Top 10 Most Exciting Kenya Short Safaris

Posted on December 13, 2020

Kenya is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, making it a premier destination for safari enthusiasts. Kenya Short safaris in Kenya offer travelers the opportunity to experience the country’s stunning national parks and reserves without committing to an extended trip. These excursions typically last from a few days to a week and can be tailored to include various activities such as game drives, cultural interactions, and relaxation at luxurious lodges.

1. Masai Mara National Reserve The Masai Mara is arguably the most famous Kenya short safaris destination in Kenya, known for its incredible wildlife diversity and the annual wildebeest migration. Visitors can enjoy game drives, hot air balloon rides at sunrise, and cultural visits to Maasai villages.

2. Amboseli National Park Famous for its views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli offers excellent opportunities for elephant viewing against a stunning backdrop. Short safaris here often include guided walks and visits to local Maasai communities.

3. Lake Nakuru National Park Lake Nakuru is known for its flamingo populations and diverse birdlife. A short safari can include game drives around the lake and visits to nearby viewpoints that showcase the park’s unique landscapes.

4. Tsavo National Park As one of the largest national parks in Kenya, Tsavo offers a variety of ecosystems and wildlife experiences. Short safaris can focus on specific areas like Tsavo East or West, with opportunities for night game drives.

5. Meru National Park Less crowded than other parks, Meru provides a more intimate safari experience with opportunities to see rare species like the Grevy’s zebra. Visitors can enjoy walking safaris along with traditional game drives.

6. Samburu National Reserve Samburu is home to unique wildlife species not found in other parts of Kenya, such as the reticulated giraffe and Somali ostrich. Short safaris here often include cultural interactions with the Samburu people.

7. Nairobi National Park Located just outside Nairobi city center, this park allows visitors to see wildlife against a backdrop of city skyscrapers. It’s perfect for short trips or layovers where time is limited.

8. Ol Pejeta Conservancy Known for its conservation efforts, particularly regarding rhinos, Ol Pejeta offers unique experiences such as tracking endangered species and visiting a chimpanzee sanctuary.

9. Lamu Archipelago While primarily known for its beaches, Lamu also offers cultural experiences that complement safari adventures in mainland Kenya. Visitors can engage in water sports or explore historical sites on Lamu Island.

10. Laikipia Plateau This region features private conservancies that provide exclusive safari experiences away from crowds. Activities may include horseback riding safaris or walking tours led by knowledgeable guides.

These short safari options allow travelers to immerse themselves in Kenya’s natural beauty while experiencing thrilling wildlife encounters and engaging with local cultures.

Kenya short safaris ranges from an overnight safari to 6 days safari made possible due to proximity of the parks to airports, Nairobi and Mombasa. Home to more than its fair share of wildlife, cultural tours, parks and reserves to do short safaris. It’s everyone’s dream to do safaris though sometimes time and budget factors not on ones side.

However, Kenya has among the best places in the world to experience a great safari is guaranteed. From within Kenya’s’ capital city (Nairobi) there is Nairobi National park with a lot of wildlife. However, in every city, there is a national park or national reserve in a radius of few hours drive.

Ultimately, this create a chance and proximity to do a safari but still have the best Africa safaris experience. Nevertheless, below are Kenya short safaris destination that never disappoints from wildlife, nature, national parks, sightseeing and cultural activities. It’s important to note, combining two to three places would increase chances of seeing more.

Top destinations for Kenya short safaris

Amboseli National Park

Known for its large herds of elephants and views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli is place to be where time factor is an issue. In two days, chances of seeing big 5 among others are very high. Among of wildlife to see include elephant, buffalos, lion, leopard, giraffe, zebra, different type of gazelles. This make Amboseli a must tour in Kenya when one has limited time and still want to experience a great safari in Kenya.

While on safari of more than two days, combining Amboseli with a visit to Tsavo, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Aberdare, Samburu is very much in order; however, it depends on number of days. Choose the best guided with your interests and expectations. Amboseli is place to be if you wish to do Kenya and Tanzania safari visiting Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Tarangire and Lake Manyara.

