Kenya Safari Holidays from the UK: Direct Flights, Prices and Planning

Kenya is one of the easiest long-haul safari destinations from Britain: an overnight direct flight, only two or three hours' time difference and English spoken everywhere. This guide covers how to plan Kenya safari holidays from the UK, from flights and costs to the paperwork, with links to real itineraries.

Direct flights from London to Nairobi

British Airways and Kenya Airways fly direct from London Heathrow to Nairobi in about 8.5–9 hours. Most flights leave in the evening and land early the next morning, so you can be on the road to the parks the same day. From Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and other regional airports, connect via London, Amsterdam, Paris, Doha, Dubai or Istanbul.

Kenya is on East Africa Time (GMT+3), just two hours ahead of the UK in summer and three in winter. Jet lag is minimal, which makes a 7–10 day holiday work well.

What does a Kenya safari cost from the UK?

Safari prices in East Africa are set in US dollars. Our website lets you switch to GBP for guidance, and you pay securely by card. As a rule of thumb, a private mid-range safari costs about USD 350–550 per person per day, including your vehicle, guide, park fees and full-board lodges. Fly-in luxury safaris cost considerably more. Live examples:

• 3-Day Masai Mara Safari: from about $1,070 per person
• 6-Day Kenya Classic: Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru & Amboseli: from about $2,145 per person
• 5-Day Luxury Masai Mara Fly-In: from about $1,890 per person

International flights aren't included. That lets you use airline miles or the fare you prefer.

ATOL, ABTA and booking direct

UK travellers often ask about ATOL protection. ATOL covers flight-inclusive packages sold by UK businesses. When you book your safari directly with a Kenyan operator and your flights separately, the safari itself isn't ATOL-protected. To protect yourself:

• Pay by credit card. UK cardholders may have Section 75 protection on qualifying purchases.
• Buy comprehensive travel insurance that includes cancellation and medical evacuation.
• Choose an operator that is properly licensed in Kenya and shows clear terms. Read ours on the booking terms page.

Our guide to choosing a Kenya safari tour operator explains the checks we recommend.

Kenya eTA for British passport holders

British citizens need a Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), applied for online through the official government portal before departure, plus a passport valid for at least six months. If you add Tanzania or Zanzibar, apply for a Tanzanian e-visa too. Check the latest FCDO travel advice for Kenya before you book and again before you fly.

Best time for a UK safari holiday

• July–October: Great Migration in the Masai Mara. This peak season clashes with school holidays, so book early.
• January–February: dry, warm and quieter. A brilliant winter-sun escape.
• Easter and half-terms: good family options in Kenya's conservancies. See our family safari guide.
• April–May: green season, with lower prices and lush landscapes.

More detail is in our best time for a Kenya safari guide.

Popular UK itineraries

1. First safari, one week: Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli by road. See the 6-Day Kenya Classic.
2. Honeymoon: fly-in Masai Mara followed by Diani Beach. See 7-Day Honeymoon.
3. Bucket list: Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar in 12 days. See Ultimate East Africa.

Ready to plan? Build your own safari or talk to a safari expert.