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Kenya

Kenya is the promise of the absolute safari: wildebeest by the millions in the Masai Mara, elephants under Kilimanjaro in Amboseli, and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean in Diani to end in style.

Region
Afrique de l'Est
Circuits from
2,300 €
Ideal duration
10 days
Best season
January-February, June-September
Flight
8.5-10h
MEAE β€” Enhanced vigilance

The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs currently classifies Kenya as « Enhanced vigilance ». Check the official advisory before planning your trip.

diplomatie.gouv.fr β€” French travel advisories

Why Kenya on an organized tour?

Kenya is the world's leading safari destination: it is here, in the Masai Mara, that the Great Wildebeest Migration takes place every year, one of the most striking wildlife spectacles on the planet. Millions of herbivores cross the Mara River before the eyes of travellers, chased by crocodiles and lions. But there's more to Kenya than just migration: Amboseli offers the iconic image of the elephant in front of Kilimanjaro, Samburu is home to unique species not found elsewhere, and the coast of Mombasa makes for a beautiful end to a tour on one of Africa's most beautiful beaches.

The organized tour is a must here for several reasons: the lodges are often accessible only by track, the national parks require approved vehicles, and the local guides radically transform the experience. Seeing a lion from 50 meters away is moving; understanding its hunting behavior, identifying the members of the troop and anticipating its movements is unforgettable.

Note on climate: the data correspond to Nairobi (1795 m above sea level, temperate climate). The coast (Mombasa, Diani) is much warmer and humid, with a dry season June-September corresponding to the high safari season. The rainy seasons occur in March-May (long) and November-December (short).

When to go to Kenya?

The best time is July-October to witness the great migration in the Masai Mara. January-February represents the ideal second window: dry season, fauna concentrated at watering holes, bearable heat. Avoid March-May (high rainy season) and November (short rains). Kenya is a year-round safari destination outside of these periods.

Januaryβ˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜†
15Β°-26Β°C64 mmHigh season
Wildebeest calving season (Serengeti/Amboseli, decembre-fevrier)
Februaryβ˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…
15Β°-28Β°C45 mmHigh season
Saison seche courte, faune concentree aux points d'eau
Marchβ˜…β˜…β˜†β˜†β˜†
15Β°-29Β°C115 mmLow season
⚠ Debut de la grande saison des pluies (mars-mai). Routes en terre difficiles d'acces, vegetation dense qui masque la faune. Prix bas mais inconfort logistique.
Aprilβ˜…β˜†β˜†β˜†β˜†
15Β°-29Β°C88 mmLow season
⚠ Pic de la saison des pluies longues. Nombreux lodges fermes ou difficiles d'acces dans le Masai Mara. Safari peu recommande.
Mayβ˜…β˜…β˜†β˜†β˜†
13Β°-27Β°C46 mmLow season
⚠ Fin de la saison des pluies longues. Conditions en amelioration en fin de mois. A eviter sauf budget tres serre.
Juneβ˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜†
14Β°-25Β°C25 mmHigh season
Debut de la migration : premier troupeaux de gnous remontant vers le Mara
Julyβ˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…
13Β°-25Β°C30 mmHigh season
Grande migration : traversees spectaculaires de la riviere Mara (juillet-octobre) Β· Temperatures douces, ciel bleu, faune exceptionnelle
Augustβ˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…
14Β°-26Β°C24 mmHigh season
Grande migration au pic : millions de gnous et zebres dans le Masai Mara
Septemberβ˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…
15Β°-27Β°C30 mmHigh season
Fin de la migration : gnous toujours presents dans le Mara, traversees frequentes
Octoberβ˜…β˜…β˜…β˜†β˜†
15Β°-28Β°C51 mmShoulder season
Retour des gnous vers le Serengeti
Novemberβ˜…β˜…β˜†β˜†β˜†
15Β°-25Β°C38 mmLow season
⚠ Saison des pluies courtes (novembre-decembre). Pluies moins intenses qu'en avril, safari possible mais conditions moins ideales. Cote (Mombasa, Diani) tres humide.
Decemberβ˜…β˜…β˜…β˜†β˜†
15Β°-26Β°C63 mmShoulder season
Debut de la saison de velage des gnous en decembre (Serengeti)
High seasonLow seasonShoulder season

Budget: how much does a safari in Kenya cost?

Kenya is a high-end safari destination. A comfortable (mid-range) half-board lodge in the Masai Mara costs between 200 and 400 EUR per person per night. A 10-day organized tour starts at 2,300 EUR per person (excluding flights). In a luxury tented camp, the budget climbs to 500-700 EUR per day. The destination is more expensive than Tanzania or South Africa, but the value for money is still exceptional.

