Kenya

Jul–Oct is the classic peak — Mara River crossings, dry-season game viewing, clear skies, and the highest prices and demand. Jan–Feb is a second peak — dry, clear Amboseli Kilimanjaro views, resident Mara wildlife abundant, and excellent coast weather. Apr–May is the long rains — many camps close, but rates drop sharply and the Mara remains accessible.

Kenya is generally simpler logistically — most parks are a short flight from Nairobi, while Tanzania's southern circuit requires a separate trip from Dar es Salaam. The Masai Mara and Serengeti share the same migration; the difference is the Mara is smaller and denser, so big-cat sightings come faster. Tanzania has more variety (Ngorongoro Crater, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar, the wild south); Kenya has stronger conservancies and the better coast for culture.

Mid-range safaris start around $400–500 per person per day all-inclusive. Luxury averages $800–1,500 per person per day. Ultra-luxury private conservancies in Laikipia or the Mara (Cottar's, Mara Plains, Solio, Segera Retreat) run $1,500–3,500+ per person per day. Park fees ($100/day for the Mara Reserve, $80/day for Amboseli, conservancy fees on top in Laikipia) are included in every reputable operator quote.

Most travelers now need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) — applied online at etakenya.go.ke at least 3 days before arrival, $30, single-entry, valid 90 days. The old visa-on-arrival counter has been closed since 2024. East African Tourist Visa ($100) covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda for 90 days — useful if combining trips. US passport holders are eligible for the standard ETA.

The safari circuits — Mara, Amboseli, Laikipia, Samburu, coast — are very low-crime. Standard precautions in Nairobi (use ride-hailing not street taxis, avoid downtown at night). Malaria prophylaxis recommended for the safari circuits and coast. Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from an endemic country. Good travel insurance with emergency-evacuation cover is essential — distances are large and bush airstrips are remote.

Yes — and it's a common shape. Spend 5–8 days on safari (Mara, Amboseli, Laikipia, or a combination), then a 90-minute flight from Wilson Airport in Nairobi direct to Diani, Watamu, or Lamu. 4–6 nights on the coast is comfortable. Diani is the busiest with the most resorts; Watamu has the best snorkelling and a more local feel; Lamu is the cultural finale — a UNESCO Swahili town with no cars, just dhows and donkeys.

The Masai Mara National Reserve is the central, government-managed core — best wildlife density, also the busiest, with high vehicle counts during the migration. The surrounding private conservancies (Mara North, Olare Motorogi, Naboisho, Mara Triangle) limit vehicles per sighting, permit night drives and walking safaris, and share revenue directly with the Maasai landowners. Conservancy stays cost 20–40% more but feel like a different (and arguably better) safari.