Going on a safari in Kenya is always one of the highlights of a trip to East Africa. When you volunteer in Kenya, make sure you take the opportunity to go to one of the many national parks there even if for an afternoon.
Below is some basic information about safaris in Kenya. As always, our staff both in the US and in Kenya are always available for advice on safaris and to even lead you on a safari.
Safari Operators
We at Cosmic Volunteers know many local safari operators in Kenya and Tanzania and we will be happy to put you in touch with them. Our biggest advice: Do not book any safari before arriving in Kenya. Book a safari only when you are on the ground in Kenya (or any African country). Doing the latter will save you money, sometimes hundreds of dollars.
The Big Five
You will often hear the term “Big Five” in relation to safaris. The “Big Five” refers to the animals most popular on safaris: Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant and Cape Buffalo. The term “big five” most likely originated with game hunters referring to the difficulty in killing these large animals. Safari tour operators use the term frequently, so it’s best you’re familiar with it.
Wildebeest Migration
The most popular safari is the annual wildebeest migration. The migration involves thousands of zebras and wildebeest moving from the Serengeti Plains of Tanzania into the Masai Mara area of Kenya. The precise timing of the migration is somewhat unpredictable, however generally the best time to see the migration is between July-September. These trips are typically very expensive, starting at several hundred dollars for just a short 2-3 day trip.
Sample Safari Itineraries
One Day
Park Name: Lake Nakuru
Location: Rift Valley Province, northwest of Nairobi
Distance from Nairobi: 100 miles (2 hour drive)
Wildlife: World famous for its 1 million+ pink flamingos. Also pelicans, hippo, rhino, reedbuck, giraffe, water buffalo, pythons, lions, leopards
Two Days
Park Name: Aberdare National Park
Location: Rift Valley Province, north of Nairobi
Distance from Nairobi: 110 miles (2 hour drive)
Wildlife: Elephant, lion, leopard, baboon, Colobus monkey, Sykes monkey, buffalo, lion, black rhino, eland, and 250 bird species: sparry hawk, goshawks, eagles, sunbirds and plovers
Three Days
Park Name: Tsavo National Park
Location: Coast Province, southeast of Nairobi
Distance from Nairobi: 206 miles (4 hour drive)
Wildlife: “Red Elephants”, lion, impala, kudu, rhinos, giraffe, buffalo, hippos, 500 species of birds.
Tsavo is Kenya’s largest safari destination and one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in the world with 10 million square acres.
Five Days
Park Name: Masai Mara Game Reserve
Location: Rift Valley Province, southwest of Nairobi
Distance from Nairobi: 170 miles (5 hour drive, 45 min flight)
Wildlife: Elephant, rhino, hippo, zebra, wildebeest, lions, cheetahs, leopards, gazelle, giraffes, hyenas, jackals
“Mara” is the safari most well-known to viewers of National Geographic-type documentaries on safaris in Africa.
