13-Day Kenya Safari: Wildlife & Iconic Parks
Location
Full Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Welcome to Kenya!
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our safari representative and transferred to your hotel in Nairobi. After checking in at Ibis Styles Westlands or a similar budget hotel, you will have time to relax and recover from your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore Nairobi’s vibrant attractions, such as the Giraffe Centre, where you can feed the endangered Rothschild’s giraffes, or visit the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, where rescued elephant calves are cared for before being released back into the wild.
For those interested in history and culture, a visit to the Karen Blixen Museum or the Bomas of Kenya provides a fascinating insight into Kenya’s colonial past and diverse ethnic heritage. As the sun sets, enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant or at the hotel, where you can sample some traditional Kenyan cuisine. Rest well, as the adventure begins early the next morning.
Day 2: Nairobi to Aberdare National Park
After an early breakfast, depart Nairobi and embark on a scenic drive towards Aberdare National Park, a lush and mountainous region known for its dense forests, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. The journey takes you through Kenya’s fertile highlands, offering breathtaking views of tea and coffee plantations along the way. Upon arrival at The Ark Lodge, a unique treehouse-style lodge built above a waterhole, you will check in and enjoy a sumptuous lunch.
In the afternoon, set out on a game drive through the misty forest, where you may encounter black rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, and even the elusive bongo antelope. Aberdare is also home to a variety of primates, including colobus monkeys and Sykes' monkeys, as well as a vibrant birdlife. After the game drive, return to the lodge, where you can spend the evening watching wildlife from the comfort of the lodge’s observation decks. With floodlit views of the waterhole, you may spot nocturnal animals such as hyenas, leopards, and bushbucks as they come to drink. Enjoy dinner at the lodge and fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the forest.
Day 3: Aberdare to Samburu National Reserve
Rise early and enjoy breakfast as the morning mist blankets the Aberdare forests. After checking out, begin the journey towards Samburu National Reserve, a stunning wilderness located north of the equator. The drive takes you past scenic landscapes, including the rolling foothills of Mount Kenya, and into the arid yet strikingly beautiful terrain of Samburu. By midday, you will arrive at Samburu Simba Lodge, where you will check in and have lunch while taking in the panoramic views of the rugged surroundings.
In the late afternoon, set out on your first game drive in Samburu, a reserve known for its unique wildlife species that are not commonly found in other parts of Kenya. As you traverse the sunbaked landscape, keep an eye out for the “Samburu Special Five”—Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and the long-necked gerenuk, which stands on its hind legs to feed on tree leaves. Along the Ewaso Nyiro River, you may spot large elephant herds cooling off in the water, while predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs lurk in the shadows. Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay, with the sounds of the wild lulling you to sleep.
Day 4: Full-Day Safari in Samburu
Spend the entire day exploring Samburu National Reserve, starting with an early morning game drive. As the sun rises over the dusty plains, predators are most active, and you may witness lions or cheetahs on a morning hunt. The reserve’s open landscapes provide excellent opportunities for photography, with Samburu’s characteristic red soil contrasting beautifully against the blue sky and golden savannah.
Return to the lodge for a late breakfast and some time to relax by the pool or enjoy the lodge’s facilities. In the afternoon, set out on another game drive, delving deeper into the reserve’s diverse habitats. Bird lovers will be delighted by the sight of secretary birds, vultures, and the striking vulturine guineafowl. If you wish, you can visit a Samburu village to interact with the local community and learn about their nomadic way of life, traditional attire, and unique customs. As the day comes to an end, drive back to the lodge for dinner and a final night in this untamed northern paradise.
Day 5: Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
After breakfast, depart Samburu and travel to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a leading wildlife conservation area renowned for its efforts in protecting rhinos and other endangered species. Upon arrival at Comfort Gardens Sweetwaters, check in and enjoy a relaxing lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the only place in Kenya where rescued chimpanzees are rehabilitated in a natural setting.
Following the sanctuary visit, embark on a game drive through Ol Pejeta, where you will have the rare chance to see both black and white rhinos up close. The conservancy is also home to all members of the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes—as well as giraffes, zebras, and even African wild dogs. As the sun sets, return to the lodge for dinner and a restful night surrounded by nature.
Day 6: Full-Day Safari in Ol Pejeta
Spend the day exploring Ol Pejeta, starting with a morning game drive to track rhinos and other wildlife. A highlight of the visit is the Endangered Species Boma, where you can meet the last two northern white rhinos on Earth, guarded 24/7 by armed rangers. Learn about the conservation efforts being undertaken to save these majestic creatures from extinction.
In the afternoon, opt for a guided walking safari, where you can get up close to wildlife on foot and gain insights into the conservancy’s ecosystem. Alternatively, enjoy a leisurely afternoon at the lodge before an evening game drive. As dusk falls, return to the lodge for dinner and a well-deserved rest.
Day 7: Ol Pejeta to Lake Nakuru National Park
After an early breakfast, bid farewell to Ol Pejeta and embark on a scenic drive towards Lake Nakuru National Park. The journey takes you past the breathtaking Great Rift Valley escarpment, offering panoramic views of the vast plains and lakes below. Arriving in Nakuru by midday, check in at Lanet Matfam Resort or a similar budget lodge and enjoy a hearty lunch before setting out on an afternoon game drive.
Lake Nakuru National Park is renowned for its vibrant birdlife, with thousands of flamingos painting the lake’s shoreline pink, depending on seasonal conditions. As you explore the park, you’ll also have the opportunity to spot white and black rhinos, which are heavily protected within this sanctuary. Keep an eye out for tree-climbing lions, leopards lounging on rocky outcrops, and large herds of buffalo grazing in the open plains. Waterbuck, impalas, and Rothschild’s giraffes add to the park’s diverse wildlife. As the sun begins to set, return to your lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening.
