Kenya is more accessible from the US than most people think, and it offers some of the best wildlife viewing in Africa. From the grasslands of the Masai Mara to elephant herds crossing the plains below Kilimanjaro, a Kenya safari gives you moments that stay with you long after you return home.
Getting there
The only direct flight from the US to Nairobi is from New York (JFK), and it takes about 14 hours on Kenya Airways. From other cities you connect through Amsterdam, Paris, Dubai, Doha, Istanbul, or Addis Ababa. Total travel time runs 17 to 20 hours from the East Coast and 20 to 23 hours from the West. A typical economy round trip is USD 1,100 to USD 2,000. Migration-season seats sell out quickly, so book at least six months ahead.
When to go (by the US calendar)
Summer break, June to August, lines up with peak Migration season, when more than 1.5 million wildebeest cross the Mara River. This is the busiest time of year for American families, and the best lodges are booked 9 to 12 months in advance. September and October continue the crossings with less traffic. Winter break, late December through January, brings green landscapes, newborn animals, and lower rates. March to April, spring break, is the quiet shoulder season, when prices drop.
Where you go
The Masai Mara is the center of most trips, with one of the densest wildlife populations in Africa and the Migration from July to October. Amboseli offers elephant herds beneath Kilimanjaro. The dry north around Samburu is home to species found nowhere else. Lake Nakuru is one of the best parks for rhino. Tsavo is a broad, secluded wilderness on the route to the coast.
Add a beach stay
Three to five nights on the Indian Ocean is an easy way to wind down after the game drives. South of Mombasa, Diani Beach is one of the best beaches in East Africa and just a short flight from Nairobi.
Booking essentials
Reserve with a 30% deposit, with the balance due 60 days out. All packages are quoted in USD and start from about USD 1,200 per person. Since January 2024, Kenya has replaced visas with an eTA. It costs USD 30, takes about three business days, and is valid for up to 90 days. Bring light neutral clothes, layers for cool mornings, and a soft bag under 15kg for light-aircraft legs.
Book with a 30% deposit and we take care of the rest.