LevelBudget
Budget120 €/day
Mid-range250 €/day
Comfort600 €/day
Kenya tour
Organised tour 10–14 days, from
2,300 €
Local meal: ~8 €Local transport: ~15 €/day

The essential steps

Each Kenyan park has its own personality. Here are the stops found on most tours, from the legendary Masai Mara to the beaches of Diani to the Great Rift Lakes.

NairobiTour start

Nairobi

1-2 days

At 1795 m above sea level, Nairobi is the only capital city in the world with a national park at its heart: lions, giraffes and rhinos just a few kilometres from the skyscrapers. A natural gateway to all tours, the city also offers the Karen Blixen Museum, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust's elephant sanctuary and an amazing culinary scene. Allow one night to acclimatise before heading to the parks.

Nairobi National Park (lions and giraffes, skyline in the background)David Sheldrick Wildlife TrustGiraffe CentreKaren Blixen Museum (The African Farm)Maasai Craft Market
Masai Mara

Masai Mara

3-4 days

The Masai Mara National Reserve is the beating heart of the Kenyan safari. From July to October, the great wildebeest migration offers one of the most striking wildlife shows on the planet: millions of herbivores cross the Mara River under the eye of crocodiles. Outside of migration, the Mara remains exceptional with its lions, leopards, cheetahs and elephants in remarkable density. The hot air balloon flight at sunrise is the highlight of the trip.

Great wildebeest migration (Mara River crossings, July-October)4x4 Safari: Big Five and PredatorsHot air balloon flight at sunriseMaasai Village and Cultural ImmersionWorld-class wildlife photography
Amboseli

Amboseli

2-3 days

The most emblematic image of Kenya: an elephant in the foreground, with Kilimanjaro covered in snow in the background. Amboseli National Park is the kingdom of large herds of elephants, studied since 1972 by scientists from all over the world. The freshwater marshes fed by the eternal snows of Kili attract flamingos, ibises and buffaloes. A must-see tour to combine wildlife and iconic landscape.

Elephants with the family with Kilimanjaro in the backgroundEnkongo Narok Marsh (flamingos, birds)Dawn viewing from a lodge overlooking KiliLocal Maasai communitiesMore than 400 species of birds
Lac Nakuru

Lac Nakuru

1-2 days

In the Great Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru was once the largest concentration of flamingos on the planet, with more than a million birds turning its waters bright pink. The national park also protects white and black rhinos, Rothschild's giraffes and baboons. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the Rift Lakes system, it is an ideal overnight stopover between Nairobi and the Masai Mara.

Flamingos on the lake (unique natural event)White and Black Rhinos (Sanctuary Park)Rothschild GiraffesBaboon Cliff Snout (Lake Panorama)Leopards and lions in the riverside forest
Lac Naivasha

Lac Naivasha

1 days

Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake at an altitude of 1884 m between Nairobi and Nakuru, is a haven of peace surrounded by greenery. Hippopotamuses and fish eagles coexist with an exceptional population of birds (more than 400 species). The sunrise boat ride between the water hyacinths is a timeless experience. Crescent Island, a walking sanctuary in the middle of the lake, allows you to approach zebras, giraffes and wildebeest without a vehicle.

Boat trip between hippos and birdsCrescent Island (walking safari, zebras and giraffes)Ornithological observation (fish eagles, kingfishers)Ol Karia Geothermal Spa at the Hot SpringsHell's Gate National Park (cycling and gorge)
Samburu

Samburu

2-3 days

The Samburu Game Reserve in arid northern Kenya is home to the 'special five': the gerenuk (giraffe-necked antelope), the reticulated giraffe, the Beisa's oryx, the Grevy's zebra and the Somali lion. A different ecosystem from the Masai Mara, crossed by the Ewaso Ng'iro River lined with dum palms, where elephants and crocodiles share the ponds. Not very touristy in comparison, Samburu offers a more confidential and authentic safari experience.

The 'special five': gerenuk, reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, oryx, Somali lionEwaso Ng'iro River (crocodiles, elephants, hippos)Samburu culture (close to the Maasai but distinct)Semi-arid landscapes and doum palmsWildlife photography off the beaten track
Diani / Mombasa

Diani / Mombasa

3-4 days

Diani beach, 30 km south of Mombasa, is one of the most beautiful beaches in Africa: pristine white sand, turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, coconut trees. After the intensity of the safari, three days here allow you to unwind in a paradisiacal setting. Mombasa, the old Swahili city, is worth a visit for its Fort Jesus (UNESCO heritage) and its Old Town with Arab streets. An ideal safari-beach combination to end the trip in style.

