The Safari Journal
Volume I · Dispatches from the African Wilderness

The Safari Journal

In-depth dispatches from our private guides, seasonal Great Migration reports, wildlife photography masterclasses, and reflections from East Africa.

Written by Licensed Head Rangers
Real-Time Migration Updates
Conservation-First Storytelling
Lead Editorial Feature
Kenya Fly-In Safaris
22OCT
Featured Dispatch• 5 min read

Kenya Fly-In Safaris

A fly-in safari in Kenya provides a direct link between Nairobi's Wilson Airport (WIL) and bush airstrips in the Maasai Mara, Samburu, Laikipia, and Amboseli through scheduled light aircraft, reducing journeys that normally take five to eight hours by means of flights lasting 45 to 90 minutes. Flying increases the amount of time available for game drives and helps to reduce travel fatigue, but the itineraries have to follow strict luggage limits of 15kg per person for soft-sided bags. Compare fly-versus-drive itineraries, the package inclusions listed item by item, the aircraft's baggage rules, and the private charter alternatives.

Latest Dispatches & Guides

26 Stories
Kenya's Mandatory Travel Insurance for Visitors Explained
10OCT
Safari Journal•5 min read

Kenya's Mandatory Travel Insurance for Visitors Explained

As of October 6, 2026, non-Kenyan visitors staying under 12 months must hold mandatory travel health insurance issued under the government-approved scheme. Costing $44 plus processing fees (totaling ~$52 per traveler), the policy provides a $50,000 minimum cumulative coverage limit for medical emergencies, hospitalization, and evacuation. Read this guide to understand ETA portal blocking rules, proof of coverage requirements, foreign policy exceptions, and step-by-step purchase instructions.

Maasai Mara Accommodation. Where to Stay for Your Kenya Safari
09OCT
Safari Journal•10 min read

Maasai Mara Accommodation. Where to Stay for Your Kenya Safari

Maasai Mara accommodation varies from budget tented camps and mid-priced safari lodges to exclusive luxury retreats such as Angama Mara, Mara Plains, and Mahali Mzuri. The type of place you select—whether a property within the National Reserve (which gives you direct access to the migration rivers) or a private conservancy camp (for example Mara North or Naboisho, which offer less crowded drives, night safaris, and walking tours)—will affect your daily experience. Compare lodge and camp arrangements, the seasonal breakdown of park fees, and the options of flying in rather than driving.

Small group tours in Kenya
07OCT
Safari Journal•5 min read

Small group tours in Kenya

Small-group safaris in Kenya limit the number of passengers in each vehicle to between six and eight, thus ensuring that each guest gets a window seat and has easy access to an expert driver-guide in the pop-up roof 4x4 vehicles. These safaris vary in length from four-day visits to the parks to eleven-day itineraries that include trips to the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Lake Nakuru, and they provide an intimate wildlife experience without having to pay for a private charter. Continue reading to compare the different vehicle configurations, the lengths of the itineraries, seasonal game viewing, and the contents of the packages.

Safari for Single Travelers
07OCT
Safari Journal•5 min read

Safari for Single Travelers

A Kenya safari for single travelers provides the best combination of having private rooms, taking part in shared 4x4 game drives, and eating at the camp in a communal manner. If you choose a trip that is specifically for solo travellers or one that is a small group mixed with solo guests, you will have complete control over how you divide your time between social activities and spending time alone. Use this guide to compare the single supplement fees, the different camp hosting arrangements, the communal and private dining setups, and the best safari itineraries.

Small Group Tours Kenya: Masai Mara Safaris, Wildlife and Seasons
06OCT
Safari Journal•5 min read

Small Group Tours Kenya: Masai Mara Safaris, Wildlife and Seasons

Small-group Kenya safaris limit the number of passengers on each vehicle to between six and eight, so that each guest has a window seat and easy access to an expert driver-guide. Whether it's a 4-day tour focusing on the parks or an 11-day safari that includes both the bush and the beaches in the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Lake Nakuru, the small-group tours provide a personal wildlife experience without having the high cost of a private charter. For more information, read this guide, which compares the different vehicle setups, the lengths of the itineraries, seasonal game viewing, and optional upgrades.

