This Kenyan safari journeys through the country’s most diverse ecosystems, from the arid beauty of Samburu to the bird-rich lakes of the Great Rift Valley, and the sweeping plains of the Maasai Mara. Along the way, you’ll encounter a dazzling array of wildlife, from the rare northern species of Samburu to the Big Five in the Maasai Mara and the iconic elephants of Amboseli roaming beneath snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro.
Each park reveals a different rhythm of Kenya’s wild heart. Watching flamingos trace the shores of Lake Naivasha, following a pride of lions across golden savannah, and waking to the sight of Kilimanjaro at dawn, this journey captures the essence of safari adventure with the comfort of well-located lodges throughout.
Upon arrival in Nairobi, you’ll be welcomed by a representative from AA Safaris & Tours Ltd and transferred to your hotel. Take time to relax after your journey or explore the city at your own pace. Meals are on your own arrangement today.
Overnight: Nairobi Safari Club or Nairobi Serena Hotel
After breakfast, set out for Samburu Game Reserve, passing through the lush farmland of Thika and Delmonte’s pineapple plantations. Arrive in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive in this rugged northern park. Samburu is home to unique dry-country species found north of the equator, including the reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx.
Overnight: Samburu Sopa Lodge or Samburu Serena Lodge
Spend a full day exploring Samburu Game Reserve with morning and afternoon game drives. The Ewaso Nyiro River winds through the park, attracting wildlife to its banks and offering excellent sightings of predators and large mammals. The region’s distinctive landscape of acacia, doum palms, and rocky outcrops adds to the experience.
Overnight: Samburu Sopa Lodge or Samburu Serena Lodge
Leave Samburu behind and travel south into the Rift Valley, arriving in time for lunch at Sarova Lion Hill Lodge. Enjoy a game drive through Lake Nakuru National Park en route to Lake Naivasha. This freshwater lake is framed by papyrus and acacia forest and is known for its large hippo population, birdlife, and scenic beauty. Once dry and transformed into farmland, Naivasha was reclaimed by rising waters, earning its Maasai name “Nai’posha,” meaning “rough water.”
Overnight: Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge or Lake Naivasha Country Club
After breakfast, continue to the renowned Maasai Mara, arriving in time for lunch. In the afternoon, set off on your first game drive in one of Africa’s richest wildlife ecosystems. Keep an eye out for the Big Five, as well as cheetahs, hyenas, and large herds of wildebeest and zebra.
Overnight: Mara Sopa Lodge
Spend the day on safari in the Maasai Mara with morning and afternoon game drives. The reserve’s rolling plains, acacia woodlands, and seasonal rivers support extraordinary biodiversity. Optional activities include a hot air balloon safari or a cultural visit to a Maasai village at an extra cost.
Overnight: Mara Sopa Lodge
Depart the Mara after breakfast and return to Nairobi for lunch. From there, continue south to Amboseli National Park, located at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. Enjoy a game drive en route to your lodge. Amboseli is famed for its dramatic landscapes, large elephant herds, and open plains with postcard-worthy views of the snow-capped mountain.
Overnight: Amboseli Sopa Lodge or Amboseli Serena Lodge
Enjoy a full day of wildlife viewing in Amboseli, with both morning and afternoon game drives. The park’s two underground springs, fed by Kilimanjaro’s melting snow, support year-round wildlife activity, including big cats, plains game, and an impressive variety of birdlife.
Overnight: Amboseli Sopa Lodge or Amboseli Serena Lodge
After breakfast, depart Amboseli and drive back to Nairobi, arriving in the afternoon. You will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your international departure flight.
Inclusions
Includes
- 8 nights’ accommodation (full board on safari)
- Transport in custom 4x4 pop-up safari vehicle
- All park entrance and conservancy fees
- Services of an English-speaking driver-guide
- Bottled drinking water during safaris
- All airport transfers
Excludes
- International airfare and visa fees
- Travel insurance and personal expenses
- Optional balloon safari or cultural visits
- Drinks, tips, laundry, or extra meals
- Extra nights in Nairobi (can be added on request)
FAQs
Yes. This itinerary is ideal for first-time visitors, offering a well-paced route with excellent chances of seeing the Big Five, rare species, and diverse landscapes.
Samburu is known for unique northern species like Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk, collectively called the Samburu Special Five.
Yes, balloon safaris are available in Maasai Mara at an additional cost. They usually take place at sunrise and include a champagne breakfast in the bush.
Light, breathable clothes in neutral colors, a warm fleece for early mornings, a sunhat, insect repellent, and good walking shoes. Don’t forget a camera and binoculars.
