The Masai Mara is where to go in Kenya for the dramatic wildebeest migration but there’s a great deal more to this East African country. Other classic big game destinations such as Amboseli and Tsavo are easily accessible as is the recently opened-up Laikipia Plateau region.

And after the drama of a Kenya safari, what could be better than a few lazy days on a white-sand beach? Kenya’s tropical coast offers everything from buzzing resorts to exclusive island hideaways making the country ideal for safari and beach vacations.

Kenya has no obvious safari routes, but there are clusters of parks that can easily be visited together. The country is relatively compact, so one can ‘mix and match’ to take in some of the highlights that don’t make an official circuit.

Most people fly into Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) and make connections from there (out of the domestic Wilson Airport). Whichever circuit is chosen, one can always add a return flight from Nairobi to the Masai Mara, which should definitely be on every itinerary.

Southwest Safari Circuit

The southwest offers some of Kenya’s premier and most popular wildlife viewing.

Destinations:

• Masai Mara National Reserve (2 to 4 days) is the country’s main attraction. The reserve has an incredible resident wildlife population, which is boosted every year by the wildebeest migration from the neighboring Serengeti in Tanzania.
• Lake Nakuru National Park (1 to 2 days) is in the scenic Rift Valley and is known for its healthy populations of black and white rhino.
• Hell’s Gate National Park and Lake Naivasha for cycling among wildlife
• Lake Bogoria National Reserve and Lake Baringo for a birding extravaganza and flocks of flamingo in Lake Bogoria
• Amboseli National Park for views of Mt Kilimanjaro and big herds of elephant
• Lamu Island for a taste of Swahili culture and relaxation on the beach

Southeast Safari Circuit

If you’re planning a beach holiday, there are several options for a safari add-on. These parks are easily reached by car from any of the coastal resorts around Mombasa and Watamu or from Nairobi.

Destinations:

• Tsavo East National Park (2 to 3 days) is Kenya’s biggest park and the transitional zone between the savannah and the northern semi-desert. The wide-open spaces have amazing wilderness appeal.
• Amboseli National Park (2 to 3 days) at the base of Mt Kilimanjaro offers excellent elephant viewing and is one of Kenya’s most popular parks.
• Masai Mara National Reserve for seeing the wildebeest migration and big cat action
• Diani Beach for some sun and surf
• Shimba Hills National Reserve for seeing the rare sable antelope

Central and Northern Safari Circuit

The area is altogether more rugged and remote than its southern counterpart and offers excellent wildlife viewing.

Destinations:

• Meru National Park (2 to 3 days) is very scenic with many watercourses crossing the dry terrain and has an unspoiled feel about it.
• Samburu National Reserve and Buffalo Springs National Reserve (2 to 3 days) are neighboring parks that feature some of the more interesting dry-country animal species.
• Laikipia Plateau (2 to 3 days) , at the base of Mt Kenya, encompasses many private game reserves and offers great opportunities to see black and white rhino.
• Aberdare National Park (1 to 2 days) , in the central highlands, offers a different kind of wildlife watching while perched in tree hotels, including Treetops and the Ark. These places act as massive hides where you can sit and watch the animals come to you.
• Mount Kenya National Park for hiking and climbing the mountain
• Masai Mara National Reserve for seeing the wildebeest migration and big cat action

A diverse geography means a variable climate across the country but Kenya is considered a year-round destination for both safaris and beach holidays.

Most Kenya safari destinations are at their best between January and the end of March; the climate is mild, mostly dry and game viewing is at its peak. Naturally, this time is considered the best time to go to Kenya on safari but a rainy season.

Visit – between mid-March to June and again between October and December – is well worth considering in order to avoid the peak-season crowds and to take advantage of cheaper, off-season rates on accommodation and tours.

Generally, the best time to visit Kenya is in either of the two dry seasons, from January to March or July to October. Given the nature of the dry season, wildlife spotting is at its best at this time.

Vegetation is sparser, making distance viewing a lot easier. Plus, the animals tend to gather around waterholes as well as rivers and lakes, so finding them is also much easier.

The coastal regions of Kenya, from Diani and Mombasa to Malindi and the northern islands of the Lamu Archipelago, tend to experience hot and humid weather year-round. However, temperatures and rainfall are at their highest between mid-March and May, so if you’re planning a beach break with your safari in Kenya, consider visiting outside of these months.

Those keen on snorkeling or diving should visit in the months of October, November and March for the clearest seas. Local marine life includes crabs, starfish, turtles and a variety of colourful corals. But Kenya’s tropical waters are also famous for hosting migrating whale sharks, particularly around Diani Beach. Between October to April, whale shark safaris give you the chance to see these gentle giants in an unspoilt environment.

The best times to climb Mt Kenya and Kilimanjaro tend to be the warmest and driest months – January, February, and September. June, July, and August are also good months. However, temperatures and weather are quite unpredictable, and can change drastically based on the time of day and altitude.