12-Day Kenya Safari: Wildlife & Scenic Wonders
Location
Full Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Welcome to Kenya
Your journey begins as you land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where a warm welcome awaits. Our representative will greet you and facilitate a smooth transfer to Sarova Panafric Hotel, a charming midrange accommodation nestled in a tranquil garden setting. This stylish hotel offers well-appointed rooms, a refreshing swimming pool, and an elegant restaurant—perfect for unwinding after your flight.
Depending on your arrival time, you may explore Nairobi’s renowned attractions. A visit to the Giraffe Centre offers a close encounter with the endangered Rothschild giraffes, allowing you to feed these gentle giants. For history enthusiasts, the Karen Blixen Museum provides insights into Kenya’s colonial past, famously depicted in Out of Africa. Alternatively, a guided tour of the Nairobi National Museum showcases Kenya’s rich cultural heritage, with fascinating exhibits on archaeology, wildlife, and tribal traditions.
As the evening sets in, you can choose to dine at the hotel or experience a taste of Kenya’s vibrant culinary scene. The Carnivore Restaurant, famous for its succulent grilled meats, offers a lively ambiance, while Tamarind Nairobi presents an exquisite seafood menu. After dinner, return to your hotel and settle in for a restful night before embarking on your safari adventure.
Day 2: Nairobi to Masai Mara – Into the Wild
After a delightful breakfast, your safari officially begins as you depart Nairobi, heading southwest to Masai Mara National Reserve. The scenic journey takes you through the breathtaking Great Rift Valley, where you’ll stop at a viewpoint to admire the panoramic landscapes of rolling escarpments and vast savannahs. En route, you may spot Maasai herders guiding their cattle across the open plains, offering a glimpse into their traditional way of life.
Arriving at Mara Sopa Lodge in time for lunch, you’ll settle into your comfortable accommodation. This beautifully designed lodge blends with its natural surroundings and provides sweeping views of the Mara. Enjoy a delicious buffet meal before setting out on your first afternoon game drive.
The Masai Mara is world-renowned for its incredible biodiversity. Home to the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—it also hosts vast herds of antelopes, zebras, giraffes, and cheetahs prowling the golden grasslands. If you’re visiting between July and October, you may witness the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras brave the crocodile-infested Mara River in search of greener pastures.
As the sun sets over the endless plains, return to the lodge for a savannah sundowner before enjoying a delightful dinner. The evening ends with a cozy bonfire session, where you can listen to Maasai storytelling under the starry African sky.
Day 3: Full Day Safari in Masai Mara – Big Five Adventure
Wake up to the sounds of the African wilderness as you embark on an early morning game drive, one of the most thrilling parts of your Masai Mara experience. This is the best time to witness predators in action, as the cool morning temperatures make it ideal for hunting. Watch as lions prowl through the savannah, leopards move stealthily in the tall grass, and cheetahs prepare for a high-speed chase. The golden hues of dawn provide perfect lighting for photography, capturing the breathtaking beauty of the Mara.
After an exhilarating morning, return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast. You have the option to spend the entire day on a full-day safari with a packed picnic lunch, maximizing your time in the wild, or opt for a split-day game drive with a break at the lodge for lunch and relaxation.
A highlight of the day is visiting the Mara River, where hippos and Nile crocodiles bask along the riverbanks. If you’re visiting during the Great Migration season (July–October), you may witness thousands of wildebeest and zebras attempting a dramatic river crossing, evading the jaws of hungry crocodiles. Your guide will take you to different areas of the reserve, ensuring diverse wildlife sightings, from grazing herds of elephants and buffalo to elusive leopards hiding in the trees.
For those interested in culture, an optional visit to a Maasai village offers a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the Maasai people. Witness their vibrant dances, explore their unique homesteads, and learn about their deep connection to the land.
As the sun begins to set, return to the lodge for a delicious dinner, sharing stories of the day’s remarkable wildlife encounters before retiring for the night.
