While we do not recommend or suggest that you come for short safaris, there are instances when time constraints can make it necessary.
In those cases, we have compiled a list of tips to ensure that you maximize your one-day trip and make the most of the experience.
Can I do a day safari in Nairobi or Kenya?
Yes, you can do a one-day safari in Nairobi or any other city in Kenya. The Safaribookings.com site has a list of 73 tour operators that offer day trip safaris in Kenya and they are a mix of day tours within Nairobi and day trips to Parks such as Amboseli and Lake Nakuru. Out of the 73 days of safaris, you can book, a majority of them – making up 58 of the 73 safari packages are private tours. Percentage-wise, only 13 of the 73 safari packages, that is 17.6%, are shared day trips, where you join other travelers on a minibus tour.
When planning a day tour in Kenya, chances are you’ll land on the majority of operators, about 82.4% that offer private tours from Nairobi or safari destinations that are easily accessible from Nairobi by air or by road.
What should I expect on a one-day safari in Kenya?
You can only visit one national park:
On a one-day safari you will have time to visit one national park such as Hell’s Gate, Lake Nakuru, Nairobi National Park, Maasi Mara National Reserve, Tsavo or Amboseli. You may also have time to make a short detour for game viewing at another destination such as Chyulu or Samburu. Therefore, when researching and planning your trip, it is important to identify the destination that suits your goals, interests and budget best.
For example, if it is in July and want to see the famous wildebeest migration, obviously the Maasai Mara National Reserve will be an ideal destination. Alternatively, if you want to see the amazing birdlife that Kenya has to offer Lake Nakuru is an excellent choice. For the famous African Elephant, Amboseli is the ideal pick to go on your day safari.
The time spent at the park will vary depending on the operator, but a typical day safari in Kenya could include:
• Pickup from your hotel/residence in Nairobi or Mombasa
• Game drive en route to the national park
• A picnic lunch in the national park
• Several game drives in the national park
• Visit to a local Maasai village or cultural site (optional)
• Return journey to your hotel/residence in Nairobi or Mombasa
Where can I have a 1-day safari in Kenya:
Of the 73 tour operators that offer single-day safari tours in Kenya, 65 of them operate out of Nairobi with 7 operating out of Mombasa and just two operate out of Diani.
Nairobi National Park and Hell’s Gate National Park are the two most popular day-trip safari destinations in Kenya, but you can also visit Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara, Amboseli or any of the other national parks and game reserves that are accessible from Nairobi.
Whether you’re looking for an adrenalin-filled adventure in Hell’s Gate National Park or a leisurely game drive in Nairobi National Park, you’ll be able to find the perfect one-day safari tour with any of the 73 Kenyan operators.
What should I bring on my 1-day safari?
• Sunscreen and sunglasses – UV light can be very strong in Kenya, so it is important to protect yourself.
• Hat or cap
• Comfortable clothing – you will be spending most of the day outside in the sun, so wear lightweight and breathable clothing.
• Binoculars – for better wildlife viewing
• Snacks and drinks – it’s always advisable to carry some snacks with you on a long journey.
• Camera – for capturing those special moments!
• Insect repellent – to keep the mosquitos away.
• Cash/credit card – you may need it for additional snacks or souvenirs you purchase during your trip.
What to do in Nairobi during a Layover:
If you have an overnight layover in Nairobi, or if you want to extend your safari for a few days, there are plenty of interesting things to do in the city and its surroundings. You can visit some of Africa’s biggest attractions such as the Giraffe Centre, Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, Karen Blixen Museum, National Museum and the City Market. You can also go on a day trip to Hell’s Gate National Park or take a private game drive in Nairobi National Park, which is a great option for those who don’t have time for a full safari tour.
One of my best experiences in Nairobi has been camping in wild private campsites such as the Lion Ridge Campsite in Nairobi National Park where I was able to watch the wild animals from up close. It was an incredible experience and one that I would definitely recommend for anyone visiting Kenya.
What is the best way to book a one-day safari in Kenya?
The best way to book a one-day safari in Kenya is through an online booking platform like Safaribookings.com but Kambu Campers also has online bookings that you can make on our website here. The safaribookings platform offers you several options with different operators and you can filter for the type of safari that you want.
It is also advisable to contact the operator directly, as they may be able to provide personalized itineraries and better deals than those offered on the booking platforms.
What are some tips for a successful one-day safari in Kenya?
competitive rates, secure payments, and extensive selection of day trips from Nairobi or other major cities in Kenya. Moreover, you can read reviews from previous travelers before making your choice and booking your trip
It is important to note that some of these parks may require a full day for game drives and exploration, so it is important to plan your itinerary around this.
Be realistic about what activities you can do in one day:
A one-day safari can be quite busy as there is a lot to fit into such a short period of time. Therefore, it’s important that you prioritize and focus on the activities that you want to do the most. It’s also important to consider how much time each activity will take and if it is manageable within a day.
Finally, don’t forget to enjoy yourself! While it’s important to be prepared and organized, a safari is also about taking in all that nature has to offer and just simply taking a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Take some time to relax and take in the beauty of your surroundings, as these are moments you will never forget.
I have always found it easier to book a one-day safari with an experienced tour operator who can provide you with the best wildlife experience. They will be able to plan your itinerary according to your interests, arrange for comfortable transportation and accommodations, and ensure that all safety measures are taken on the trip.
About Kambu One-Day Tours:
At Kambu Campers, we specialize in offering custom one-day safaris that are tailored to our clients’ interests. We have experienced drivers who will take you on a game drive through some of the most beautiful game reserves in Kenya such as Maasai Mara, Naivasha, Nakuru or Samburu National Parks. You can also customize your trip to include cultural visits, bird watching and visit unique places like Lake Nakuru or Mt. Kenya National Park.
