Kenya Private Safari: Experience the Ultimate Personalized Wildlife Adventure

Kenya private safari - safari vehicle

Considering a unique encounter with Kenya’s wildlife? A Kenya private safari unlocks bespoke adventures away from the beaten path. Customize your itinerary, escape the crowds, and forge a deep connection with the wild, guided by specialists who know the land best. Here is how a safari tailored just for you stands apart, promising not only sightings of majestic creatures but a deep dive into the safari lifestyle enveloped in exclusivity.

Contact us to Book Your Private Kenya Safari to East Africa

You can book your Kenya safari to Lake Naivasha, Tsavo East, Masai Mara, Amboseli, Diani beach, Mombasa Town, or Nairobi city with us. We offer memorable experiences to all clients looking for either private or groups holidays.

For booking, inquiries, or questions, please contact us at james@ajkenyasafaris.com  or safarioffers@ajkenyasafaris.com or WhatsApp/Call +254-748-258-880.

Our Most Booked and Popular Holidays & Trips

Our Popular Packages See the Detailed Itinerary Safari Price/Quote
6-Day Amboseli, L. Naivasha, & Masai Mara Safari View the Itinerary From USD  1950
6-Day Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, and Masai Mara Safari View the Itinerary  From USD 1665
6-Day Hell’s Gate, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, & Masai Mara Safari View the Itinerary From USD 1745
6-Day Hell’s Gate, L. Nakuru, & Masai Mara Safari View the Itinerary  From USD 2050
6-Day Nairobi & Masai Mara Family Safari View the Itinerary  From USD 2500
6-Day Nairobi, L. Nakuru, & Masai Mara Safari View the Itinerary From USD 2870
7-Day Amboseli, Hell’s Gate, L Naivasha, & Masai Mara Safari View the Itinerary  From USD  1945
7-Day Amboseli, L. Nakuru, & Masai Mara Safari View the Itinerary  From USD 1800
7-Day Amboseli, Naivasha, Hell’s Gate, and Masai Mara Safari View the Itinerary  From USD 2395
8-Day Masai Mara, L. Nakuru, & Diani Safari View the Itinerary  From USD 1778
8-Day Honeymoon Safari in Kenya View the Itinerary  From USD 2309
9-Day Helicopter Tour Safari in Kenya View the Itinerary  From USD 9068
10-Day Classic Safari in Kenya View the Itinerary  From USD 3990
10-Day Kenya Wildlife Safari View the Itinerary From USD  3890
12-Day Safari in Kenya View the Itinerary  From USD 4050
18-Day Safari in Kenya View the Itinerary  From USD 7800
3-Day African Safari in Kenya View the Itinerary  From USD 1600
3-Day Masai Mara Budget Safari View the Itinerary From USD 1705
3-Day Masai Mara Safari View the Itinerary From USD  1405
4-Day Ashnil Mara Camp Safari View the Itinerary  From USD 1800
4-Day Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara Safari View the Itinerary From USD 1769
4-Day Mara Serena Safari Lodge Trip View the Itinerary  From USD 1690
4-Day Masai Mara Flying Safari View the Itinerary  From USD 2050
4-Day Masai Mara Group Safari View the Itinerary From USD 1500
4-Day Masai Mara Migration Safari View the Itinerary  From USD 1890
5-Day Naivasha & Masai Mara Group Safari View the Itinerary  From USD 1780

Kenya Private Safari Photos

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Key Takeaways

  • Kenya private safaris offer a highly personalized and intimate wildlife experience. They allow clients to customize their trips, enjoy exclusive accommodation and transportation, and benefit from the knowledge of local guides.
  • Private conservancies in Kenya provide unique wild animal encounters away from the crowds of mass-market tourism. They support biodiversity conservation and offer special activities such as guided bush walks, bush meal times, luxury accommodation, open-sided safari vehicle, and night game drives.
  • A luxury accommodation enhances the private safari experience in Kenya, offering comfort amidst the wilderness through upscale lodges or tented camps. Visitors also get to choose from exclusive activities from the hotel, all complemented by the expertise of specialist guides.
Private safaris - elephants
Elephants at Tsavo East

Discovering Kenya’s Private Safari World

Kenya private safaris are the epitome of a personalized wild animals adventure in Masai Mara, Tsavo East, and any other beaten track of Kenya. These safaris offer you control over your itinerary, allowing you to handpick the game parks and reserves you wish to explore. You also get to decide the order of attractions, ensuring a unique safari & culture experience in Africa that aligns with your pace and preferences.

