11-Day Kenya Safari: Wildlife, Scenic Lakes & Culture
Location
Full Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Welcome to Kenya!
Your grand safari adventure begins as you touch down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, Kenya’s vibrant capital. Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by your personal safari guide, who will assist you with your luggage and escort you to your luxurious accommodation at Sarova Panafric Hotel (or similar). As you drive through the bustling streets of Nairobi, you’ll catch your first glimpse of the city’s eclectic mix of modern skyscrapers, colonial-era buildings, and colorful markets.
After checking in, take some time to unwind after your journey. If you arrive early and wish to explore, an optional visit to the Giraffe Centre allows you to interact with the endangered Rothschild’s giraffes, feed them, and learn about conservation efforts. Alternatively, visit the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, where you can watch rescued baby elephants being bottle-fed and playing in the mud. As the sun sets, return to the hotel for a delightful welcome dinner. Savor authentic Kenyan cuisine, such as nyama choma (grilled meat) or a rich Swahili coconut curry, as you prepare for an unforgettable safari adventure ahead.
Accommodation: Sarova Panafric Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Dinner
Distance & Travel Time: approx. 15 km, 30 minutes from JKIA to hotel
Day 2: Nairobi to Aberdare National Park – Tree Lodge Experience
After an early breakfast, your safari truly begins as you embark on a scenic drive towards Aberdare National Park, a lush highland sanctuary teeming with wildlife and waterfalls. The journey takes you through Kenya’s fertile Central Highlands, passing vast tea and coffee plantations set against rolling green hills.
Arriving at Aberdare Country Club, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch with stunning views of Mount Kenya, Africa’s second-highest peak. Afterward, a short transfer takes you to The Ark Lodge, a unique treehouse-style accommodation built next to a floodlit waterhole. The lodge is perfectly designed for game viewing, allowing you to spot elephants, buffalos, hyenas, and even elusive leopards from the comfort of your balcony or underground bunker. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the lodge’s elevated viewing decks, where you can observe wildlife gathering at the waterhole. After dinner, settle in for a magical night as the lodge’s discreet buzzer system alerts you if rare animals like the black rhino make an appearance.
Accommodation: The Ark Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance & Travel Time: approx. 160 km, 3-4 hours
Day 3: Aberdare to Samburu National Reserve – Enter the Wild North
Wake up to the sounds of the forest and enjoy a leisurely breakfast before setting off on a journey to Samburu National Reserve, located in northern Kenya. As you cross the equator, you’ll stop for a fun demonstration showing how water swirls in opposite directions in each hemisphere!
Samburu is a rugged wilderness known for its unique dryland species and stunning landscapes. Upon arrival at Ashnil Samburu Camp (or similar), settle in for lunch by the Ewaso Nyiro River, where elephants and crocodiles often gather.
In the afternoon, embark on your first game drive in Samburu National Reserve, home to the Samburu Special Five: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, beisa oryx, gerenuk, and the Somali ostrich—species rarely seen elsewhere in Kenya. Keep your eyes peeled for lions, leopards, and cheetahs roaming the rocky outcrops and golden savannahs. As the sun sets over the rugged landscape, return to camp for a relaxing dinner under the stars, surrounded by the distant sounds of the African wilderness.
Accommodation: Ashnil Samburu Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance & Travel Time: approx. 210 km, 4-5 hours
Day 4: Full Day in Samburu – Game Drives & Cultural Experience
Rise with the sun for an early morning game drive, one of the best times to spot predators like lions and leopards on the hunt. You might also see elephants enjoying a morning swim in the Ewaso Nyiro River or giraffes browsing on acacia trees. Return to camp for a hearty breakfast, followed by leisure time—perhaps a refreshing swim in the camp’s pool or a nap in your comfortable tented suite.
In the afternoon, embark on another exciting game drive, exploring different areas of Samburu National Reserve. Your guide will take you deeper into the wilderness in search of cheetahs sprinting across the plains, playful baboons, and elegant antelopes grazing in the shade. For a deeper cultural experience, you can visit a Samburu village, where you’ll learn about the semi-nomadic Samburu people, closely related to the Maasai. Engage in traditional dances, witness intricate beadwork, and hear fascinating stories about their way of life. As the evening sets in, return to camp for a delicious dinner and share safari tales around the bonfire, listening to the distant calls of nocturnal wildlife.
Accommodation: Ashnil Samburu Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance & Travel Time: Varies based on game drive routes, 4-6 hours of exploration
Day 5: Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy – Encounter the Last Northern White Rhinos
After breakfast, bid farewell to the rugged beauty of Samburu as you drive towards Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a renowned wildlife sanctuary nestled between the Aberdare Ranges and Mount Kenya. Along the way, enjoy scenic views of rolling plains and acacia woodlands. Upon arrival at Sweetwaters Serena Camp (or similar), enjoy a relaxing lunch overlooking the open savannah, where you might already spot zebras, giraffes, and gazelles wandering nearby.
