Nairobi’s location couldn’t be better for making short Kenya safaris very viable options. When time is of the essence, Kenya offers essential safari experiences that can begin within a few hours of the arrival of any international flight. Kenya’s iconic reserves all offer fly-in options, banking more time to spend on safari.
Getting the most out of short Kenya safaris
By staying at a single safari lodge on short Kenya safaris, you avoid losing any time packing, unpacking and on transfers. Instead, even if you opt for a two-day Kenya safari, you can really start to get to know your chosen destination, its wildlife and people. Of course, a three-day Kenya safari, or a four-day Kenya safari, will allow for a little more R&R in between safari activities. (And we confidently predict that you’ll return, only for longer).
As soon as your light aircraft lands, you’re on safari – the drive back to the lodge often becomes an excellent introductory game drive, so you’ll want to unpack your camera gear and binoculars straightaway.
Our favourite short Kenya safari destinations
This is a little like choosing a favourite child – each is different, but we love them all equally! The Masai Mara is Kenya’s most iconic wildlife reserve, and not just because of the Great Wildebeest Migration.
Either side of this seismic event, the Mara’s resident wildlife and rolling, lone tree- and koppie-studded savannah richly reward any time spent there, although you may find you embark for the return flight with markedly less enthusiasm than you disembarked!
Northern Kenya receives fewer visitors than the Mara, but we feel that this only enhances its appeal. It’s a different world: hotter, drier, and home to the Samburu Special Five (spotting them all during a short Kenya safari is an achievable challenge and comes with serious bragging rights).
If you’re passionate about pachyderms, head south from Nairobi to Amboseli National Park for excellent aerial views of Mount Kilimanjaro, and perhaps Africa’s best elephant viewing (and undeniably its best backdrops).