Picture this: an intimate experience with exclusive use of accommodations and transport, away from the crowds and the constraints of mass-market tourism. Your journey is facilitated by local and specialist private guides who, with their in-depth knowledge, ensure a richly rewarding exploration across multiple destinations for a few nights.

This, coupled with enticing amenities such as Nairobi airport hotel shuttles and daily meal plans, makes a private Kenya safari an irresistible proposition.

Kenya private safari -
Elephants at Amboseli

The Allure of Private Safaris

Kenya’s private safaris provide incomparable adaptability. They are tailored to cater to your unique interests, and unlike group tours, they provide:

  • Exclusive access to areas and wildlife
  • The opportunity to enjoy breathtaking landscapes and witness wild animals at your own pace
  • The comfort of your own 4×4 Jeep

This allows you to unfold the wilderness in a way that suits you best.

But that’s not all! If you are a seasoned traveler with particular interests such as birding, photography, or a desire to connect with Kenya’s cultural heritage, private safaris are your dream come true. With specialized multi-lingual guides, these safaris are custom-designed to cater to your unique interests. The presence of a top-quality guide ensures a comprehensive and enriching safari experience, covering all aspects of the trip.

Antelopes in Kenya
Antelopes Grazing at Amboseli

East Africa’s Gem: Kenya

Kenya, fondly referred to as the gem of East Africa, is a treasure trove of diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. From the tropical forests and sprawling savannahs to the arid shrublands and Rift Valley lakes, the geographic diversity of Eastern Africa is truly spellbinding. These varied landscapes act as a magnet for travelers seeking diverse safari experiences, not only in East Africa but also extending to Southern Africa. One such captivating destination is Tsavo East, offering a unique and unforgettable safari trip.

Whether it’s the traditional wild animals safaris or engaging activities like hiking and biking, Kenya has something for everyone. The country is home to over 1,154 bird species, a testament to its rich biodiversity. And let’s not forget about the close encounters with a diverse array of wildlife across unique settings like the Maasai Mara, Laikipia Plateau, and Amboseli National Park.

The cultural tapestry of Kenya, characterized by its people and traditions, further enriches the private trip experience, adding a layer of depth to the wildlife adventure.

kenya private safari
Rhinos at Lake Nakuru

Unforgettable Wildlife Encounters on Kenya Private Safaris

Kenya’s private safaris offer more than just sightseeing; they provide unique wildlife encounters that create lasting memories. Kenya’s private conservancies play a vital role in biodiversity conservation and provide safari experiences distinct from crowded mass-market tourism. Imagine guided bush walks and night game drives that allow for more intimate wildlife encounters.

These personalized encounters further contribute to the conservancies’ broader goals of environmental protection and community support. So, your safari is not just a trip; it is your contribution to the preservation of these remarkable ecosystems.

And then there’s the Masai Mara, which provides exceptional year-round wild animals viewing outside the Great Migration. From sightings of the Big Five to numerous bird species, the Masai Mara is a wildlife lover’s paradise.

Lake Nakuru National Park, on the other hand, is crucial for the conservation of the white rhino and Rothschild’s giraffe, and hosts a wide array of birdlife. The sheer variety and abundance of wildlife across these parks make for unforgettable encounters on Kenya private safaris.

Kenya safari - lion
Lion with a Pray

Masai Mara National Reserve

The Masai Mara National Reserve is globally renowned for the Great Migration, an annual spectacle that captures the world’s imagination. Every year, between July and October, millions of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope traverse the plains of the Masai Mara in one of the most spectacular natural events on Earth.