Masai Mara National Reserve

Synonymous with both wildlife and the Maasai tribes, which sees some two million wildebeest and zebras during the Great Migration happening every year between July – October, is a must visit. Masai Mara is the most famous destination in Kenya and the best place to see a lot due to largest population of wildlife. This does not only make it a great destination for Kenya short safaris but also the most toured tourist destination in Africa after Kruger in South Africa.

READ: Affordable Trips to Kenya and Tanzania

Here, 95% of wildlife found in Africa are found here and easily spotted in the vast open savanna. This is a place not to skip and best for any short safari with zero chances of any disappointment. It’s located 5hrs drive from Nairobi and 45 minutes flight from Nairobi with daily scheduled flights. Beach holiday makers at the coast can take advantage of daily scheduled flights from Mombasa, Diani, Malindi and Lamu to fly to Masai Mara for 2 nights Kenya short safaris itinerary or more. Masai Mara combines very well with other destinations like Amboseli, lake Nakuru, Aberdare national parks.

Lake Nakuru National Park

Located in the heart of the Great Rift Valley, this is home to millions of flamingos, rhino among many others. Lake Nakuru serves as connecting destination as its central located in Kenya tourist circuits. Combining it with Masai Mara when on 4 days safari adds more value and feeling of satisfying safari experience. Even so, other places to combine with include Amboseli, Aberdare, Samburu, Mt. Kenya among others. lake Nakuru serves also as connecting destination for long and Kenya short safaris due its central location in the main tourist circuits.

Mt. Kenya National Park

Located on the slopes of Mt. Kenya and 2hrs drive from Nairobi makes it the best place for game viewing. Serena mountain lodge offers the best accommodation, game viewing from the lodge and nature walks and day hiking around Mt. Kenya. Elephants and buffalos and antelopes and gazelles are permanent residence at the lodge borehole. However, with extra days, combining with Samburu, Aberdare and Masai Mara is a great idea. Why is Mt. Kenya in the list of Kenya short safaris destination? It’s just 2 hours drive from Nairobi, mountain climbers hub and cool climate as a result of snow-capped Mt. Kenya.

Samburu National Reserve

Like Masai Mara and Amboseli, Samburu has a large population of mail and rare wildlife found in Kenya nd Africa at large. Located on the northern part of Kenya and 4hrs drive from Nairobi, Samburu would be a great place to be on Kenya short safaris.

Oryx, gerenuk, reticulated giraffes are rare wildlife that you might not see in other parks in Kenya, hence adding Samburu will add more value to your Kenya short safaris. Similarly, combining with Mt. Kenya, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara and Amboseli time allowing would be great.

Tsavo

Tsavo is the largest national Park in Kenya in landmass which is divided to Tsavo East and Tsavo West National parks. For beach holiday makers at the coast who want to combine beach stay and safari, Tsavo is the place to visit. Tsavo east is famous among the two as its more of savanna making it easy to spot wildlife during game drives unlike Tsavo west which is more forested and hilly.

Both parks are situated 2-3hrs hours drive depending from which part of Kenyan coast one is from; Diani beach, Mombasa, Malindi and Watamu beaches. This makes it the best beach break for day trip safari to overnight safaris from the beach. Elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, buffalos, cheetah, zebra, hippos, antelopes and gazelles are found here in large populations. With more days to spend, adding Amboseli will add more value and great safari experience. Beach holiday makers at the coast will be interested to visit Tsavo and in fact it’s from where most Kenya short safaris start when using Moi airport in Mombasa.

Shimba Hills National reserve

Situated 30 minutes and 45 minutes drive from Diani and Mombasa beaches respectively, Shimba hills is the place to visit for Kenya short safaris. Here, elephant, buffalos, giraffe, endangered sable antelopes, leopards, impala, ostrich make to the list among many more that are found here.

Therefore, day trip or overnight at only tree lodge (Shimba hills Lodge) will give one safari experience from Kenya coast. Likewise, time allowing, combining with Tsavo east is a must.

List of the best Kenya short safaris:

Categories: Excursions

Tags: Mombasa Tours, Nairobi Tours

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