Overview
Join us this September for a 15-day journey through Kenya’s most iconic landscapes, curated to celebrate adventure, diversity, and connection. From the elephant-rich plains of Amboseli beneath Mt. Kilimanjaro, to the wild beauty of Samburu and the legendary savannahs of Maasai Mara, this itinerary promises awe-inspiring wildlife, meaningful cultural encounters, and serene moments in nature.
Whether you're a solo explorer, a couple, or traveling with friends, this safari is a celebration of you—your identity, your joy, your curiosity.
Day 1 – Arrival & Amboseli National Park
Your safari adventure begins with a morning pickup from Nairobi, followed by a scenic four-hour drive south to Amboseli National Park. As the landscape shifts from bustling urban life to expansive plains and acacia-dotted savannah, Mount Kilimanjaro gradually reveals its snow-capped summit in the distance. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your lodge, perfectly positioned to offer sweeping views of Africa’s tallest peak. In the evening, embark on a relaxed sunset game drive, where you’ll likely encounter Amboseli’s famous elephant herds—often photographed with the majestic mountain behind them—and an abundance of birdlife dancing across the golden sky.
Day 2 – Full Safari in Amboseli National Park
At dawn, venture out for an early morning game drive, when wildlife is most active and the light is ideal for capturing iconic images of elephants framed against Kilimanjaro’s silhouette. Return to your lodge for a hearty breakfast and enjoy a leisurely midday break—perhaps with a dip in the pool or a quiet siesta under the shade of a fever tree. As the sun begins to dip once more, head back out into the park, this time focusing your lens on the elusive predators of Amboseli: lions lazing in the tall grass, cheetahs on the prowl, and hyenas lurking at a distance.
Day 3 – Travel to Mt. Kenya (Nanyuki Area)
After breakfast, set off for the highlands of Central Kenya on a scenic six-hour drive toward Nanyuki, nestled at the base of Mount Kenya. Watch as the terrain transforms from the dry plains of Amboseli to the lush green foothills of the country’s second-highest mountain. Upon arrival, check into your charming lodge and enjoy the cool mountain air. The evening is yours to rest and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of the region.
Day 4 – Mt. Kenya Foot Trails
Begin your day with a hot breakfast before heading out to explore the historic Mau Mau caves—once a stronghold for Kenyan freedom fighters during the colonial era. Continue onward to Ngare Ndare Forest, a hidden gem teeming with indigenous trees, azure waterfalls, and a canopy walkway that lets you experience the forest from a bird’s eye view. Learn about the region’s biodiversity and conservation efforts before returning to your lodge. As dusk falls, watch Mount Kenya’s jagged peaks glow orange and pink in the sunset light—a perfect end to a culturally and ecologically rich day.
Day 5 – Off to Samburu National Reserve
This morning, depart early for the rugged and remote Samburu National Reserve, located in Kenya’s northern frontier. The journey, about five to six hours, offers views of changing landscapes—from fertile farmland to arid, rocky terrain. After settling into your lodge, rest and recharge before your first evening safari drive. Here, your focus shifts to the “Samburu Special Five”: the striking reticulated giraffe, slender-necked gerenuk, beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and the rare Grevy’s zebra—species uniquely adapted to the region's dry climate.
Day 6 – Full Day Game Drive in Samburu
Today, set out after an early breakfast for a full-day safari deep within Samburu’s wild heart. With packed lunches in tow, explore the Ewaso Nyiro River's life-giving banks, where elephants, leopards, and crocodiles gather. Bird enthusiasts will enjoy spotting over 450 species, while big cat sightings are often a highlight. Return to your lodge in the evening, tired but exhilarated by a day of close encounters and untamed beauty.
Day 7 – Another Samburu Day
Another full day in Samburu offers a chance to explore lesser-known corners of the reserve. Your guide will tailor the day to your interests—whether you’re in search of predators, unique antelope species, or cultural interactions with local Samburu communities. As the day winds down, enjoy a special sundowner by the riverbank. Sip a cool drink as the sun sinks low, and listen to tales of the land from the friendly lodge staff, connecting you more deeply with the area’s rich heritage.
Day 8 – Lake Nakuru National Park
Depart Samburu in the morning and travel south to Lake Nakuru, a journey of six to seven hours. Upon arrival, head straight into the park for a game drive. Known for its soda lake ringed with flamingos, Lake Nakuru is also a stronghold for endangered white and black rhinos. Keep an eye out for tree-climbing lions and the resident troops of baboons as you explore the acacia woodland and lake shores. In the evening, settle into your lodge nestled near the park's boundaries.
Day 9 – Lake Nakuru Exploration
Rise early for a sunrise game drive when the light is soft and animals are most active. This is an excellent time to spot Rothschild’s giraffes, buffaloes, and perhaps a shy leopard. Enjoy a picnic lunch with sweeping park views, listening to the melodic calls of fish eagles overhead. The afternoon is yours to unwind at the lodge before dinner and a restful overnight stay.
Day 10 – Ol Pejeta Conservancy
After breakfast, journey to the renowned Ol Pejeta Conservancy, located on the Laikipia Plateau—a 3 to 4-hour drive. This private conservancy blends wildlife protection with agricultural practices and is home to the largest black rhino population in East Africa. After checking in, venture out on a game drive where you may encounter lions, elephants, and buffaloes. A visit to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary caps the day, offering an opportunity to meet rescued chimps and learn about their stories of survival and care.
Day 11 – Full Day at Ol Pejeta
Start your morning with another game drive across the vast plains of Ol Pejeta, with a special focus on endangered species such as the white rhino and African wild dog. Your experienced guide will help track elusive wildlife and share insights into conservation programs running on the conservancy. After an eventful day, return to the lodge to relax under the star-lit African sky.
Day 12 – Lake Naivasha
This morning, drive southwest for two to three hours to reach Lake Naivasha, a freshwater oasis fringed by papyrus and acacia trees. In the afternoon, take a boat ride across the lake’s calm waters—gliding past hippos, fish eagles, and pelicans—before disembarking at Crescent Island. This private sanctuary allows you to walk freely among giraffes, zebras, and waterbucks in a rare, immersive experience. Return to your lodge in the evening for a quiet night beside the lake.
Day 13 – Maasai Mara National Reserve
Depart Naivasha in the morning and journey to the world-famous Maasai Mara, Kenya’s premier safari destination. As the landscape opens into vast savannahs dotted with flat-topped acacia trees, the sense of wild adventure heightens. After checking into your lodge, head out on your first game drive in the Mara, where you may catch early sightings of the Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard—as well as herds of wildebeest grazing the plains.
Day 14 – Full Day in Maasai Mara National Park
Awaken early for a full-day safari across the Mara’s golden grasslands. With packed lunches at hand, roam the reserve in search of the Mara’s rich wildlife. You may opt for an unforgettable hot air balloon safari at dawn (optional add-on), floating silently above the savannah as animals stir below. Later in the morning, you can visit a nearby Maasai manyatta to learn about the community’s customs, crafts, and way of life (additional cost). The afternoon continues with game viewing—perhaps a cheetah hunt or a dramatic lion sighting—before returning to your lodge for a well-earned rest.
Day 15 – Return to Nairobi
After a final breakfast at your lodge, bid farewell to the Maasai Mara and begin the drive back to Nairobi, a five to six-hour journey. Reflect on the unforgettable memories made as the plains roll by. You’ll arrive in the afternoon, with drop-off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, marking the end of your epic Kenyan safari.