In the afternoon, embark on a game drive to explore Ol Pejeta’s incredible conservation efforts. Visit the Endangered Species Enclosure, where you’ll encounter Najin and Fatu—the last two northern white rhinos on Earth. Learn about the groundbreaking scientific efforts to save this species from extinction. Next, stop by the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the only place in Kenya where rescued chimpanzees are rehabilitated. Watch them play, climb trees, and interact with their caretakers. As the sun sets, return to camp for dinner under the African sky, surrounded by the sounds of nature. Reflect on the day’s meaningful encounters and prepare for another exciting adventure ahead.
Accommodation: Sweetwaters Serena Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance & Travel Time: approx. 140 km, 3-3.5 hours
Day 6: Full Day in Ol Pejeta – Conservation & Big Five Safari
Your day begins with the sounds of the African wilderness as you wake up to a golden sunrise over Ol Pejeta Conservancy. After a hearty breakfast, set out on a morning game drive in search of the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. Ol Pejeta is home to one of the largest black rhino populations in East Africa, and spotting these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is a remarkable experience. Keep an eye out for other wildlife, including cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and the elusive African wild dogs. A highlight of the morning is visiting the Rhino Memorial Site, a poignant tribute to rhinos lost to poaching. Here, your guide will share powerful stories about conservation efforts and the challenges faced in protecting these endangered animals.
Return to Sweetwaters Serena Camp for lunch and some leisure time. In the afternoon, you can opt for a behind-the-scenes visit to the conservancy’s research center, where experts work tirelessly to protect wildlife and engage local communities. Another optional activity is a visit to a nearby local community project, where you’ll learn how conservation and sustainable tourism positively impact local livelihoods. As the sun begins to set, embark on an evening game drive—your last chance to spot nocturnal predators like leopards emerging to hunt. Back at camp, enjoy a delicious dinner by the fire, reflecting on your extraordinary day of adventure and conservation.
Accommodation: Sweetwaters Serena Camp or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance & Travel Time: Varies based on game drive routes, 4-6 hours of exploration
Day 7: Ol Pejeta to Lake Nakuru – Flamingos & Rhino Encounters
After breakfast, bid farewell to Ol Pejeta and set off towards Lake Nakuru National Park, a drive that takes you through the scenic landscapes of central Kenya. As you descend into the Great Rift Valley, prepare to be amazed by panoramic views of towering escarpments and lush vegetation.
Arriving at Lake Nakuru Lodge in time for lunch, you’ll have a moment to relax before embarking on an afternoon game drive. Lake Nakuru is famous for its vibrant flamingo populations that paint the shoreline pink, creating a breathtaking spectacle. But the park is more than just a birdwatcher’s paradise—it’s also home to a thriving population of both black and white rhinos. As you drive through acacia forests and open savannah, keep an eye out for tree-climbing lions, which are a rare but thrilling sight in this park. Rothschild’s giraffes, buffaloes, baboons, and waterbucks are also commonly seen roaming the park. Return to the lodge for dinner, where you can watch the sun set over the shimmering lake, listening to the calls of wildlife settling in for the night.
Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance & Travel Time: approx. 140 km, 3-3.5 hours
Day 8: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara – The Iconic Safari Destination
Rise early for breakfast before embarking on your journey to the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve. The drive takes you through the rolling plains of the Rift Valley, past Maasai villages where herders tend to their cattle. Along the way, your guide will share insights into the region’s geography, culture, and wildlife.
Arriving at Mara Sopa Lodge in time for lunch, you’ll have a chance to unwind before setting out on an afternoon game drive. Masai Mara is renowned for its incredible biodiversity and high concentration of predators, including lions, cheetahs, and leopards. If you’re visiting between July and October, you may witness the dramatic spectacle of the Great Migration, where thousands of wildebeest and zebras brave the treacherous Mara River, dodging crocodiles and waiting predators. As the sun dips below the horizon, head back to the lodge for dinner under the stars, surrounded by the distant roars of lions and the rustling of acacia trees in the breeze.
Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance & Travel Time: approx. 230 km, 5-6 hours
Day 9: Full Day in Masai Mara – Thrilling Safari Adventures
Wake up before sunrise for an early morning game drive, the best time to catch predators in action. The golden light of dawn casts a magical glow over the savannah as you track prides of lions, spot cheetahs on the hunt, or witness a herd of elephants crossing the plains. Return to the lodge for a late breakfast and some relaxation time. You can enjoy the lodge’s amenities, take a refreshing swim, or simply soak in the breathtaking views of the Mara landscape.
