Driving Safaris in Kenya

A driving safari in Kenya is perhaps the most popular option, and offers a superb experience coupled with great value for money. Most driving safaris depart on set days and follow a set route. Vehicles are shared with other guests, although it’s possible to have a vehicle to yourself.

Most driving safaris in Kenya use microbuses, which tend carry a maximum of six guests, thereby guaranteeing a window seat. This is a comfortable way to travel both within game reserves and on the open road, and with a pop-up hatch for game viewing you’ll get a panoramic view of the action.

It’s possible to have a vehicle just for you and your party at a supplement, or upgrade to different vehicle types on selected itineraries - a great option for a special trip such as a honeymoon or if you’re travelling with a small group or with a family. Premier safari microbuses for up to four guests have the same features as standard microbuses, but with a row less there’s more space all round.

4-wheel drive vehicles for your exclusive use are also available, and are featured as standard on selected itineraries. Having your own vehicle gives you more flexibility in terms of departure day and itinerary, plus more space and privacy too.

A driving safari will combine different areas of Kenya, each with its distinct landscapes and wildlife. On days where you’re travelling between parks you tend to do a game drive on the way to or from your lodge or camp, and while distances can mount up, but there’s plenty of rest stops and lots to see when you’re travelling between parks. This is a great way to see the country beyond the parks too, taking in towns and villages, spectacular views and hidden gems. Quite simply, a driving safari in Kenya is a rewarding adventure that you’ll never forget!

Flying Safari Itineraries to Kenya

A flying safari in Kenya will take in one or more locations linked by light aircraft - a spectacular and straightforward way to travel, making short work of long distances. Kenya’s light aircraft network is well developed and there are regular flights from Nairobi to various parks, making various itineraries possible.

Beyond Nairobi there are a number of flights linking different parks, with the main ones linking Samburu & the Masai Mara, Nanyuki (for Ol Pejeta and Mount Kenya) & the Masai Mara, and Lake Naivasha (for the Great Rift Valley) & the Masai Mara. On other routes you may need to charter a light aircraft to yourself if numbers are low, but this is a more affordable option than it may sound!

Travelling by light aircraft will give you spectacular views of the country. You may stop once or twice en route to your destination to drop off and pick up passengers, and this adds to the excitement. Luggage is strictly limited to 15 kg per person in soft-sided bags, although there’s a luggage storage facility in Nairobi that guests can use on selected itineraries (ask for details). Keep your camera handy!

Transfers within game reserves and game drives once you’re there are usually conducted in the lodge’s or camp’s own 4-wheel drive vehicles, which will be shared with other guests, although you can arrange for exclusive use of a vehicle (subject to availability and additional charge). Your guide will be local to the specific area, and their knowledge is exceptional.

On safari your day tends starts around 6 am with an early wake up call and a coffee, before heading out for your first game drive of the day. You’ll be out and about in the game reserve for around two hours, exploring the local area and seeing what wildlife you can find. Your driver-guide is expert in wildlife and knows all there is to know about it, so if you have a particular interest in something let him know - he’ll probably know the best place to see it! Game viewing is not an exact science, so some game drives may be inundated with sightings while others may be less so. On your return to the lodge a sumptuous breakfast is served before you have some time to relax - some lodges and camps offer optional excursions if you want even more action!

Later in the afternoon your second game drive of the day takes place as the animals become more active after the heat of the day, then it’s back to your lodge or camp before the sun sets. On occasion, if there’s plenty of wildlife activity in a different area of your game reserve your driver-guide may suggest heading out on one longer game drive rather than two shorter ones, along with a picnic lunch, to give you the opportunity to go a little further afield to take in more game action. Some lake lodges don't offer game drives, but do have other optional activities available. Finish the day with a delicious dinner and a few drinks around a camp fire, before an early night to prepare yourself for the next action-packed day tomorrow!