Southern Kenya is home to a vast array of ecosystems, national parks and game reserves; from Amboseli and the Maasai Mara to Tsavo East and West, the two of which, combined, make up one of Africa's largest wilderness areas. Located in the eastern branch of the Great Rift Valley, Lakes Natron and Magadi are soda lakes situated at the base of the active Oldoinyo Lengai volcano - the lowest point in the valley. In the surrounding areas many species of fauna and flora, including thousands of flamingoes, survive in a harsh and starkly beautiful environment. Dramatic scenery, incredible views and natural wonders, extinct volcanoes, streams, waterfalls and hot springs all add to the diversity of landscape. From the plains of Amboseli and from the vastness of the volcanic ranges of the Chyulu Hills you even have incredible views of Kilimanjaro just across the border in Tanzania.

Southern Kenya holiday ideas

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Southern Kenya Guide

Practical advice and inspiration to help you prepare for your holiday

Kenya Testimonials

12 reviews
4.7 / 5
"Charlotte was particularly helpful with booking the safari and gave very good advice - it really helped that she had stayed at the lodges and hotels before. All of the accommodation was excellent, and the game drives were a real highlight, as were the staff at Saruni Samburu and Kinondo Kwetu. The information throughout was very clear and the overall experience was seamless - thank you!"
J - UK
Published on 23rd February 2026
"It was a BRILLIANT holiday, we all loved it. Given all that we did and saw, it felt a lot longer than two weeks – possibly the best family holiday ever. The itinerary was great, with a really nice mix of camps and scenery, so eight days in the bush didn’t feel too much. Connections were slick, short and efficient, ground staff were super helpful. Having the majority of time in conservancies rather than national parks was absolutely right – we needed the variety of walks, night drives, bush meals, etc., or else too much sedentary truck time. Great job by our consultant and all at Original. Thank you."
Adam - London
Published on 5th September 2024
"James - thank you. We had a truly wonderful and memorable trip. Everything that Original Travel had a hand in was perfect. Our time at Lewa was perfect and Sirikoi is very special. Sarara was also great and we loved the Samburu experience. Kinondo Kwetu is also a special place. I was not expecting the food to be a highlight, but it was a revelation. We will go back to Kenya. We will go back to Sirikoi. We will probably go back to Sarara. We are properly happy punters. James and Team – thank you. "
Will - London
Published on 18th March 2024

What can you find in Southern Kenya that you won't find anywhere else?

Southern Kenya holidays are a powerful force in the safari world – the scale of national parks and game reserves is mammoth and the region is easily one of the best on the globe for close encounters with an array of wildlife, including ‘the Big Five’. This huge natural bounty is there for the taking: watch hulking bull elephants silhouetted against the awe-inspiring Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli National Park; hold your nerve as lions saunter around your 4x4 in the enormous Tsavo National Park, and don’t move a muscle as a herd of wildebeest drink from a water hole in the iconic Masai Mara. Southern Kenya’s geography is another compelling facet to a trip within its borders – the craters, forests, simmering volcanoes and mineral lakes that form part of the Great Rift Valley are an otherworldly natural playground that display some of Africa’s most exhilarating landscapes. Chyulu Hills is yet another wildlife sanctuary well worth visiting and its rolling emerald volcanic ridges are one of the best points to view Mount Kilimanjaro from. Southern Kenya’s astounding natural appeal is matched by its fascinating people and culture, so as part of your Southern Kenya holiday, spend time spend time getting to know the local people and their way of life.


Who is Southern Kenya best for?

Anyone who has ever dreamed of a safari in any shape or form – Southern Kenya holidays offer up some of the finest wildlife viewing there is. Whether you’re floating down a murky river watching the beady eyes of a crocodile or waiting for a leopard to slowly emerge from the bush, life is never more in focus than when you’re watching wild animals in their natural habitat. The choice of gorgeous safari camps that offer the latest in modern luxuries will appeal to honeymooners looking for a sumptuous safari, while the low risk of malaria in the Masai Mara, combined with comfortable accommodation and excellent activities put on for mini animal enthusiasts make for a fantastic family adventure.


Special things to do in Southern Kenya

Enjoy a wild bush dinner

Watch the sun go down and toast another epic day in the wild with a table for two in the great outdoors with your own waiter. Savour every second as you dine under the stars amid the African wilderness.


Visit a remote Masaai village

Glimpse the culture and customs of the historically nomadic Masaai people during a visit to a remote village. Soak up the beautiful surroundings, buy handcrafted souvenirs and learn about an ancient way of life that’s preserved to this day.

Best places to go in Kenya



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