Diani Beach (white sand, turquoise waters)Snorkeling and coral reef divingFort Jesus in Mombasa (UNESCO, Arab-Portuguese architecture)Old Town Mombasa and its Swahili alleysTraditional dhow tour

Photo gallery

Rohan Reddy on Unsplash
Rohan Reddy on Unsplash
Leonard von Bibra on Unsplash
Leonard von Bibra on Unsplash
Bibhash Banerjee on Unsplash
Bibhash Banerjee on Unsplash
Suraj Pala on Unsplash
Suraj Pala on Unsplash
Ahmed Galal on Unsplash
Ahmed Galal on Unsplash
Ana Singh on Unsplash
Ana Singh on Unsplash
Michael Starkie on Unsplash
Michael Starkie on Unsplash
Murad Swaleh on Unsplash
Murad Swaleh on Unsplash

Typical routes

These routes are educational examples to give you an idea of what is possible. They do not correspond to a specific product. Use the questionnaire to find the tour that suits you.

Safari classique : Nairobi, Masai Mara et Amboseli

8 daysjuillet-octobre (migration), janvier-fevrier (saison seche courte)
Nairobi
1 night
Masai Mara
3 nights
Lac Nakuru
1 night
Amboseli
2 nights
From ~3,200 €
Sample itinerary
faunesafariphotographieaventure

Grand Kenya : migration, lacs du Rift et Samburu

12 daysjuillet-octobre pour la migration, fevrier pour la saison seche
Nairobi
1 night
Samburu
2 nights
Lac Nakuru
1 night
Lac Naivasha
1 night
Masai Mara
4 nights
Amboseli
2 nights
From ~4,800 €
Sample itinerary
faunesafaridecouvertephotographie-animaliere

Safari et plage : Masai Mara, Amboseli et Diani

10 daysjuillet-octobre (migration + beau temps cote), janvier-fevrier
Nairobi
1 night
Masai Mara
3 nights
Amboseli
2 nights
Diani / Mombasa
3 nights
From ~3,800 €
Sample itinerary
safaribalneareromantiquefamille

Practical advice

Formalities and eTA

Since January 2024, French nationals must obtain an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) before travelling to Kenya. The application is made online at etakenya.go.ke. Cost: 32.50 USD (approximately 30 EUR). Processing time: 3 working days (recommended: 2 weeks in advance). Passport valid for at least 6 months after entry, with 2 blank pages. If you are transiting through a country at risk of yellow fever (some African or South American countries), a yellow fever vaccination certificate will be required on arrival.

Health and vaccines

No vaccination is compulsory from France (except for yellow fever if transit in a high-risk country). Recommended vaccines: DTP, hepatitis A, typhoid. Malaria is present in all areas below 2,500 m (Masai Mara, Samburu, Mombasa): antimalarial prophylaxis is essential, starting 1 to 2 weeks before departure. Consult a traveller's doctor before departure.

Safari: the right reflexes

The parks usually open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. The safaris are done in a 4x4 vehicle with a driver-guide. Wear neutral colors (khaki, beige, green), never white or bright red which attract insects and can disturb the animals. Respect the rules of the park: never get out of the vehicle (except in authorized areas), never feed the animals, respect the distances. Early morning (6am-10am) and evening (4pm-7pm) are the best viewing times.

Moving between parks

Internal transfers are either by 4x4 (long dirt roads, sometimes 4-5 hours) or by bush plane (internal flights from Nairobi Wilson Airport, 30-60 min depending on the destination). Bush planes are highly recommended to save time and comfort, but add 200-400 EUR each way.

Tips and Usage

Tips are part of the Kenyan safari culture and are eagerly awaited. Allow around USD 10-20 per day for your driver-guide and USD 5-10 per day for the lodge staff. The Maasai sometimes welcome visitors to their villages for a fee (USD 20-50 per group).