After lunch, head out for another game drive, exploring different areas of the reserve. Keep an eye out for scavengers like hyenas and jackals, as well as the elusive leopards that often lounge in the trees. For a cultural experience, you have the option to visit a traditional Maasai village, where you’ll learn about their fascinating customs, see their iconic beadwork, and watch traditional dances. The visit provides a deeper understanding of the Maasai way of life and their strong connection to nature. As evening falls, return to the lodge for dinner and a chance to share stories around the campfire before retreating to your cozy safari accommodation.
Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance & Travel Time: Varies based on game drive routes, 4-6 hours of exploration
Day 10: Optional Balloon Safari & Final Mara Game Drive
For those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience, an early morning hot air balloon safari is highly recommended. Drifting silently over the vast Mara plains at sunrise, you’ll witness a breathtaking aerial view of the landscape, with herds of animals moving below. After landing, enjoy a champagne breakfast in the middle of the bush—a truly unforgettable moment.
Later in the morning, take a final game drive, soaking in the last sights and sounds of the Masai Mara before beginning your journey to Lake Naivasha. Along the way, enjoy picturesque views of the Great Rift Valley’s escarpments and farmlands. Arriving at Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort in the afternoon, you’ll have time to relax by the serene lake or take an optional boat safari. The lake is home to hippos, fish eagles, and a variety of bird species, making it a peaceful contrast to the adrenaline-filled game drives of the past days. Enjoy a tranquil evening at the lodge, with a delicious dinner and reflections on the incredible adventures of your safari.
Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance & Travel Time: Varies based on game drive routes, 4-6 hours of exploration
Day 11: Return to Nairobi & Departure
After a leisurely breakfast by the lake, depart for Nairobi, enjoying a final scenic drive through the countryside. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a farewell lunch at a popular restaurant, where you can savor some of Kenya’s signature dishes, such as nyama choma (grilled meat) or a hearty Kenyan stew.
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute souvenir shopping before being transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure. As you board your flight, take a moment to reflect on the extraordinary journey you’ve had—from the misty highlands of Aberdare to the wildlife-rich plains of Masai Mara. Your safari may be over, but the memories will last a lifetime.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Distance & Travel Time: approx. 240 km, 4-5 hours
Inclusions:
✔ Accommodation: 10 nights in carefully selected midrange lodges and tented camps on a shared or private basis, including Sarova Panafric Hotel, The Ark Lodge, Ashnil Samburu Camp, Sweetwaters Serena Camp, Lake Nakuru Lodge, Mara Sopa Lodge, and Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort (or similar).
✔ Meals: Full-board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) as per the itinerary, except for arrival day (Dinner only) and departure day (Breakfast & Lunch only).
✔ Transport: Private 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for optimal game viewing and photography.
✔ Game Drives & Activities: Unlimited game drives in Aberdare, Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru, and Masai Mara as per the itinerary.
✔ Park & Conservancy Fees: All entrance fees to Aberdare National Park, Samburu National Reserve, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Lake Nakuru National Park, and Masai Mara National Reserve.
✔ Professional Guide: Experienced English-speaking driver-guide (other language options available upon request).
✔ Unique Experiences: Enjoy a tree lodge stay at The Ark Lodge in Aberdare, visit the Equator landmark, explore the Endangered Species Enclosure at Ol Pejeta to see the last northern white rhinos, visit Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, experience an optional cultural visit to a Samburu or Maasai village (entry fee not included), savor a scenic sundowner in Ol Pejeta, and take an optional boat ride at Lake Naivasha (if time permits, at an additional cost).
✔ Bottled Water: Complimentary bottled water during game drives.
✔ Airport Transfers: Pick-up from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and drop-off at the airport or preferred location in Nairobi.
✔ Government Taxes & Levies: VAT, conservation fees, and all mandatory government charges.
Exclusions:
✘ International Flights: Airfare to and from Kenya is not included.
✘ Visa Fees: Travelers are responsible for obtaining and paying for their visas (available online via the eVisa portal).
✘ Personal Expenses: Costs such as souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, extra snacks, and laundry services.
✘ Optional Activities: Experience a hot air balloon safari in Masai Mara, enjoy a guided nature walk or boat ride at Lake Naivasha, and visit a Samburu or Maasai village for a cultural experience.
✘ Travel & Medical Insurance: Highly recommended but not included in the package.
✘ Tips & Gratuities: Tips for guides, drivers, and lodge staff (suggested $10–$20 per day per traveler).
✘ Additional Meals & Drinks: Any meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary.
✘ Additional Accommodation: Extra hotel nights before or after the safari unless requested.
✘ Anything Not Mentioned: Any services not explicitly stated in the inclusions.
