Overview
This 12 day road safari covers the very best of Kenya including many key wildlife attraction areas. Starting in Tsavo National Park and Amboseli National Park the itinerary then stops for a night in Nairobi (with excursions included) before continuing to Samburu National Reserve, the Aberdares, Lake Nakuru and the Masai Mara.
Highlights
- Tsavo National Park: Known for its vast size and diversity of wildlife, including the famous "maneless lions" and large herds of elephants.
- Amboseli National Park: Renowned for its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, abundant elephant populations, and other big game.
- Nairobi: The vibrant capital city of Kenya, with excursions such as visits to David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and Giraffe Centre.
- Samburu National Reserve: A semi-arid reserve in the northern part of Kenya, home to unique wildlife species such as the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and samburu ostrich.
- Aberdares National Park: A lush mountainous area, famous for its beautiful landscapes and the Treetop Lodge, where you can enjoy viewing wildlife at night from a comfortable lodge.
- Lake Nakuru: A UNESCO-listed park, known for its thousands of flamingos, black rhinos, and other wildlife.
- Masai Mara: The ultimate safari destination, home to the Great Migration (seasonal) and a diverse range of predators and prey.
Itinerary
Depart Nairobi to the vast Tsavo region. Together Tsavo West National Park and Tsavo East National Park make up one of the largest animal sanctuaries in the world. The terrain encompasses huge plains and an interesting geological landscape such as cones, outcrops and lava flows resulting from historic volcanic activity. The area has a wide variety of wildlife including lion, cheetah, leopard, buffalo, hippo, elephant, oryx, eland, zebra, giraffe, spotted hyena, kongoni, waterbuck, impala, duiker and klipspringer.
Accommodation: Voyager Ziwani
Meal Plan: Full Board
Full day in the park with optional morning and afternoon game viewing drive or opt for a full day game viewing drive with picnic lunch.
Note: Tsavo is usually very hot during the day and we recommend an early morning and late afternoon game viewing drives.
Accommodation: Voyager Ziwani
Meal Plan: Full Board
After breakfast at your lodge continues to Amboseli National Park a 105 km, about 4 hrs, home to large herds of elephants whose population is one of the few in Africa that has been spared from poachers. Predators in the park include hyenas, jackals; lions, leopards and cheetahs. Birdlife in abundance flourishes particularly in the marshes and swamps. Over 420 species have been counted within the park as a whole including 6 species of vulture, 12 species of heron and 10 varieties of eagle.
Accommodation: Ol Tukai Lodge – click here for more info about your Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Today you will have a full day in the park with optional full day game viewing drive with parked lunch or opt to have a morning and afternoon game viewing drive.
Note: Amboseli is very hot and we recommend morning and afternoon game viewing drive, the rest of the day can be spent at leisure by the swimming pool or a visit to a Maasai village which can be organized at an extra cost
After a relaxed breakfast, we travel back via Nairobi a 250 km, about 5 hrs for an excursion to the Giraffe Center and a meal at the famous Carnivore restaurant before you are transferred to your hotel for overnight.
Accommodation: Tribe Hotel – click here for more info about your hotel
Meal Plan: Half Board – Dinner not included
After an early breakfast, we set off for the Samburu National Reserve. This offers a breathtaking sun baked landscape surrounded by mountains – to the west, the sheer sided slopes of majestic Ol Olokwe Mountain form a perfect back drop to any photograph. Animals commonly seen are elephants, lions, cheetahs, grevy zebras, reticulated giraffes, gerenuks, buffalos, oryx, grants gazelles, dikdiks and waterbucks. There are over 350 varieties of birds. These include the famous somali ostriches (distinguished by their unique purple / blue legs during mating season), kingfishers, humming birds, eagles, guinea fowls and vultures. The reserve is also home of the Samburu tribe, cousins of the Maasai, who share the same nomadic, cattle-herding existence and a strict adherence to their age-old rites and customs. check out of the hotel and board the 4×4 safari vehicle to drive north to Samburu National Reserve, arrive for check in and lunch at your lodge. After relaxation, proceed on an afternoon game drive in the reserve returning later for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Sarova Shaba Game Lodge – click here for more info about your lodge
Meal plan: Full Board
Full day in Samburu National Reserve with early morning, mid morning and afternoon game drives in the reserve.