Small Group African Safari Tours in Kenya
05OCT
Safari Journal•5 min read

Small Group African Safari Tours in Kenya

Small group African safaris in Kenya offer a more personal guiding experience while letting you share costs with other travelers. Instead of big coach buses, these safaris use custom 4x4 vehicles, so you get closer to wildlife and can access knowledgeable local driver-guides directly. In this guide, you will find information on popular routes, the best group sizes, tips for vehicle seating, and advice on choosing between scheduled group trips or private options.

African Safari Tours for Seniors With Kenyan Experts
03OCT
Safari Journal•5 min read

African Safari Tours for Seniors With Kenyan Experts

Kenya’s African safari tours for seniors are designed to be relaxed and comfortable, especially when you have a private driver-guide, fly-in transfers, and a slower pace. Whether you want to see big cats in the Maasai Mara or elephants in Amboseli, these safaris focus on easy access to ground-level lodges, simple 4x4 vehicle entry, and flexible game drives. This guide will help you compare travel times between regions, check lodge accessibility, and find tips on medical insurance.

Team Hiking Kenya Safaris for Adventure and Wildlife
03OCT
Safari Journal•5 min read

Team Hiking Kenya Safaris for Adventure and Wildlife

Team hiking safaris in Kenya bring together guided high-altitude treks, bush walks, and classic 4x4 game drives in one adventure-filled trip. You can take on multi-day treks up Mount Kenya (Point Lenana at 4,985m), enjoy day hikes in the Aberdare Range, or explore private conservancies on foot. Each trip is designed to match your group’s fitness level. Compare route difficulties, acclimatization plans, park permits, and what to pack using this guide.

African Safari Group Tours With Expert Guides
26SEP
Safari Journal•5 min read

African Safari Group Tours With Expert Guides

When you are choosing an African safari group tour in Kenya you need to weigh your budget against the degree of flexibility you want. By taking scheduled departures you can reduce the cost per person since the 4x4 vehicles and guides are shared with other travellers with similar interests, whereas with private group safaris your family or friend group will have the ability to decide on the times for daily departures, the lengths of the game drives and which camps to select. Find out how to check vehicle capacities, look at the single supplement charges and avoid any hidden tour fees.

Kenya Escorted Tours With Small Groups and Guides
21SEP
Safari Journal•5 min read

Kenya Escorted Tours With Small Groups and Guides

Kenya escorted tours provide a professional driver-guide, 4x4 safari vehicle, planned lodging, and managed park logistics, available as budget-friendly small-group departures or flexible private driver-guided safaris. Multi-region routes spanning 3 to 14 days pair iconic parks like the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, and Lake Nakuru. Read this guide to compare vehicle seating capacities, fly-vs-drive transfers, package inclusions, and group vs. private cost trade-offs.

Luxury Hotels in Masai Mara for Every Safari Style
20SEP
Safari Journal•5 min read

Luxury Hotels in Masai Mara for Every Safari Style

Luxury places to stay in the Masai Mara include 5-star safari hotels, cozy tented camps, resort-style retreats, and private conservancy lodges. Deciding whether to stay in the National Reserve, which gives you direct access to the migration, or in a private conservancy, where you can enjoy fewer crowds, night drives, and walking safaris, will shape your trip. Use this guide to compare different types of properties, what’s included in each package, seasonal prices, and our top recommendations.

