Kenya's Big Five
Iconic safari fauna including lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and endangered black and white rhinos.
This family holiday combines three of Kenya’s most popular destinations: the Laikipia Plateau, the Masai Mara and Diani beach.
Making use of private concessions, domestic flights and secluded locations, this suggested itinerary avoids the crowds and kerfuffle of many tourist hotspots. Abundant wildlife, spectacular surroundings, and a mix of activities for all ages, plus the beautiful white beaches of the Kenyan coast come together to showcase why Kenya is hard to beat for a family adventure.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
The Little Things
Connect with the gentle rhythm of nature and the small things on a bush walk – tracks, dung beetles and micro-ecosystems.
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Mara River Crossings
Witness thousands of zebra and wildebeest crossing the Serengeti plains on their thrilling migration.
Post-safari Relaxation
Kayak, snorkel, dive or relax beside the balmy, azure waters of the Swahili coast.
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Day 1
Nairobi - Laikipia (Lewa Safari Camp)
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Day 2 - 3
Laikipia (Lewa Safari Camp)
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Day 4
Laikipia - Masai Mara (Elephant Peppers Camp)
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Day 5 - 6
Masai Mara (Elephant Peppers Camp)
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Day 7
Masai Mara - Nairobi - Kenyan Coast (Kinondo Kwetu)
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Day 8 - 10
Kenyan Coast (Kinondo Kwetu)
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Day 11
Kenyan Coast - Nairobi
Day 1
Nairobi - Laikipia (Lewa Safari Camp)
Arrive in Nairobi and fly by light aircraft to Laikipia, staying at Lewa Safari Camp in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.
Day 2 - 3
Laikipia (Lewa Safari Camp)
Spend several days exploring this private conservancy, which is home to rhinos, elephants, lions, leopards and more. Joined by expert guides, take game drives, bush walks and night drives.
Day 4
Laikipia - Masai Mara (Elephant Peppers Camp)
Fly south to the game-rich plains of the iconic Masai Mara, home to a wealth of animal life.
Day 5 - 6
Masai Mara (Elephant Peppers Camp)
Explore the wild conservancy landscape, in search of leopards, cheetahs and lions. During migration season, watch as the terrain is flooded with waves of zebras and wildebeests.
Day 7
Masai Mara - Nairobi - Kenyan Coast (Kinondo Kwetu)
Leave the safari landscape behind and fly to Kenya’s Indian Ocean Coast, staying by Diani Beach at Kinondo Kwetu.
Day 8 - 10
Kenyan Coast (Kinondo Kwetu)
Relax beside the balmy, azure waters of the Swahili Coast.
Day 11
Kenyan Coast - Nairobi
Fly back to Nairobi and connect with your international flight.
More Details
Kenya's Big Five
Family Safari
The rolling grasslands of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy are home to a wonderful array of wildlife, including cheetahs, hyenas, elephants and endangered rhinos. Talented guides make the most of every encounter and their knowledge of this rugged environment is second to none. The Masai Mara is part of the Serengeti ecosystem and a haven for a wealth of wildlife, as well as a brilliant place to learn bush crafts and meet some of the wonderful people who call these plains home.
Diani Beach
Leave the safari circuit behind for the sandy beaches, weather-beaten dhows and ungainly palms of the Swahili Coast. Embrace the charm and tranquillity of the Kinondo Kwetu – perfect for relaxation or exploration, this quiet retreat has a secluded, private beach and a relaxed and informal atmosphere. Venture out on the waves, exploring above and below the surface. Amongst the available options are diving, kite surfing and snorkelling.
How does this holiday make a positive impact?
- Relevant SDGs
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Travel to the areas included in this holiday idea provides direct financial support to conservation areas in Kenya. These include the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and the Mara North Conservancy, both of which are home to a number of endangered African species. In particular, Lewa is renowned as one of the last sanctuaries for the critically endangered eastern black rhino and its continued existence is pivotal to the species’ survival.
This holiday idea includes a stay in the Mara North Conservancy, which is a hugely successful community conservancy located on the edge of the Masai Mara National Reserve. Created in partnership with the local community, the conservancy leases land for the purpose of tourism and conservation. This in turn provides income for the local land owners, ensuring that there is a shared desire for success at the heart of this innovative partnership.
Historically, much of Kenya has been given over to grazing and agriculture. But the wildlife areas included in this holiday ideas have largely been rewilded, converting former farmland into wildlife areas. This is not just an investment in biodiversity but also an investment in the land itself. Low-value grazing land has become high-value wildlife habitat, generating significant economic benefit for the surrounding communities.
Learn more about the UN's 17 sustainability goals
A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights or the Mara Elephant Project excursion. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From $9,024 Per person
When to travel
Kenya in January
The hottest month across much of the country, and an excellent time to spot wildlife with lower visitor numbers. The seas are at their clearest, the landscape is still lush, but it is dry and sunny in general.
Kenya in February
The high temperatures continue, and it remains virtually dry, but the landscape should still be fairly green. Conditions are still excellent for wildlife viewing, with lower visitor numbers.
Kenya in March
The start of the main rainy season, but still good for wildlife viewing with the chance to see newborns.
Kenya in April
This is not the ideal time to travel. Some lodges close as the rainy season gets into full swing. Roads can be treacherous, and the coast becomes very hot and wet.
Kenya in May
May is the height of the rainy season and so many places will be closed with driving conditions becoming poor due to the heavy rainfall.
Kenya in June
The rains start to abate, and the landscape is as green and lush as it gets. This does make spotting wildlife a little trickier, but it is a beautiful time across the country.
Kenya in July
The start of the mass migration into the Masai Mara. Dry weather dominates across the country, with the occasional shower. This is the coolest month, with visitor numbers increasing.
Kenya in August
This is peak season in Kenya, especially in the Masai Mara, where it is the peak of the Great Migration. Exceptional game viewing is possible as animals congregate around watering holes and rivers.
Kenya in September
The weather remains dry, and there are still fantastic opportunities for game viewing in the Masai Mara as wildlife gathers around watering holes.
Kenya in October
As the temperatures rise, so does the chance of a shower or two. The herds of wildlife begin to leave the Masai Mara, but plenty of residents can still be seen. Visitor numbers are lower and it is a great time to visit across the country.
Kenya in November
The start of the short rainy season, as temperatures continue to increase. Many destinations are open, but around Laikipia, places close at this time.
Kenya in December
The end of the year brings the peak of the short rainy season. Hot and wet conditions dominate, but the scenery is beautiful and green, and there is still plenty of wildlife to be seen.
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