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.
“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.
June to October and January to February. The wildebeest migration reaches the Masai Mara in July and remains until October - when they move back to the Serengeti in Tanzania. However, wildlife is easier to spot since the animals gather… go there.
May and October is the best season to visit Cape Point - this time is the best for whale watching. go there.
The best time to see the wildebeest migration is in August as the herds cross the Nile crocodile infested Mara River, crossing an international border between Kenya and Tanzania. 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.
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Reviews on our Kenya Southwest 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
I am copying Megan in case she is back from maternity leave (congrats Megan!). We are having an absolutely WONDERFUL trip. It has far exceeded our expectations! Everything has been perfect, the accommodations, transport, tours, etc. We…
Monica
from South Africa
All details were covered, all staff and food excellent, service was perfect - would highly recommend for sure.
Ron
from United States of America
After shopping around for a couple of months, Discover Africa was the one who had the most diverse options for the price. Megan Warrington always responded quickly and was professional and patient with my endless questions. Discover Africa…
Kelly
from United States of America
We could not have been more pleased with "Discover Africa." Our agent, Megan W, was knowledgeable, accommodating and highly responsive. She asked pertinent questions, listened carefully to our needs, then organized a personalized tour- the…
Margery
from United States of America
The assistance was provided very professionally. Our trip coordinator tried to find the best places considering all our needs and finance. I would definitely recommend Discover Africa to everyone who is going to make a memorable Africa trip!
Anna Martirosyan
from Portugal
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