13-Day Kenya Safari – Wildlife & Luxury Adventure
Location
Full Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – The Gateway to Adventure
Upon landing at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, our representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to Sarova Panafric Hotel, an urban retreat blending contemporary luxury with African elegance. After check-in, unwind in your stylishly appointed room or relax by the hotel’s lush gardens and swimming pool.
As the sun sets, indulge in a delicious dinner at Flame Tree Restaurant, renowned for its fusion of Kenyan and international cuisine. The restaurant's ambiance, complete with soft background music, provides the perfect setting for a relaxing evening. If time allows, you may opt for a short evening drive around Nairobi to soak in the city's vibrant atmosphere or visit a cultural center for an introduction to Kenya’s rich heritage.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Sarova Panafric Hotel
Day 2: Nairobi to Aberdare National Park – Wildlife from the Lodge
After an early breakfast, embark on a scenic journey to Aberdare National Park, a lush, mountainous haven known for its dense forests, waterfalls, and unique wildlife. The drive through Kenya’s central highlands offers stunning views of tea and coffee plantations.
Arrive at Aberdare Country Club for a delightful lunch before transferring to The Ark Lodge, an extraordinary stilted lodge overlooking a waterhole and salt lick that attracts elephants, buffalos, leopards, and bongos. Spend the afternoon watching wildlife from the lodge’s elevated viewing decks or the underground bunker, which offers a unique eye-level perspective.
As dusk falls, sip on hot tea or coffee while observing the nocturnal wildlife from the comfort of the lodge’s viewing areas. After a sumptuous dinner, you may choose to stay up late for night-time wildlife sightings, an experience that brings Aberdare’s magic to life.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: The Ark Lodge
Day 3: Aberdare to Samburu – Into the Wild North
Following breakfast, drive towards the rugged landscapes of Samburu National Reserve, crossing the equator into Kenya’s northern frontier. This semi-arid wilderness contrasts starkly with Aberdare’s lush forests and is home to unique wildlife species found only in this region.
Arrive at Ashnil Samburu Camp, a luxury tented retreat along the Ewaso Nyiro River, in time for lunch. In the afternoon, set off on an exciting game drive in search of the Samburu Special Five—Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, and gerenuk. Elephants are also frequently spotted by the riverbanks.
Return to the camp as the sun sets and enjoy a bush-inspired al fresco dinner, accompanied by the distant calls of lions and hyenas.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Ashnil Samburu Camp
Day 4: Full-Day Safari in Samburu – Encounters with the Special Five
Wake up to the golden glow of the Samburu sunrise and embark on an early morning game drive, when predators like leopards and cheetahs are most active. Drive along the Ewaso Nyiro River, a lifeline for elephants, lions, and various antelope species.
Return to camp for a leisurely breakfast, then spend the late morning unwinding by the pool or watching wildlife from your private deck. After lunch, head out for an afternoon safari, tracking big cats or exploring the park’s breathtaking landscapes.
An optional cultural visit to a Samburu village offers an opportunity to interact with locals, learn about their colorful traditions, intricate beadwork, and warrior lifestyle. End the day with sundowners by the river, followed by an enchanting dinner under the stars.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Ashnil Samburu Camp
Day 5: Samburu to Ol Pejeta – Rhino Sanctuary & Chimpanzees
After breakfast, enjoy a final game drive in Samburu, maximizing chances of spotting elusive wildlife. Then, journey south to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a pioneering wildlife conservation area at the foot of Mount Kenya.
Arrive at Sweetwaters Serena Camp for lunch, an elegant tented lodge overlooking a wildlife-rich waterhole. In the afternoon, embark on an exhilarating game drive, visiting the Endangered Species Enclosure, where you’ll see the last two northern white rhinos on Earth. Later, explore the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, a refuge for rescued chimps.
After an eventful day, return to camp for a gourmet dinner under the African sky, followed by an optional night game drive to see nocturnal animals in action.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Sweetwaters Serena Camp
Day 6: Full-Day Safari in Ol Pejeta – Big Five Territory
Start the day with a sunrise game drive, where you’ll have the best chances of spotting lions, leopards, and hyenas. The golden morning light creates stunning photography opportunities, with Mount Kenya as a breathtaking backdrop.
