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
Lake Nakuru Day Trip From Nairobi $200
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"The trip was excellent. Saw much of the wildlife."
Paul, traveled in November
Duration
1 day
Destinations
Nairobi, Lake Nakuru National Park
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, German,French,Spanish+2 more
Operator
Smile view Kenya tours and travel
From
US$250per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Safari
Affordable 3-Day Budget Luxury Masai Mara Safari in Kenya - With Free Night at Nairobi Hotel
4.1 (27 traveler reviews)
"A lovely experience that is worth it."
Ronny, 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 Shared Room
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Safari
6 Days Kenya Budget Group 4x4 Safari
5.0 (29 traveler reviews)
"The transport was well-ventilated, and the pop-up roof made for excellent views. Great balance of wildlife and comfort—worth every cent."
Alice, traveled in July
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Nairobi, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Lake Nakuru,Amboseli National Park+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Exciting Africa Holidays
From
US$1,235per person
+$600 local payments
Price based on Shared Room
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Safari
3 Days, 2 Nights Safari to Ol Pejeta Conservancy from Nairobi with complimentary airport pick up.
5.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Nairobi, Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Perfect Wilderness Tours And Safaris
From
US$1,165per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Safari
13 Days Kenya And Tanzania Budget Camping Safari 4x4 Jeep
4.4 (18 traveler reviews)
"This trip was one we had looked forward to, as we wanted to bring our daughters on safari. Exciting Africa lived up to our expectations."
Steven, traveled in July
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Nairobi, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Lake Nakuru,Amboseli National Park,Arusha,Tarangire National Park,Ngorongoro Conservation Area,Serengeti National Park,Lake Manyara+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, French,Spanish+1 more
Operator
Exciting Africa Holidays
20% Off
From $3,950
US$3,160per person
+$1,010 local payments
Price based on Shared Room
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Safari
10 Days Kenya and Tanzania Adventure
4.6 (20 traveler reviews)
"Literally we saw all we wanted to see including the rhinos in Lake Nakuru. Accommodations were good in Kenya and basic in Tanzania."
HutchtheAdventurer, traveled in October
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Nairobi, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara,Ngorongoro Conservation Area,Serengeti National Park,Maasai Mara National Reserve,Lake Nakuru+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Africa Venture Safaris
20% Off
From
US$2,900per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Safari
13 Day East Africa’s Golden Savannahs Year-Round Migration Safari
4.9 (27 traveler reviews)
"While the migration was the highlight, we also saw cheetahs, elephants, and a pride of lions!"
Moses, traveled in July
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Nairobi, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara National Reserve,Serengeti National Park,Ngorongoro Conservation Area,Tarangire National Park,Amboseli National Park+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, French,Spanish+1 more
Operator
Exciting Africa Holidays
20% Off
From $6,400
US$5,120per person
+$1,850 local payments
Price based on Shared Room
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Safari
Exploration Safari of Kenya & Tanzania
3.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"The diversity of landscapes and animals across the region was incredible and we would do it exactly the same again if we could."
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Nairobi, Amboseli National Park,Ngorongoro Conservation Area,Serengeti National Park,Tarangire National Park,Arusha,Kilimanjaro+5 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Northern Circuit Tanzania
Operated in
English, French,Spanish+1 more
Operator
Holiday Destination Safaris
20% Off
From
US$3,799per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Safari
12 Day Best of Kenya and Tanzania Circuit Group Safari
5.0 (23 traveler reviews)
"Meals were served promptly and catered to everyone's tastes, while the accommodations struck the perfect balance between comfort and authenticity."
donald, traveled in August
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Nairobi, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara National Reserve,Serengeti National Park,Ngorongoro Conservation Area,Lake Manyara,Tarangire National Park,Amboseli National Park+5 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Pam Tours and Travel
10% Off
From $5,385
US$4,847per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Safari
14-Day Ultimate Kenya Big Five Safari & Beach Adventure
4.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Nairobi, Maasai Mara National Reserve,Lake Nakuru National Park,Lake Naivasha,Amboseli National Park,Tsavo West National Park,Mombasa+5 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Exciting Africa Holidays
20% Off
From $4,190
US$3,352per person
+$960 local payments
Price based on Shared Room
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Safari
Kenya AND Tanzania Classic Safari – Two Birds with One Stone **Sustainable Approach to Travel
4.9 (10 traveler reviews)
"We had such a wonderful time on our safari travelling with our family of four. We saw amazing wildlife and scenery across Lake Nakuru, Masaai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorogoro."
kavitha, traveled in July
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Nairobi, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru,Maasai Mara National Reserve,Ikoma,Serengeti National Park,Ngorongoro Conservation Area,Lake Manyara,Arusha+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, German,French,Spanish+2 more
Operator
World Adventure Tours
20% Off
From
US$3,700per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
6 Days Kenya Budget Tours (with Free Night at Nairobi Hotel)
4.1 (37 traveler reviews)
"The safari itself was a dream come true. The sheer magnitude of the spectacle left me in awe."
John, traveled in August
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Nairobi, Lake Naivasha, Maasai Mara National Reserve,Lake Nakuru National Park,Amboseli National Park+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Bonvoyage Kenya Safaris
20% Off
From
US$545per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Safari
12 Days Best of Kenya and Tanzania
4.3 (76 traveler reviews)
"It was a really nice tour."
Joseph, traveled in November
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
20% Off
From
US$2,400per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
3 Days, 2 Nights Masai Mara Group Joining Safari From Nairobi with Complimentary Airport Pickup.
4.5 (22 traveler reviews)
"This safari tour was really phenomenal, and I highly recommend it!"
Eric, traveled in March
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Nairobi, Maasai Mara National Reserve
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Masai MaraMasai Mara National Reserve+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Perfect Wilderness Tours And Safaris
20% Off
From
US$210per person
+$400 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
12 Days Best of Kenya and Tanzania Luxury Lodge Safari
4.3 (32 traveler reviews)
"You will enjoy."
Mildred, traveled in December
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
Regions
The Great African Rift ValleyNorthern Circuit TanzaniaLake Naivasha+2 more
Operated in
English, German,Italian,French+2 more
Operator
Africa Venture Safaris
20% Off
From
US$4,900per person
Price based on Shared Room
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