9 days
This 9-day, 8-night safari offers a rich journey through Kenya’s most iconic and diverse landscapes. Start in the vast wilderness of Tsavo East, known for its red-dusted elephants, before heading to Tsavo West with its dramatic scenery, rhino sanctuary, and the crystal-clear pools of Mzima Springs. Continue to Amboseli National Park, where elephants roam beneath the towering backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. The adventure then takes you to the Great Rift Valley, pausing at the serene shores of Lake Naivasha for a boat ride among hippos and birdlife. At Lake Nakuru National Park, encounter rhinos, Rothschild giraffes, and flamingos before reaching the world-renowned Masai Mara Game Reserve. Here, thrilling game drives await in search of the Big Five, with the chance to witness the dramatic Great Migration if traveling between July and October. Blending stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and carefully chosen accommodations, this safari delivers an unforgettable Kenyan adventure.
Activities
9 Days, 8 Nights Safari – Tsavo East, Tsavo West, Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara
Day 1: Nairobi – Tsavo East (340 km, approx. 5 hrs)
Your safari adventure begins with a scenic drive from Nairobi to Tsavo East National Park, one of Kenya’s largest and oldest parks, known for its vast landscapes and famous red-dusted elephants. Along the way, enjoy glimpses of the countryside before entering the park in time for lunch at your lodge/camp.
In the afternoon, embark on your first game drive, searching for lions, cheetahs, giraffes, buffalo, and the park’s impressive birdlife.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation (choice of): Sentrim Tsavo Camp, Ashnil Aruba Lodge, Voi Wildlife Lodge, Galana Crocodile Camp, Ngutuni Safari Lodge
Day 2: Tsavo East – Tsavo West
After breakfast, depart for Tsavo West National Park, a landscape of rolling hills, rocky outcrops, and lush springs. Arrive in time for lunch and later set out for an afternoon game drive. Visit highlights such as Mzima Springs, famous for its crystal-clear pools inhabited by hippos and crocodiles.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation (choice of): Salt Lick Safari Lodge, Kilaguni Serena Lodge, Severin Safari Camp, Ziwani Tented Camp, Soroi Lions Bluff Lodge
Day 3: Tsavo West – Amboseli (100 km, approx. 2 hrs)
After a relaxed breakfast, continue your journey to Amboseli National Park, known for its iconic views of Mount Kilimanjaro towering over vast herds of elephants. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a game drive where you may spot elephants, lions, cheetahs, and diverse bird species.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation (choice of): AA Amboseli Lodge, Sentrim Amboseli Camp, Penety Resort, Amboseli Sopa Lodge
Day 4: Full Day in Amboseli National Park
Spend the day exploring Amboseli with both morning and afternoon game drives. Early mornings offer the best chance to see Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak, while the park’s swamps attract hippos, buffalo, and countless bird species. Between drives, relax at your lodge and soak in the serene environment.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation (choice of): AA Amboseli Lodge, Sentrim Amboseli Camp, Penety Resort, Amboseli Sopa Lodge
Day 5: Amboseli – Lake Naivasha (340 km, approx. 6 hrs)
After breakfast, depart for the Great Rift Valley and arrive at Lake Naivasha by midday. After lunch, enjoy a boat ride to see hippos, cormorants, and fish eagles, or take an optional walking safari at Crescent Island.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation (choice of): Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort, Naivasha Simba Resort, Lake Naivasha Country Club, Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort
Day 6: Lake Naivasha – Lake Nakuru (70 km, approx. 1.5 hrs)
A short drive takes you to Lake Nakuru National Park, a sanctuary for endangered species such as black and white rhinos, and Rothschild giraffes. Afternoon game drives offer a chance to spot lions, leopards, and the park’s spectacular birdlife along the lakeshore.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation (choice of): Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, Sarova Woodlands, Mbweha Camp, Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge, Flamingo Hill Tented Camp
Day 7: Lake Nakuru – Masai Mara (220 km, approx. 4.5 hrs)
Depart after breakfast for the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve. Arrive in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive. The Mara is home to the Big Five and during July–October, the spectacular Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation (choice of): Sarova Mara Camp, Ashnil Mara Camp, Mara Serena Safari Lodge, PrideInn Mara Camp, AA Mara Lodge, Sentrim Mara Camp, Mara Sopa Lodge, Mara Leisure Camp, Basecamp Masai Mara
Day 8: Full Day in Masai Mara
Enjoy a full day of thrilling game drives in the Masai Mara, with opportunities to see predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs, along with elephants, giraffes, and countless antelope. You may also opt for a balloon safari (extra cost) for a bird’s-eye view of the reserve.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation (choice of): Sarova Mara Camp, Ashnil Mara Camp, Mara Serena Safari Lodge, PrideInn Mara Camp, AA Mara Lodge, Sentrim Mara Camp, Mara Sopa Lodge, Mara Leisure Camp, Basecamp Masai Mara
Day 9: Masai Mara – Nairobi (265 km, approx. 5 hrs)
After breakfast, take a final game drive as you exit the reserve. Drive back to Nairobi, arriving in the afternoon. Drop-off at your hotel or the airport for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
This one balances wildlife, scenery, and variety of parks, so travelers experience the best of Kenya in just over a week.