The drama of the spectacle is heightened by the predators that follow the migration to Masai Mara. Lions, cheetahs, and crocodiles are often seen hunting, adding a thrilling dimension to the experience. You could even see a leopard, once in a lifetime trip experience. And the best part? Private safaris, especially in conservancies adjacent to the Masai Mara, offer unique vantage points for experiencing the Great Migration, away from the main tourist crowds.

Guest at masai mara
Guests at Masai Mara - Elephant

Amboseli National Park

Amboseli Park is another gem in the crown of Kenya’s wildlife destinations. Celebrated for its impressive herds of elephants, this park also hosts a wide range of wild animals, including:

  • Leopards
  • Cheetahs
  • Wild dogs
  • Buffalos
  • Giraffes
  • Zebras
  • Lions

This rich biodiversity of Amboseli, coupled with five unique habitats ranging from the dry bed of Lake Amboseli to wetlands with sulphur springs, savannah grasslands, and wooded areas, makes for a captivating travel experience.

Whether you’re visiting Amboseli National Park for:

  • ascending Observation Hill for panoramic views of the park and its animals
  • capturing the stunning vista of Mount Kilimanjaro at sunrise and sunset
  • birdwatching (the park hosts over 600 bird species)
  • Elephant watching
  • Amboseli people culture
  • Hotel, lodge, or camp experience

Every moment in Amboseli National Park is a memory in the making. For the best trip, combine an Amboseli safari with Tsavo East, Nairobi, Mombasa, Tanzania, Lake Naivasha, and Maasai Mara.

Cheetahs at Masai Mara
Cheetahs at Savannah in Kenya

Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers and a great destination for a family, private, or group tour. Home to roughly 450 terrestrial bird species, the park is renowned for its iconic spectacle: large flocks of pretty pink flamingos congregating on the lake’s shores. But it’s not just about birdwatching. The park plays a vital role in the protection and conservation of endangered species, such as the black rhino.

Visitors to Lake Nakuru National Park, located not far from Lake Naivasha, can enjoy panoramic views and animal observation from several elevated points within the park, such as Lion Hill, Baboon Cliff, and the Out of Africa lookout. These scenic viewpoints offer a different perspective of the park, enhancing your experience and providing excellent opportunities for photography.

Lake Nakuru is usually combined with Amboseli, Nairobi, and Masai Mara for a few nights tour in Kenya. For example, you can do 1 night in Nairobi, 2 nights in Amboseli, 1 night in Nakuru, and 3 nights in Masai Mara.

WHite rhino
Visiting the White Rhinos

Luxury Accommodations and Experiences

A private safari in Kenya is not just about the animals and the landscapes. It also promises luxury accommodations and experiences that blend comfort with the thrill of being in the wild. Imagine staying in upscale accommodation or hotel like the Ol Donyo Lodge in the Chyulu Hills, where you can sleep under the stars on roof terrace star-beds, or the Lentorre Lodge in the Southern Rift Valley, which offers exclusive access to the Olkirimatian Conservancy and unique activities like river tubing.

Then there’s Hemingways Nairobi Hotel, an oasis of elegance and comfort that offers personal butler service and world-class dining. Located conveniently near Kenya’s wildlife hotspots, this hotel provides the perfect base for your private safari.

Also, the luxury safari experience, highlighted by professionally guided game drives during peak wildlife activity hours, is worth mentioning. These are designed to coincide with peak wildlife activity, providing unparalleled viewing opportunities.

Angama Amboseli
Luxury Angama Amboseli

Exclusive Lodges and Tented Camps

Exclusive lodges and tented camps in Kenya offer a unique blend of comfort and relaxation. Places like the Sasaab Lodge and Loisaba Tented Camp not only provide upscale amenities but also offer unique experiences such as gourmet dining, stargazing, camel safaris, and horse riding. Other lodges like the Sanctuary at Ol Lentille and Finch Hattons offer luxuries like individual suite design, spa facilities, sleepouts under the stars, and scenic helicopter excursions.

