Is it possible to take an organized trip to Kenya?

It is absolutely possible to travel to Kenya on an organized trip. At Chacal Safaris Ltd, we offer all-inclusive trips that allow you to visit the country’s most beautiful parks accompanied by an experienced guide.

Chacal Safaris packages generally include:

• A French-speaking/Engish driver-guide

• National park entrance fees

• Nights in hotels or lodges

• Full board (meals and bottled water)

• Airport transfers

• Transportation throughout your stay

Not included in the package price:

• Round-trip flights

• Visa

• Tips

• Travel insurance

Which itinerary should you take in Kenya?

Are you planning a trip to Kenya but unsure where to go? Our Chacal Safari experts can help. A major safari destination, Kenya attracts many travelers each year. The typical itinerary starts with a landing at Nairobi Airport, in the west of the country. Most of Kenya’s reserves and national parks are located around the capital, particularly in the Great Rift Valley, northwest of Nairobi and stretching southwest into Tanzania. It’s important to know that a large part of Kenya is desert, especially the northeast where the Chalbi Desert is located, these areas are much less touristy.

At Chacal Safaris, we generally recommend the following itinerary for a 5- to 10-day circuit through the country’s most beautiful national parks. Depending on the length of your stay, you can head either toward the Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, and Hell’s Gate to the northwest, or toward Amboseli National Park and Tsavo West and Tsavo East in the south.

If possible, consider visiting Crescent Island Sanctuary to observe many kinds of magnificent wildlife, especially its incredible bird population.

To end your trip well, we strongly recommend spending a few days in the southeast at Diani Beach to rest by the ocean before your return flight.

If you stay in the parks around Nairobi, you can fly home from the capital’s airport. If you head to the coast, it’s better to use Mombasa Airport, which is only 40 km from Diani Beach.

Where to go on safari in Kenya?

Kenya is home to many national parks and reserves. Here is a non-exhaustive list of the most beautiful conservation areas:

Masai Mara National Reserve – Located in the southwest, named after the Maasai tribe and the Mara River. The reserve is famous for the Great Migration of zebras and wildebeest from July to October. You can also spot Africa’s Big Five, lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo plus crocodiles and hippos.

Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru – Located in the Great Rift Valley.

• Lake Naivasha is a postcard-perfect lake with crystal-clear waters surrounded by greenery at the foot of Mount Longonot and its red cliffs. From here, you can reach Hell’s Gate National Park, often explored by bicycle.

• Lake Nakuru National Park is home to flamingos, rhinos, gazelles, monkeys, hippos, hyenas, and more.

Amboseli National Park – In the south, at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, known as the “roof of Africa.” It is home to many predators such as Lions, Cheetahs, Zebras, as well as Buffaloes,Giraffes, and large herds of Elephants often seen along the lake.

Tsavo National Park – One of Kenya’s oldest and largest parks, divided into Tsavo West and Tsavo East. The west includes the old Ndara Pains, while the east features volcanic landscapes, Lugard Falls, the Galana River, and Aruba Dam. Here you may see migratory birds, crocodiles, hippos, and large herds of elephants covered in red dust.

Where to swim in Kenya?

Travelers’ favorite swimming spots are on Kenya’s east coast. The beaches near Mombasa on the Indian Ocean are perfect for swimming and relaxing.

In Mombasa, the coastal neighborhoods of Bamburi, Jomo Kenyatta Beach, and Shanzu Beach offer public sandy beaches lined with coconut trees, as well as Haller Park and marine reserves.

For a private beach, you’ll need to book a stay at a beachfront resort such as Neptune Beach Resort.

Outside Mombasa, you’ll also find peaceful paradises such as:

Watamu – A charming village ideal for sunbathing and water sports such as diving, fishing, kayaking, and kitesurfing.

Malindi – A historic town with stunning beaches like Mayungu Beach and Jacaranda Bay.

Diani Beach (south of Mombasa) – A tropical paradise with turquoise water and fine sand, perfect for solo travelers, couples, and families.

Inland, you can visit Shimba Hills National Reserve with its dense jungle, waterfalls, and wildlife.

When is the best time to visit Kenya?

Kenya can be visited year-round. While some areas are semi-arid or desert, safari regions experience a pleasant equatorial climate.

Kenya has 4 seasons:

• 2 dry seasons: December–March and June–October

• 2 rainy seasons: April–June and October–December

The June–October dry season is the best time to visit, with pleasant temperatures and little rain—but it is also peak tourist season.

To avoid the crowds, consider traveling during the rainy season. The landscapes become lush and colorful, and prices for flights and accommodation drop.

Best time for a safari in Kenya

Wildlife is visible year-round. However:

Dry season (June–October & December–March) is ideal because animals gather around waterholes, making them easier to spot.

It is also the best time to witness the Great Migration as zebras and wildebeest arrive in Masai Mara from July until late October before returning to Serengeti.

Rainy seasons bring beautiful green landscapes and dramatic light. Kenya also hosts over 1,000 species of birds, and migratory birds are especially active during rains.

How to dress for Kenya

Temperatures are high year-round. Wear light clothing and protect yourself from the sun with sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen.

Bring extra layers in certain situations:

• For the rainy season, bring waterproof clothing.

• For climbing Kilimanjaro or trekking, bring warm clothing.

• For safaris, pack several layers because mornings and evenings are cold while afternoons are hot. Neutral colors (beige, green) help avoid attracting insects like tsetse flies.

Good walking shoes are essential.

Kenya is conservative, so in Nairobi and Mombasa, opt for modest clothing.

For Diani Beach, bring swimsuits and sandals.

What budget do you need for a trip to Kenya?

Flights

A round-trip flight from Paris to Nairobi or Mombasa costs around €700, sometimes as low as €600.

Accommodation

Mid-range hotels or lodges cost about €50 per person per night. Luxury resorts can cost up to €300 per night. Camping in national parks costs $20–$50 per night.

Chaca Safaris Ltd packages include all accommodation.

Transportation

• Public transport: very cheap but unreliable

• Uber: €3–€5 per ride

• Train between Nairobi and Mombasa (via Tsavo): ~€13 Economy Class and 37€ First Class

• Car rental: €45–€90/day for a small car; €180–€270/day for a 4×4 Jeep

Chacal Safaris td packages include all transfers.

Meals

• Local restaurants: a few euros

• Groceries: very cheap

• Tourist restaurants: €13–€35 per meal

Chaca Safaris Ltd includes full board.

Safari prices in Kenya

Chacal Safaris offers two types of trips:

• Group safaris – price varies based on number of participants

• Private safaris – fixed price per person

Examples:

• €750 per person for a 5-day group safari (Amboseli, Tsavo West, Tsavo East)

• €1090 per person for a 7-day group safari (Masai Mara, Naivasha, Amboseli)

• €1950 per person for a 10-day private safari + Diani Beach

How to obtain a visa for Kenya

You need a passport and a visa. Apply online only on the Kenyan government website.

Tourist visas are valid for 90 days from issuance. Apply 15–20 days before departure.

Required documents:

• Passport valid 6 months after return

• Photo ID

• Travel itinerary

• Hotel confirmation

• Round-trip flight tickets

Visa price: 30€

Children under 16 do not need a visa.

Vaccinations for Kenya

No vaccine is mandatory, but the Pasteur Institute recommends:

• Routine vaccines (polio, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, measles, mumps, rubella)

• Hepatitis A

• Hepatitis B

• Yellow fever

• Typhoid

• Rabies

Use mosquito nets, repellents, and long clothing.

Drink only bottled water Kazaden includes bottled water in its packages.