Tour Gallery
Overview
This 10-day safari offers an extensive journey through Kenya's most diverse and iconic wildlife parks, including Samburu, Aberdare, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha, and Amboseli. It is designed for travelers seeking an in-depth exploration of Kenya's rich ecosystems, abundant wildlife including the 'Samburu Special Five' and the Big Five, stunning landscapes from arid north to southern plains with views of Mount Kilimanjaro, and comfortable lodge accommodations, all facilitated by experienced local guides.
Tour Suitability:
- Traveler Profile: Ideal for avid wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, families with older children, and those desiring a comprehensive, multi-park Kenyan safari experience.
- Pace of Travel: Moderate to Action-Packed, covering a significant range of Kenya's prime safari destinations, requiring several travel days between parks.
- Interests: Experiencing diverse wildlife (Samburu's unique species, Big Five), varied ecosystems (montane forests, Rift Valley lakes, savannahs), unique lodge experiences (like tree-style lodges in Aberdares), cultural insights, and iconic views (Equator, Kilimanjaro).
- Comfort Level: Comfort/Mid-Range, featuring stays at reputable lodges such as Samburu Simba Lodge, Aberdare Prestige Royal Cottages, Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, Masai Mara Sopa Lodge, Avian Court Hotel, and Sentrim Amboseli Lodge.
- Focus: An all-encompassing classic Kenyan safari circuit that provides a deep dive into the country's natural heritage.
Key Tour Highlights
- Samburu's Unique North: Encounter the 'Samburu Special Five' – Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx.
- Aberdare's Montane Forest: Experience high-altitude game viewing with chances to see unique forest species.
- Rift Valley Lakes: Explore Lake Nakuru (rhino sanctuary, flamingos) and Lake Naivasha (boat rides, Crescent Island).
- Masai Mara Spectacle: Extensive game drives in the world-famous Masai Mara, home to the Big Five and the Great Migration.
- Amboseli's Elephants & Kilimanjaro: Witness large elephant herds with the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop.
- Diverse Lodge Experiences: Stay in a variety of well-selected mid-range lodges offering comfort and local character.
Accommodation Style
Enjoy comfortable stays at a selection of Kenya's well-regarded mid-range safari lodges. Properties include Samburu Simba Lodge, Aberdare Prestige Royal Cottages, Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, Masai Mara Sopa Lodge, Avian Court Hotel (Naivasha), and Sentrim Amboseli Lodge, or similar establishments chosen by local operators. These lodges offer good amenities, pleasant dining, and strategic locations for exploring the parks.
Featured Destinations & Attractions
- Samburu National Reserve: Known for its unique northern specialist species and dramatic landscapes.
- Aberdare National Park: Offers a unique tree-lodge experience and chances to see forest-adapted wildlife.
- Lake Nakuru National Park: A rhino sanctuary also famous for Rothschild's giraffes and (seasonal) flamingo populations.
- Masai Mara National Reserve: World-renowned for its high concentration of predators, the Big Five, and the annual Great Wildebeest Migration.
- Lake Naivasha: Features boat trips, bird watching, hippo sightings, and access to Crescent Island.
- Amboseli National Park: Famous for its large elephant herds and breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Itinerary
After breakfast at your Nairobi hotel (or pick-up from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport - NBO), depart for Samburu National Reserve. The journey north passes through coffee and tea plantations near Thika and crosses the Equator. Continue through Isiolo, a gateway to the Northern Frontier, arriving at your lodge in Samburu in time for lunch. In the late afternoon, embark on your first game drive. (Meals: Lunch & Dinner, Drinking water)
Accommodation: Samburu Simba Lodge or similar mid-range lodge.
After an early breakfast, venture out for a morning game drive in search of Samburu's 'Special Five' (Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx) and other wildlife like elephants and big cats. Return to the lodge for lunch and some leisure time. In the late afternoon, enjoy an evening game drive as the sun begins to set over the rugged landscape. (Meals: All meals included, Drinking water)
Accommodation: Samburu Simba Lodge or similar mid-range lodge.
After breakfast, travel south from Samburu, crossing the Equator again, towards the Aberdare mountain range. You may proceed to a base hotel like The Aberdare Country Club for lunch (operator dependent), before transferring to your unique tree-style lodge nestled in the Aberdare National Park. These lodges offer high-altitude game viewing directly from their balconies, often overlooking floodlit waterholes. (Meals: All meals included, Drinking water)
Accommodation: Naro Moru River Lodge, Aberdare Prestige Royal Cottages or a similar tree-style/mountain lodge experience (actual lodge based on final booking).
After breakfast, with a morning pick-up, drive towards Lake Nakuru National Park in the Great Rift Valley. The park is renowned for its (seasonal) flamingo populations and as a sanctuary for both black and white rhinos. Arrive in time for lunch at your lodge. In the afternoon, embark on a comprehensive game drive around the lake and through its acacia woodlands. (Meals: All meals included, Drinking water)
Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge or similar mid-range lodge.
After breakfast, check out and drive to the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve, a journey of approximately 5 hours. The Mara is an extension of the Serengeti and hosts the annual Great Migration. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch. In the afternoon, depart for a game drive to get your first taste of the Mara's incredible wildlife density, including the Big Five. (Meals: All meals included, Drinking water)
Accommodation: Masai Mara Sopa Lodge or similar mid-range lodge.
Today is dedicated to exploring the Masai Mara. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives, or opt for a full-day excursion with a picnic lunch to maximize your time in the reserve. Traverse the savannah plains in search of lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and buffalos. A visit to the Mara River, a key site for hippo, crocodile, and migration crossings (seasonal), is often included. (Meals: All meals included, Drinking water)
Accommodation: Masai Mara Sopa Lodge or similar mid-range lodge.
Enjoy an early morning game drive in the Mara. After breakfast, depart for Lake Naivasha, the highest of the Rift Valley lakes. It's a popular spot for birdwatching and observing hippos. An optional boat ride to Crescent Island (extra cost) can be arranged in the afternoon, offering opportunities for walking safaris among gentle plains game. (Meals: All meals included, Drinking water)
Accommodation: Avian Court Hotel Naivasha or similar mid-range hotel.
After an early breakfast, drive to Amboseli National Park, located at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. Check in at your lodge and have lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a game drive. Amboseli is renowned for its large herds of elephants and, on clear days, stunning views of Africa's highest peak. (Meals: All meals included, Drinking water)
Accommodation: Sentrim Amboseli Lodge or similar mid-range tented camp/lodge.
Rise early for good views of Mount Kilimanjaro before clouds typically obscure the summit. Enjoy a full day of game drives in Amboseli, with options for picnic lunches or returning to the lodge. An optional visit to a Maasai village can be planned (extra cost). Focus on elephant herds, birdlife, and other plains game against the iconic backdrop. (Meals: All meals included, Drinking water)
Accommodation: Sentrim Amboseli Lodge or similar mid-range tented camp/lodge.
Enjoy a final breakfast at your Amboseli accommodation. Afterwards, check out and depart for Nairobi with a packed lunch. You will be dropped off at your Nairobi hotel, a designated pick-up location, or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) for your onward flight, concluding your extensive Kenyan safari. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch, Drinking water)
Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour).
Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions
- Professional guide
- Activities (as written in the itinerary)
- Entry fee
- Taxes
- A bottle of drinking water
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Exclusions
- Meals and drinks
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Visas