After breakfast, visit the K9 Anti-Poaching Unit, where trained tracker dogs demonstrate their vital role in combating wildlife crimes. Spend the afternoon at leisure before another afternoon game drive, tracking Ol Pejeta’s diverse wildlife.
For a thrilling experience, opt for an optional night safari, where you may spot porcupines, civets, and aardvarks—rare sightings on regular game drives.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Sweetwaters Serena Camp
Day 7: Ol Pejeta to Lake Nakuru – Flamingos & Rhino Encounters
After breakfast, drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, descending into the breathtaking Great Rift Valley. Stop at a scenic viewpoint for panoramic photos before arriving at Lake Nakuru Lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon, enjoy a game drive around Lake Nakuru, famous for its seasonal flamingo flocks and rhino conservation efforts. Spot black and white rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, waterbucks, and tree-climbing lions.
Dinner is served with magnificent views of the lake’s shimmering waters.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Lodge
Day 8: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara – Enter the Big Cat Kingdom
After an early breakfast, depart Lake Nakuru and journey to Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s most iconic wildlife destination. Drive through the picturesque Great Rift Valley with a stop at a scenic viewpoint for breathtaking photos.
Arrive at Mara Sopa Lodge in time for lunch. Nestled on the slopes of the Oloolaimutia Hills, the lodge offers traditional African-style cottages with stunning views of the savannah. After a brief rest, set out on an afternoon game drive, tracking the Big Five and witnessing the Mara’s abundant wildlife.
As the golden sun sets over the savannah, return to the lodge for a bush-style dinner under a starlit sky. Unwind around a campfire, sharing stories of the day’s sightings.
Highlight: First game drive in the Masai Mara – spotting lions, elephants, and possibly a cheetah sprinting across the plains.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge or similar
Day 9: Full-Day Safari in Masai Mara – The Ultimate Wildlife Experience
Rise early for a sunrise game drive, one of the best times to see predators in action. Witness lions, cheetahs, and leopards hunting in the golden morning light. If visiting between July and October, experience the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River, risking crocodile-infested waters.
Return to the lodge for a leisurely breakfast and some downtime by the pool or your private deck. Later, set out for an afternoon safari, tracking elephants, rhinos, and elusive leopards.
For an extra thrill, opt for a hot air balloon safari at sunrise (optional) or visit a Masai village, where you’ll learn about Maasai warrior traditions, beadwork, and cultural dances.
Highlight: Witnessing a thrilling predator chase or river crossing during the Great Migration.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge or similar
Day 10: Masai Mara to Lake Naivasha – A Boat Safari Among Hippos
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in Masai Mara before heading to Lake Naivasha, a beautiful freshwater lake set against a backdrop of volcanic mountains. Arrive at Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge in time for lunch.
In the afternoon, embark on a boat safari, gliding past hippos and diverse birdlife, including African fish eagles and kingfishers. Optionally, visit Crescent Island, a sanctuary where you can walk alongside zebras, giraffes, and antelopes.
As evening falls, relax with a sundowner by the lake, followed by a cozy dinner at the lodge’s lakeside restaurant.
Highlight: Spotting hippos up-close and watching African fish eagles swoop down for their catch.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge
Day 11: Lake Naivasha to Amboseli – Elephants & Kilimanjaro Views
After breakfast, depart for Amboseli National Park, Kenya’s premier elephant sanctuary, famous for its unmatched views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Arrive at Amboseli Sopa Lodge in time for lunch, set in a stunning acacia woodland near the park’s entrance. The lodge offers spacious cottages with private verandas, ideal for unwinding with a view of wildlife.
In the afternoon, set out on a game drive, encountering large herds of elephants, graceful giraffes, and possibly cheetahs on the hunt. As the sun sets, watch the sky turn shades of pink and gold over Africa’s tallest mountain, creating a magical safari moment.
Return to the lodge for a traditional Swahili dinner, with the option of an evening storytelling session about Amboseli’s history and conservation efforts.
