This meticulously crafted 8-day Kenya safari offers participants a comprehensive journey through Kenya’s diverse landscapes, rich wildlife, and vibrant cultures. The itinerary covers four of Kenya’s most renowned national parks and reserves, providing ample opportunities for wildlife viewing and cultural interactions.
Duration: 8 Days Places to Visit: Nairobi, Amboseli National Park, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru National Park, Masai Mara National Reserve
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Amboseli National Park
Distance: 240km/4-5hrs drive
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, a skilled guide will warmly welcome participants and provide a brief introduction to Kenya’s history and culture. Depart for Amboseli National Park, known for its large elephant herds and views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
En route, stop at the Namanga border town to observe the cultural exchange between Kenyans and Tanzanians. This bustling border town showcases the intermingling of Maasai and modern cultures.
Upon arrival at Amboseli, enjoy an afternoon game drive. Amboseli covers 392 square kilometers and is part of a larger ecosystem that spans 8,000 square kilometers across the Kenya-Tanzania border.
Accommodation: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
Day 2: Full Day in Amboseli National Park
Spend a full day exploring Amboseli National Park, home to over 50 mammal species and more than 400 bird species. The park’s unique ecosystem is supported by underground water channels from Mount Kilimanjaro’s melting snow.
In the afternoon, visit a local Maasai village to learn about traditional customs and daily life. The Maasai people, numbering around 1.5 million across Kenya and Tanzania, have inhabited this region for centuries. Observe the intricate beadwork techniques used by Maasai women, with each color and pattern holding specific cultural meanings.
Participate in a guided nature walk led by Maasai warriors. Learn about traditional medicinal plants and the Maasai’s deep connection to the land. The Maasai have long coexisted with wildlife, developing unique strategies for pastoral living in this semi-arid environment.
Accommodation: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
Day 3: Amboseli – Lake Naivasha
Distance: 340km/6-7hrs drive
After breakfast, depart for Lake Naivasha. En route, pass through the bustling city of Nairobi, Kenya’s capital and largest city with a population of over 4 million.
Upon arrival at Lake Naivasha, take a boat ride to observe hippos and numerous bird species. Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake in Kenya’s Rift Valley, covering 139 square kilometers and supporting a diverse ecosystem.
In the afternoon, visit Crescent Island Game Sanctuary for a walking safari. This unique sanctuary allows visitors to walk among wild animals, offering a rare opportunity to observe wildlife up close.
Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort
Day 4: Lake Naivasha – Lake Nakuru National Park
Distance: 90km/2hrs drive
After breakfast, visit the nearby Elsamere Conservation Centre, former home of Joy Adamson, author of “Born Free.” Learn about the conservation efforts in the region and the legacy of the Adamsons in wildlife protection.
Depart for Lake Nakuru National Park, arriving in time for an afternoon game drive. Lake Nakuru National Park covers 188 square kilometers and is famous for its flamingo populations and rhino sanctuary.
Visit the Baboon Cliff lookout for panoramic views of the lake and surrounding landscape. Learn about the geological history of the Rift Valley and its importance to the region’s ecology.
Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Lodge
Day 5: Lake Nakuru – Masai Mara National Reserve
Distance: 300km/6-7hrs drive
After an early morning game drive at Lake Nakuru, depart for the Masai Mara National Reserve. The journey takes participants through the Great Rift Valley, offering panoramic views of this geological wonder.
En route, stop at a Maasai market to observe local trading practices. These vibrant markets rotate between different locations and offer insights into contemporary Maasai economic activities.
Arrive at the Masai Mara in time for an evening game drive. The Masai Mara covers 1,510 square kilometers and is home to an extraordinary concentration of wildlife.
Accommodation: Ashnil Mara Camp
Day 6: Full Day in Masai Mara National Reserve
Dedicate a full day to exploring the Masai Mara, known for its exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. The reserve hosts over 95 species of mammals and 570 recorded species of birds.
In the afternoon, visit the Mara Predator Conservation Programme headquarters to learn about efforts to protect big cats in the region. The programme monitors over 150 individual lions in the reserve.
Later, participate in a cultural session with local Maasai elders. Learn about the Maasai’s traditional governance system, the role of elders in the community, and how they are adapting to modern challenges while preserving their cultural heritage.
Accommodation: Ashnil Mara Camp
Day 7: Masai Mara National Reserve
Start the day with an optional hot air balloon safari, offering a unique perspective of the Mara landscape and wildlife (additional cost applies).
After breakfast, enjoy a game drive focusing on the Mara River, famous for dramatic wildebeest crossings during the Great Migration. The annual migration involves over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles.
In the afternoon, visit a local school supported by tourism to learn about education initiatives in the region. Interact with students and teachers to understand the challenges and successes of rural education in Kenya.
Accommodation: Ashnil Mara Camp
Day 8: Masai Mara – Nairobi
Distance: 265km/5-6hrs drive
After a final morning game drive, depart for Nairobi. En route, stop at the Oloololo Escarpment for panoramic views of the Masai Mara plains. The escarpment rises about 400 meters above the Mara River and offers a unique perspective on the landscape.
Upon arrival in Nairobi, visit the Bomas of Kenya, a cultural center showcasing traditional Kenyan dances, music, and crafts. Observe performances representing over 42 Kenyan ethnic communities, gaining insight into the country’s diverse cultural heritage.
Time permitting, stop at the Karen Blixen Museum, dedicated to the Danish author of “Out of Africa.” The museum is housed in the farmhouse where Blixen lived from 1914 to 1931 and provides insight into colonial life in Kenya.
Transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for departure, concluding the safari.
