A safari from the UK is one of those bucket-list trips that lives up to every expectation. East Africa’s vast savannahs, the Great Migration, and encounters with the Big Five draw thousands of British travellers each year. This guide walks you through everything you need to plan your African safari from the UK.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!British travellers often weigh East Africa against Southern Africa. East Africa has key advantages for UK visitors: Kenya and Tanzania sit at GMT+3, meaning just a 2-3 hour time difference — far less jet lag than South Africa or Botswana. Direct flights from London to Nairobi take roughly 8 hours, making it one of the most accessible safari destinations from Britain.
East Africa is also home to the Great Wildebeest Migration, the largest overland animal movement on Earth. Add in Mount Kenya, the flamingo-fringed Rift Valley lakes, and Kenya’s white-sand beaches, and you have a destination offering far more than just game drives.
July to October: Peak season. Great Migration river crossings in the Masai Mara. Coincides with UK summer holidays — convenient but busier and pricier.
January to March: Excellent game viewing, fewer crowds. Calving season in Tanzania’s Serengeti. Great escape from the British winter.
June and November: Shoulder seasons with good wildlife, lower prices, and thinner crowds.
April to May: Long rains. Many camps close or offer discounts. Not recommended for first-time visitors.
Kenya Airways: Direct from London Heathrow to Nairobi, approximately 8 hours.
British Airways: Direct from Heathrow to Nairobi.
Ethiopian Airlines: Competitive fares from London, Manchester, and other UK cities via Addis Ababa.
Emirates/Qatar Airways: One-stop via Dubai or Doha with good connections from Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.
Return flights typically range from £400 to £800 depending on season. Book 3-6 months ahead for best fares.
UK passport holders need a visa for Kenya. Since January 2024, Kenya uses an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) system costing approximately $30, processed within 72 hours. Ensure your passport has at least six months’ validity. For Tanzania, UK citizens need a visa obtainable online or on arrival ($50 single-entry).
7-Day Kenya Highlights (£1,800-£3,000 per person): Nairobi to Masai Mara for three days of game drives, then Lake Nakuru or Naivasha for flamingos and rhino. Packs the essential Kenya safari into one week.
10-Day Kenya and Beach Combo (£2,500-£4,500 per person): Safari plus three days at Diani Beach or Watamu — pristine white sand, warm Indian Ocean, excellent snorkelling.
14-Day Ultimate East Africa (£3,500-£6,000 per person): Nairobi city tour, Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli with Kilimanjaro views, optional Zanzibar extension.
Budget (£120-£180/day): Comfortable tented camps, shared game drives, good food.
Mid-range (£200-£350/day): Private game drives, well-appointed lodges, en-suite facilities.
Luxury (£400-£800+/day): Exclusive conservancies, boutique camps, gourmet dining, spa facilities.
Prices typically include accommodation, meals, game drives, and park fees. Flights and insurance are additional.
Nature Nest Safaris is a Kenya-based tour operator with deep local expertise and a strong track record with British travellers. We handle airport transfers, domestic flights, park permits, accommodation, and expert guides. We understand UK visitor needs — aligning itineraries with British school holidays, recommending flight stopovers, and offering flexible GBP payment plans. Contact us today to start planning your East Africa safari from the UK.
Ready to plan your East African adventure? Browse our curated safari experiences:
Let our expert team craft your perfect safari adventure. Custom itineraries, competitive prices, and unforgettable experiences.
Start Planning Your Safari