Accommodations like Alfajiri Villas and Kinondo Kwetu offer a range of water-based activities and personalized experiences that cater to the luxurious expectations of their guests. Prime animals viewing is a hallmark of lodges such as Mara Plains Camp and Sanctuary Olonana Camp, situated in private conservancies with privileged access to remote locations and abundant wildlife. These private conservancies offer a more exclusive experience compared to national parks, making them ideal for travelers seeking an authentic and intimate travel experience right at the hotel.

Kibo Amboseli
Kibo Safari Camp Entrance

Private Safari Houses and Suites

When it comes to luxury and privacy, nothing beats private safari houses and suites. Catering specifically to a family, groups, or team, these accommodations offer exclusivity, comfort, and dedicated staff, ensuring a tailored trip experience. From setting your own schedules to having meals catered to your personal preferences and desired times, private safari houses and suites provide a level of convenience and flexibility that’s hard to match.

For a family or groups traveling together, renting a private safari house or villa can be more cost-effective than booking multiple standard guest suites in a hotel. And with family suites at private safari lodges, guests get the best of both worlds – a blend of seclusion with the benefit of using the main lodge facilities, providing a balance between privacy and community.

Mara house in Kenya
Mara House in Kenya

Expertly Guided Private Safaris

The most notable aspect of a Kenya private safari is the expertise of the safari guides. These guides significantly enhance the travel experience by:

  • Offering personalized itineraries for the client or team
  • Granting exclusive access to remote locations
  • Tailoring activities to your interests
  • Guiding and hosting at meal times
  • Ensuring seamless travel transfers in the best safari vehicle
  • Providing campfire entertainment for a team
  • organizing for a culture tour

A private guide ensures a comprehensive and enriching travel experience whether you want to explore Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo East, Mombasa, Nairobi, Tanzania, or other parts of the world with friends or family.

Consider utilizing a combination of different private guides to enrich your experience. This approach ensures expert guidance tailored to each specific region or activity, fostering a deeper cultural engagement. Especially for experienced safari travelers with specific interests such as birding or photography, and those who value high degrees of exclusivity and personal service, the specialized private safaris with friends offered by individual expert guides are particularly attractive.

Ajkenya safaris team
AjKenyaSafaris.com Team

Specialist Guides for Unique Interests

Specialist guides in Kenya offer a range of unique safari experiences. For instance, cultural interactions with local communities, such as the Maasai people, provide profound insights into their traditions and lifestyles. Birdwatching guides curate customized safari packages aimed at capturing the diversity of birds in various habitats and offering excellent photographic opportunities.

Then there are specialist photography safari guides who deliver immersive experiences, including workshops on wildlife photography and lessons on using light and composition to enhance imagery. Adding to the photography safari, specialist guides also facilitate experiences such as the Lion Research Safari, where participants contribute to their conservation efforts, enriching their tour experience with a touch of meaningful involvement.

Safari vehicle
AjKenyaSafaris.com Vehicle

Planning Your Kenya Private Safari Adventure

Organizing a private safari in Kenya requires a step-by-step approach. Here are the key steps to follow:

  1. Select regions that cater to your preferred level of exclusivity.
  2. Work with tour operators to customize your itinerary.
  3. Use a detailed map to identify various parks, reserves, and lodges to help clarify your safari route and destination names during the planning process.

Following these steps will help ensure a memorable trip experience to remember for life. To simplify your Kenya safari planning, consider the following tips:

  • Focus on popular itineraries and benefit from the guidance of local drivers and lodge staff. For example, consider Masai Mara, Mombasa, Diani, Nairobi, Tsavo East, & even Tanzania.
  • Decide on the length of your Kenya safari based on personal preferences, as some travelers enjoy longer safaris while others prefer shorter trips.
  • Remember, planning your private safari is an integral part of the experience itself, so take your time and study every page of the tour.
Elephant and baby
Elephant and Baby

Best Time to Visit Kenya

Selecting the optimal time for a private safari in Kenya can greatly improve your experience of viewing wildlife whether you are coming from Mumbai or London. The prime months to witness wildlife in Kenya and the annual Great Migration are from July to October. January and February also offer hot, dry conditions favorable for safaris, while the long rains from March to May may hinder safari activities.

