Luxury Kenya Vacations & Safaris 2024/2025

Wildlife wonders like the Great Migration and flamingo-covered lakes make Kenya’s safaris one of Scott Dunn’s unrivaled vacation destinations.

  • Kenya safari tours crafted by award-winning travel specialists
  • 24/7 seamless support throughout your entire trip
  • Unique experiences led by trusted local guides
  • Carefully curated collection of luxury safari lodges & hotels
Kenya

Kenya, on the east coast of Africa, is the home and iconic heartland of 'safari'. The country is evocative of a romantic and pioneering age, made famous by the book and film Out of Africa, and Kenya holds a special place in the hearts of Africa-lovers.

One of the best spots for game-viewing year-round is the Maasai Mara, part of the greater Serengeti ecozystem, where you'll find big cats aplenty, and during some months it is also home to huge herds of wildebeest grazing on the sweeping plains on their annual migration.

Throughout the country, there are high concentrations of "big five" game, of which Kenya’s safari tours have some of the highest numbers in Africa. North and east of the Mara, the Great Rift Valley cuts a swathe through the middle of the country, with glittering lakes and dramatic landscapes.

The Laikipia plateau at the foot of Mount Kenya is another rewarding location for a Kenya vacation, with good populations of rhino as well as rarer species of zebra, giraffe and antelope, and a wide variety of safari activities ranging from riding safaris to walking with camels.

If looking for a mix of beach paradise and intrepid wildlife excursion, head for the Indian Ocean coastline to relax on miles of white sand beaches, like Diani Beach, for the perfect Kenya vacation itinerary.

Top Kenya Safari Tours

We’ve traveled the length and breadth of Kenya and tested every possible route to enable us to curate African safari vacations that work seamlessly, taking in the country’s many highlights at just the right pace. Packed with unique experiences and Kenya’s safari lodges, our trips deliver unforgettable travel moments.

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Top Kenya Hotels

Our specialists have traveled every inch of Kenya and stayed in countless hotels so that we can recommend only the very best ones to match your preferences. Whether you want to stay at Kenya’s hottest resorts in the area or are looking for somewhere with rustic charm, our handpicked selection of Kenya’s luxury safari lodges and hotels has every angle covered.

Meet Our Experts on Luxury Vacations in Kenya

Bjorn Behlert

Africa & Safari Specialist

I was born in Malaysia where my parents used every opportunity to travel Asia as much as possible. As a child I was taken on canoes through the jungle, on trains or elephants through India and many other countries in the region. After returning to Germany, we still spent every school vacation abroad, often traveling to remote areas, which cemented my ever-growing hunger to explore.

Key Information About Kenya

  • Best time to visit: July to September
  • Flight time: +15 hours
  • Time difference: +8 hours EST, +11 hours PST
  • Currency: The Kenyan shilling

FAQs About Your Luxury Kenya Vacation

Wondering what to expect on a luxury Kenya safari tour? From the best time to visit and what to wear to family vacation tips, our experts answer some of our most asked questions.

  • When is the best time to go on a Kenya safari?

    According to our experts, generally speaking, the best time to visit is between July through September. This is when the Great Migration is in full swing in the Mara and the weather is favourable and dry.

    However, if the migration isn’t a priority for your trip, some gorgeous shoulder months for ideal safaris are October, February and March. During this time there are fewer visitors, the rates are lower and the game-viewing is still fantastic.

  • Where are the best safaris in Kenya?

    For a classic African safari vacation, Maasai Mara is where you should go. Open grasslands, herds of animals, big prides of lions – it’s truly the safari we all imagine in our heads. If it’s your first time visiting or you’re really wanting a Kenya vacation full of game drives, we recommend coming here.

    That said, Kenya’s Laikipia region also offers incredible game viewing, in addition to a much wider range of activities. There’s horse riding, quad bike excursions, and fishing trips to Mount Kenya or Lake Turkana. It’s a great place for those who have visited Kenya before or are with a group of travelers with multiple tastes to satisfy.

  • How long are your Kenya safari vacations?

    Our Kenya safari tours range from 8 to 12 days, however, our vacations are bespoke so we can create an itinerary that suits your timings.

    We recommend at least 4 days for a safari, but after that, you can country-hop or head over to the beach for a bit of R&R in Diani or even the Seychelles. When you speak with our travel experts, they’ll work with you and your schedule to create the ideal trip.

  • What animals can I see on a luxury Kenya safari?

    When on a Kenya safari, you can expect to see the “Big Five”. This includes lions, leopards, elephants, African buffalo, and rhinos. However, you’ll also come across, hippos, zebras, giraffes, and cheetahs.

    If you’re hoping to witness the Great Migration, then fully expect to see wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles barrelling through the wild on their constant migration through the Serengeti-Mara ecozystem.

  • What should I wear when on safari in Kenya?

    When it comes to clothing, we always recommend our guests focus on layers when it comes to our luxury Kenya safaris.

    Kenya is a high-altitude country, so when the sun goes down, so does the temperature. For morning game drives, we recommend a fleece paired with a windbreaker or light puffer coat for maximum comfort, but by midday be prepared to strip back to your t-shirt and shorts.

    For colors, keep it neutral. Think creamy whites, light greys, olive greens, tans, and browns. No need to go full camouflage, but best to leave any brightly colored clothes at home or kept for festive dinners at the lodge.

