🇬🇧 Kenya safaris from the UK
Kenya Safaris from the United Kingdom
Direct overnight flights from Heathrow, no jet lag worth complaining about — a British traveller can be on the Mara by lunch the next day.
Flight time
~8h45 direct from London
Best season
July–October for the Migration; UK half-terms and Christmas also work well
Visa
UK citizens need an eTA — apply online for $30, usually approved in 48 hours.
Airlines
British Airways (LHR–NBO direct), Kenya Airways (LHR–NBO direct), Virgin Atlantic (LHR–NBO direct), KLM via Amsterdam, Qatar via Doha
Why travellers from the United Kingdom choose us
Built for the way you travel
Brits have been coming to Kenya since the Out of Africa days, and there's a reason: same time zone basically (only 3 hours ahead in UK winter), one flight, English spoken everywhere, and you can be having sundowners over the Mara within 24 hours of leaving London.
We see two patterns from the UK: 10–14 day main holidays in summer, and 7-night Mara-plus-beach quick escapes during half-term or over Christmas.
Suggested itineraries
Trips designed from the UK
7 days
Half-term: Mara + Diani
Three nights game drives in the Maasai Mara, three nights on Diani Beach. Perfect for families with school holiday windows.
Customise this trip →10 days
The British Classic
Amboseli for elephants and Kilimanjaro views, Lake Nakuru for flamingos and rhino, then the Mara. Tea on the veranda included.
Customise this trip →14 days
Laikipia, Mara & Lamu
Private conservancies, walking safaris, then the dhows and quiet of Lamu old town — for travellers who've already done the standard loop.
Customise this trip →FAQ
Questions from travellers in the United Kingdom
- How long is the flight from London to Nairobi?
- Direct flights from Heathrow take 8h45 on BA, Kenya Airways, or Virgin Atlantic. Overnight outbound, daytime return — barely any jet lag.
- Do UK passport holders need a visa?
- Since 2024 Kenya uses an eTA instead of a visa. Apply at etakenya.go.ke for $30; approval is usually 48 hours. Bring a printed copy.
- What's the time difference?
- Kenya is GMT+3 year-round (Kenya doesn't change clocks). So it's 3 hours ahead of the UK in winter, 2 hours ahead in BST.
- Best time to go from the UK?
- July–October is peak Migration and lines up with the summer holidays. October half-term and Christmas/New Year are also lovely; avoid late March to mid-May (long rains).
- Can you arrange everything from the UK?
- Yes. We handle flights, transfers, parks, lodges and the eTA paperwork. Most of our UK clients land at JKIA and never have to think about logistics again.
Ready when you are
Let's plan your safari from the UK.
Tell us your dates and what you'd love to see — we'll send back a tailor-made itinerary, usually within 24 hours.