Have you ever imagined traveling all the way from New Zealand to Kenya to experience wildlife, meet local communities, learn about their traditions, taste the Kenyan food, and experience a way of life that makes every destination unique, from the Masai Mara to Amboseli National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Samburu National Reserve, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks, just to mention a few. If this sounds like your kind of trip, stay tuned till the end, especially if it is your first time visiting Kenya.
In this guide, we will walk you through Kenya safari tours from New Zealand, from choosing the best destinations to finding the best time to visit that will make your trip memorable.
At the end, you will have a clear idea of turning your dream Kenyan safari into a trip you can actually plan confidently.
Why Choose Kenya for a Safari Holiday from New Zealand
Travelling from New Zealand to Kenya is a very long journey, and definitely you would like to make every moment count before going back. To be honest, Kenya has a lot to offer.
Below are some of the reasons why Kenya should be on top of your bucket list;
- One of the biggest reasons to choose Kenya is the golden opportunity to see wild animals roaming freely in their natural habitat. Kenya is home to the Big Five: lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalos, and cheetahs, alongside other wildlife species. If you get to visit the Masai Mara, you may also witness the Great Wildebeest Migration.
- Kenya’s beauty goes beyond its national parks. Kenya is home to many communities, each with its own tradition, food, language, and way of life. During your visit, you may have the opportunity to visit the Maasai community and learn about beadwork and hear stories about their traditional customs. This kind of experience allows you to connect with the people behind the famous destinations.
- One thing you will notice when you visit Kenya is how quickly the scenery changes from one destination to another. For example, you can spend a few days surrounded by the open grasslands of the Masai Mara, proceed to the Great Rift Valley, enjoy escarpments and lakes, and finally unwind on the white sandy beaches of Diani.
- You will enjoy genuine Kenyan hospitality, from the tour guides sharing their knowledge of animal behaviour to the lodge staff helping you settle down and feel at home.
How to Travel from New Zealand to Kenya
Travelling from New Zealand to Kenya is a very exciting journey, especially if you are visiting Kenya for the first time. This is because you will be travelling between several time zones and connecting through different international airports.
Therefore, with good planning, arriving in Kenya is very manageable. However, the easiest way is to fly into Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, with well-organized transfers to your dream destination.
Here is what you need to know before booking your Kenya safari tour;
Book Your Flight from New Zealand to Kenya
The first step is booking an international flight from New Zealand to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport ( JKIA) in Nairobi; however, expect to stop along the way since there is no direct flight from Auckland International Airport.
Therefore, the famous connecting routes & Airlines are as follows;
- Via Dubai with Emirates, taking about 22 hours 35 minutes.
- Via New York City, taking about 29 hours 40 minutes.
- Via Guangzhou with China Southern Airlines, taking 22 hours 55 minutes.
Note that this time excludes the layover time between connecting flights.
Arrange Your Transfers when You Get to Kenya
Once you land at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport ( JKIA), you will need to clear Immigration, collect your luggage, and then travel to your accommodation. If this is your first visit to Kenya, ensure transfers are included in your safari package, whereby your safari operator, like Ravina Tours & Travel, can arrange a driver to meet you at the airport.
Apply for Kenya’s Electronic Travel Authorization ( eTA)
Before traveling, check the entry requirements of your passport, ensuring it is valid for at least 6 months. Most international travelers, including New Zealand travelers, need a Kenya eTA before departure.
Decide When to Travel to Kenya
Did you know the time you choose to visit Kenya can affect your whole safari experience? From the wildlife experience to accommodation availability and cost, to how busy popular safari destinations are.
Best Kenya Safari Destinations for New Zealand Travelers
If you are looking forward to visiting Kenya, choosing the right safari destinations can make a real difference to your experience.
Here are some of the destinations you should consider when planning your Kenya safari tour from New Zealand;
Masai Mara National Reserve
The Masai Mara National Reserve is the iconic safari destination in Kenya that every traveler globally looks forward to visiting. The reserve is well known for the Big Five, the wildebeests, and many other wildlife species in the Mara ecosystem.
Also, beyond the normal game drives, you can consider a hot air balloon safari followed by a bush breakfast, sundowners, bush picnics, or visiting the local Maasai communities.
Amboseli National Park
The Amboseli National Park offers a very different experience from the Mara. Why so?
The park is popularly known for its vast population of large elephants and breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro across the border in Tanzania.
Therefore, for a traveler travelling from New Zealand, Amboseli National Park is an excellent choice.
Other destinations that you should not miss out on are;
- Lake Nakuru National Park
- Samburu National Reserve
- Tsavo East & Tsavo West National Parks
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy
- Diani Beach
Best Time to Visit Kenya from New Zealand
The best time to visit Kenya from New Zealand definitely depends on what you want to experience during your safari holiday. If your main goal is to see wildlife, the dry season is the best for game viewing, and if you prefer lush greenery, fewer crowds, and potentially lower accommodation rates, the rainy season can also be rewarding.
Final Thoughts
To wrap up, if you are planning to visit Kenya from New Zealand, start by deciding what matters to you. If you want to witness the Great Migration, photograph elephants with a backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, explore Kenya’s cultural heritage, or enjoy a relaxing getaway on the white sandy beaches of Diani. This way, it will help us curate a safari experience for you that suits your travel expectations.
Are you ready to turn your Kenya safari tour into a reality? Get in touch with Ravina Tours & Travel Limited to start planning your Kenya safari from New Zealand, and let us make every moment of your journey count.