Accommodation: Sarova Shaba Game Lodge – click here for more info about your lodge
Meal plan: Full Board
After breakfast, continue to the Aberdare National Park – an area of 767 Km2 covering the higher areas of the Aberdare Mountain Ranges of Central Kenya. The topography is quite diverse with deep ravines that cut through the forested eastern and western slopes. Animals easily observed in the park include; the black rhino, leopard, baboon, black and white colobus monkey and sykes monkey. Rare sightings include those of lions, the golden cat and the bongo- an elusive forest antelope that lives in the bamboo forest. Animals like the eland are spotted and melanistic serval cats can be found higher up in the moorlands. Bird viewing is rewarding, with over 250 species of birds in the park, including the Jackson’s francolin, sparry hawk, goshawks, eagles, sunbirds and plovers.
Accommodation: The Ark Tree Top Lodge – Click here for more info about your lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
After a cup of tea or coffee check out of the Tree Lodge and board the transfer vehicle to the Aberdare Country Club for breakfast after which our driver will assist you with collecting the rest of your luggage. Continue down the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park with an en route game drive, arriving your lodge for check in and lunch. After relaxation, proceed on an afternoon game drive in the park returning later for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Sarova Lion Hill Lodge – click here for more info about your lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
After breakfast, the tour continues to its climax or rather highlight where we conclude at The Masai Mara National Game Reserve – a magnificent landscape of open plains bisected by the Mara River and its tributaries, and punctuated by marshes and forests. This reserve supports the highest density of game to be seen anywhere considering its size. During the seasonal migrations, the reserve is home to up to a million wildebeest and an equally impressive number of zebra that move into the area from the neighbouring Serengeti National Park, in Tanzania. The reserve is home to all the “Big Five” and it is also possible to observe; baboon, eland, ostrich, bat-eared fox, jackal, and the rivers abound with hippos and crocodiles.
Accommodation: Sarova Mara Game Camp – click here for more info about your lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Full day in Masai Mara National Game Reserve with early morning, mid-morning and afternoon game drives.
Note: in between game drives a visit to a masai village can be arranged at an extra cost or a balloon safari as opposed to an early morning game drive
Accommodation: Sarova Mara Game Camp – click here for more info about your lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
After breakfast, check out and drive back to Nairobi city in 4×4 pop-up roof safari vehicle arriving in the mid afternoon. Drop off in Nairobi or at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport via Karen Blixen Coffee Gardens for a farewell lunch.
Includes/Excludes
Includes
- Accommodation as per the itinerary (hotels, lodges, tented camps)
- Meals as specified (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with unlimited mileage
- Game drives and park entrance fees
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Excursions in Nairobi (David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Giraffe Centre, etc.)
- Driver/guide’s tips and park fees for wildlife viewing
- Airport transfers in Nairobi
- Cultural visits (if applicable)
- Bottled water during game drives
Excludes
- International flights to and from Nairobi
- Visas for Kenya
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, laundry, etc.)
- Optional activities (e.g., visits to Maasai villages, balloon safaris)
- Alcoholic beverages and drinks not included in meals
- Tips for hotel staff, drivers, and guides (optional but appreciated)
- Any medical or evacuation costs in case of emergency
FAQs
Do I need a visa for Kenya?
- Most nationalities will require a visa to enter Kenya. You can apply for a visa online through the eVisa system or obtain one on arrival.
What is the best time to visit Kenya for this safari?
- The safari can be enjoyed year-round. However, the dry season from June to October is particularly popular, especially for spotting wildlife. For the Great Migration, visit between July and October for the best experience in Masai Mara.
What animals can I expect to see?
- Expect to see the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino) as well as unique species such as Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, cheetahs, wildebeest, hippos, and an abundance of bird species, including flamingos at Lake Nakuru.
What should I bring on the safari?
- Comfortable, light clothing (neutral colors are best), a warm jacket for the evenings, sunscreen, a hat, camera with extra memory cards, binoculars, personal toiletries, and insect repellent.
Are there any health risks during the safari?
- It’s recommended to take malaria prophylaxis, especially when visiting areas like Samburu and Lake Nakuru. Ensure that you have necessary vaccinations before traveling.
Is this safari suitable for children?
- Yes, the safari is family-friendly, though children should be at least 6 years old to fully enjoy the experience. However, note that some areas may have age restrictions for specific game drives or activities.
What is the group size?
- The safari typically involves small group sizes, ensuring a more personalized experience. Exact group sizes may vary, but expect between 4 and 12 travelers.