Kenya Central Highlands safaris, tours & holiday packages
The Central Highlands
Mount Kenya looms large near some of Kenya's best national parks, where you might spot unusual animal species
The central highlands, dominated by the Aberdare mountains and Mount Kenya, are often visited because it's so easy to get there from Nairobi. The highlands are drained by rivers towards the east into semi-arid areas. They were traditional ranch land and are mostly privately owned. Recently, private owners have combined areas to create space for wildlife to return. There are wonderful conservation areas that have well-managed safari experiences. The central highlands include some species not found in the southern parts of Kenya. The chance of spotting Grevy's zebra, beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich and gerenuk make visiting the northern parts of the central highlands floodplains worthwhile. It's a secluded area that's well managed and, recently, well conserved. Old elephant routes and trails have been reopened and it's a sanctuary for endangered species like rhino.
Popular Kenya Central Highlands safaris
These popular itineraries can be customised to match your budget and travel dates
Masai Mara Safari Adventure (6 days)
Explore the jewel in Kenya's crown; the wildlife-rich Masai Mara National Reserve
$ 2,625
£ 2,011
R 46,560
€ 2,231
per person
6 days
Migration Safari in Kenya and Tanzania (8 days)
See the beauty of nature's greatest wildlife spectacle in two countries
Price on Request
per person
8 days
Kenya Bush and Beach Family Safari Itinerary (12 days)
It's easy to see why so many visitors flock to Kenya from around the world to experience a truly unique African adventure in one of the world’s most pristine safari destinations.
Price on Request
per person
12 days
“The central highlands in Kenya's Laikipia province is a wonderful end to your safari. I recommend that you go to the south and the renowned Masai Mara first to get the big cats and migration out of the way, then visit a few Laikipia properties for the perfect end to your Kenyan safari.”
More on Kenya Central Highlands holidays
Laikipia East includes the Lewa Wildlife Reserve and the reserves of Shaba, Samburu and Buffalo Springs. Laikipia North used to be the core cattle ranching area but it's now being restored to its original glory, with excellent safari experiences. The Eastern part of Laikipia isn't often visited but includes Meru National Park, which is well worth visiting for its good sightings and lack of traffic. It's better to fly into the central safari circuit than to drive because of Nairobi's traffic and the uncomfortable two-hour drive to get to the central highlands. Southern Laikipia includes the town of Nanyuki, which acts as the hub of central Kenya, and this is where you'd fly to when visiting the central highlands. Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the northern edge of the saddle between the Aberdares and Mount Kenya, is the main attraction of the southern parts.
Kenya Central Highlands Map
Kenya Central Highlands's location on Google Maps
Frequently Asked Questions about Kenya Central Highlands
Safari/bucket showers are common in mobile or tented camps where there is no permanent plumbing. They are an effective yet environmentally friendly way to shower where water is at a premium and provide plenty of hot water to wash… go there.
Safari lodges have guest rooms similar to a hotel with en-suite bathrooms. They are comfortably furnished with all facilities normally associated with a 3-star hotel. Tented lodges have rooms which are tents on a platform and with a roof and… go there.
Language The official language in Tanzania is Swahili but there are hundreds of other local dialects. English is the second official language and the country's commercial language. It is also the main teaching language used for all higher… go there.
December to March are the sunniest months and perhaps the best time to visit. There are some cloudy periods and rain from March to May, and drizzle from October to early December which may restrict clear views. However, Mount Kenya National… go there.
While a safari holiday can be at any time of year, it is worth noting that seasonality will impact the type of experience you’re likely to have as well as the cost of your safari. During the dry season, the wildlife tends to congregate… go there.
Family safaris in Africa are a worthwhile and meaningful experience. Aside from spending quality time with your nearest and dearest under a wide blue African sky, a safari in Africa offers invaluable experiences including unique cultural… go there.
Life on safari has a rhythm of its own, largely dictated by the animal's movements. Generally, the most rewarding times for game viewing is in the cooler early mornings and also late in the afternoons when the animals are most active. A… go there.
The months of December through March and July through October are dry, making them by far the best months to visit the Samburu National Reserve. When the wildlife viewing is at its prime. go there.
May to October is the best time to visit Tsavo East and West National Park. The wildlife is easier to spot - since they gather around the waterhole. go there.
Reviews on our Kenya Central Highlands safaris
Discover Africa and Carel has put in such an effort for us to experience the annual wildebeest migration, meticulous planning and accurate predictions with logical and the best accommodation options both sides of the Mara River guaranteed us…
Jates and Hil Oettle
from South Africa
Thank you for the way you organised the trip for us. It was a pleasure dealing with Discover Africa and Matthys in particular. From start to finish, everything was simple and easy. Our trip has been tremendous and we would fully recommend…
Craig and Sue Wood
Our trip was arranged by Carel Verhoef at discoverafrica.com and was perfectly organised. We flew into the Masai Mara from Nairobi and all flight connections and transfers were arranged for us and went like clockwork. Carel was also very…
Geoffrey Burton
Our service from Discover Africa was outstanding. The recommendations on the timing of our trip, the lodges we should booked, communication and overall assistance ensured that our trip went off very smoothly and that we were in the right…
Patti Legg
Although our safari was very expensive for us as South Africans, we were satisfied that we got a value for money experience. It was a once-in-a-lifetime safari. Knowledgeable, professional guides - an experience far beyond our expectations.…
Uwe and Doreza Kersandt
All details were covered, all staff and food excellent, service was perfect - would highly recommend for sure.
Ron
from United States of America
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