What wildlife can I expect to see on a safari starting from Nairobi?

From Nairobi, you'll get to see the "Big Five" - lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo - plus many other animals like cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, hippos, and hundreds of bird species. The Masai Mara is especially good for seeing large groups of lions, and if you time it right, you can watch the incredible wildebeest migration. Over at Lake Nakuru, you'll spot flocks of pink flamingos and rare Rothschild's giraffes. As one TourRadar traveler put it: "We saw all that we wanted to see and more - from herds of majestic elephants to graceful giraffes silhouetted against the golden sunset."

What are the most popular national parks visited on safari tours from Nairobi?

When you take a safari from Nairobi, you'll likely visit the Masai Mara National Reserve, known for the great migration, and Amboseli National Park, where you get amazing views of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Lake Nakuru National Park is great for seeing flamingos and rhinos, while Lake Naivasha offers a different landscape. Some tours also take you to Tsavo West and Samburu National Parks. You can stay at places like Mara Sopa Lodge or Amboseli Sentrim Lodge while visiting these parks.

What's the best time of year for a safari tour starting in Nairobi?

The best wildlife viewing is from July to October during the dry season. This is when you can catch the great wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara. If you're interested in birds and baby animals, plan your trip between December and February. Most people book their safaris in July and August when the weather is perfect, with temperatures usually between 68-77°F (20-25°C).

How much should I budget for a safari tour starting from Nairobi?

You'll find safari tours ranging from 890 USD to 8,990 USD, but most people spend between 2,500-3,500 USD for a good mid-range tour. This usually covers your lodging, meals, game drives, and park fees. Don't forget to budget extra for tips (about 10 USD per person each day), and optional activities like hot air balloon rides over the Mara (450 USD) or visiting a Maasai village (30 USD).

What cultural experiences are available on safari tours from Nairobi?

You can visit Maasai villages to learn about their traditions, watch traditional dances, and see how local people live day to day. Many tours stop at these villages in the Masai Mara area, and some visit community projects like Café Ubuntu near Naivasha. These cultural visits usually cost about 30 USD extra. Here's what one TourRadar traveler said: "We experienced the wildlife, Maasai culture, local food and generally all there is to know about Kenya."

What's the typical length of safari tours starting from Nairobi?

Most people choose tours that last 5-7 days, though you can find trips ranging from 3 to 14 days. Shorter tours focus on must-see spots like the Masai Mara and Amboseli, while two-week trips often include more parks and might extend into Tanzania to see places like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "We saw all the parks and animals, and the 7-day duration felt perfect to experience the highlights without feeling rushed."

Safari Tours from Nairobi

Nairobi is mysterious and bustling, the perfect starting point for a safari adventure. Head to the iconic Maasai Mara, Amboseli, or Samburu. Nairobi National Park sits next to the city, visit Giraffe Centre, the elephant orphanage, or Karen Blixen Museum during your stay. Nairobi isn’t just a gateway to the parks, it’s a city that begs to be explored in its own right.