We offer competitive rates, secure payments, and extensive selection of day trips from Nairobi or other major cities in Kenya. Moreover, you can read reviews from previous travelers before making your choice and booking your trip.
So, if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience and a chance to witness some of Kenya’s most incredible wildlife, book a one-day safari with Kambu Campers today!
What activities can you do on a one-day safari?
A day trip includes game viewing by road or boat (depending on your destination) and bird watching. Most of the parks have guided walks as well as picnic lunches, which are included in the price. You will also have the opportunity to go on cultural visits or take part in activities such as lion tracking, night game drives and hot air balloon rides (which are offered at extra cost).
One-day safaris are a great way to experience the sights and sounds of Kenya’s incredible wildlife without having to commit to a longer safari tour. So, if you are looking for a unique way to explore Kenya’s wilderness, a one-day safari is a perfect choice!
One-day safari in or from Nairobi:
Amboseli National Park Day Tour:
This 8-hour tour gives you the chance to experience wildlife in an up close and personal way. You will be able to explore the stunning landscapes of Amboseli National Park, sight its abundant wildlife including elephants, giraffes and birds, and get a glimpse of the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro.
Lake Nakuru Day Tour:
This 7-hour day trip allows you to experience the unique wildlife of Lake Nakuru National Park. You will have the chance to observe its famous flamingos, lions and rhinos, as well as other species of birds and animals.
Maasai Mara Day Trip:
The Maasai Mara is Kenya’s most iconic national park and a must-see for any wildlife enthusiast. On this 10-hour one-day tour, you will get the chance to explore its expansive grassy plains, spot its abundant wildlife, and take in some of the breathtaking views it has to offer.
Ol Pejeta Wildlife Sanctuary Day Tour:
Located in the foothills of Mount Kenya, Ol Pejeta Wildlife Sanctuary is one of Kenya’s most diverse wildlife parks. On this 8-hour tour, you will have the chance to observe its abundant species of animals and birds, as well as some other unique attractions such as a rhino orphanage.
Lakes Nakuru, Naivasha & Crescent Island Day Tour:
This 12-hour tour allows you to visit three of Kenya’s most stunning and unique wildlife parks in one day. You will get the chance to explore Lake Nakuru National Park, spot its renowned flamingos; take a boat ride on Lake Naivasha to observe hippos and other species of animals; and finally, go for a guided walk on Crescent Island to observe its abundant wildlife.
Lake Naivasha, Crescent Island & Hell’s Gate Day Tour:
This 10-hour day trip allows you to experience some of the most stunning landscapes in Kenya. You will have the chance to explore Lake Naivasha, spot its famous hippos; take a guided walk on Crescent Island and observe its abundant wildlife; and finally visit Hell’s Gate National Park where you can take part in exciting activities such as rock climbing and hot air balloon rides (extra cost).
Can I really do much on a 1-day safari tour of Kenya?
Yes, you can definitely do a lot on a 1-day safari tour of Kenya. Depending on the park you choose to visit and the operator you book with, you will have the opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife and take part in exciting activities such as hot air balloon rides or rock climbing at Hell’s Gate National Park (extra cost).
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on a 1-day safari tour?
The type of wildlife you will be able to observe depends on the park you choose to visit. For example, at Maasai Mara National Park, you can spot lions, rhinos and elephants; at Ol Pejeta Wildlife Sanctuary you can observe zebras and cheetahs; and at Lake Nakuru National Park, you can spot flamingos.
Are there any additional costs involved in a 1-day safari tour?
Yes, depending on the park you choose to visit and the activities you plan to do, there may be additional costs involved. For example, if you choose to take a hot air balloon ride over the Maasai Mara, or go for a boat ride on Lake Naivasha, you will have to pay an additional fee. Furthermore, some parks may also require you to purchase tickets or permits in order to enter certain areas. Be sure to research this information beforehand and plan accordingly.
What is the best time of year to go on a 1-day safari tour?
The best time of year to go on a 1-day safari tour in Kenya depends on what kind of wildlife you wish to observe and the activities you plan to do. Generally, it is better to visit between July and October as this is the dry season and most parks are open. During dry season, you have better chance of viewing animals since they congregate around waterholes and rivers. Additionally, most parks are less crowded during this period which allows you to make the most of your experience.
What advice do you have for anyone considering a one-day safari in Kenya?
My advice would be to research the different parks and operators that offer one-day safaris before booking. Find out what activities each park has to offer and make sure you will be able to make the most of your time there. Read reviews from previous travelers to get an idea of their experiences and check if the operator provides a unique experience or not. Additionally, be sure to pack all essential items such as sunscreen, insect repellent, hats and comfortable clothing. Lastly, make sure you bring enough cash or credit card to cover any additional snacks or souvenirs you purchase during your trip.
With the right preparation and the guidance of an experienced operator, a one-day safari in Kenya can be a rewarding experience for anyone who wants to explore the wonders of African wildlife. So, book your one-day safari today and enjoy the beauty of Kenya!
This blog is intended to help you plan a successful and memorable one-day safari in Kenya. I hope this guide has provided you with helpful information and inspiration for planning your own unforgettable experience in Kenya.
Do I need a visa to go on a 1-day safari tour in Kenya?
Yes and No. Some citizens from countries under category 1 are exempt from visa requirements and only need a valid passport to visit Kenya. Category 2 are those that can be granted visas on the application while Category 3 are countries whose citizens can only get entry to Kenya if they are referred by dissidents of other countries with more favorable immigration status in the eyes of Kenya.