11-Day Midrange Safari: Kenya's Iconic Parks Adventure
Location
Full Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve
Your adventure kicks off with an early morning departure from Nairobi. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley, with a brief stop to take in the breathtaking views. Arrive at Masai Mara National Reserve in time for lunch at your lodge. After settling in, embark on your first game drive in the afternoon. The Masai Mara is world-famous for its exceptional population of lions, leopards, cheetahs, and the annual Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras. As the sun sets, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 2: Full Day in Masai Mara National Reserve
Spend the entire day exploring the wonders of the Masai Mara. Start with an early morning game drive, when the wildlife is most active. You might witness a lioness hunting or a herd of elephants grazing. After breakfast back at the lodge, you have the option to visit a local Maasai village. Here, you can learn about the Maasai culture, traditions, and way of life. In the afternoon, another game drive awaits, offering more chances to spot the Big Five and other wildlife. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation.
Day 3: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park
After breakfast, depart for Lake Nakuru National Park, driving through the scenic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and enjoy a leisurely lunch. In the afternoon, head out for a game drive around Lake Nakuru, famous for its flocks of flamingos and other bird species. The park is also a sanctuary for endangered black and white rhinos, which you might spot during your drive. Other wildlife includes lions, leopards, buffaloes, and giraffes. Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 4: Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha
Following breakfast, continue your journey to Lake Naivasha, a beautiful freshwater lake surrounded by lush vegetation. Check into your lodge upon arrival and have lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat ride on the lake, getting up close to hippos and a diverse array of birdlife, including fish eagles and pelicans. For those interested in more adventure, a visit to Crescent Island offers a guided walking safari where you can see zebras, giraffes, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 5: Lake Naivasha to Amboseli National Park
Today, travel to Amboseli National Park, renowned for its large elephant herds and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and have lunch. In the afternoon, set out on a game drive to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, from its savannahs to its swamps. Look out for elephants, lions, cheetahs, and buffaloes. The park’s iconic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro provides a stunning setting for photography. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and rest.
Day 6: Full Day in Amboseli National Park
Spend the day immersing yourself in the beauty of Amboseli National Park. Start with an early morning game drive to catch the breathtaking sight of elephants against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. After breakfast at the lodge, you might choose to visit a local Maasai village to learn about their unique culture and customs. The afternoon offers another game drive, giving you more opportunities to spot the park’s diverse wildlife. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7: Amboseli to Tsavo West National Park
After an early breakfast, depart for Tsavo West National Park. This park is known for its rugged landscapes, rolling volcanic hills, and diverse wildlife. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch. In the afternoon, visit Mzima Springs, where you can see crystal-clear water bubbling from underground streams and observe hippos and crocodiles from an underwater viewing chamber. A game drive in the park might lead you to encounter the famous "red elephants" of Tsavo, so called because of the red dust they bathe in. Other highlights include the Shetani Lava Flow, a stark reminder of the park's volcanic past. Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 8: Full Day in Tsavo West National Park
Spend a full day exploring the vast landscapes and diverse wildlife of Tsavo West. Start with an early morning game drive to catch the animals at their most active. The park is home to a variety of wildlife including leopards, lions, rhinos, and a large population of elephants. After breakfast, you can visit the Chyulu Hills, known for their beautiful rolling green hills and lava caves. The afternoon can be spent visiting the Roaring Rocks or taking another game drive to explore different parts of the park. The day concludes with dinner and a relaxing evening at your lodge.
Day 9: Tsavo West to Tsavo East National Park
After breakfast, you will travel to the adjacent Tsavo East National Park, known for its vast open spaces and large herds of elephants. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and have lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a game drive to explore the park's dramatic landscapes and rich wildlife. You might see the famous "Man-Eaters of Tsavo" lions, known for their unique history, as well as buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and a variety of bird species. Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 10: Full Day in Tsavo East National Park
Spend the day exploring the expansive Tsavo East National Park. Begin with an early morning game drive to take advantage of the cooler temperatures and increased animal activity. Tsavo East is known for its large herds of elephants, often seen bathing in the Galana River. After breakfast at the lodge, you can visit the Lugard Falls, where the Galana River cascades over a series of rapids and pools. The afternoon offers another game drive, giving you more opportunities to spot the park's abundant wildlife. As the day ends, return to your lodge for dinner and a restful night.
Day 12: Tsavo East to Nairobi
On your final day, enjoy a morning game drive in Tsavo East before breakfast. This last opportunity allows you to capture any final photos and memories of Kenya’s incredible wildlife. After breakfast, you will start your journey back to Nairobi. The drive provides a last chance to take in the beautiful Kenyan landscapes. Upon arrival in Nairobi, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight or to a hotel if you plan to extend your stay in Kenya. Reflect on the unforgettable experiences of the past 11 days as you bid farewell to this remarkable country.
Inclusions:
- All midrange accommodation as detailed in a double occupancy room, with private facilities.
- Full board meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the safari.
- Park fees and conservation charges for all national parks and reserves visited.
- Expert safari drivers/guides who will accompany you throughout your journey.
- Game drives in 4x4 safari vehicles with a pop-up roof for optimal wildlife viewing opportunities.
- A relaxing boat ride at Lake Naivasha and a visit to Crescent Island.
- The Flying Doctors emergency evacuation cover.
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure.
- Bottled water during game drives
Exclusions:
- International flights and visas.
- Travel Insurance (highly recommended).
- Optional activities or experiences such as hot air balloon safaris, Maasai village visits, or guided nature walks.
- Costs for souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, laundry services, and other items of a personal nature.
- Any meals not specified in the itinerary.
- Tips and gratuities for safari guide and camp/lodge staff.
Important to Know
- All of our safaris are on a private basis
- Children aged between 0-2 years are free of charge.
- Children aged 3-12 years pay 50% of the adult rate when sharing the same room with adults
- Children between 3-12 years pay 75% of the adult rate when staying in their separate room from adults
- Children 13 years and above are recognized as adults