Day 4: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru – Flamingo Paradise
After a delicious breakfast at the lodge, bid farewell to Masai Mara and embark on a scenic drive towards Lake Nakuru National Park. The journey takes you through the picturesque Rift Valley, offering breathtaking views of rolling hills, acacia woodlands, and local villages. Upon arrival at Lake Nakuru Lodge, check in and enjoy a sumptuous lunch before preparing for an exciting afternoon game drive.
Lake Nakuru is world-famous for its stunning pink shoreline, created by thousands of flamingos that flock to its alkaline waters. However, the park is not just about birds—it’s one of the best places in Kenya to spot black and white rhinos, thanks to its strong conservation efforts. As you explore, you may also encounter Rothschild’s giraffes, waterbucks, zebras, and playful baboons. Keep your camera ready, as the elusive leopard is often seen lounging in the acacia trees.
Your safari will also take you to Baboon Cliff, a scenic viewpoint offering panoramic views of the lake and its surroundings. This is a perfect spot to soak in the beauty of the park and take some incredible photos.
As the day draws to a close, return to the lodge for a delightful dinner, enjoying the sounds of nature before settling in for the night.
Day 5: Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha – Scenic Boat Safari
Start your day with a relaxed morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, giving you a final chance to spot its incredible wildlife. After breakfast, check out and set off for Lake Naivasha, a tranquil freshwater lake known for its rich birdlife and large hippo population. The drive is scenic, passing through the beautiful Rift Valley landscapes.
Upon arrival at Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort, check in and enjoy a delectable lunch with stunning lake views. In the afternoon, embark on an exciting boat safari, gliding across the calm waters past pods of hippos and an array of bird species, including African fish eagles, pelicans, and cormorants. The boat safari offers a unique perspective of the lake and its ecosystem, allowing you to get up close to wildlife.
For adventure seekers, an optional walking safari on Crescent Island provides a rare opportunity to walk among wild animals. Crescent Island is a sanctuary where giraffes, zebras, impalas, and wildebeest roam freely, offering an intimate and immersive wildlife experience.
As the sun sets over the lake, return to the lodge for a delicious dinner, enjoying the peaceful ambiance before retiring for the night.
Day 6: Lake Naivasha to Amboseli – The Land of Giants
After an early breakfast, depart for Amboseli National Park, one of Kenya’s most iconic safari destinations. The journey takes you through the Great Rift Valley and the vast plains of Kenya’s countryside before reaching Amboseli in time for lunch at Amboseli Sopa Lodge. Check in, unwind, and enjoy a delicious meal while soaking in the breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak.
In the afternoon, embark on an exhilarating game drive across Amboseli’s open plains and marshlands. The park is world-famous for its large herds of elephants, often seen up close with their majestic tusks. Alongside these gentle giants, expect to spot lions, cheetahs, wildebeest, zebras, and hyenas. The park’s unique ecosystem, with its swamps and dry lake beds, attracts a diverse array of wildlife, making every game drive a thrilling experience.
One of the most unforgettable sights is witnessing the sunset over Mount Kilimanjaro, as its snow-capped peak glows in the fading light. Return to the lodge for a hearty dinner, reflecting on the day’s adventures before heading to bed.
Day 7: Full Day in Amboseli – Exploring the Wild
Wake up to the breathtaking sight of Mount Kilimanjaro, often best viewed in the early morning before clouds roll in. After a warm cup of coffee, set out on a morning game drive, when wildlife is most active. A visit to Observation Hill provides panoramic views of the park’s swamps, plains, and the stunning silhouette of Kilimanjaro in the background. Below, you’ll see hippos wallowing in the marshes, buffalos grazing, and elephants making their way across the vast landscapes.
After a leisurely lunch at the lodge, choose between an afternoon game drive or a more relaxed experience at the lodge’s swimming pool, enjoying the scenic beauty of the park. For those looking for something extra special, an optional sundowner experience allows you to sip on a refreshing drink while watching the African sun set over the horizon.
