Ultimate Kenyan safari

13 days

From game drives to sunrise hot air balloon rides, boat safaris and walking safaris, this safari has it all! Sign up to see the Great Wildlife Migration, spot the Big Five (bush elephants, lions, leopards, black rhinos and Cape buffaloes), and see many other iconic wild animals like giraffes, zebras, hippos and crocodiles. Added bonus: you'll also see Mt Kilimanjaro!

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and optional elephant orphanage visit

Welcome to Kenya, the land where safaris were born! You’ll be picked up from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) by your local leader and driven to Trademark Hotel in Nairobi, where you can freshen up. Depending on your arrival time, we can arrange to take you to the world-famous Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to visit the Elephant Orphanage (which looks after both orphaned elephants and rhinos) and the Giraffe Centre (where endangered Rothschild’s giraffes can be seen).

Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Kenya safari

Day 2: Masai sustainable tourism visit

Today you’ll travel to the Laikipia region and meet a Masai women’s cooperative, which engages in the sustainable farming of aloes for beauty products as well as authentic tourist visits. The ladies also offer guided walks amongst a habituated troop of baboons. These primates are often seen as being in conflict with humans but here the women show how humans and baboons can live in harmony.

Day 3: Colobus monkey canopy walk

You’ll be driven with a picnic lunch to Ngare Ndare Forest. Azure pools glisten at the bottom of waterfalls and 200-year-old trees create a high canopy that supports a rich variety of bird and wildlife, including elusive colobus monkeys! There is a 450 m-long bridge suspended 30 ft above the ground – the longest in East Africa – that you’ll walk to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the forest. There’s also a platform at the end of the bridge from which you can view elephants and other animals drinking water in the swamp. You’ll then hike a forest trail, ending at the waterfalls. You can rest and swim here before returning to Nanyuki.

Black-and-white colobus monkey sitting on a branch

Day 4: Black rhinos of Solio Conservancy

Today you’ll go on a game drive in Solio Conservancy, known for its mind-blowing rhino-viewing experiences. The 45,000-acre Solio Game Reserve is internationally recognised as one of the most successful private rhino conservation sanctuaries in East Africa. Sightings of up to 40 rhinoceroses at a time are not uncommon.

Day 5: The Great Rift Valley and Lake Nakuru

Today you’ll descend the escarpment into the famous Great Rift Valley. These flat lowlands are dotted with stunning natural lakes. Many are soda lakes and are home to flocks of pink flamingoes and other waterfowl. The flamingoes move between Lake Nakuru and Lake Bogoria depending on local rains and conditions. The park is another great place to see rhinos, buffaloes and lions, so you’ll go on a game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park.

Pink flamingoes on Lake Nakuru, Kenya safari

Day 6: Head to Masai Mara National Reserve

Today you’ll catch a flight from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to an airstrip in Masai Mara National Reserve, which is famous for hosting part of the Great Wildlife Migration. This migration is a never-ending, cyclic mass movement of two million hoofed animals, most notably wildebeests, zebras and gazelles. When the migration herds cross the reserve’s Talk River, they’re hoping to avoid the crocs eager to take them out!

Day 7: Great Migration safari and optional hot air balloon ride

It's an early, predawn start today if you want to go on a hot air balloon ride over the Masai Mara as the sun rises! A truly stunning adventure! In the afternoon, explore the wide open plains of the region on a game drive. Spot herds of elephants, wildebeests and zebras, and look for prides of lions resting in the shade of thorn trees. In the evening, enjoy another exciting game drive.

Sunrise over the Masai Mara, with a pair of low-flying hot air balloons and a herd of wildebeest below in the typical red oat grass of the region

Day 8: Discover the big cats of Naboisho

This morning you’ll embark on an exciting half-day walking safari across the savannah. The walk is led by a local Masai warrior. Watch wild animals interact with one another and learn about the local Masai way of life, which involves living alongside some treacherous wildlife! In the afternoon, set off on another exciting game drive in Mara Naboisho Conservancy, which offers some of the very best game viewing in the greater Mara region, and is particularly famous for its predator sightings! Anyone keen to see leopards, cheetahs and lions?

Day 9: Witness the Great Migration

You’ll spend another day in Masai Mara National Reserve, and hopefully witness Great Migration river crossings! The herds have to gather the courage to plunge across, trying to avoid the hungry crocodiles or being swept off their feet and drowned by the current. It’s high drama as they launch themselves into the waters and strive for the other side!