Highlight: Seeing a parade of elephants silhouetted against Mount Kilimanjaro.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Amboseli Sopa Lodge or similar
Day 12: Full-Day Safari in Amboseli – Iconic Wildlife & Kilimanjaro Backdrop
Wake up to the breathtaking sight of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, glowing in the morning light. After an early breakfast, embark on a morning game drive through Amboseli’s vast open plains, swamps, and acacia woodlands.
Amboseli is famous for its large elephant herds, many of which have been studied for decades by conservationists. You’ll also encounter buffaloes, lions, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, and a variety of bird species, including flamingos and pelicans in the park’s seasonal wetlands.
Return to Amboseli Sopa Lodge for a leisurely lunch and some relaxation time. You can unwind by the pool or enjoy the panoramic views from your private deck.
In the afternoon, set out for another game drive, this time exploring the swampy areas, where hippos and water birds thrive. As the sun begins to set, capture the silhouettes of elephants against Mount Kilimanjaro, one of the most iconic safari scenes in Africa.
Highlight: Watching elephants walk gracefully in front of Kilimanjaro—an unforgettable photography moment.
Return to the lodge for a special farewell dinner, featuring Swahili-inspired cuisine and an optional Maasai cultural performance.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Amboseli Sopa Lodge or similar
Day 13: Departure & Optional Activities
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the lodge while soaking in the final views of Amboseli’s wildlife. Depending on your departure schedule, you have the option to:
- Take a short morning game drive for one last safari adventure.
- Visit a nearby Maasai village to learn about traditional Maasai culture and daily life.
- Relax at the lodge before your transfer.
Mid-morning, begin your journey back to Nairobi, with a scenic drive through Kenya’s countryside. Arrive in the capital by early afternoon, where you’ll be dropped off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for your flight home, or at your Nairobi hotel for an extended stay.
For those with evening flights, optional activities in Nairobi include:
✔ Giraffe Centre Visit – Get up close with endangered Rothschild giraffes.
✔ David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage – See rescued baby elephants.
✔ Carnivore Restaurant Lunch – A unique dining experience with Kenya’s best-grilled meats.
Highlight: Saying goodbye to Amboseli with one last stunning view of Kilimanjaro.
Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions
✔ Accommodation: 12 nights' stay in carefully selected midrange lodges and tented camps, offering comfort and stunning views of Kenya’s landscapes and wildlife.
✔ Meals: Full-board basis (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) throughout the safari, with a mix of buffet and à la carte dining options.
✔ Transport: Private 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for optimal wildlife viewing, accompanied by a professional, English-speaking driver-guide.
✔ Airport Transfers: Pick-up and drop-off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi.
✔ Park Fees: All national park and conservancy entrance fees for Aberdare, Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha, and Amboseli.
✔ Game Drives: Unlimited game drives in each park/reserve as per the itinerary, maximizing wildlife viewing opportunities.
✔ Boat Safari: A guided boat safari on Lake Naivasha, offering close-up views of hippos and birdlife.
✔ Cultural Experience: Optional visit to a Samburu or Maasai village, where guests can learn about traditional customs, dances, and crafts.
✔ Conservation Visits: Entry to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary and the Endangered Species Enclosure in Ol Pejeta to see the last northern white rhinos.
✔ Bottled Water: Complimentary bottled water during game drives to keep you hydrated.
✔ Professional Safari Guide: Services of an experienced, English-speaking safari guide throughout the tour.
Exclusions
✖ International Flights: Airfare to and from Nairobi (JKIA).
✖ Visa Fees: Kenya entry visa, which must be arranged in advance or on arrival.
✖ Travel & Medical Insurance: Strongly recommended for all travelers but not included in the package.
✖ Personal Expenses: Any personal purchases, including souvenirs, drinks (other than provided meals), and tips.
✖ Hot Air Balloon Safari: Available in Masai Mara at an additional cost (pre-booking recommended).
✖ Optional Activities in Nairobi: Visits to the Giraffe Centre, David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, or Carnivore Restaurant on departure day are not included.
✖ Tips & Gratuities: Tips for guides, drivers, and lodge staff (recommended tipping guidelines will be provided).
✖ Laundry & Telephone Calls: Any laundry services or personal phone calls made at lodges/camps.
✖ Any Additional Costs: Any extra activities or meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
