Elevate Destinations

Experts in socially responsible luxury travel. We design travel experiences that support conservation and local communities without skimping on comfort.

Kenya

The original safari experience

Family safaris that support conservation and community

Kenya is a luxury family safari destination, home to first-class wildlife sightings and stays at environmentally-friendly bush camps and eco-lodges.

Stay at Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, where giraffes will poke their heads into your bedroom windows, or visit the achingly beautiful plateaus of Laikipia, which offer walking and horseback safaris on exclusive private conservancies. The Maasai Mara, famed for its big cats, sees the Great Migration annually. Search for wildlife with local Maasai guides whose intuitive sense of the bush dates back thousands of years. Picnics in the open wilderness, stargazing, scenic sundowner cocktails and night drives are some activities your family can look forward to.

Visit non-profit organizations such as The Leo Project and One Horizon, where you can engage with community projects, volunteer at a children’s center, and learn how Maasai grandmothers maintain a sustainable income with pig and chicken farming.

Experience a Kenyan safari with your kids, and you'll see firsthand why Kenya is the leader in family safaris.

Take a look at how local creatives in Laikipia depicted their own home with a series of short documentaries supported by our Scene + Heard initiative.

Best times to visit Kenya

For the Great Migration: July-September
Rainy months: November, April, May

Let an expert travel designer plan your next trip

Sample Itineraries

Inspiration for your custom adventure

  • Kenya: Wild Luxury Safari

    Embark on a luxury safari to experience Kenya’s exclusive private conservancies and witness powerful conservation work in action.

  • A group of children in school uniforms run and play on a grassy field near tall bushes in Kenya, appearing happy and energetic.

    Kenya: Family Give Back Safari

    Discover Kenya off the beaten track. Community volunteering and first class wildlife make this the family trip of a lifetime.

Your Questions Answered

What to know about Kenya

What is the best time to go to Kenya?

Kenya has excellent weather from December to March and June to October. It's best to avoid the short rains in November and the long rains in April and May. Traveling during the shoulder season, from January to March, can be a cost-effective option as fewer travelers allow for better deals. Throughout the year, you can expect chilly mornings and evenings, with warm temperatures in the 70s and 80s during the day. The northern regions, such as Samburu, experience the hottest weather due to their arid desert environment.

Where are the best places to go in Kenya?

Many visitors to Kenya focus on the Maasai Mara, especially during the Great Migration from July to September. However, Kenya also offers a lot in less-visited regions like Laikipia and the Chyulu Hills. Laikipia is primarily comprised of private or community-owned conservancies dedicated to protecting endangered species. With fewer tourists in Laikipia, you can enjoy a safari experience without the crowds, all while staying in luxurious camps and lodges. Samburu is home to the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, which rescues orphaned elephants and supports local women. Beyond Samburu lies a wilder area filled with migratory birds and pastoralists. Additionally, many locations offer walking safaris, and a travel advisor can help tailor your trip to match your interests.

What vaccinations are required for Kenya?

We recommend consulting a travel doctor for specific vaccination advice tailored to your destinations within Kenya. They will have the most current information and can provide personalized recommendations based on the latest guidelines.

Why should I choose Elevate Destinations as my Kenya travel guide?

With over 20 years of experience organizing trips to Kenya, Elevate Destinations remains a specialist in East African travel. Our team visits annually to stay updated on the latest conditions in camps and lodges, and we are deeply passionate about Kenya's wildlife, conservation, and communities.

What does a typical Kenya itinerary look like?

Elevate Destinations customizes every itinerary to align with our clients' interests. However, a typical two-week Kenya itinerary begins with two nights in Nairobi, allowing time to recover from the flight and visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, the Karen Blixen Museum and the Giraffe Center. Following Nairobi, visit Laikipia for uncrowded safaris and activities such as camel riding, horseback riding, mountain biking and community visits. After Laikipia and possibly Samburu, the trip ends in the Maasai Mara, renowned for its incredible wildlife viewing, especially during the Great Migration from July to September.

What are the best things to do in Kenya?

Many visitors to Kenya are attracted by the impressive wildlife which can be found in the country's world-famous conservancies. Here, you can see elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, zebras, and giraffes, as well as a variety of bird species. Safari-goers are often surprised by the breathtaking beauty of Kenya’s wildlife areas, which offer a range of activities, including horseback riding, camel riding, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and walking safaris, in addition to traditional game drives. Kenyans are warm and welcoming; community visits are a great way to gain insight into local culture and issues. Outdoor adventures, al fresco dining, and learning about Kenya’s many tribes are highlights of any trip. For a unique experience, private helicopter tours to remote regions are also available.