Day 8: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara National Reserve
Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before departing for the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s premier wildlife destination. The drive takes you through scenic landscapes, including rolling hills, Maasai villages, and vast plains dotted with acacia trees. Arriving at the park in the afternoon, check in at Miti Mingi Eco Camp, a comfortable budget tented camp located near the reserve. After lunch, embark on your first game drive in the legendary Masai Mara.
As you traverse the golden savannah, keep your camera ready for encounters with Africa’s most iconic wildlife. The Mara is home to abundant predators, including lions, cheetahs, and leopards, as well as large herds of elephants, zebras, and wildebeests. If traveling during the Great Migration season (July–October), you may witness the dramatic river crossings, where thousands of wildebeest and zebras brave the crocodile-infested waters of the Mara River. As dusk falls, return to camp for dinner and an overnight stay under the starlit African sky.
Day 9: Full-Day Safari in Masai Mara
Today, spend the entire day exploring the vast Masai Mara, maximizing your chances of witnessing thrilling wildlife encounters. After an early breakfast, set out on a morning game drive when animals are most active. Follow fresh tracks and listen to the sounds of the wild as your guide navigates the open plains in search of predators on the hunt.
Break for a picnic lunch at a scenic spot within the park, enjoying breathtaking views of the Mara landscape. Continue with an afternoon game drive, visiting the Mara River, where hippos and crocodiles bask in the sun. Depending on your interests, you may opt for an optional hot air balloon safari at sunrise, offering a bird’s-eye view of the Mara’s breathtaking landscape, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush.
As the day winds down, return to camp for dinner and a chance to share stories around the campfire. The sounds of roaring lions and laughing hyenas will be your lullaby as you rest for another exciting day ahead.
Day 10: Masai Mara to Lake Naivasha
After breakfast, depart Masai Mara and drive towards Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake known for its rich birdlife and serene beauty. The journey offers scenic countryside views, and upon arrival, check in at Taphe Guest Resort or a similar budget lodge. Enjoy a delicious lunch before heading out for an afternoon boat safari on Lake Naivasha.
Glide across the tranquil waters as you observe hippos wallowing and an array of waterbirds, including fish eagles, kingfishers, and pelicans. The boat safari takes you to Crescent Island, where you can embark on a guided walking safari among free-roaming herbivores such as giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. With no predators on the island, this is one of the few places in Kenya where you can walk safely among wildlife. After an exhilarating day, return to the lodge for dinner and relaxation.
Day 11: Lake Naivasha to Amboseli National Park
After an early breakfast, leave Lake Naivasha behind and drive towards Amboseli National Park, one of Kenya’s most picturesque reserves. The journey takes you through Nairobi and down to the vast open plains of Amboseli, arriving in time for lunch at Kimana Camp or a similar budget tented camp.
In the afternoon, embark on a game drive in Amboseli, famous for its large elephant herds set against the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. As you explore the park’s swampy marshes and dry savannahs, you may also encounter lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and a variety of antelope species. Amboseli is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with flamingos, pelicans, and countless raptors gracing its skies. As the sun sets, return to camp for dinner and an overnight stay, with the majestic Kilimanjaro standing tall in the background.
Day 12: Full-Day Safari in Amboseli
Rise early for a sunrise game drive, capturing stunning views of Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak as it emerges from the morning clouds. Early mornings offer the best wildlife sightings, with predators like lions and leopards still active from their nighttime hunts. Amboseli’s open plains provide excellent opportunities for spotting elephants as they move in family groups, often dust-bathing or playfully interacting.
After a hearty breakfast, return to the park for a mid-morning game drive or opt for a cultural visit to a local Maasai village. Here, you can learn about the Maasai people's traditional way of life, from their vibrant attire and warrior dances to their unique cattle-herding culture.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch and some downtime at camp before heading out for an afternoon game drive, exploring the seasonal lake beds and acacia woodlands for more wildlife sightings. As evening approaches, return to camp for a farewell dinner, reminiscing about the incredible experiences of the past days.
Day 13: Amboseli to Nairobi – Farewell & Departure
On your final day, enjoy a relaxed breakfast at camp while soaking in the last views of Amboseli’s scenic landscapes. Depending on your departure time, you may have the option for a short early morning game drive before bidding farewell to the wild. Depart Amboseli and drive back to Nairobi, arriving in the afternoon.
Upon arrival, you can choose to be dropped off at your hotel or at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward flight. If time permits, consider a visit to the Nairobi Maasai Market for last-minute souvenirs or a relaxing meal at one of the city’s renowned restaurants. With incredible wildlife encounters, stunning landscapes, and cultural experiences, your 13-day Kenyan adventure comes to a memorable end.
Inclusions:
✔ Transportation in a comfortable safari van or 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for optimal game viewing.
✔ All park entrance fees to the mentioned national parks and reserves.
✔ Accommodation in budget camps and lodges as per the itinerary.
✔ All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the safari, except on the first and last day where only specified meals are provided.
✔ Services of a professional English-speaking safari guide/driver.
✔ Bottled drinking water throughout the safari.
✔ Unlimited game drives as per the itinerary.
✔ Boat ride at Lake Naivasha and guided walking safari on Crescent Island.
✔ Airport pick-up and drop-off in Nairobi.
✔ Government taxes and levies.
Exclusions:
✖ International and domestic flights.
✖ Travel insurance and personal medical expenses.
✖ Visas and any applicable entry fees to Kenya.
✖ Personal expenses such as drinks, snacks, and souvenirs.
✖ Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff.
✖ Optional activities such as Maasai village visits, hot air balloon safaris, or extra game drives.
✖ Any items not explicitly mentioned as included.
