EXPLORE THE BEST KENYA GAME DRIVES – AMAZING GAME DRIVE IN KENYA
Kenya game drives are one of the unmissable safari experiences in this country during African wildlife safaris.
The amazing game drives in Kenya are wildlife viewing rides through the different wildlife safari destinations in the country, lasting typically 2-5 hours, conducted in 4×4 safari Land Cruisers or safari vans to see wildlife like the Big Five and the Great Wildebeest Migration.
On guided safari game drives, a professional driver-guide will lead guests on safari game drives within the safari parks in a safari vehicle. This offers knowledge and convenience for wildlife viewing.
Some of the popular Kenya national parks where these game drives are done include the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Nairobi National Parks, among other conservancies.
The game drive safaris in Kenya are done at specific time intervals to get a glimpse of different big and plain game, i.e., in the morning (6:30 am) for active game viewing, afternoon (3:00 pm) for animal spotting along watering holes, and Night (6:30 pm) in conservancies to spot nocturnal animals.
Essential Insights About Kenya Safari Game Drives
- Game drives in Kenya are done in almost all 28 game reserves and 27 national parks managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) (23 terrestrial parks and 4 marine parks).
- Kenya offers some of the best game drive experiences in the world in areas like Maasai Mara, L. Nakuru and Amboseli.
- Private conservancies such as Naboisho, Mara North, and others offer off-road driving and night drives, banned in national parks, for a more intimate safari experience.
- Guided Kenya safari game drives involve a professional driver-guide who takes visitors through the parks in a safari vehicle, providing expertise and convenience for wildlife viewing.
- Tourists on guided Kenya safari drives have plenty of chances to see the day time animals like lions, elephants, etc., and nocturnal animals like the leopards, bushbabies, etc.
- More information you need to know as you start planning your Kenya safari drives, e.g., best time to visit, packing list, etc.
Best Kenya Safari Tour Packages
Here is everything you need to know about the game drive safaris in Kenya in detail!
Game Drive Types in Kenya
Game drives in Kenya are divided into several categories depending on the time intervals they are held and how they are done. These include
Morning Game Drive
Morning game drive is one of the types of game drive safaris held in Kenya.
These start at 6:00 or 6:30 am in the early morning and are perfect for tourists seeking to see predators before the heat of the day begins, as well as plains game coming from their resting places.
Late Afternoon Game Drive
Late afternoon game drive is one of the types of game drive safaris held in Kenya.
These begin at around 3:00 -4:00 pm, often ending with a sundowner, and are ideal for many visitors seeking to see wildlife in the golden light, trying to escape the heat of the day, and drinking some water at the available watering holes in national parks.
Night Game Drive
Night game drive is one of the types of game drive safaris held in Kenya.
This is a guided safari experience conducted after sunset, using specialized spotlights to illuminate the nocturnal wildlife that becomes active at night (e.g., aardvarks, civets, and leopards) in private conservancies like the Mara Triangle and Mara North, plus parks and reserves like Maasai Mara and Samburu, among others.
Full Day Game Drives
Full-day game drives are another type of game drive safari held in Kenya.
These are done by travelers from morning to evening and often include picnic breakfasts, picnic lunches and sundowners, allowing deeper exploration of the Kenya safari parks and reserves to see more animals like the zebras, lions, leopards and others.
Self-Drive Game Drives
Self-drive game drives are one of the types of game drive safaris held in Kenya.
These amazing game drives are done personally by the tourists themselves in their own private vehicles in some of Kenya’s national parks and reserves.
Kenya’s National Parks and Travel Destinations for Game Drives in Kenya
Kenya has 27 national parks, which include 23 terrestrial parks and 4 marine parks, all managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
In addition to national parks, Kenya is home to 28 national reserves and 6 marine reserves, which are managed by local councils and have less strict rules regarding human habitation.
All these Kenya national parks and reserves, among other travel destinations, offer tourists a chance to enjoy the fun game drives in the country, as detailed below.
Lake Nakuru National Park (In the Great Rift Valley)
Lake Nakuru National Park is one of the best locations where guided game drives are done in Kenya.
Kenya’s L. Nakuru NP in the Rift Valley, covering roughly 188 sq km of acacia woodlands & sprawling savannahs, is known for rhinos and lesser flamingos that paint the shallow alkaline lake pink, among other animal species.
Morning, afternoon, and night drives and self-drive game drives can be done by travelers traversing the natural habitat of Lake Nakuru National Park.
Maasai Mara National Reserve (Famous for The Great Migration and Maasai People)
One of the best safari destinations for amazing Kenya safari game drives is the Maasai Mara National Reserve in the Serengeti Mara ecosystem of East Africa.
The Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya, covering ~ 1,500 sq km, is one of the most famous national parks in the country, known for its diverse wildlife, including high numbers of predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, etc., and the annual Wildebeest Migration, to witness over 2 million wildebeests cross the crocodile-infested Mara River.