10 best Safari tour packages from Nairobi

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Safari
12 Days Best of Kenya and Tanzania
4.3 (77 traveler reviews)
"Migration in Masai mara really boosted everything and we walked away with wonderful memorable photos."
Harrison, traveled in August
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Nairobi, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Lake Nakuru,Amboseli National Park,Arusha,Tarangire National Park,Serengeti National Park,Ngorongoro Conservation Area+5 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Africa Venture Safaris
From
US$2,800per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Our most booked and loved tours
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Safari
Kenya and Tanzania Overland Safari - 14 Days
4.2 (17 traveler reviews)
"Amboseli did if for me. Few people know elephants can drink up to 200 liters of water in a day, and seeing them up close made that fact hit different."
Luis, traveled in April
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Nairobi, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Lake Naivasha,Hells Gate National Park,Naivasha,Lake Nakuru National Park,Amboseli National Park,Namanga,Arusha,Tarangire National Park,Lake Manyara,Serengeti National Park,Ngorongoro Conservation Area+10 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Africa Venture Safaris
From
US$2,850per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Safari
Nairobi National Park,David Sheldrick wildlife Trust & Giraffe Centre
5.0 (14 traveler reviews)
"the feeling of seeing wildlife alongside the city skyline was incredible."
Héctor, traveled in March
Duration
1 day
Destinations
Nairobi, Nairobi National Park
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Bencia Africa Adventure and Safaris
From
US$319per person
Price based on Private Single Room
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Safari
12 Day Kenya and Tanzania Luxury Trip - Private
4.7 (19 traveler reviews)
"The itinerary is perfectly balanced: dramatic wildlife scenes, iconic images of elephants and Kilimanjaro."
elizabeth, traveled in March
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Nairobi, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Lake Naivasha,Lake Nakuru,Lake Nakuru National Park,Amboseli National Park,Namanga,Arusha,Tarangire National Park,Serengeti National Park,Ngorongoro Conservation Area+8 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Seven Wonders Safaris
From
US$5,885per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Affordable 3-Day Budget Luxury Masai Mara Safari in Kenya - With Free Night at Nairobi Hotel
3.1 (13 traveler reviews)
"very knowledgeable"
Susana, traveled in October
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Nairobi, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Lake Naivasha
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Bonvoyage Kenya Safaris
From
US$345per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Tanzania & Kenya group safaris round trip 12 days
3.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Nairobi, Maasai Mara National Reserve,Lake Nakuru National Park,Amboseli National Park,Arusha,Tarangire National Park,Lake Manyara,Serengeti National Park,Ngorongoro Conservation Area+7 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Jollic Adventure Tour
From
US$3,000per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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$2 Day Hell\'s Gate Naivasha and Lake Nakuru Safari Tour$
$2 Day Hell\'s Gate Naivasha and Lake Nakuru Safari - 6 destinations$
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Safari
2 Day Hell's Gate Naivasha and Lake Nakuru Safari
5.0 (13 traveler reviews)
"Cycling and walking at Hell's Gate were truly unforgettable, and seeing flamingos and other animals at Lake Nakuru was breathtaking."
Paweł, traveled in April
Duration
2 days
Destinations
Nairobi, Hells Gate National Park, Lake Naivasha,Lake Nakuru National Park,Nakuru+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Bencia Africa Adventure and Safaris
From
US$678per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Affordable 5-Day Amboseli & Masai Mara Kenya Budget Joining Tour for groups
3.4 (7 traveler reviews)
"Jeep safaris were also very comfortable with awesome game drives."
NicoleOdhiambo, traveled in January
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Nairobi, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Lake Naivasha,Amboseli National Park+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Bonvoyage Kenya Safaris
From
US$475per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Safari
12 Days Best of Kenya and Tanzania Luxury Lodge Safari
4.3 (36 traveler reviews)
"We got the best accommodation and also toured some of the best scenic places."
Daniel, traveled in November
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Nairobi, Maasai Mara National Reserve,Lake Nakuru National Park,Amboseli National Park,Arusha,Tarangire National Park,Serengeti National Park,Seronera,Ngorongoro Conservation Area,Karatu+8 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
The Great African Rift ValleyNorthern Circuit TanzaniaLake Naivasha+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Africa Venture Safaris
From
US$5,200per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
7 Days Amboseli– Lake Naivasha – Hells gate – Masai Mara|Group safaris
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Nairobi, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Lake Naivasha,Nakuru,Lake Nakuru National Park,Hells Gate National Park,Amboseli National Park+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Jollic Adventure Tour
From
US$1,850per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Kenya AND Tanzania Classic Safari – Two Birds with One Stone **Sustainable Approach to Travel
4.8 (11 traveler reviews)
"We saw the BIG FIVE and this certainly wouldn't have been possible without our amazingly knowledgeable and experienced tour guides."
Dirk, traveled in May
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Nairobi, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru National Park,Maasai Mara National Reserve,Isebania,Serengeti National Park,Grumeti Game Reserve,Ikoma,Ngorongoro Conservation Area,Lake Manyara,Arusha+8 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, German,French,Spanish+2 more
Operator
World Adventure Tours
From
US$4,200per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
7 Days Kenya Group Safari: Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha & Amboseli
4.5 (2 traveler reviews)
"I enjoyed my time. I was travelling solo and felt safe at all times."
Wendy, traveled in February
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Nairobi, Narok, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Mara River,Lake Naivasha,Lake Nakuru,Nakuru,Lake Nakuru National Park,Hells Gate National Park,Amboseli National Park+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Jollic Adventure Tour
From
US$1,850per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
5 Days Kenya Group Safari: Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru & Lake Naivasha
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"This 5-day group safari offered the perfect balance of wildlife, culture, and adventure."
Alicia, traveled in May
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Nairobi, Narok, Maasai Mara National Reserve,Lake Naivasha,Lake Nakuru,Lake Nakuru National Park,Naivasha,Hells Gate National Park+5 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Jollic Adventure Tour
From
US$1,500per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Nairobi to Joburg Overland: Craters & Camping
4.4 (8 traveler reviews)
"The CEO's were fantastic, and I loved all of the activities (both optional and included)."
Brodie, traveled in August
Duration
27 days
Destinations
Kenya Tanzania Malawi Zambia Zimbabwe Botswana South Africa+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
From
US$4,949per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
6 Days Masai Mara - L. Nakuru - Amboseli Classic Budget Safari
5.0 (14 traveler reviews)
"From the very first game drive in Masai Mara, we saw lions, elephants, giraffes, hippos, and even witnessed a cheetah hunt — it was absolutely thrilling!"
Dominik, traveled in April
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Nairobi, Narok, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Mara River,Nakuru,Lake Nakuru National Park,Amboseli National Park+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Bencia Africa Adventure and Safaris
From
US$1,125per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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