Day 10: Boat cruise and walk with giraffes

Today you’ll travel along the floor of the Great Rift Valley to visit its only freshwater lake: Lake Naivasha. Take an afternoon boat ride on the lake, which is a great way to see waterfowl and hippopotami. You’ll get out on Crescent Island, where you can walk safely among the giraffe and zebra populations that call the island home. They’ve also grown accustomed to human visitors, so you can often get fairly close.

Rothschild's giraffe among very green trees in Murchison Falls National Park

Day 11: Elephants of Amboseli

Travelling southwards today, you’ll pass through dry landscape before reaching the fertile land of Amboseli National Park, famous for its big-tusked elephants. The area is also renowned for its amazing views of Mount Kilimanjaro to the south in neighbouring Tanzania. The snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro makes an incredible backdrop when taking photos of the wildlife!

Ours. Masai Mara Reserve, elephants herd, Kilimanjaro, Kenya safari

Day 12: Explore more of Amboseli

Today you’ll enjoy further game drives in Amboseli National Park, seeking out those animals you haven’t managed to spot yet! Apart from its elephants, Amboseli is also known for its lions, Masai giraffes, Cape buffaloes, cheetahs, spotted hyenas, impalas, Grant’s zebras, wildebeests and hundreds of species of birds.

Day 13: Final game drive, then bon voyage!

There will be time for one last game drive today before you’re driven for about four hours back to Nairobi, where you’ll catch an evening flight back home. We hope you leave Kenya with many magical memories!

Mt Kilimanjaro and giraffe from Masai Mara in Kenya, safari

Inclusions

All transport from start to end of trip (includes airport transfers, local flight and car travel)

All accommodation

All meals except three lunches

Bottled drinking water in the vehicle throughout the trip

All activities except Sheldrick Wildlife Trust visit and hot air balloon ride

Professional, English-speaking safari guide and driver

A spacious safari vehicle for game drives

Park and reserve fees

International airfares

Kenyan tourist visa

Travel insurance

Tips (customary)

Alcohol and soft drinks

Optional activities

Where you'll stay

Trademark Hotel

This stylishly furnished and highly rated hotel in Nairobi is the perfect place to relax after a journey or busy day of sightseeing. Facilities include a bar, restaurant and outdoor swimming pool.

Basecamp Masai Mara

It's said that guests at Basecamp Masai Mara become more than visitors – they become part of the Masai community! Sit around the fireplace in the evenings for storytelling and stargazing.

Kilima Safari Lodge

Stay in one of Kilima's glamping tents, all of which boast a four-poster bed and a private balcony. The camp offers a fantastic view of Mt Kilimanjaro in neighbouring Tanzania!

Gallery

Feeding a giraffe in National park Nairobi, Kenya

African lion couple and safari jeep in Kenya

Female Waterbuck standing in the shallows of Lake Nakuru surrounded by water lilies in Kenya

Cheetah climbing a dead tree with wildebeests in background

FAQs

What is the currency of Kenya?

In Kenya they use the Kenya shilling (Ksh), which can be broken down into 100 cents. As of 2023, US$1 buys you roughly 130 Ksh.

What language is spoken in Kenya?

The two official languages of Kenya are Swahili and English. Almost everyone working in tourism in Kenya speaks English.

What are the main international airports of Kenya?

The main international airport in Kenya is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, which is in the capital city of Nairobi. This is the airport you want to fly into for a Kenyan safari, as it's in the south near to the country's main game parks.

If you want to head to Kenya's famous white-sand beaches, you would fly into Moi International Airport. This airport is in the coastal city of Mombasa in the southeast of the country.

Is Kenya safe for tourists?

Yes, Kenya is safe for tourists when you head to the main tourist destinations. Safaris in the south and central regions of Kenya are especially safe for tourists. It's the northern border regions of Kenya that you want to avoid as a tourist.

Do I need a visa to visit Kenya?

Most non-African foreigners need a visa to visit Kenya. An online visa application for a three-month tourist visa costs US$51.

If you're also wanting to visit neighbouring countries like Tanzania (to climb Mt Kilimanjaro, for instance), you could instead obtain an East African tourist visa.

Are there any compulsory vaccines for Kenya?

While there aren't any compulsory vaccinations for entry into Kenya, it's recommended that you be up to date on all of the usual vaccines like measles, cholera and typhoid. It's also highly recommended to obtain a yellow fever vaccine. A Covid-19 vaccine is not required for entry into Kenya.

Is there malaria in Kenya?

Yes, malaria is a problem in Kenya and so you would be wise to consult your GP about malaria prevention before heading to the country on a visit.

What type of plug is used in Kenya?

Kenya uses plug type G, which has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. The country operates on a 240V supply voltage and 50Hz.