When you book a small-group tour in Kenya, you'll share a 4x4 with six to eight
other tourists rather than traveling in a large 20-seater coach. Each person
will have a window seat, and your guide can stop immediately if anyone spots a
leopard in a tree, without having to ask the whole group.
Would you prefer to share the vehicle with a few other people or do you want
something more private? Either option is available, and the best one depends on
your budget and how much company you want during the trip.
Group Size, Vehicles and Guides
In Kenya, most small-group safari companies restrict the number of passengers
in each vehicle to between six and eight, and on premium tours the figure may
be even lower. You typically travel in a Land Cruiser or Safari Van with a
pop-up roof, which makes it easy to stand and photograph wildlife.
The guides speak English, and many also speak German, French, or Spanish. Since
you have the same group for each evening meal, conversations carry over from
one game drive to the next, instead of starting again with a different group
every day.
Choosing the Length of Your Safari
Kenyan safaris can range from four to eleven days, or even longer, and each tour
operator plans the trip differently depending on the length. The variations go
beyond simply visiting more places; they also consider what you can actually
experience within the time available.
A typical four-day safari includes a visit to the Masai Mara National Reserve
and Lake Nakuru, with two or three game drives. It is a good option when you are
short on time or won’t have Kenya on a longer journey. Activities such as hot
air balloon rides or guided bush walks cannot be included, since most days are
taken up by travel and the main game drives.
A seven-day safari takes you to Amboseli National Park, where you can see
elephant herds against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. The additional days
provide greater flexibility; for instance, if rain delays your first game drive
in the Mara, your guide will alter the timetable rather than rushing on to the
next destination. On a seven-day trip, balloon rides over the Mara and guided
walks with a Maasai guide are usually available.
An eleven-day safari can extend as far south as Mombasa or Wasini Island, giving
you a few days to spend on the coast. This option is best if you want to combine
wildlife viewing with beach time in a single trip rather than arranging the two
separately.
Parks and Wildlife You'll See
The Masai Mara National Reserve is home to the greatest populations of lions,
leopards, and cheetahs in Kenya. Between July and October, you can see the
wildebeest migration crossing the Mara River.
In Amboseli National Park, you can see elephants up close and reliably, along
with unobstructed views of Kilimanjaro in the early mornings before the clouds
roll in. Lake Nakuru National Park is a refuge for rhinos and ideal for
birdwatching, with flamingo numbers peaking from November to April.
The guide will arrange each day's route based on where wildlife is most active,
rather than following a fixed timetable. If the elephants are not in their
usual position in Amboseli, the guide will adjust the plan.
When to Go
The wildebeest migration in the Mara occurs from July through October, the
busiest period, and draws many vehicles to the river crossings. From December
to March, the weather is drier, and you get the best views of Kilimanjaro from
Amboseli. For bird watchers, November to April is the time when Lake Nakuru has
the most flamingos.
FAQs
How Many People Go on Kenya Safaris as Part of Small Group Tours?
Most operators limit the number of passengers in vehicles to between six and
eight, though on more upscale trips they may carry fewer.
Do Children Go on Small Group Safaris in Kenya?
Yes, although the minimum age differs by operator, it is generally six or seven
years old.
What Is Covered in the Price?
The price includes accommodation, game drives, entrance fees, and most meals,
while flights, visa fees, and trips to the village are generally extra.
Do I Need Travel Experience to Take Part?
The guides handle the logistics, and English-speaking staff will meet you at
the airport.
Can I Extend My Safari With a Stop at the Beach?
Yes. Many operators include a few days in Mombasa or on Diani Beach at the end
of a Mara or Amboseli trip.
Book a Safari in Kenya
How about you decide on your dates? Just let us know how many days you'll be
there and which parks you'd like to visit, and we'll help you find a small group
tour that suits you.
