10-12
Days
6
Major Parks
Diverse
Ecosystems
10+
Game Drives

This is the definitive Kenyan safari, combining wildlife viewing with mountain experiences and cultural encounters across the country's most important destinations. You'll witness the full spectrum of Kenya's natural diversity—from the semi-arid Samburu region to the mist-covered forests of Mount Kenya and the Aberdares, down to the vast grasslands of the Masai Mara and the rift lakes.

Beginning in the north with Samburu's unique endemic species, the journey moves through the central highlands where snow-capped Mount Kenya rises majestically. The Aberdares offer opportunities to see wildlife from unique tree hotels positioned over salt licks. The great rift valley provides scenic beauty, and finally, the Masai Mara delivers iconic safari experiences.

This carefully crafted itinerary allows time to deeply experience each ecosystem and understand how they function together as part of Kenya's complex and interconnected natural world. Expert guides share insights into ecology, geology, and conservation, transforming observations into understanding.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi

Capital city orientation

Arrive in Nairobi and transfer to your hotel. Rest and acclimatize to East African time. Optional afternoon visit to the Giraffe Centre or Nairobi Museum. Evening briefing on the upcoming safari with your guide.

Highlights
Nairobi CityGiraffe CentreKaren Blixen Museum

Accommodation: Nairobi Hotel

Day 2: Nairobi to Samburu

Semi-arid wilderness & endemic species

Early departure from Nairobi traveling north. Cross the equator and through spectacular landscapes. Arrive at Samburu National Reserve by early afternoon. Afternoon game drive searching for the Samburu Special Five and other wildlife.

Highlights
Reticulated GiraffeGrevy's ZebraGerenukLionsElephants

Accommodation: Samburu Lodge

Day 3: Samburu Game Drives

Endemic species & cultural visits

Full day exploring Samburu's unique landscape. Morning and afternoon game drives. Visit a Samburu manyatta to learn about the pastoral culture. Sunset viewing from scenic overlooks.

Highlights
Somali OstrichBeisa OryxCheetahsBaboonsSambar Warriors

Accommodation: Samburu Lodge

Day 4: Samburu to Mount Kenya

African peaks & alpine forests

Drive south toward Mount Kenya region. Visit wildlife areas around Kenya's second-highest mountain. Optional walking trails through highland forests. Scenic photography opportunities with the mountain backdrop.

Highlights
Mount KenyaForest ElephantsBlack Colobus MonkeysHighland Flowers

Accommodation: Mount Kenya Safari Club

Day 5: Mount Kenya & Aberdares Transit

Mountain ecosystems & tree hotels

Morning activities around Mount Kenya slopes. Afternoon transfer to Aberdares National Park. Check into the famous Ark or Treetops Lodge positioned over a salt lick. Evening viewing of wildlife coming to drink and eat.

Highlights
Elephants at Salt LickBuffalosForest AntelopeNight Viewing

Accommodation: The Ark or Treetops Lodge

Day 6: Aberdares Experience

Tree hotel wildlife viewing

All-day experience at the tree hotel. Continuous wildlife viewing from the lodge platforms. Animals like elephants, buffalo, and occasionally rhinos visit throughout the day and night. Educational talks about the forest ecosystem.

Highlights
RhinosForest ElephantsCape BuffalosHyenasNocturnal Species

Accommodation: The Ark or Treetops Lodge

Day 7: Aberdares to Rift Valley Lakes

Scenic descent & flamingo lakes

Drive down from the Aberdares through beautiful farmland to the Great Rift Valley. Visit Lake Nakuru with its famous pink flamingos and white pelicans. Afternoon game drive around the lake.

Highlights
FlamingosPelicansRhinosLake ViewsBirdlife

Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Lodge

Day 8: Lake Nakuru & Depart for Mara

Final Rift Valley morning, then plains

Early morning game drive around Lake Nakuru. Return to lodge, have breakfast, and depart for the Masai Mara. Long drive through scenic Rift Valley. Arrive Mara by late afternoon.

Highlights
HeronsEgretsCrowned CranesBaboons

Accommodation: Masai Mara Lodge

Day 9: Masai Mara Game Drives I

Great Migration & Big Five

Full day in the Masai Mara, Kenya's most famous reserve. Morning and afternoon game drives seeking lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and buffalo. Experience the vastness of the Mara's 1,500 square kilometers.

Highlights
LionsLeopardsCheetahsWildebeestZebrasMigration

Accommodation: Masai Mara Lodge

Day 10: Masai Mara Game Drives II

Extended wildlife viewing

Second full day in the Mara with additional game drives. Visit the Mara River to see crocodiles and attempt migration crossings (seasonal). Explore different sectors for varied wildlife. Late afternoon sundowner.

Highlights
CrocodilesWarthogsHyenasAfrican Fish Eagles

Accommodation: Masai Mara Lodge

Day 11: Return to Nairobi

Journey home

Early morning final game drive in the Mara. Return to lodge for breakfast and transfer to Nairobi, arriving late afternoon. Transfer to airport for international flights or additional time in Nairobi.

Highlights
Last wildlife sightingsSunrise views

Accommodation: Nairobi Hotel or travel

Tour Highlights

🦁 Big Cats

LionsLeopardsCheetahsServals

🦒 Diverse Ecosystems

Samburu SpecialsMountain ForestsRift LakesGrassland Plains

🐘 Megafauna

ElephantsBuffalosRhinosHippos

🌍 Landscapes

Mount KenyaRift ValleyVolcanic TerrainAlpine Forests

What's Included

Inclusions

  • All accommodations in safari lodges
  • All game drives
  • All meals
  • Expert naturalist guides
  • National park and reserve fees
  • Tree hotel experiences
  • Cultural village visits
  • Sundowner drinks

Exclusions

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa fees
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Beverages outside meals
  • Optional activities

Booking Details

€3,500
per person
Duration: 10-12 Days / 9-11 Nights
Difficulty: Moderate
Group Size: 2-12
Best Season: Jan-Mar, Jun-Oct
Route: Nairobi → Samburu → Mt Kenya → Aberdares → Lake Nakuru → Masai Mara → Nairobi
Accommodation: Safari lodges & mountain lodges

Accommodations Featured

Samburu Safari Lodge
Samburu
Mount Kenya Safari Club
Mount Kenya
The Ark Lodge
Aberdares
Masai Mara Lodge
Masai Mara