18-day Kenya Safari
This 18-day safari is the ultimate journey across Kenya’s most diverse landscapes and iconic national parks. From the volcanic scenery of Tsavo West to the elephant herds of Amboseli, the tranquil waters of Lake Naivasha, the unique species of Samburu, and the wilderness of Meru, each stop offers something extraordinary. Add in Ol Pejeta’s rhino sanctuary, the bird-rich Lake Nakuru, and the world-renowned Masai Mara, and you have a once-in-a-lifetime safari that combines culture, wildlife, and breathtaking scenery in one unforgettable itinerary.
Activities
18 Days, 17 Nights Kenya Safari Itinerary - Tsavo West, Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Samburu, Meru, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara
Safari Highlights
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Tsavo West National Park – dramatic landscapes, Shetani lava flows, Mzima Springs, and elephant herds
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Amboseli National Park – iconic elephant sightings beneath Mount Kilimanjaro
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Lake Naivasha – boat ride among hippos and birdlife with Crescent Island views
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Samburu National Reserve – rare northern species like Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, and reticulated giraffe
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Meru National Park – the land of Born Free, home to rhinos, lions, and untouched wilderness
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Ol Pejeta Conservancy – black and white rhinos, chimpanzee sanctuary, and Big Five sightings
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Lake Nakuru – thriving rhino population, lions, leopards, giraffes, and abundant birdlife
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Masai Mara Game Reserve – world-famous for the Big Five, predators, and the Great Migration (seasonal)
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Optional hot-air balloon safari over the Mara for an unforgettable perspective
Day 1: Nairobi – Tsavo West (4 hr 13 min, 234.2 km)
After breakfast, drive to Tsavo West National Park. Afternoon game drive with visits to Mzima Springs and the Shetani lava flows.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Voyager Ziwani Camp / Severin Safari Camp / Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge
Day 2: Full Day at Tsavo West
Spend the day exploring Tsavo West, famous for its diverse landscapes, large elephant herds, and predator sightings.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Voyager Ziwani Camp / Severin Safari Camp / Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge
Day 3: Tsavo West – Amboseli (100 km, approx. 2 hrs)
Head to Amboseli National Park, set against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Afternoon game drive.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Amboseli Serena Lodge / Amboseli Sopa Lodge
Day 4: Full Day in Amboseli
Enjoy a full day of game drives in Amboseli, known for its large elephant populations and breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Amboseli Serena Lodge / Amboseli Sopa Lodge
Day 5: Amboseli – Lake Naivasha (308 km, approx. 5 hr 30 min)
Drive to Lake Naivasha in the Great Rift Valley. Afternoon boat ride to see hippos, birdlife, and the beautiful Crescent Island.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort / Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort
Day 6: Full Day at Lake Naivasha
Relax by the lakeside or enjoy lodge activities.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort / Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort
Day 7: Lake Naivasha – Samburu National Reserve (361 km, approx. 6 hr 30 min)
Drive north to Samburu National Reserve, home to unique wildlife species such as the reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, and Somali ostrich. Afternoon game drive.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Samburu Intrepids Tented Camp
Day 8: Full Day in Samburu
Spend the day on morning and afternoon game drives. Samburu offers excellent sightings of leopards and elephants.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Samburu Intrepids Tented Camp
Day 9: Samburu – Meru National Park (153 km, approx. 4 hrs)
Drive to Meru National Park, made famous by the story of Elsa the lioness from Born Free. Afternoon game drive.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Elewana Elsa’s Kopje
Day 10: Full Day in Meru National Park
Explore Meru’s unspoiled wilderness, rivers, and abundant wildlife including rhinos, lions, and elephants.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Elewana Elsa’s Kopje
Day 11: Meru – Ol Pejeta Conservancy (195 km, approx. 4 hr 30 min)
Travel to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, home to endangered black and white rhinos. Afternoon game drive with a visit to the Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Serena Sweetwaters / Ol Pejeta Bush Camp / The River Camp
Day 12: Full Day at Ol Pejeta
Morning and afternoon game drives in Ol Pejeta, with chances to spot the “Big Five” and visit the rhino conservation projects.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Serena Sweetwaters / Ol Pejeta Bush Camp / The River Camp
Day 13: Ol Pejeta – Lake Nakuru (195 km, approx. 4 hrs)
Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for rhinos and diverse birdlife. Afternoon game drive.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge / The Cliff
Day 14: Full Day in Lake Nakuru
Explore Lake Nakuru with morning and afternoon game drives. Look out for lions, leopards, giraffes, and the park’s thriving rhino population.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge / The Cliff
Day 15: Lake Nakuru – Masai Mara (221 km, approx. 4 hrs)
Head to the world-famous Masai Mara. Afternoon game drive in search of big cats and other wildlife.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Sarova Mara Game Camp / Mara Serena Safari Lodge / Mara Intrepids / Mara Elatia Camp
Day 16: Full Day in Masai Mara
Spend the day exploring the Mara on game drives. Optional hot-air balloon safari at sunrise (extra cost).
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Sarova Mara Game Camp / Mara Serena Safari Lodge / Mara Intrepids / Mara Elatia Camp
Day 17: Another Full Day in Masai Mara
Enjoy another full day of wildlife viewing in the Masai Mara, home to the “Big Five” and the Great Migration (seasonal).
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Sarova Mara Game Camp / Mara Serena Safari Lodge / Mara Intrepids / Mara Elatia Camp
Day 18: Masai Mara – Nairobi (265 km, approx. 5 hrs)
After breakfast, enjoy a final game drive before returning to Nairobi, where your safari concludes.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Perfect for travelers who want the most complete Kenyan safari experience, this itinerary captures the full essence of the country’s wilderness. From rhino conservation at Ol Pejeta to the predator-rich plains of the Mara, every day brings new wonders. Highly recommended for adventurers, photographers, and anyone seeking the ultimate African journey.