As your last night in Amboseli, enjoy a farewell dinner at the lodge, reliving the incredible moments of your safari adventure before a well-deserved rest.
Day 8: Amboseli to Tsavo West – The Land of Lava & Springs
After an early breakfast, bid farewell to Amboseli and embark on a scenic drive to Tsavo West National Park, a land of dramatic landscapes, ancient lava flows, and lush oases. Arriving at Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge, check in and enjoy a delicious lunch with sweeping views of the savannah.
In the afternoon, set out on an exciting game drive through Tsavo West’s diverse terrain. Unlike the open plains of Amboseli, Tsavo’s rolling hills, rocky outcrops, and dense bush make wildlife spotting a thrilling adventure. Look out for elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, and buffalo, as well as rare species such as the fringed-eared oryx and gerenuk.
A highlight of the day is a visit to the Mzima Springs, a crystal-clear water source fed by underground streams from Kilimanjaro. Walk along the viewing platforms and observe hippos and crocodiles gliding through the waters, while shoals of fish swim beneath. The lush greenery around the springs provides a stunning contrast to the arid landscapes of Tsavo.
As the sun sets, return to the lodge for dinner, enjoying the tranquil ambiance of the African wilderness before retiring for the night.
Day 9: Full Day Safari in Tsavo West – The Land of Lava, Springs, and Wildlife
Wake up to the sounds of nature and enjoy an early breakfast at your lodge before setting off on a full-day safari in Tsavo West National Park. This park offers some of the most dramatic landscapes in Kenya, from rolling hills to ancient lava flows and lush oases.
The morning game drive takes you through the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, a vital conservation area working to protect the endangered black rhino. This is one of the best places in Kenya to spot these elusive creatures, alongside other wildlife such as elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, and buffalo.
Continue your adventure with a visit to the Shetani Lava Flow, a vast expanse of solidified black lava formed over 500 years ago. Your guide will share the fascinating local legend that claims the lava erupted from the earth like a roaring demon, giving Shetani (meaning “devil” in Swahili) its name.
Break for a picnic lunch in the wild, surrounded by breathtaking scenery, before heading to Mzima Springs, an oasis of crystal-clear water fed by underground streams from Mount Kilimanjaro. Here, you can walk along the wooden platforms and watch hippos, crocodiles, and shoals of fish swimming below. The surrounding fig trees and palms attract a variety of birds and monkeys, making it a great spot for wildlife photography.
In the afternoon, explore the park’s rolling savannahs and acacia woodlands, where cheetahs, hyenas, and zebras roam freely. As the sun sets, return to your lodge, where a delicious dinner awaits. Enjoy a relaxed evening under the starlit African sky before retiring for the night.
Day 10: Tsavo West to Tsavo East – The Journey of the Red Elephants
After an early breakfast, bid farewell to Tsavo West and set off on a scenic drive to Tsavo East National Park, the largest and oldest national park in Kenya. Known for its "red elephants", Tsavo East offers vast open plains, rolling grasslands, and the meandering Galana River, a vital water source for the region’s wildlife.
Arriving at Ashnil Aruba Lodge, check in and enjoy a refreshing lunch before embarking on an afternoon game drive. Tsavo East is home to a wide array of wildlife, including large herds of elephants, lions, cheetahs, leopards, buffalos, zebras, and giraffes. The park is also famous for its historical "Man-Eaters of Tsavo," the legendary lions that terrorized railway workers in the 1890s.
One of the highlights of the day is visiting Lugard Falls, a series of white-water rapids on the Galana River. Watch as the water cascades over the rugged rocks, creating a stunning natural spectacle. Nearby, large pods of hippos and crocodiles bask in the sun along the riverbanks.
Continue your game drive through the Yatta Plateau, the world’s longest lava flow, offering panoramic views of the park’s wilderness. The diverse terrain makes Tsavo East a haven for birdwatchers, with over 500 bird species, including the striking African fish eagle, kingfishers, and secretary birds.
