SAFARI AT A GLANCE
9 Days Essence of Safari
Embark on an unforgettable 9-day safari adventure through Kenya’s most captivating landscapes. From the legendary plains of the Masai Mara, where wildlife roams freely, to the tranquil waters of Lake Naivasha and the towering silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro,this itinerary combines classic game viewing with breathtaking scenery, adventure, and relaxation.
Detailed Safari
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi - Masai Mara
Pick up from your Nairobi hotel or from the airport by your professional driver/guide.After a short safari briefing,depart for the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve,driving through the Great Rift Valley with a stop at the escarpment viewpoint for a panoramic view of the valley below. Arrive at Talek Bush Camp in time for lunch and a brief rest before your first evening game drive across the rolling plains of the Mara. The reserve teems with wildlife; elephants, lions, cheetahs, zebras, and more. Return to the camp as the sun sets over the savannah.
Accommodation: Talek Bush Camp or equivalent.
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner & Breakfast
Days 2-3: Full Days in Masai Mara National Reserve
Spend the next two days exploring the incredible Masai Mara, one of Africa’s richest wildlife habitats. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives or opt for a full-day excursion with packed lunch boxes to make the most of your experience. The Mara offers the opportunity to spot the famed Big Five; lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, and elephant, along with countless other species. During the migration season (July to October), witness the awe-inspiring river crossings as thousands of wildebeest and zebras thunder across the Mara River.
Optional activities include a visit to a traditional Maasai village or a breathtaking hot-air balloon safari at sunrise (at an extra cost).
Accommodation: Talek Bush Camp
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner & Breakfast
Days 4: Masai Mara - Lake Naivasha
After breakfast, depart the Mara and travel across the scenic Rift Valley to Lake Naivasha, one of Kenya’s most beautiful freshwater lakes. Arrive at Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge in time for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on the lake to view hippos and a variety of bird species. Continue to Crescent Island, a peaceful sanctuary where giraffes, zebras, and antelopes roam freely. Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation.
Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner & Breakfast
Day 5: Mount Longonot Hike - Lake Naivasha
After an early breakfast, drive to Mount Longonot National Park for an invigorating hike up the dormant volcano. The trek (3-5 hours) takes you through lush vegetation and offers breathtaking views of the Great Rift Valley and the crater floor below. Return to the lodge for lunch, followed by a relaxing afternoon by the lake or optional cycling in Hell’s Gate National Park.
Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner & Breakfast
Day 6: Lake Naivasha - Lake Nakuru National Park
After breakfast, depart for Lake Nakuru National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its flamingos, rhinos, and scenic landscapes. Arrive for a mid-morning game drive in search of lions, leopards, Rothschild’s giraffes, and both black and white rhinos. Enjoy a hot meal at Lake Nakuru Lodge, followed by an afternoon game drive around the lake’s shores and around Makalia falls in search of the Big Games.
Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner & Breakfast
Day 8: Full Day in Amboseli National Park
Spend the entire day exploring Amboseli’s varied landscapes of swamps, acacia woodlands, and open plains. Enjoy both morning and evening game drives as you search for lions, elephants, cheetahs, and giraffes silhouetted against the snowy peaks of Kilimanjaro. Between game drives, relax at your lodge and soak in the serene atmosphere.
Accommodation: Amboseli Sopa Lodge / Sentrim Amboseli
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner & Breakfast
Day 9: Amboseli - Nairobi
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before departing Amboseli for Nairobi. Arrive in the capital in time for lunch at the world-famous Carnivore Restaurant. Depending on your flight schedule, after lunch you can enjoy a guided visit to the renowned Fairview Coffee Estate. Stroll through the lush coffee plantations, learn about the cultivation and harvesting process, and discover how coffee beans are processed from farm to cup. The visit also includes a tasting of freshly roasted coffee and a chance to explore the estate’s charming grounds, gardens, and boutique shop, before your transfer to the airport. Drop-off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for your homebound flight
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Safari Includes:
- Transport in a 4×4 safari cruiser with pop-up roof
- Services of a professional English-speaking driver/guide
- Full-board accommodation on safari
- All park entry fees and government taxes
- Bottled mineral water during safari (3L per person per day)
- All airport and hotel transfers
- Coffee Farm Visit
Safari Excludes:
- International flights
- Visa fees and travel insurance
- Optional activities (Maasai village visit, balloon safari, etc.)
- Drinks, laundry, tips, and personal expenses
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
