Kenya south-west safaris, tours & holiday packages
Masai Mara and Rift Valley lakes
Home to the Masai Mara, Amboseli and the Rift Valley lakes, the area is perfect for anyone on their first Kenyan safari
Kenya's south-west safari circuit is probably the most visited in the country. From Nairobi, you drop down into the Rift Valley towards the town of Narok. This is the gateway to the Masai Mara, Loita Hills and Nguruman escarpment as well as to the Rift Valley lakes, such as Naivasha and Nakuru west of the Mau escarpment. Directly south of Nairobi is Amboseli National Park, with its elephants and Mount Kilimanjaro.
Kenya’s south and south-western safari circuit should be your first option in Kenya. It can also be combined with Tanzania’s north-west to include the Serengeti National Park and the annual Great Migration.
Popular Kenya Southwest safaris
These popular itineraries can be customised to match your budget and travel dates
Wilderness safari in Kenya, Zambia and Zimbabwe (10 days)
Why not visit more than one exciting African destination? See the Great Migration, Victoria Falls and wildlife-rich Hwange National Park
Price on Request
per person
10 days
Spectacular July to September Wildebeest River Crossings (10 days)
Experience one of Africa's greatest spectacles – smell the dust and hear the noise of thousands of animals crossing the Mara River
$ 18,465
£ 15,085
R 299,419
€ 17,756
per person
10 days
Masai Mara Safari Adventure (6 days)
Explore the jewel in Kenya's crown; the wildlife-rich Masai Mara National Reserve
$ 2,335
£ 1,908
R 37,863
€ 2,245
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
Best of Africa Safari (16 days)
Experience the best of Africa, from the Okavango Delta – one of Africa's Seven Natural Wonders – to the endangered mountain gorillas and East Africa's Great Migration
$ 21,115
£ 17,250
R 342,390
€ 20,304
per person
16 days
.png)
“The first choice for many of our travelers is the Masai Mara. Some quiet corners within the Mara are possible to get to if you book your safari the right time and choose the right place to stay. Combining the Mara with Lake Nakuru and Chyulu Hills will give you a well-rounded safari experience.”
More on Kenya Southwest holidays
The Masai Mara is the highlight of this region of Kenya’s tourist circuits. You can still see some amazing wildlife sightings in the Mara despite the amount of mass tourism. Plan your Masai Mara experience with care to avoid the big commercial hotels and lodges and the mini-bus rush. Ideally, combine the main reserve with time in the surrounding conservancies to get away from the crowds.
There are one or two hidden gems inside the Mara.Two lesser-known Rift Valley lakes in south-west Kenya – Bogoria and Baringo further north up the Rift Valley – are worth visiting if you're overwhelmed by the volume of visitors in the rest of the Rift Valley lakes. These two have less urban development and traffic.The cost and availability of flights from Nairobi’s Wilson airport means that the south-western safari circuit isn't driven from start to finish as much as it used to be, except by group and budget safari options.
Kenya Southwest Map
Kenya Southwest's location on Google Maps
Frequently Asked Questions about Kenya Southwest
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.
Although wildlife viewing is good throughout the year, the dry winter months of May to September are the best. During this season - animals gather at the waterholes and rivers, making them easier to spot. However, the daytime temperature is… 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.
Yes, you have to be over 18 to book a trip to South Africa. 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.
May and October is the best season to visit Cape Point - this time is the best for whale watching. go there.
Many people think that the Great Migration happens only once a year, but it occurs every year, with each season offering a unique wildlife experience. Although the migrations take place in a clockwise loop between Tanzania and Kenya, the… go there.
Botswana: Electric plug M 230V and 50Hz Kenya: Electric plug G 240V and 50Hz Malawi: Electrical plug G 230V and 50Hz Mauritius: Electrical plug C & G, 230V and 50Hz Mozambique: Electrical plug C,F,M, 220V and 50Hz Namibia: Electric plug… go there.
The Masai Mara is an excellent all year safari destination, providing travellers with reliable sightings of it's resident wildlife. However, if you're planning a migration safari, it's best to travel during the months of August and October… go there.
__1920x864.jpg)
Reviews on our Kenya Southwest safaris
Since the beginning, agents and staff of Discover Africa already work in a professional way for me to plan the trip. Their quick responses to my questions help us a lot before departing from our place to the Africa continent. When we were…
YT
from Hong Kong
This was my first safari. I didn’t expect to be so pampered. Everything was first class. We had everything provided for us before even asking. We had a dedicated team at our service. Megan was on call whenever we needed something and she…
Saada
from Nigeria
Tanya was an absolute delight to deal with. From the first phone call she was extremely polite, professional and very eager to facilitate my requests regarding our safari. Our 3 nights at the V & A Hotel were fabulous and Motswari Game…
Debbie
from Australia
Perfectly tailor-made tours that take all your wishes and requests into consideration. All my expectations were beyond fulfilled.
Henrik Wetterstrand
from Sweden
Living afar and trusting in an organisation with whom you have no previous knowledge can lead to feeling of mistrust and wondering whether what we have paid for actually exists. A little more proactive communication would have eased those…
Tony Russell
I just wanted to thank Discover Africa and Karl Svendsen - the safari was great - we saw many more animals than expected including cheetah, leopard, many lions and even a three-day old elephant calf. Additionally, we had our own hippo…
Margaret Dean
Related Articles
Top five safaris for Kenyan residents
Kenya is a top wildlife destination, recommended especially for those taking a first-time safari. The Masai Mara offers excellent big cat encounters and is the setting for the yearly wildebeest migration. Palm-lined beaches offer a perfect… read more
What Animals do you see on a Safari in Kenya
Kenya is a gem tucked away in East Africa. It is a land blessed with some of the world's most magnificent natural treasures. Consider breathtaking mountain ranges, incredible rift valleys, hot springs, wildlife parks, and even beaches! The… read more
What to Pack on Safari in Kenya
Kenya provides a diverse range of experiences, from wildlife-rich savannas to isolated cultural encounters and vibrant cities. However, the diversity of offers is precisely why, unless you plan beforehand, a vacation to Kenya may be a… read more
The Best Safaris In South Africa
When travelling to South Africa, there are so many options to fill your days. One of the most popular activities would be safari. Nothing beats the fresh smell of early mornings in the bush, with wildlife waking up to start their day. There… read more