Kenya & Tanzania Safari Holidays from the UK
Heathrow to Nairobi direct, then the Rift Valley. Nature Point Africa arranges tailor-made Big Five safaris across the Masai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater — built and run by the Nairobi company itself, with no UK reseller in the middle. Every itinerary is quoted individually in pounds sterling.
Top Pick for UK Travellers
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Nairobi
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Ol Pejeta Conservancy
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Lake Naivasha
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Maasai Mara National Reserve
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Serengeti National Park
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Ngorongoro Crater
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Zanzibar Island
Getting to Kenya from the UK
The journey from Britain is about as easy as long-haul gets. British Airways and Kenya Airways both fly direct from London Heathrow to Nairobi — roughly eight and a half hours southbound — with Kenya Airways also serving London Gatwick. There is almost no jet lag: Kenya is only two to three hours ahead of the UK.
Entry is simple: UK citizens apply online for Kenya’s electronic travel authorisation (eTA) before departure. We send every guest a step-by-step checklist, and every itinerary is quoted individually in pounds sterling so there are no currency surprises.
As a Nairobi-based owner-operator we build and run your safari on the ground — no UK middleman — and reply quickly by WhatsApp and email across UK hours.
Why UK Travellers Choose Kenya
Wildlife Safari
Kenya is a premier destination for safari enthusiasts, offering iconic parks like the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Tsavo. Witness the majestic Great Migration, the Big Five, and breathtaking landscapes.
Cultural Richness
With over 40 ethnic groups, Kenya's cultural diversity is profound. Engage with the Maasai, Samburu, and Kikuyu communities to understand their traditions, from beadwork to pastoralist lifestyles.
Rift Valley Landscapes
Explore the stunning vistas of the Great Rift Valley, home to lakes Nakuru and Naivasha, and marvel at the flamingo flocks and rhino sanctuaries, offering a blend of geological beauty and wildlife.
Marine Wonders
The Kenyan coast, including the Watamu Marine National Park, offers exceptional snorkeling and diving experiences, showcasing vibrant coral reefs, sea turtles, and a plethora of marine life.
Birdwatching Havens
Kenya is a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 1,000 species. The Rift Valley lakes, coastal areas, and national parks are prime spots for sighting flamingos, eagles, and the rare shoebill stork.
Cultural Events
Participate in the Lamu Cultural Festival or the Mombasa Carnival to experience Kenya's coastal culture, featuring dhow races, traditional dances, and Swahili poetry, celebrating the rich heritage.
Artisan Markets
Discover unique African crafts, textiles, and jewelry at Nairobi's Maasai Market or the Kitengela Hot Glass studio, where local artisans showcase their creativity and skills.
Conservation Efforts
Engage with conservation projects like the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi or the Giraffe Centre, where you can learn about and contribute to the preservation of endangered species and their habitats.
Top Parks in Kenya
Top Experiences in Kenya
Recommended Kenya & Tanzania Holidays
Most Popular Categories
Tour Duration
- 14
- 10
- 11
Where to stay
Kibo Safari Camp
- Amboseli, Kenya
Activities travelers enjoyed:
Safari Game Drives, Bird Watching, Balloon Safaris, Bush Sundowners, Cultural Interactions
Tulia Amboseli Safari Camp
- Amboseli, Kenya
Activities travelers enjoyed:
Cultural tours, Balloon Safaris, Game drives (Day & Night), Bush walks, Bush breakfast, Sundowner, Private dinner
Amboseli Serena Lodge
- Amboseli, Kenya
Activities travelers enjoyed:
Bubbly sundowner at Observation Hill, Bush BBQ Dinner, Game drives, Nature walk, Birding Safaris, Cultural talk, Wildlife Movies, Tree Planting.
Ol Tukai Lodge
- Amboseli, Kenya
Activities travelers enjoyed:
Spa, Game drives, Maasai village visit, Bird Walk, Swimming, Tree planting, Table tennis, Kids club.
Elewana Tortilis Camp Amboseli
- Amboseli, Kenya
Activities travelers enjoyed:
Game drives, Guide walks, Swimming, Bush breakfast and Sundowners, Massages, Cultural visits, Wedding and honeymoon
Tawi Lodge
- Amboseli, Kenya
Activities travelers enjoyed:
Game drives, Cultural visit, Bush Walk, Bush Meals, Sundowners, Calmel Walks, Hot air balloon safari.