Kenya Safari Accommodation for Every Travel Style
18SEP
Safari Journal•5 min read

Kenya Safari Accommodation for Every Travel Style

Kenya offers a wide range of safari accommodation, from small tented camps and luxury retreats in the Maasai Mara and Laikipia to permanent park lodges, safari hotels, and beach resorts along the coast. Knowing the key differences, like the comfort of canvas tents compared to solid-walled lodges, and checking what is included in the rates (such as park fees, game drives, drinks, and internal flights) will help you plan a smooth trip. Compare different accommodation styles, family-friendly options, and get helpful booking tips.

Planning a Stay at Amboseli National Park Lodges
18SEP
Safari Journal•5 min read

Planning a Stay at Amboseli National Park Lodges

Amboseli National Park offers a variety of lodges, from full-service hotels inside the park to smaller intimate tented camps in private conservancies. Choosing between staying in the heart of the park for quick access to wildlife or in a conservancy for night drives, guided walks, and quieter elephant sightings will shape the pace of your trip. Use this guide to compare lodge locations, views of Mount Kilimanjaro, what’s included, and how to get there.

Masai Mara Safari Cost and What to Expect
17SEP
Safari Journal•5 min read

Masai Mara Safari Cost and What to Expect

You can expect to pay anywhere from $150 per night for basic tented budget camps to over $1,500 for luxury conservancy lodges on a Masai Mara safari. Prices and park entry fees are highest during peak season, from July to October. If you travel during the shoulder or low seasons, you can save significantly. Keep reading for a detailed cost guide, a comparison of parks and conservancies, and tips to help you lower your overall trip cost.

A Guide to Wildlife Safaris in Kenya
17SEP
Safari Journal•5 min read

A Guide to Wildlife Safaris in Kenya

A Kenya wildlife safari lets you see the Big Five in different habitats, from the Maasai Mara’s predator-filled plains to the large elephant herds in Amboseli and Tsavo. The best time for game viewing is June to October, and spending 3 to 9 days gives you enough time to visit the main reserves. Find out which parks suit your interests, the best times for river crossings, and tips for planning your trip.

Luxury Camps in Kenya: Find the Right Camp for Your Safari
17SEP
Safari Journal•5 min read

Luxury Camps in Kenya: Find the Right Camp for Your Safari

Luxury safari camps in Kenya cost between $700 and $1,500 or more per person each night. They feature private tented suites, fine dining, and guided 4x4 game drives. Your choice between a national reserve stay, which gives you direct access to migration river crossings, or a private conservancy camp in areas like the Mara, Laikipia, or Samburu, which offers fewer crowds, night drives, and walking safaris, will shape your daily experience. Keep reading to compare the main camp styles, seasonal prices, and the best times to book.

Luxury Safaris in Kenya for a Tailored Wildlife Trip
17SEP
Safari Journal•5 min read

Luxury Safaris in Kenya for a Tailored Wildlife Trip

A luxury safari in Kenya brings together top tented camps and lodges, private 4x4 game drives, expert guides, and easy domestic flights, with prices starting at $800 per person per night. When you stay in private conservancies such as Ol Pejeta, Lewa, or Mara North, you’ll enjoy uncrowded wildlife viewing, night drives, and walking safaris during a 7- to 10-night trip. Use this guide to compare different lodge styles, conservancy benefits, and detailed pricing.

Kenya Safari Tours, Wildlife and Travel Packages
17SEP
Safari Journal•5 min read

Kenya Safari Tours, Wildlife and Travel Packages

A Kenya safari tour takes you to top wildlife parks such as the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, and Samburu. Daily costs range from $150 for budget trips to over $800 for luxury experiences. The best time for game viewing and to see the Great Migration river crossings is during the dry season from June to October. You can plan a 3-to-7-day itinerary that combines wildlife drives with a relaxing stay at Diani Beach. Use this guide to compare parks, the best times to visit, what’s included in packages, and overall costs.

How to Plan Your Kenya Safari Itinerary
17SEP
Safari Journal•5 min read

How to Plan Your Kenya Safari Itinerary

A good Kenya safari plan focuses on spending time in key wildlife areas instead of rushing between many distant parks. If you want to visit just one place, like the Maasai Mara, two to four days is enough. For a trip that covers different landscapes or includes a stop at Diani Beach, plan for five to ten days or more. Keep reading to find the best route for your travel style, learn about fly-in safaris, and get tips on clear package pricing.

