Just got back from an incredible journey that set me back over $20,000. I stayed up late to put together this travel guide, and I wholeheartedly recommend avoiding the summer vacation period when the crowds are overwhelming. Instead, aim for January to April—it’s truly the best time to visit! This period marks the short dry season in Kenya, which coincides with the birthing season for most herbivores.
The trip was a delightful experience, filled with the sight of all sorts of adorable baby animals, making every moment a joy to behold.
Now there are direct flights from Changsha to Nairobi, with departures every Wednesday and Sunday. It’s recommended to plan an 8-day trip, which fits perfectly with the flight schedule.
🎈Before the trip, I was torn between a self-guided tour or a group tour. After researching, I found there was no need to be indecisive.
Kenya’s national parks prohibit travelers from entering without a guide, and you can’t go on a safari walk by yourself. Joining a group tour is the most hassle-free choice.
Strongly recommend choosing a 4×4 vehicle SUV where each person has their own window; it really enhances the experience!
📄Visa & Vaccinations
✅Kenya offers visa-free entry to the world, apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) three days in advance.
✅The yellow fever vaccination certificate is essential.
✅Prepare some common medications, but there aren’t as many mosquitoes, so insect repellent should suffice.
🤔Group Tour or Self-Guided
The key to a safari is “people + vehicle.” The reliability of the driver, the condition of the car, and the driving skills are crucial.
Group tour drivers work long-term with travel agencies and have extensive experience. Finding animals and securing the best photography spots, a good guide is indispensable. If the driver isn’t professional, the travel agency would have stopped working with them long ago. The trip is about a week, and every exciting moment shouldn’t be missed.
🗺️Itinerary (see specific route in the image)
D1: Direct flight from Changsha to Nairobi, then straight to Amboseli, where you can enjoy a fantastic view of Mount Kilimanjaro, the scenery is stunning👍
D2: Amboseli – Naivasha, visit the Great Rift Valley, and take a walking tour of the conservation area
D3: Naivasha – Nakuru, a bird-watching paradise, you can see flamingos, black rhinos, white rhinos, and many other rare animals
D4: Nakuru – Maasai Mara, along the way, you’ll see acacia trees and baobab trees, and the Mara River
D5: Maasai Mara Game Reserve, it’s like heaven for animals, lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, zebras.
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D6: Maasai Mara – Nairobi, take a city tour, visit Uhuru Park, the National Museum of Kenya, and the Nairobi Gallery, to feel the history of Nairobi
D7: Nairobi National Park, where skyscrapers and leisurely wildlife coexist, unique in the world
D8: Nairobi – Return home
💰Costs
The main expenses for the entire trip are:👇
10k for airfare (China Southern Airlines) + around 10k for the tour fee + 100 USD for tips +
For those who want to go to Kenya, due to limited space, please see the last part of the image for important notes.
If you have any more questions, feel free to discuss in the comments section~
That sounds like an amazing trip! I had no idea the birthing season coincided with the short dry season—great tip about visiting in January to April instead of summer. Those adorable animals must have been unforgettable!