When To Go
Best Time
June to October and January and February
High Season
June to October and December to March
Low Season
Best Weather
Worst Weather
Request your free UK itinerary
Send us your dates and your party and a Nairobi-based specialist will write back with a tailored, no-obligation itinerary and a sterling quote, normally within one working day.
Call or WhatsApp: +254 769 406 388
Email: info@naturepointafrica.com
Nairobi is two hours ahead of the UK in summer and three in winter, so a message sent during your working day is normally answered the same day.
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Related Articles
The ten-day Kenya and Tanzania route
The classic British safari holiday is not one park, it is a line drawn across two countries: the Masai Mara, then over the border into the Serengeti, then down into the Ngorongoro Crater. Ten days is the shortest sensible way to do all three without spending your holiday in transit — long enough for the leopard to turn up, short enough to fit a half-term with a couple of days to spare.
You travel in your own vehicle with your own guide throughout. There is no coach, no fixed group and no compulsory shopping stop.
Included in every UK itinerary:
- All Kenyan and Tanzanian park and conservancy fees
- Private 4×4 and driver-guide for the whole route
- Full-board lodges and tented camps
- The Kenya–Tanzania border crossing, handled for you
- Meet-and-greet at Nairobi on arrival
- Optional Zanzibar or Diani beach extension
- Quoted individually, in sterling
We do not publish a headline price because the honest one changes with the season, the camps and the size of your party. Tell us your dates and we will send a written sterling quote, itemised, with nothing added at the end.
Financial protection, explained honestly
British travellers are trained to ask about ATOL and ABTA before they pay a deposit, and they should. Here is the straight answer rather than a reassuring one.
What ATOL actually covers. ATOL protects flight-inclusive package holidays sold by businesses holding a UK Civil Aviation Authority licence. We are a Nairobi ground operator and we do not sell you your international flights, so a land-only safari booked direct with us is not an ATOL-protected package. We will not describe it as one, and you should be wary of any overseas operator that does.
What UK travellers usually do instead. Book your flights separately, where the airline or your flight agent carries the protection. Take out UK travel insurance that includes cancellation, curtailment and medical repatriation, and check that safari activities are covered. Where you pay by credit card, Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act may give you additional recourse on qualifying transactions — check the position with your card issuer.
What we put in writing. Before any money moves you get a written itinerary, an itemised sterling quote, our deposit and balance schedule and our cancellation terms. If your insurer or your employer needs a supplier confirmation letter, ask and we will send one.
Timing your holiday to the British calendar
| UK holiday window | Season in East Africa | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Summer holidays | Peak dry season | The Mara River crossings. Also the most contested dates in the calendar — camps with river frontage are typically booked out a year ahead. |
| October half-term | Late dry season | Our quiet favourite. The herds are drifting back south, the light is superb, and there are noticeably fewer vehicles at a sighting than in August. |
| Christmas & New Year | Short green season | Warm, green and busy with British families escaping the dark. Book early for the crater lodges; the plains are lush rather than dusty. |
| February half-term | Calving season | Half a million wildebeest calves born in the southern Serengeti over a few weeks, and the predators that follow them. The strongest big-cat viewing of the year. |
| Easter | Start of the long rains | We are candid about this one: the plains can be difficult in April. If Easter is your only window we route you to the crater and the conservancies instead. |
Term and half-term dates vary by local authority and by nation — England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland do not share a calendar. Work from your own school’s published dates rather than a generic one, and tell us those dates when you brief us.
Kenya safari and Zanzibar beach holiday
The twin-centre holiday is a British habit and it suits this route unusually well, because the wildlife half is intense and early-rising and the island half is emphatically not. The fourteen-day version that finishes on Zanzibar gives you the Mara, the Serengeti and the crater, then a short flight east to Zanzibar for Stone Town, the spice farms and four nights on the reef.
