaks from the camera—you don’t want to spend the whole trip looking through a lens.

• Pack a solid pair of sunglasses—the glare on the savannah is intense.

• Tip your guides well—they make the experience. Safari tipping is expected.

• Don’t expect Wi-Fi—some lodges have it, but many remote camps don’t. Enjoy the digital detox.

  
  

Final Thoughts

A Kenya safari is unlike any other trip. The wildlife, landscapes, and experiences are unforgettable, and if you’re planning one, we can’t recommend it enough. Whether it’s your first safari or your tenth, there’s always something new to see.

Thinking about booking a safari? Let us know which destination you’re most excited about. And if you want more Kenya content, check out our Instagram for highlights from our trip.