Kenya Safari Packages: Tours, Holidays & All-Inclusive Trips
16SEP
Safari Journal•5 min read

Kenya Safari Packages: Tours, Holidays & All-Inclusive Trips

Kenya safari packages come in many options, from short 3- or 4-day visits to a single park to longer trips of 5 to 10 days or more that cover several regions, including famous reserves like the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, and even the coast. You can tailor your itinerary to fit your travel style, whether you want classic wildlife viewing, a family adventure, a private luxury fly-in, or a romantic bush-and-beach honeymoon. This guide will help you compare different tours, see what’s usually included, choose between flying or driving, and decide how long to stay.

Masai Mara Safari Tours & Packages
13SEP
Safari Journal•5 min read

Masai Mara Safari Tours & Packages

The best Masai Mara safari package for you will depend on how long you plan to stay, how you want to travel, and the type of accommodation you prefer. If you are new to safaris, a 3-day trip is a great way to start and gives you a full day for game drives. If you have less time, flying in lets you spend more of your trip watching wildlife. Keep reading to compare road and fly-in packages, find out what’s usually included, and see how you can tailor a private tour to your needs.

Kenya Honeymoon With Safari and Beach Time
13SEP
Safari Journal•5 min read

Kenya Honeymoon With Safari and Beach Time

A Kenya honeymoon safari blends a 4-to-7-night wildlife adventure with a relaxing 3-to-6-night beach escape in places like Diani, Lamu, or Zanzibar. Popular 10-to-14-day trips include private 4x4 vehicles, romantic bush dinners, sunrise hot air balloon rides, and stays in star-bed lodges. This guide will help you discover different budget options, the best romantic spots, and the best times to visit.

Private Safari in Kenya
13SEP
Safari Journal•5 min read

Private Safari in Kenya

On a private safari in Kenya, you get your own 4x4 vehicle, a personal driver-guide, and a custom itinerary without having to share with others. You can start your days when you like, spend as much time as you want at wildlife sightings, and visit private conservancies where off-road driving, night drives, and walking safaris are possible. Use this guide to compare public parks and private conservancies, find the best places to visit, and plan a custom trip lasting three to seven nights.

Family Safari in Kenya
13SEP
Safari Journal•5 min read

Family Safari in Kenya

When planning a family trip to Kenya, it helps to adjust game drive times and travel plans to fit your children’s school schedules and energy levels. Flying between parks or booking a private vehicle gives families with young kids the flexibility to change plans as needed. You will find tips on the best places for kids, important safety and health checklists, and ways to combine safari adventures with relaxing days at the beach.

Masai Mara Migration Safari. River Crossings and Wildlife
13SEP
Safari Journal•5 min read

Masai Mara Migration Safari. River Crossings and Wildlife

A Masai Mara migration safari lets you witness the northern part of the Great Migration, when millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move from the Serengeti into Kenya. The herds follow the rains, but the best time to visit is from July to October, when you can also see more predator activity from lions, cheetahs, and crocodiles. In this guide, you'll find tips on where to stay, how to choose between the main reserve and private conservancies, and how to plan your game drives based on the herds' movements.

Nairobi to Masai Mara Flights, Prices, Airlines and Airstrips
13SEP
Safari Journal•5 min read

Nairobi to Masai Mara Flights, Prices, Airlines and Airstrips

Flying from Nairobi to the Masai Mara cuts your travel time from a six-hour drive to just a one-hour flight from Wilson Airport. Safarilink and AirKenya are the main airlines, offering daily flights to airstrips such as Keekorok, Ol Kiombo, and Musiara. Learn how to pick the best airstrip for your camp, avoid extra luggage fees, and make your international connections easier.

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