Experience Kenya’s stunning landscapes, world-renowned wildlife reserves, and rich cultural heritage with this 10-day wildlife safari itinerary. This itinerary will take you through iconic parks such as the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, and Samburu, allowing you to witness the Great Migration, see the Big Five, and experience vibrant Kenyan culture. Ideal for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and travelers looking for adventure, this trip promises unforgettable wildlife encounters in one of Africa’s premier safari destinations.
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi
Activities:
- Arrival and Transfer: Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya. Meet with a tour representative who will assist with immigration and transfer you to your hotel.
- Welcome Briefing: Attend a brief orientation on the safari itinerary, safety, and expectations.
- Relaxation: Rest after your journey or enjoy a leisurely evening exploring Nairobi or dining at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Nairobi Serena Hotel or similar
Day 2: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve
Travel: 6-hour drive from Nairobi to Samburu (by road) or 1-hour flight (optional)
Activities:
- Morning Departure: After breakfast, depart for Samburu National Reserve, a rugged and semi-arid reserve located in northern Kenya.
- Afternoon Game Drive: Enjoy your first safari experience on an afternoon game drive, where you might encounter rare northern species like Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, and gerenuk.
Highlights: Northern wildlife species, arid landscapes, and riverine forest along the Ewaso Ng’iro River.
Accommodation: Samburu Intrepids Camp or similar
Day 3: Full Day in Samburu National Reserve
Activities:
- Morning and Afternoon Game Drives: Embark on game drives in search of the “Samburu Special Five” (Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk).
- Cultural Visit: Option to visit a Samburu village to learn about the unique culture, customs, and traditions of the Samburu people.
Highlights: Unique wildlife, Samburu culture, and scenic landscapes.
Accommodation: Samburu Intrepids Camp or similar
Day 4: Samburu to Aberdare National Park
Travel: 4-hour drive from Samburu to Aberdare
Activities:
- Transfer and Scenic Drive: Depart Samburu for Aberdare National Park, a misty, mountainous region with lush forests and waterfalls.
- Afternoon Wildlife Viewing: Upon arrival, settle in at the lodge, which overlooks a waterhole where animals like elephants, buffalo, and leopards frequently visit.
Highlights: Aberdare landscapes, waterfall views, and nocturnal animal viewing.
Accommodation: The Ark Lodge or similar (offers balcony views overlooking a salt lick and waterhole)
Day 5: Aberdare to Lake Nakuru National Park
Travel: 4-hour drive from Aberdare to Lake Nakuru
Activities:
- Morning Departure and Drive to Lake Nakuru: Head to Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its rhino sanctuary and seasonal flocks of flamingos.
- Afternoon Game Drive: Spot white and black rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, lions, and, when in season, pink flamingos on the lake.
Highlights: Rhino sanctuary, flamingos (seasonal), and Lake Nakuru’s unique bird species.
Accommodation: Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge or similar
Day 6: Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara National Reserve
Travel: 5-hour drive from Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara
Activities:
- Transfer to Maasai Mara: Depart after breakfast and journey to the Maasai Mara, Kenya’s most famous wildlife reserve.
- Afternoon Game Drive: Upon arrival, enjoy a game drive to witness the incredible density of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, and elephants.
Highlights: Arrival at Maasai Mara, initial wildlife viewing.
Accommodation: Mara Serena Safari Lodge or similar
Day 7: Full Day in Maasai Mara National Reserve
Activities:
- Morning Balloon Safari (Optional): For an unforgettable experience, begin the day with a hot-air balloon safari over the Maasai Mara, followed by a champagne breakfast.
- Full-Day Game Drive: Spend the day exploring the reserve. Witness the Great Migration (July-October), with wildebeest and zebra crossing the Mara River, or simply enjoy the spectacle of Africa’s Big Five in their natural habitat.
Highlights: Big Five sightings, Great Migration (seasonal), Maasai cultural village visit.
Accommodation: Mara Serena Safari Lodge or similar
Day 8: Maasai Mara to Lake Naivasha
Travel: 5-hour drive from Maasai Mara to Lake Naivasha
Activities:
- Transfer and Scenic Drive: Depart Maasai Mara for Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake known for its birdlife and hippos.
- Boat Safari: Embark on a boat safari to see hippos, waterfowl, and, if lucky, fish eagles diving for prey.
- Crescent Island Walking Safari: Visit nearby Crescent Island, where you can enjoy a guided walking safari amidst grazing zebras and giraffes.
Highlights: Boat safari, birdwatching, and walking safari on Crescent Island.
Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge or similar
Day 9: Lake Naivasha to Amboseli National Park
Travel: 6-hour drive from Lake Naivasha to Amboseli
Activities:
- Scenic Drive to Amboseli: Journey towards Amboseli, known for its herds of elephants and views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Afternoon Game Drive: Upon arrival, embark on a game drive to observe Amboseli’s renowned elephants, Cape buffalo, and a variety of bird species.
Highlights: Mount Kilimanjaro views, elephant herds, scenic landscapes.
Accommodation: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge or similar
Day 10: Amboseli National Park and Departure
Activities:
- Morning Game Drive: Enjoy a final game drive in Amboseli to capture last photos of Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak and resident wildlife.
- Transfer to Nairobi: Return to Nairobi in the afternoon, where you will have time for a farewell lunch or souvenir shopping.
- Departure: Transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward flight.
Highlights: Final Kilimanjaro views, farewell lunch in Nairobi.
End of Safari