The best safari companies in Kenya in 2026 are Cottar's, with roots to 1909 and camps bordering the Maasai Mara; Gamewatchers, which runs the Porini eco-camps in private conservancies; Cheli & Peacock, an East African operator since 1985; Great Plains Conservation (Mara Plains); the Elewana Collection's lodges; and Asilia.
“Safari company” covers two kinds of business. Lodge operators such as Wilderness, Singita and &Beyond own or run the camps you stay in and often sell complete trips. Tour operators and ground handlers plan itineraries, supply guides and vehicles, and book a mix of camps. Both can be booked directly or through a safari specialist.
In Kenya, the best wildlife experiences are increasingly in private conservancies around the Maasai Mara and in Laikipia, where camps limit vehicles and allow walks and night drives.
A legendary safari family, with camps bordering the Maasai Mara.
Cottar's traces its roots to 1909 and operates from the private Olderkesi Conservancy on the edge of the Maasai Mara, with its 1920s-style camp and private Bush Villa.
Good to know: Stay at least four nights to explore the conservancy.
Olderkesi Conservancy, Narok, Kenya
Porini eco-camps in private conservancies, GOLD eco-certified.
Gamewatchers has more than 30 years of experience and runs the small Porini camps in private Kenyan conservancies, holding GOLD eco-tourism certification and sharing benefits with local communities.
Good to know: Its packages combine several camps at good value.
Nairobi, Kenya
An East African safari operator since 1985.
Cheli & Peacock has run safaris since 1985 and plans trips across East Africa, from the Mara to Zanzibar and gorilla trekking, with a team that has more than 100 years of combined experience.
Good to know: Use it to combine Kenya with gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda.
Nairobi, Kenya
Mara Plains Camp in a private conservancy.
Great Plains Conservation runs luxury camps in Kenya, Botswana and Zimbabwe; in Kenya its Mara Plains Camp has seven canvas suites in the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy on the edge of the Maasai Mara.
Good to know: Book Mara Plains for uncrowded big-cat viewing.
Mara Plains Camp, Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Kenya
Fourteen boutique lodges and camps in Kenya and Tanzania.
Elewana Collection runs 14 boutique safari lodges and camps across Kenya's and Tanzania's best wildlife regions, making it easy to build a varied East African trip with one company.
Good to know: Mix Mara, Amboseli and Laikipia within the collection.
Nairobi, Kenya
Responsible camps and safaris across East Africa.
Asilia runs camps and safaris across Kenya and Tanzania, with an emphasis on making a genuine difference for local people and places.
Good to know: Ask about its Mara camps in migration season.
Maasai Mara, Kenya
July to October for the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara, and January to February for dry, good game viewing elsewhere.
Often. Conservancies limit vehicles at sightings and allow walks and night drives, while the reserve itself can be crowded in migration season.
Yes. Operators such as Cheli & Peacock, Asilia and Elewana plan trips across both countries.