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a visa to go to Kenya if you are French?β–Ύ

Since January 2024, Kenya has replaced the classic visa with an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) mandatory for French nationals. The application is made online at etakenya.go.ke before departure. Cost: 32.50 USD (about 30 EUR). Processing time: 3 working days (recommended to apply at least 2 weeks before). The passport must be valid for at least 6 months after entry, with a minimum of 2 blank pages.

https://etakenya.go.ke/general-informationhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Kenyahttps://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/kenya/entry-requirements
When is the Great Wildebeest Migration in Kenya?β–Ύ

The great wildebeest migration crosses the Masai Mara from July to October. The first columns arrive from the Serengeti in July; the spectacular crossings of the Mara River (crocodile attack) take place from July to September. In October, the wildebeest head south. The most intense periods: August and September. Note: the migration is an unpredictable natural phenomenon, the dates may vary from one year to the next depending on the rainfall.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masai_Marahttps://www.evaneos.fr/kenya/voyage/quand-partir/
How much should I budget for a safari in Kenya?β–Ύ

Kenya is a high-end safari destination. A 10-day tour in a mid-range lodge starts at around EUR 2,300 per person (excluding flights). In a luxury lodge or premium tented camp, expect to pay EUR 4,000 to EUR 7,000 for 10 days. The Paris-Nairobi return flight costs between EUR 550 and EUR 1,100 depending on the season. Entrance fees to the parks (payable on site or included in the tour) are USD 60-100 per person per day in the Masai Mara.

https://www.evaneos.fr/kenya/
Is Kenya a safe country for tourists?β–Ύ

Kenya is classified as 'Enhanced Vigilance' by the Quai d'Orsay (not in the red zone for tourist areas). The national parks (Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu) are safe when travelling with a serious operator. Nairobi requires vigilance against pickpockets in the city centre. The border areas with Somalia (Mandera, Garissa, Wajir) are formally discouraged. The coast (Mombasa, Diani) is accessible without any particular precautions.

https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays-destination/kenya/
Do I need vaccines to go to Kenya?β–Ύ

No vaccination is required to enter Kenya from France, unless you are transiting through a country at risk of yellow fever (including some African or South American countries), in which case the yellow fever vaccination certificate becomes mandatory. The recommended vaccines are: up-to-date DTP, hepatitis A, typhoid, hepatitis B. Malaria is present in all areas below 2,500 m (Masai Mara, Mombasa, Samburu): antimalarial prophylaxis is essential.

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/kenyahttps://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays-destination/kenya/
How long does the flight from Paris to Nairobi take?β–Ύ

The Paris-Nairobi flight takes about 8 hours and 30 minutes directly. Direct flights exist (Air France, Kenya Airways from CDG), but most flights offer a stopover (Addis Ababa via Ethiopian Airlines, Istanbul via Turkish Airlines, Dubai via Emirates, Casablanca via Royal Air Maroc), bringing the total journey to 10 to 14 hours. Flights with stopovers are often cheaper (sometimes under 600 EUR round trip in low season).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jomo_Kenyatta_International_Airport
Is it better to visit Kenya on an organized tour or independently?β–Ύ

For Kenyan national parks, the organized tour is highly recommended. The reasons: lodges and camps are often remote and difficult to access, park regulations sometimes require an official vehicle, local guides transform the experience (knowledge of the fauna, territories, identification of species). Independent travel is possible for Nairobi and the Mombasa-Diani coast, but the 'cobbled together' safari without a guide will be disappointing.

https://www.evaneos.fr/kenya/
What currency to use in Kenya?β–Ύ

The official currency is the Kenyan shilling (KES). 1 EUR = approximately 151 KES (August 2026). US dollars are widely accepted at lodges and for park entrance fees (cash or card). Credit cards work in hotels and restaurants in Nairobi and Mombasa. Outside cities, cash is preferred. ATMs are available in Nairobi and Mombasa.

https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=1&From=EUR&To=KES
Can you go on a safari in Kenya with children?β–Ύ

Kenya is an excellent family destination from 6-8 years old. Mid-range and family lodges offer adapted programs (short safari outings, nature activities). The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Sanctuary in Nairobi is a must-see for children. Bring good mosquito repellents and malarial prophylaxis suitable for children. Avoid the March-May period (rainy season) which complicates travel.

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/kenyahttps://www.evaneos.fr/kenya/
What are the differences between Tsavo, Amboseli and the Masai Mara?β–Ύ

The Masai Mara (southwest) is the most famous park, ideal for the great migration and predators. Amboseli (south) is the elephant park with Kilimanjaro as a backdrop, smaller and intimate. Tsavo (southeast, Kenya's largest park) is wild, not very touristy, with red elephants (covered in laterite dust) and grandiose semi-arid landscapes. For a first trip, prioritize Masai Mara and Amboseli. Tsavo is suitable for travelers who are returning and looking for a change of scenery.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsavo_East_National_Parkhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amboseli_National_Parkhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masai_Mara
Organised stays

Kenya tours

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