All types of game drives, including morning, late afternoon, night, and self-drives, are done in the Masai Mara National Reserve, especially in the Mara Triangle, and often include picnic breakfasts in the open plains.
Combine these game drives with cultural tours to a Maasai village to see the Maasai local people for an enriching and memorable Kenya safari.
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park is one of the top safari destinations in the country, where game drives are done.
This Kenyan national park, Amboseli, covering ~392 sq km, is famous for having large elephant herds, lions, birdlife, zebras, leopards, buffalo, etc., with Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa’s tallest mountain) as a backdrop.
Morning, afternoon, night, and self-drive game drives can be done by tourists visiting Amboseli NP and often also include picnic breakfasts, lunches, and sundowners in open plains.
Nairobi National Park
Another one of the best locations for safari drives in Kenya is the world-famous Nairobi National Park.
Nairobi National Park is commonly known for being one of the smallest national parks in Kenya (117 sq km), located just outside the capital city, and is home to a high density of black rhinos, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and other wildlife.
Tourists on Kenya safaris can easily enjoy all game drive types while in this city park.
Tsavo National Park (Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks)
The Tsavo National Parks (Tsavo East and Tsavo West) are another of the most remarkable locations for game drives in Kenya.
The Tsavo parks, covering over 22,000 sq km of flat, dry savannah plains and rolling hills (the largest national park area in Kenya), are popularly known for being home to large herds of red elephants that get their red color from rolling in the red volcanic soils of the park. Other wildlife to see in these parks includes lions, cheetahs, zebras, birds, hyenas, etc.
4×4 Morning, afternoon, night, and self-drive game drives can be done by tourists visiting Tsavo East and Tsavo West.
Meru National Park
Meru National Park is one of the top safari destinations in the country, where game drives are done.
Spanning ~870 sq km of rolling grasslands, Meru National Park is home to abundant wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, lions, elephants, cheetahs, and large numbers of rhinos, among many other animals.
4×4 Morning, afternoon, night, and self-drive safari drives can be done by tourists traversing Meru NP for a unique and rugged safari experience.
Samburu National Reserve
Samburu National Reserve is another of the best locations where guided safari drives are done in Kenya.
Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya is famous for its unique wildlife, including rare species (Samburu special five) such as Grevy’s Zebra, long-necked gerenuk, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, and the Reticulated Giraffe, making it a distinctive Kenya safari destination.
Morning, afternoon, night, and self-drive game drives can be done by tourists exploring the Samburu Game Reserve, especially along the lifeline in the reserve, the Ewaso Ng’iro River.
Combining these Samburu game drives with the cultural experiences with the Samburu people makes the experience worthwhile.
Mount Kenya National Park
Mount Kenya National Park is one of the best travel destinations in Kenya, where game drives are done in East Africa.
Covering ~715 sq km, Mount Kenya National Park has an incredible diversity of wildlife, including buffalo, giraffes, leopards, lions, elephants, and rock hyraxes, worth seeing on any game drive.
Morning, afternoon, night, and self-drive game drives can be done by tourists visiting Mount Kenya National Park.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Ol Pejeta Conservancy is one of the best travel destinations in Kenya, Africa where game drives are done.
This private conservancy, Ol Pejeta, offers excellent rhino sightings among other wildlife sightings like lions, zebras, black rhinos, etc.
Morning, afternoon, night, and self-drive game drives can be done by tourists visiting Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
OTHER MUST VISIT KENYA SAFARI DESTINATIONS IN EAST AFRICA
- Laikipia Plateau
- Chyulu Hills National Park
- Mara Naboisho Conservancy, etc.
Visit any of these locations today, and you will have some of the most memorable game drives on earth!
Safety Guidelines on Game Drives in Kenya, Africa
For safety purposes during game drives in Kenya, travelers are encouraged to follow several safety guidelines, such as
- It is advisable to wait patiently for wildlife action instead of chasing animals for ethical viewing practices by expert guides.
- Using professional guides is essential for ensuring safety and wildlife education during safaris.
- Night game drives are done in the dark, by experienced guides and with the right equipment, ensuring a safe & secure experience in the African bush.
- Our certified guides on night drives are fully trained and educated on most of the safety procedures and vehicle operations in low-light settings for a safe experience.
- Private or exclusive conservancies provide an additional layer of security during wildlife drives with carefully delineated paths and appropriate communication between guide teams and rangers.
- In Kenya, game drive safaris have few bathroom facilities, and tourists are required to use the bush for their needs.
- Maintain low noise levels during game drives so as not to disturb the wildlife
- Maintain a safe distance of roughly 7-10 m away from the wild animals to avoid any mishaps or disturbances.
Best Time to Visit Kenya for Fun Game Drives
Game drives in Kenya are available all year round, but the best time to visit Kenya for safari game drives is during the dry season from July to October, when the weather is warm and sunny and just right for game viewing.
