20-day Kenya Safari
This 20-day Kenya Grand Safari is the ultimate adventure for travelers who want to experience the country’s most iconic wildlife destinations in depth. Beginning in Nairobi, the journey takes you through the pristine wilderness of Taita Hills, the volcanic landscapes of Tsavo West, and the elephant paradise of Amboseli with Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop. You’ll then explore the scenic beauty of Lake Naivasha before heading north to Samburu and Meru National Parks, home to rare wildlife species found only in this region.
The adventure continues at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a haven for rhinos and chimpanzees, followed by bird-rich Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its flamingos and rhino sightings. Finally, the safari culminates in the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve, where thrilling game drives across the vast savannahs offer opportunities to spot the Big Five and, depending on the season, the Great Wildebeest Migration. With carefully selected lodges and camps, seamless transfers, and expertly guided safaris, this itinerary offers the perfect balance of adventure, luxury, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Activities
20 Days, 19 Nights Kenya Safari Itinerary - Taita Hills Game Sanctuary, Tsavo West, Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Samburu, Meru, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara
Day 1: Nairobi – Taita Hills Game Sanctuary (372 km, approx. 6 hrs)
Begin your safari with a scenic drive from Nairobi to Taita Hills. Arrive in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive where you may spot elephants, buffalos, giraffes, and various antelope species. Evening at leisure.
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Salt Lick Safari Lodge
Day 2: Full Day at Taita Hills Game Sanctuary
Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in this unique private sanctuary, known for its elevated lodges and excellent wildlife viewing. Optional night game drive.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Salt Lick Safari Lodge
Day 3: Taita Hills – Tsavo West (85 km, approx. 1 hr 30 min)
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 4: 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 5: 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 6: 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 7: 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 8: 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 9: 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 10: 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 11: 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 12: 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 13: 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
Day 14: 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
Day 15: 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 16: 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 17: 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 Camp / Mara Serena Safari Lodge / Mara Intrepids / Mara Elatia Camp
Day 18: 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 Camp / Mara Serena Safari Lodge / Mara Intrepids / Mara Elatia Camp
Day 19: 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 Camp / Mara Serena Safari Lodge / Mara Intrepids / Mara Elatia Camp
Day 20: 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
Continue your journey to Tsavo East National Park, one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in Kenya. Explore the park's vast savannahs, home to large herds of elephants, as well as lions, buffaloes, and giraffes. Keep an eye out for the legendary "red elephants" of Tsavo, known for their distinctive coloration.