9 Days Best of Kenya Safari

Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara

Begin with an early morning drive to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, one of the last places on Earth where wildlife thrives in its natural habitat, much like it did in ancient times. As the northern extension of the vast Serengeti ecosystem, the Mara hosts the spectacular annual migration of thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and their predators. Arrive in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive.

Day 2: Masai Mara National Reserve

After breakfast, enjoy a full-day game drive with a packed lunch. The reserve is famous for its black-maned lions and abundant resident wildlife. It’s also one of the few places where you can spot the “Big Five” during a morning drive. Some cheetahs are so accustomed to vehicles that they seek shade under them or even climb on the roof for a better view of prey. For bird enthusiasts, the reserve boasts nearly 500 species, including 16 types of eagles, several species of hawks, falcons, vultures, storks, bustards (including the Kori bustard, the world’s heaviest flying bird), and sunbirds.

Day 3: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru

After an early morning pick-up, head to Lake Nakuru National Park. Located south of Bogoria and straddling the equator, Lake Nakuru is renowned worldwide for its flamingos and alkaline waters, earning it recognition as a natural wonder. It is also a rhino sanctuary, home to over 40 black rhinos and 60 white rhinos. The flamingos, however, are the star attraction, with nearly two million at peak times, creating a vivid pink ribbon around the lake. Arrive for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive.

Day 4: Lake Naivasha National Park

Start your day with a drive to Lake Naivasha, the highest and most picturesque of the Rift Valley lakes at 1,910 meters (6,200 feet). The freshwater lake is bordered by dense papyrus swamps, providing habitats for kingfishers, herons, and more. Lake Naivasha is a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 400 species recorded. It is also a popular weekend getaway for Nairobi residents, offering opportunities for sailing, waterskiing, and fishing. There are no crocodiles in the lake due to the cold water, but hippos are a common sight. The surrounding vineyards contribute to Kenya’s growing wine industry.

Day 5: Amboseli National Park

Embark on an early morning drive to Amboseli National Park. After checking into your accommodation, spend the day at leisure. Amboseli is located south of Nairobi and features dry lake beds, fragile grasslands, and acacia woodlands. In the southern region, volcanic hills add to the landscape, while lush vegetation surrounds the swamps of Ol Okenya, Ol Tukai, and Enkongo Narok.

Day 6: Amboseli National Park

Rise early for clear views of Mount Kilimanjaro before clouds gather over the summit. After breakfast, you can opt for a visit to a local Maasai village to experience their traditional singing, dancing, and daily rituals. Despite habitat changes, Amboseli is one of the best places in Africa to observe elephants up close. Left undisturbed by poachers, the elephants that bathe and feed in the swamps are a highlight of any safari.

Day 7: Tsavo West National Park

Depart for Tsavo West National Park, arriving in time for lunch. Afterward, you can opt for an afternoon or evening game drive. Tsavo West is the most popular section of Tsavo National Park, known for its attractions beyond wildlife. Among these is Mzima Springs, where millions of liters of cool, crystal-clear water gush from the ground through volcanic rocks. The water is believed to originate from the Chyulu Hills through an underground river.

Day 8: Tsavo West National Park

After breakfast, enjoy a full-day game drive with a packed lunch. Visit sites such as the Roaring Rocks, named for the winds that rush through them, offering stunning panoramic views. The volcanic Chaimu Crater, only 200 years old and made of black volcanic cinder, is worth exploring and can be climbed. The area is also home to the agile klipspringer, a small antelope whose Swahili name, “mbuzi mawe” (mountain goat), reflects its rock-climbing prowess. In the park’s southwestern corner lies Lake Jipe, which straddles the Kenya-Tanzania border.

Day 9: Tsavo West to Nairobi

After a morning game drive and breakfast, depart for Nairobi, with lunch en route.