Overview
This 12-Day Enchanting Kenya Safari takes you through Kenya’s most iconic parks and landscapes — from Amboseli’s elephant-dotted plains beneath Mount Kilimanjaro to the dramatic escarpments of the Aberdares and the legendary Masai Mara. Travel in comfortable 4×4 safari vehicles, stay at well-known lodges, and enjoy guided game drives, birding, cultural visits and optional activities like a hot-air balloon over the Mara.
Designed for travellers who want a deep, varied wildlife experience, this itinerary blends rich predator-and-prey action, birding hotspots, volcanic scenery and authentic cultural encounters. Each day is paced to maximize wildlife time while allowing comfortable travel between destinations.
Highlights
- Full coverage of Kenya’s major wildlife areas: Amboseli, Tsavo West, Samburu, Aberdare, Lake Nakuru, Naivasha and Maasai Mara.
- Stay in established lodges: Amboseli Sopa Lodge, Kilaguni Serena, Sarova Panafric, Sarova Shaba, The Ark (Aberdare), Sarova Lion Hill, Naivasha Sopa Resort, Sarova Mara Game Camp.
- Multiple morning and afternoon game drives with experienced local driver-guides.
- Exceptional birding at Lake Nakuru and diverse habitats across the Rift Valley.
- Optional hot-air balloon over Maasai Mara (final day) for a spectacular sunrise perspective.
- Opportunities to see elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles and seasonal migratory herds.
Itinerary
Depart Nairobi and travel to Amboseli National Park, where Mount Kilimanjaro forms a dramatic backdrop to the park’s sweeping plains. Amboseli is famed for its large, free-ranging elephant herds, as well as wildebeest, buffalo, zebras and prolific birdlife. Dinner and overnight at Amboseli Sopa Lodge (lunch & dinner).
Spend the day on twin game drives across Amboseli’s savannah and bush, giving you time to track elephants, predators and the park’s rich birdlife. Dinner and overnight at Amboseli Sopa Lodge (breakfast, lunch & dinner).
After breakfast depart Amboseli for Tsavo West. Lunch and then visit highlights including the rhino sanctuary and Mzima Springs — an unusual freshwater source with an underwater viewing chamber where hippos and crocodiles can be seen. Tsavo West’s landscape also features volcanic rock, lava flows and caves suitable for exploration. Dinner and overnight at Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge (breakfast, lunch & dinner).
After breakfast depart Tsavo West and return to Nairobi. Arrive in time for a complimentary lunch at the famous Carnivore Restaurant. After lunch, transfer to your Nairobi hotel. Overnight at Sarova Panafric (breakfast & lunch).
Drive north to Samburu National Reserve, passing the Ewaso Nyiro River and plains where crocodiles and hippos are often seen. Samburu offers a distinct ecosystem with species not commonly seen in southern parks. Your first game drive delivers immediate wildlife viewing opportunities. Dinner and overnight at Sarova Shaba Game Lodge (breakfast, lunch & dinner).
Early morning and late-afternoon game drives target Samburu’s special species — Beisa oryx, gerenuk, Grévy’s zebra, Samburu ostrich and reticulated giraffe — along with elephants, lions and wild dogs. Leisure time at the lodge’s pool and facilities during midday. Dinner and overnight at Sarova Shaba Game Lodge (breakfast, lunch & dinner).
After breakfast depart Samburu and head toward the Aberdares, stopping for lunch at Aberdare Country Club. Later transfer to The Ark, your Aberdare lodge set dramatically on a ravine and offering unique wildlife viewing from hide-like decks. The Aberdares’ montane forests, moorlands and waterfalls often host buffalo, elephants and, with luck, leopard. Dinner and overnight at The Ark (breakfast, lunch & dinner).
After breakfast depart to Lake Nakuru. On arrival take an afternoon game drive to view flamingo-lined shores, woodlands and the park’s resident white and black rhino populations alongside abundant birdlife. Dinner and overnight at Sarova Lion Hill Lodge (breakfast, lunch & dinner).
After breakfast transfer to Lake Naivasha. Enjoy the lake scenery where hippos greet the mornings and the lakeshore supports a variety of wildlife and bird species. Dinner and overnight at Naivasha Sopa Resort (breakfast, lunch & dinner).
Depart Naivasha for the Masai Mara. On arrival enjoy an afternoon game drive in the Mara’s iconic plains — dramatic predator encounters and vast herds are common. Dinner and overnight at Sarova Mara Game Camp (breakfast, lunch & dinner).
A full day of game drives at dawn and dusk with chances to see the Big Five, abundant plains game and rich birdlife. Early morning light offers superb photographic opportunities and wildlife activity. Dinner and overnight at Sarova Mara Game Camp (breakfast, lunch & dinner).
Optional sunrise hot-air balloon experience over the Mara (book in advance) or a final morning game drive. Afterwards, depart the Mara for Nairobi with lunch en route, then transfer to Jomo Kenyatta Airport for your onward flight, or return to a Nairobi hotel if you prefer to overnight (breakfast & lunch).
Cost
Cost Includes
- Accommodation as listed in the itinerary (11 nights).
- Meals as specified (breakfast, lunch & dinner where listed).
- All game drives and park entrance fees where stated.
- Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle with driver-guide.
- Airport/hotel transfers as specified.
- Bottled water during game drives.
Cost Excludes
- International flights and visas.
- Travel/medical insurance.
- Optional domestic flights (if chosen), balloon safari, personal extras.
- Gratuities for guides, drivers and lodge staff.
- Items of a personal nature and anything not listed under “Cost Includes.”
FAQs
This itinerary uses well-known properties including Amboseli Sopa Lodge, Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge, Sarova Panafric, Sarova Shaba Game Lodge, The Ark (Aberdare), Sarova Lion Hill Lodge, Naivasha Sopa Resort and Sarova Mara Game Camp. Specific lodge confirmations will be provided at booking.
No — the hot-air balloon over the Masai Mara is optional and charged extra. Bookings are seasonal and should be confirmed in advance.
Yes — the itinerary is fully customisable. We can shorten the route, add nights, or include domestic flights to suit your schedule and budget.
Expect a wide variety: elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles and numerous antelope species. Lake Nakuru and Naivasha offer exceptional birdlife including flamingos and water birds.
Yes — lodges on the route are family-friendly and the pace is moderate. Private vehicle options and shorter game drives can be arranged for children or guests needing a gentler schedule.
Drive times vary by leg. Some transfers (e.g., Nairobi → Samburu or Naivasha → Masai Mara) can be several hours; domestic flights can be arranged to shorten travel time where available.
Entry fees are included only if noted under “Cost Includes.” We’ll confirm the exact inclusions when booking and adjust the quote accordingly.
