Elevate Destinations

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

Kenya

Eco-Luxury Safaris and Tours

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.

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Sample Itineraries

Inspiration for your custom adventure

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What our travelers are saying

  • “It was just an amazing adventure offering an experience unequalled and something that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. I’d recommend Elevate for the personal service, the wonderful itinerary, and their intimate knowledge of each lodge and conservancy.”

    –Lisa Warren, Kenya

  • Six people in outdoor clothing and hats stand in a row on a dirt path beside a rhinoceros in Kenya, with trees and bushes in the background under a blue sky with clouds.

    “Lana, Emily, and the Elevate team provided extraordinary service from the planning through the execution. Every question or concern was answered promptly with great attention to detail. The trip firmly placed Kenya in our hearts and souls.”

    –The Patterson Family, Kenya

  • A giraffe leans its head through a large window into a dining room in Kenya, eating from the table as a smiling family of four enjoys their meal and watches the animal.

    “It felt like Kenya and the perfectly curated trip encouraged true connection with our kids—no screens, no distractions, just a deeper understanding of the world and of nature. At every turn of our trip, my husband and I witnessed our young children absorb their new surroundings and were in awe as we saw them become young travelers themselves. ”

    –The Baird/Ryan Family, Kenya

  • A group of zebras graze near an acacia tree in the grassy savanna of Kenya, with a dirt road curving through the landscape and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

    “An adventure of a lifetime. The highlights were the people and the animals. Elevate Destinations made all connections seamless. Itinerary design was catered to all of our interests and abilities. All accommodations were diverse but wonderful.”

    –Bonnie Cauffman, Kenya

  • Kenya: A giraffe with a distinct pattern stands among tall grass and green bushes in Kenya, with flat-topped trees and mountains in the background under a clear sky.

    “It not only fulfilled a dream of mine to go on a safari in Africa, but it exceeded any expectations I ever had of the experience. Elevate designed the perfect trip for a first time safari. ”

    –Cindy Watson, Kenya

  • “We spent three weeks on safari in the beautiful Laikipia region of Kenya. I can’t begin to describe the beauty of the camps and lodges, the kindness of the staff and guides, and the transformative experiences they created. The trip surpassed our every expectation and we ended up extending our stay by an extra week because we couldn’t bear to return.”

    –Leanna McGrath and family, Kenya

  • “I was blown away by how wonderful this trip was. Transportation, food, everything was all taken care of which left us to enjoy the animals and our new friends. I would highly highly recommend this trip to anyone! ”

    –Kelly Ward, Kenya

  • “Our family feels very lucky that we found Elevate Destinations. Dominique and her team pulled off our trip-of-a-lifetime vision weaving together service opportunities that were just right for our kids and a luxury safari experience that outperformed our wildest hopes. We would like to do every trip with them, forever more.”

    –Jagerson Family, Kenya

  • “The key to Elevate was that the focus was on smaller, family-run lodges, and that truly delivered the most authentic and best possible safari experience for us. No crowds, highest quality accommodations and food, seamless arrangements, excellent management and staff at every stop along the way. Thank you Dominique and Elevate staff for all that hard work!”

    –John DeGarmo, Kenya

  • “My first safari experience was supposed to help me unplug, but in fact it plugged me into what is most important. Being immersed in the wild was life-changing, awe-inspiring, funny, beautiful, touching and scary all at once. I felt entirely at one with the animals and the elements and connected as I never had been before.”

    –Virena Hermann, Kenya

  • “It was satisfying to know that the money we were spending was directly fostering conservancy and the Samburu people. Each place we stayed was both lovely and utterly dedicated to the animals and the community. One highlight was how playful and funny the guides were with our kids and us. Thanks Dominique, for pointing us to Kenya and devising our fantastic trip.”

    –Laura Solinger and Family, Kenya

  • “We just came back from our 30th anniversary dinner at Sirikoi. We are completely speechless. It was a once in a lifetime experience. The evening drive did not return ‘home’ but brought us to a special remote location where a private campsite had been prepared for dinner for two. Incredible. THANK YOU SO MUCH for this very special arrangement. We will treasure it for years to come.”

    –Arty and Max Coppes, Kenya

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.
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