    For the beach, the weather is warm and humid, so lightweight clothing is ideal. Linen, cotton, and breathable material will have you live in your best beach paradise.

  • Where are the best Kenya safari lodges?

    Finding the best Kenya safari lodges depends on what the traveler is looking for.

    If you’re looking for ultimate luxury, the Angama Lodges, now in both Maasai Mara and Amboseli National Park, or camps from Great Plains Conservation are excellent choices. Picture glass-fronted suites, exclusive views over the plains, and stargazing from your own private balcony.

    For a more low-key boutique option, and for those who prioritize guiding, the Serian Camp and Cottars 1920s safari camp are perfect. Get an authentic “Out of Africa” feel with these luxury-fitted tents, private game drives, and some of the best guides available. The benefit of the private drives is you’re not bound to the early morning if you prefer to sleep in a little longer, and there’s also the option of night drives.

    Families will love Lewa House or Kicheche Mara Camp. The cottages at Lewa House are perfect for families and kids will love visiting the local villages. Kicheche has a more intimate feel, really immersing you in nature with their safari tents. Kids adore the feeling of adventure this camp brings to your family vacation in Kenya.

    If you’re traveling with grandparents as well, Lengishu and Cottars safari villa are ideal for accommodating a multi-generational safari. It has a distinct home-away-from-home feeling that will have everyone vacationing in comfort.

  • Can I book a luxury Kenya safari for my honeymoon?

    Yes! In fact, not only can you book a Kenya safari for your honeymoon, but we also highly recommend it. According to our Africa expert Bjorn Behlert:

    “The charm and intimacy that our authentic tented camps in Kenya provide will have honeymooners swooning. Your time in Kenya will be designed to thrill you with intimate wildlife encounters, adventurous activities from hiking to horseback riding, and the nights to spoil you with the romance of Africa.”

  • Is a safari suitable for a family vacation in Kenya?

    Kenya is one of the most family-friendly destinations in Africa. Almost all camps accept kids from a young age, which isn’t always the case with safari lodges. Amongst our favorites is Lewa House paired with properties such as Kicheche Mara, Angama Mara or House in the Wild. These camps are fabulous at keeping young kids engaged and included in the wildlife activities.

    If you’re looking to add a bit of beach to your family vacation in Kenya, Kinondo Kwetu is an excellent boutique hotel on Diani Beach. Relax on the beach or partake in activities like water sports, tennis, cultural visits to the local villages and even game drives.

  • Where are the best destinations for a family vacation in Kenya?

    While Kenya’s welcoming and warm culture is found all over the country, the best destinations for families are all about the activities.

    Safaris are great for families, however, they do require patience and silence, so while we recommend experiencing one or two game drives on your vacation, you definitely want more activities available to keep your little ones engaged and entertained.

    Location-wise, the Maasai Mara can be a little dull for younger children as it’s a game-drive-heavy area. However, in the Laikipia region, there is more to do such as horse riding, fishing, tubing in rivers, and other family-friendly activities.

  • Where do your luxury vacations to Kenya fly from?

    There are direct flights to Nairobi from JFK Airport, or there are connecting routes through Europe or the Middle East.

    In Europe, there are connections through London, Paris, or Amsterdam. In the Middle East, your flights will connect through Dubai or Doha.

  • How much do your luxury Kenya safaris cost?

    Our Kenya safari tours start at about $10,000 and go up from there. However, as our trips are bespoke, these are estimates based on the sample itineraries we’ve put together. The final cost will be unique to your trip and dependent on the experiences, accommodation, and flights you book.

    You’re updated on costs throughout the entire planning process though, so you’ll know the exact cost before booking.

  • How do I book my Kenya safari?

    To book your Kenya safari, get in contact by calling the number listed below or filling out our online inquiry form.

    From there, our travel experts will be in touch to start the introduction and get to know you a bit more before crafting your incredible customized itinerary.

Call us on 858 523 9000 to start planning your holiday

Why choose Scott Dunn for Kenya Safari Tours?

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Unique to You
Unique to you

  • We listen to your travel goals and craft unique trips that are bespoke to you.
  • We’re with you every step of your life’s travel journey, from honeymoons to family trips and beyond.

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Seamless Service
Seamless Service

  • Global offices in the UK, US, and Singapore for 24/7 seamless service.
  • We offer flexibility if your plans change so you can book with confidence and peace of mind.
     

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Carefully Curated Collection
Curated Collection

  • We’ve curated an elevated collection of accommodation, experiences, and guides.
  • Committed to fostering close global relationships to continue bringing you unique experiences.

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Luxury in Every Sense
Luxury in every sense

  • We deliver a sense of luxury that matters most to you.
  • Awarded Condé Nast Traveler’s Top Travel Specialists in the World 10 years in a row.
     
     

Plan Your Kenya Vacation Today
Plan Your Kenya Vacation Today

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Explore Our Expert Travel Guides

Honeymoon Destinations in Kenya
Honeymoon Destinations in Kenya

Celebrate the beginning of your new adventure with an unforgettable luxury honeymoon in Kenya, one of Africa’s most vibrant and picturesque countries.

  • Truly bespoke honeymoons in Kenya
  • Access to unique experiences
  • Award-winning luxury travel agent
  • 24/7 support
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