As dusk falls, return to your lodge for a well-earned dinner. Spend the evening relaxing by the campfire, listening to the distant calls of lions and hyenas before settling in for the night.
Day 11: Full Day Safari in Tsavo East – Wilderness Unexplored
Wake up to the crisp morning air and embark on an early game drive, the best time to witness predators on the move. Tsavo East’s vast landscapes provide excellent wildlife sightings, with elephants dust-bathing in red soil, cheetahs stalking their prey, and buffalo herds grazing in the golden savannah.
After breakfast at the lodge, continue exploring Tsavo East’s remote and untouched areas. Stop by Mudanda Rock, a massive granite outcrop that serves as a natural water catchment area, attracting large numbers of elephants and other animals during the dry season. Climb to the top for breathtaking views of the surrounding plains, an excellent spot for photography.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wild, soaking in the beauty of the African wilderness. In the afternoon, venture to the Aruba Dam, a man-made reservoir that draws a variety of animals, especially during the dry months. Keep an eye out for rare antelope species like the lesser kudu and the oryx, which thrive in Tsavo’s harsh environment.
For bird lovers, Tsavo East is a paradise, with sightings of carmine bee-eaters, hornbills, ostriches, and the colorful lilac-breasted roller. As the day winds down, take one last sunset game drive, capturing the park’s golden hues and its incredible wildlife.
Return to your lodge for a final dinner in the wild, reflecting on the unforgettable encounters before retiring for the night.
Day 12: Return to Nairobi – Departure
After an early breakfast, set out on your journey back to Nairobi, enjoying one last drive through Tsavo East as you bid farewell to Kenya’s iconic wildlife. The scenic road trip offers stunning views of the countryside, passing through traditional Maasai and Kamba villages.
Arriving in Nairobi by early afternoon, you’ll have the option to enjoy a farewell lunch at a local restaurant or visit the Giraffe Centre for a memorable encounter with the endangered Rothschild giraffes.
Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure, bringing your incredible Kenyan safari adventure to a close.
As you board your flight home, take one last look at the African skies, carrying with you memories of majestic wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable moments in the heart of Kenya.
End of Tour – Karibu Tena (Welcome Again)!
Inclusions
✔ Accommodation: Stay in carefully selected midrange lodges and camps, providing comfort and excellent service throughout the safari.
✔ Meals: Full-board meal plan, including daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
✔ Transport: Private 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for optimal game viewing and photography.
✔ Game Drives & Activities:
- Exciting game drives in Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli, and Tsavo West National Parks.
- Scenic stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint.
- Boat safari on Lake Naivasha for a close-up experience with hippos and water birds.
- Visit to Baboon Cliff in Lake Nakuru for panoramic views.
- Observation Hill experience in Amboseli, offering breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
✔ Park Entry Fees: All national park and conservancy entrance fees are covered.
✔ Professional Guide: Services of an experienced, English-speaking safari driver-guide (other language options available on request).
✔ Bottled Water: Complimentary bottled water provided during game drives.
✔ Airport Transfers: Pick-up and drop-off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
✔ Government Taxes & Levies: All applicable government taxes, VAT, and conservation fees included.
Exclusions
❌ International Flights: Airfare to and from Kenya is not included.
❌ Visa Fees: Travelers are responsible for obtaining and paying for their Kenyan visas.
❌ Personal Expenses: Costs for souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and additional snacks are not included.
❌ Optional Activities: Hot air balloon safari, Maasai village visit, and Crescent Island walking safari are available at an additional cost.
❌ Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended but not included in the package.
❌ Gratuities & Tips: Tipping for guides, drivers, and lodge staff is at the traveler’s discretion.
❌ Laundry Services: Guests will need to cover laundry expenses if required.
❌ Additional Accommodation: Pre- and post-safari hotel stays are not included unless specifically requested.
