Overview
This safari blends Kenya’s most iconic wildlife destinations with elegant lodges, scenic drives, and cultural immersion. From the legendary plains of the Maasai Mara to the flamingo-filled shores of Lake Nakuru, the salt-lick forests of Mount Kenya to the heritage luxury of the Mount Kenya Safari Club, each day introduces a new side of Kenya’s natural and cultural wealth. Game drives offer prime opportunities to track the Big Five, while lodge stays provide relaxation, panoramic views, and intimate encounters with wildlife at waterholes. Whether you’re drawn to the savannah or the forested slopes of Mount Kenya, this journey captures the heart of wild Africa in comfort and style.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you’ll be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore Nairobi at your own pace. Optional visits can be arranged to nearby shopping centers, open-air markets, or some of Nairobi’s nightlife spots including restaurants, casinos, and music venues. Settle in for the evening and rest before the safari begins.
Overnight at Jacaranda Hotel
After breakfast, begin your journey toward the Maasai Mara. A stop at the edge of the Great Rift Valley offers sweeping views across the escarpment and into the vast plains below. The drive passes through Maasai country, and along the way, you’ll see traditional homesteads and herders tending their cattle. You’ll arrive at your lodge in time for lunch. In the afternoon, head out on your first game drive through the Maasai Mara, where wildlife sightings may include elephants, giraffes, lions, and herds of wildebeest grazing on the open plains.
Overnight at Keekorok Lodge, Mara Serena Lodge, or Olonana Camp
Today offers morning and afternoon game drives through different parts of the reserve, maximizing your chances of encountering predators and their prey in various habitats. After an early breakfast, set out to explore river crossings where hippos wallow and crocodiles bask in the sun. The morning drive is followed by a return to the lodge for lunch and a short rest. In the afternoon, venture to a new area of the park where your guide’s tracking skills will help you seek out elusive species such as leopards or cheetahs. The day concludes with a return to your lodge as the sky turns golden over the savannah.
Overnight at Keekorok Lodge, Mara Serena Lodge, or Olonana Camp
After breakfast, leave the Mara behind as you head north toward Lake Nakuru National Park. This reserve is famous for its population of flamingoes, which color the shoreline in vibrant pinks, and for being a sanctuary for rhinos and Rothschild’s giraffes. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch. In the afternoon, set out on a game drive that includes a visit to a cliff-top lookout with sweeping views over the lake. Keep an eye out for white rhinos grazing near the water’s edge and buffalo herds on the move.
Overnight at Sarova Lion Hill Lodge or Lake Nakuru Lodge
Begin the day with an early morning game drive in Lake Nakuru, followed by breakfast at the lodge. Then travel toward the lush slopes of Mount Kenya. By midday, you’ll arrive at a forest lodge set near a natural salt lick that attracts elephants, buffalo, and other forest-dwelling animals. Settle into your elevated rooms and enjoy the view as wildlife gathers below. The lodge’s quiet setting offers excellent photography and unique sightings from the comfort of the verandas or observation decks.
Overnight at Serena Mountain Lodge
After a relaxed breakfast, travel to the legendary Mount Kenya Safari Club, nestled on the equator at the base of Africa’s second highest peak. Originally founded by film star William Holden in the 1950s, the club is steeped in old-world charm. Its elegant architecture, manicured gardens, and mountain views have made it a favorite among royalty and international guests for decades. Spend the day enjoying the grounds, indulging in fine dining, or simply resting in the peaceful surroundings. Optional excursions or horseback riding can be arranged.
Overnight at Mount Kenya Safari Club
After breakfast, take a scenic drive back to Nairobi. Depending on your flight schedule, there may be time for a final lunch or short visit to the local craft markets. With memories of Maasai Mara sunsets, forest salt licks, and the highland charm of Mount Kenya, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.
Inclusions
Includes
- All park entrance and conservation fees
- Accommodation for 6 nights (based on your lodge category)
- Full board meals during safari (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Ground transport in 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Bottled water while on safari
- Airport transfers in Nairobi
- All government taxes and service charges
Excludes
- International flights and Kenya
- Visa Fees
- Optional activities (e.g., balloon safari, Maasai village visit)
- Personal travel insurance
- Drinks, laundry, and tips
- Extra nights in Nairobi (available on request)
Yes, the journey includes several well-timed travel days with breaks between game drives and scenic lodges designed for comfort and relaxation.
Absolutely. The Maasai Mara is one of the best places to see the Big Five, while Lake Nakuru is renowned for its flamingoes and rhino sanctuary.
It’s a luxurious heritage property with beautiful gardens, fine dining, and panoramic views of Mount Kenya. It’s a great place to unwind toward the end of your safari.
Elephants, buffalo, bushbuck, and various nocturnal species are frequently spotted, especially in the evening from the lodge’s viewing decks.
Yes, you will encounter Maasai communities along the route to the Mara and see their traditional way of life during the drive through Maasai country.
