How to Choose the Best Safari from Nairobi for Your Travel Style
With so many safari from Nairobi options, finding the right one for your travel style can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re dreaming of luxury lodges overlooking endless savannahs or budget-friendly adventures that pack in the wildlife action, Nairobi is the perfect starting point for Kenya’s most famous safari destinations.
At Annest Kenya Safaris, we’ve designed Nairobi safari packages for every traveler — from first-timers to seasoned adventurers. Here’s how to pick the best safari from Nairobi based on your budget, time, and interests.
For First-Time Safari Travelers – Masai Mara National Reserve
If it’s your first safari, the Masai Mara is a must-visit. Its open plains, abundant wildlife, and chance to spot the Big Five make it the top choice for newcomers.
Travel Time: 5–6 hours by road or 1 hour by flight.
Why Choose It:
- Excellent year-round game viewing.
- Prime location for the Great Wildebeest Migration (July–October).
- Wide range of lodges from budget camps to luxury tented suites.
Package Suggestion: 3-Day Masai Mara Safari from Nairobi
For Luxury Travelers – Amboseli National Park
If you want style and comfort, Amboseli offers breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and exclusive lodges.
Travel Time: 4–5 hours by road or 40 minutes by flight.
Why Choose It:
- Iconic elephant herds with Kilimanjaro backdrop.
- Luxury safari lodges with infinity pools and private decks.
- Photographic opportunities that are second to none.
Luxury Amboseli Safari from Nairobi
For Budget-Conscious Travelers – Lake Naivasha & Hell’s Gate
Short, affordable, and packed with variety, a Lake Naivasha safari is perfect if you’re watching your budget.
Travel Time: 2 hours by road.
Why Choose It:
- Scenic boat rides among hippos and birdlife.
- Cycling safaris at Hell’s Gate National Park.
- Flexible day or overnight trips.
For Families – Ol Pejeta Conservancy
With its rhino sanctuary and child-friendly activities, Ol Pejeta is ideal for families.
Travel Time: 3–4 hours by road.
Why Choose It:
- Home to the last two northern white rhinos.
- Safe and private game drives.
- Educational wildlife programs for kids.
For Adventure Seekers – Tsavo West National Park
If you want a wilder, less touristy feel, Tsavo West offers dramatic landscapes and unique attractions like Mzima Springs.
Travel Time: 5–6 hours by road or 50 minutes by flight.
Why Choose It:
- Rugged scenery and volcanic landscapes.
- Excellent leopard and elephant sightings.
- Perfect add-on to a Diani Beach holiday.
Choosing the Right Safari from Nairobi
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Luxury: Amboseli, Masai Mara (fly-in)
- Budget: Lake Naivasha, Hell’s Gate
- Family: Ol Pejeta, Amboseli
- Adventure: Tsavo West, Samburu
Still unsure? That’s where we come in. At Annest Kenya Safaris, we match your travel style with the perfect safari experience, ensuring every moment is unforgettable.
Find Your Perfect Safari from Nairobi
- Safari from Nairobi
- 3-Day Masai Mara Safari
- Amboseli Kenya Safaris
- Lake Naivasha
- Kenya Wildlife Conservancies – Ol Pejeta
- Tsavo East and Tsavo West Safaris
FAQs – Choosing the Best Safari from Nairobi
The Masai Mara safari is the most popular choice from Nairobi thanks to its Big Five sightings, year-round game viewing, and the Great Wildebeest Migration.
By road, it takes 5–6 hours to reach the Masai Mara from Nairobi, while a fly-in safari takes about 1 hour.
Yes! Options include Nairobi National Park, Lake Naivasha, and Amboseli National Park (for very early departures).
Ol Pejeta Conservancy and Amboseli National Park are ideal for families, offering safe game drives and child-friendly activities.
Day trips to Nairobi National Park or overnight safaris to Lake Naivasha and Hell’s Gate National Park are the most budget-friendly.
Road safaris are more affordable and allow you to see the countryside, while fly-in safaris save time and offer more comfort — ideal for luxury travelers or those on tight schedules.
Absolutely. Many of our itineraries combine Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha, and Amboseli for a diverse wildlife experience.
Kenya’s dry seasons — January to March and July to October — offer the best wildlife viewing, although safaris from Nairobi are possible year-round.
