Kenya safaris from Nairobi
Nairobi is the starting point for every major Kenya safari. Here is how the top destinations compare on distance, days needed, 2026 park fees and wildlife, with sample routes. Every trip is private, from your Nairobi hotel, and quoted for your dates.
| Destination | From Nairobi | Days | Park fee | Known for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nairobi National Park | About 8 km, inside the city | Half-day | $80 per day | Rhino, lion |
| Masai Mara | About 270 km, 5 to 6 hours by road via Narok | 3 days, 2 nights | $100 per day January to June, $200 per day July to December (2026) | Big cats, the wildebeest migration |
| Amboseli National Park | About 240 km, 4 to 5 hours by road | 2 days, 1 night minimum | $90 per 24 hours (KWS premium park) | Elephants under Kilimanjaro |
| Samburu National Reserve | About 350 km, 5 to 6 hours by road via Nanyuki and Isiolo | 3 days, 2 nights | About $85 per 24 hours in 2026 | The Samburu Special Five |
| Lake Nakuru National Park | About 160 km, roughly 3 hours by road | Full day trip, or 2 days with Lake Naivasha | $90 per 24 hours (KWS premium park) | Black and white rhinos, flamingos |
| Lake Naivasha and Hell's Gate | About 100 km, roughly 2 hours by road | Full day trip | Hell's Gate $50 per 24 hours (KWS scenic park) | Hippo boat rides, cycling among zebras |
| Tsavo East and Tsavo West | About 240 km to Tsavo West's Mtito Andei gate, 4 to 5 hours by road | 2 to 3 days | $80 per 24 hours in each park | Red elephants, Mzima Springs |
Popular routes
| Trip | Length | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Nairobi day out | 1 day | Nairobi National Park, Sheldrick and Giraffe Centre |
| Rift Valley lakes | 2 days | Lake Naivasha and Hell's Gate, then Lake Nakuru |
| Classic Mara | 3 days | Masai Mara, 2 nights |
| Southern circuit | 4 to 5 days | Amboseli and Tsavo |
| Kenya highlights | 6 to 7 days | Samburu, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha and the Masai Mara |
What drives the cost of a safari
- Park fees per day. The biggest fixed cost. 3 days in the Mara in August is $600 per non-resident adult in fees alone.
- Vehicle and driver-guide per day. Private, so the cost is shared by your group.
- Lodge or camp per night. From budget tented camps to luxury lodges. Tell us your level.
- Distance. Nakuru and Naivasha work as day trips. The Mara, Samburu and Tsavo need nights away.
Kenya park fees 2026 at a glance
| Park | Managed by | Non-resident | Kenyan citizen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nairobi National Park | KWS | $80 | KSh 1,000 |
| Amboseli | KWS | $90 | KSh 1,500 |
| Lake Nakuru | KWS | $90 | KSh 1,500 |
| Tsavo East or West | KWS | $80 | KSh 1,000 |
| Hell's Gate | KWS | $50 | KSh 500 |
| Samburu | Samburu County | About $85 | KSh 800 |
| Masai Mara | Narok County | $100 Jan to Jun, $200 Jul to Dec | KSh 1,500 or KSh 3,000 |
Also comparing destinations? Read Nairobi National Park vs Maasai Mara. Deciding how to travel? See private vs shared safaris.
Quick answers
What is the best safari from Nairobi?
For a first Kenya safari, 3 days in the Masai Mara. With one day only, Nairobi National Park. For elephants under Kilimanjaro, Amboseli. For rhinos close to Nairobi, Lake Nakuru.
What is the closest safari to Nairobi?
Nairobi National Park, about 8 km from the city centre, done in a half-day. Lake Naivasha and Hell's Gate are about 2 hours away.
How much are park fees in Kenya in 2026?
For non-resident adults per day: Nairobi 80 US dollars, Tsavo 80, Amboseli and Lake Nakuru 90, Hell's Gate 50, Samburu about 85, and the Masai Mara 100 (January to June) or 200 (July to December).
Related pages
Book this safari
Send the date, the group, and the pickup. We confirm availability on WhatsApp or email, with the tour price and the park fees to budget. See our deposit and cancellation policy.