Two practical notes for UK travellers. Return flights out of Zanzibar are straightforward to arrange, and because the island is administratively part of Tanzania, a traveller visiting the mainland and Zanzibar can visit both without a new visa. Insurance is the part that catches British travellers out: Zanzibar requires every foreign visitor to hold compulsory travel insurance bought from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation, and the FCDO states that other international travel insurance policies will not be accepted — so an annual multi-trip UK policy does not satisfy Zanzibar. Confirm current requirements on the official portal before you book flights.
What tailor-made means when the operator builds it
British safari holidays are usually sold as a brochure product with a departure date attached. Ours are not. You get a private vehicle, one guide for the whole route, and an itinerary drafted against your dates — and because the vehicles and the guides are ours, a change of plan is a conversation rather than a re-costing exercise.
If you would rather look at finished trips before briefing us, the full Kenya safari range is a better starting point than a blank page. Treat them as shapes to react to rather than a menu to choose from — a finished trip usually lands somewhere between two of them.
Family safaris around the British school year
October half-term is the strongest window in the British school year for a safari, and the one most likely to be left too late. It sits at the end of the dry season, the crowds have thinned since August, and the camps that genuinely suit families are still gettable if you ask by the spring. The 8-day classic family safari runs Ol Pejeta, Samburu, Lake Naivasha and then the Mara, with a boat ride on Lake Naivasha in the middle of the week; for a family trip we choose lodges for space rather than for the view from reception.
For the summer holidays the constraint is not the wildlife, it is availability — camps with river frontage go a year ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Kenya for wildlife safaris?
The best time to visit Kenya for wildlife safaris is during the dry seasons (June to October and December to March), when animals are easier to spot due to sparse vegetation and concentrated water sources.
Are there any cultural experiences available in Kenya?
Yes, Kenya is rich in cultural diversity, with opportunities to engage in cultural visits, interact with local communities, and learn about traditional customs, music, dance, and cuisine.
Do I need a visa to travel to Kenya?
Most visitors to Tanzania require a visa, which can often be obtained upon arrival or online prior to travel. It's advisable to check the specific requirements based on your nationality before departure.
What languages are spoken in Kenya?
Swahili and English are widely spoken languages in Kenya, although numerous ethnic languages are also spoken by local communities.
Are there direct flights to Kenya from major international cities?
Yes, major international airports in Kenya, such as Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi and Moi International Airport in Mombasa, offer direct flights from various cities around the world.
Can I use credit cards in Kenya?
Credit cards are accepted in major cities and tourist areas, but it's advisable to carry cash, especially in rural areas where card acceptance may be limited.
What is the currency used in Kenya?
The currency used in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KES).
Are there any wildlife viewing opportunities outside of national parks?
Yes, wildlife can often be seen in conservation areas, private reserves, and community-owned conservancies, offering alternative options for wildlife viewing away from crowded national parks.
Is it safe to travel to Kenya?
While Kenya is generally safe for tourists, travelers should exercise caution, especially in urban areas and tourist hotspots. It's advisable to stay informed about local conditions and follow any travel advisories issued by your government.
What should I pack for a trip to Kenya?
Essential items to pack include lightweight clothing, sturdy walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, a camera, and any necessary medications or personal hygiene products.
What vaccinations do I need before traveling to Kenya?
Common vaccinations recommended for travel to Kenya include yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A, and malaria prophylaxis.
Is travel insurance recommended for visiting Kenya?
Yes, travel insurance is highly recommended to cover unexpected emergencies, medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen circumstances during your trip.
Are there any health risks associated with visiting Kenya?
Health risks in Kenya include malaria, dengue fever, and other mosquito-borne diseases, as well as food and waterborne illnesses. Travelers should take necessary precautions and consult a healthcare provider before departure.
Can I rent a car and drive myself in Kenya?
Yes, car rental services are available in major cities, but driving conditions can be challenging, and navigation may be difficult in rural areas. It's advisable to hire a local driver or guide for a safer and more convenient experience.
What is the climate like in Kenya?
Kenya's climate varies by region, ranging from tropical along the coast to temperate in the highlands. The dry seasons generally coincide with the best times for wildlife viewing, while the rainy seasons can vary in intensity and duration.
What is the tipping etiquette in Kenya?
Tipping practices vary by service provided, but it's customary to tip safari guides, hotel staff, and restaurant servers for excellent service.