June through August presents cooler but dry weather, conducive for comfortable wildlife viewing experiences. Warm and rainy conditions prevail in November and December but can still provide robust safari opportunities. Peak tourist seasons during December to January and July to August coincide with dry weather, ideal for safaris and dodging heavy rainfall.

And for birding enthusiasts, November to April is an excellent time for birdwatching as migratory birds enhance the overall experience.

Kenya private safari - couple
Couple at Diani Beach

Choosing the Right Tour Operator

Selecting a suitable tour operator is a crucial aspect of arranging your private safari in Kenya. Consider a safari operator that has been in business for at least three years to take advantage of their expertise and track record within the industry. Look for reviews of the safari tour operator on third-party review sites to gauge the experiences and satisfaction of past customers.

Also, ensure the safari operator provides prompt and thorough responses to inquiries, indicating their commitment to customer service. Here are some things to consider when choosing a safari operator:

  • Confirm the types of activities included in your safari package
  • Request a clear breakdown of costs to understand what you are paying for
  • Ensure you know the vehicle you will use and the hotel you will stay
  • Examine the tour operator’s policies on payments, cancellations, and refunds to ensure clarity and to safeguard against potential financial discrepancies.
tour operator
AJKenyaSafaris Game Viewing

Summary & FAQs of Kenya Private Safari

In the heart of East Africa, Kenya’s private safaris offer an immersive, personalized wildlife tour that’s hard to beat. From the thrill of witnessing the Great Migration in the Masai Mara to the majestic herds of elephants in Amboseli, every moment on a Kenya private safari is a memory in the making. With luxury accommodations, expert guides, and personalized itineraries, the allure of Kenya’s private safaris is undeniable. So, start planning your Kenya private safari today and embark on a wildlife tour of a lifetime.

1. How much does a safari in Kenya cost?

Safaris in Kenya can range from \$125 per day for budget adventures to over \$1,000 per person per night for highly exclusive options, with mid-range safaris costing between \$300 to \$600 per person per day. This covers pickup from Nairobi or Mombasa, safari vehicle, hotel, meals, and more.

2. Which is the safest safari in Kenya?

The Masai Mara Game Reserve is considered one of the safest parks to visit or explore for a safari in Kenya due to its location away from towns and cities, offering a naturally peaceful environment with a low human population. Masai Mara is only 5.5 hours away from Nairobi and is easily accessible by flight from both Mombasa and Nairobi.

3. What is a private safari tour?

A private safari tour includes a dedicated driver/guide, a private en-suite room, and the ability to choose the national parks and game reserves to explore at your own pace. Your itinerary is fully customizable according to your life preferences be it hotel, destinations to explore, and others.

4. Why is Tanzania safari more expensive than Kenya?

Tanzania safari is more expensive than Kenya due to factors like park entry fees, rental car costs, and Zanzibar city tax. However, both countries offer options for luxury safari experiences without an upper limit on the budget.

5. What is the best time to visit Kenya for a private safari?

The best time to visit Kenya for a private safari is from July to October to witness the annual Great Migration and optimal wildlife sightings. Alternatively, January and February also offer favorable conditions for safaris with hot, dry weather. Consider spending a few nights in Kenya to enjoy the best of the safari and cover several destinations like Tsavo East, Amboseli, Nairobi, Mombasa, and other parts of the country.

6. Which are the best places to explore in Kenya?

Some of the best places to visit in Kenya include Nairobi, Mombasa, Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo East & West, Lake Nakuru, and Lake Naivasha. You can start your tour from Nairobi or Mombasa when visiting these places.