Old and new tourists can see the Great Wildebeest Migration during the dry season. Millions of wildebeest and other animals cross the plains in search of food and water.
While the rainy season in Kenya may not be ideal for game drives, it changes the scenery into a lush paradise and attracts a wide array of birds, making it a perfect time for birdwatching.
Most game drive safaris in Kenya are scheduled according to the peak activity of the animals. The ideal time for viewing wildlife is early morning and late afternoon.
Kenya Safari Packing Essentials for Game Drives
Be sure to carry important essentials for a game drive safari, including neutral-toned clothing, sunscreen, a camera, bird-viewing binoculars, and stringent weight limits for bush planes often require soft-sided luggage.
Stick to neutral and earthy colours to blend in with the surroundings. Avoid dark colours that attract insects and camouflage designs, which are forbidden.
Kenya has outlawed plastic bags and throwaway water bottles, so don’t bring them with you.
Use the packing list that your travel agent gave you.
Game Drive Logistics (E.G. Using 4×4 Safari Land Cruisers)
Game drives in Kenya are done using specific recommended vehicles, i.e., the Land Cruisers and the safari vans.
- 4X4 Safari Land Cruisers: These are open-sided vehicles that are much preferred for better game viewing and adventure photography, seating up to 6-8 people. They have a good high ground clearance and robust 4-wheel drive compatibility suitable for traversing challenging and rugged terrain.
- Safari Vans: These have nine seats, though only 7 are often used so that every traveler has a window seat for game viewing, with a big pop-up roof fully equipped for traversing rugged terrains.
Costs of Game Drives in Kenya | How Much Does It Cost to Do a Game Drive in Kenya?
The average costs of game drives in Kenya often vary depending on the time intervals, i.e., half-day or full-day drives, or game drive type, i.e., morning or night drives, with fees ranging from USD 80-150 per vehicle or per person, depending on the safari park.
Kenya Safari Accommodations
When on Kenya safari drives held year-round, you can stay at several safari accommodation options in and outside safari parks, reserves, and conservancies for an immersive experience, such as Angama Mara, &beyond Bateleur Camp, &beyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp, and Mara Plains Camp, among many others. READ MORE!
Why Choose Kenya Safari Drives?
Most adventure-seeking tourists choose to partake in game drives in Kenya for the following reasons:
1) Abundant Wildlife
In Kenya, you don’t have to wait for a special season — there’s always something incredible to see. The Big Five, huge herds of elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, wild dogs… It’s all right there on every game drive, all year round.
Kenya is never the same place twice. One morning you’re driving across wide-open savannah, the next you’re under acacia trees, then you’re looking down into the Rift Valley or up at mountains. And it’s all easy to explore in a 4×4 — every turn feels completely different.
3) Great Migration
From July to October, Kenya hosts the great wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara National Reserve, which is best seen during guided game drives to see over 2 million wildebeests and ungulates cross the crocodile-infested Mara River.
Kenya Tour Operators Offering Game Drives
- Prime Safaris & Tours Ltd
- Wild Gorilla Safaris
- Kenya safari Tours
- Africa Safari Tours
- Tanzania Safaris and Tours
Answers To Commonly Asked Questions About Game Drives in Kenya
1. What Is a Game Drive in Kenya?
A game drive in Kenya is a safari activity done by wandering through protected areas (parks and reserves) in 4×4 safari vehicles in a relaxed search for wild animals found in the diverse landscapes.
2. What Is The 12-Hour Rule for The Masai Mara?
The 12-hour rule for the Masai Mara is one that limits safari travellers exploring Masai Mara National Reserve to only spend 12 hours a day in the park, i.e., from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
3. Which Is Better, Kruger or Masai Mara?
The choice of which of the two African safari parks is better, between Kruger and the Maasai Mara, greatly depends on your preferences.
| Maasai Mara | Kruger | |
|---|---|---|
| Highlights | Great wildebeest migration, unique cultural experiences, big cat sightings, and hot air balloon safaris | High density of the Big Five Game, excellent world-class lodges |
| Costs | Fairly costly: ~300-1,500 per day | Very costly: ~500-2500 per day |
| Dry seasons | January to March and June to October | May to October |
| Wet seasons | November to December and April to May | November to April |
4. How Long Is a Game Drive in the Masai Mara?
An adventure-filled Kenya safari drive in the Masai Mara National Reserve typically lasts between 2 and 3 hours per session, i.e., a morning drive or an afternoon drive.
5. Why Is Safari Called a Game Drive?
A safari means a journey from one place to another. Therefore, a game drive is also called a safari because it involves moving in specially designed vehicles in the morning, afternoon, or night in search of the abundant wildlife in game reserves and national parks.
What is a Kenya trip without a fun game drive? Contact our team of African safari experts for tailored game drive excursions in Kenya for lifelong memories!