Kenya Wildlife Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Welcome to Kenya

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, a friendly representative from Kagera Safaris will warmly receive you. You will be transferred to your hotel for check-in, where you can relax and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.

Overnight in Nairobi.

Day 2: Drive to Samburu National Reserve

After breakfast, begin your Kenya wildlife safari with a scenic drive to Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya. The reserve features a semi-arid landscape with volcanic hills, desert plains, and the life-giving Ewaso Ng’iro River. Its unique ecosystem attracts rare northern species not commonly seen elsewhere in Kenya.

Overnight at a lodge in Samburu.

Day 3: Full-Day Game Viewing in Samburu

Rise early for a morning game drive, when wildlife is most active. Look out for unique species like the Gerenuk, Beisa Oryx, Somali Ostrich, Grevy’s Zebra, and Reticulated Giraffe. After brunch at the lodge, enjoy an optional visit to a local Samburu village to learn about their rich nomadic traditions. In the evening, head out for another game drive as the sun sets and nocturnal predators become active.

Overnight in Samburu.

Day 4: Transfer to Lake Nakuru National Park

Today, travel to Lake Nakuru National Park, a beautiful reserve centered around a shallow alkaline lake famous for its large population of pink flamingos. The park is also a sanctuary for both black and white rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, leopards, lions, and more. The scenic landscape is dotted with yellow-barked acacia trees and diverse birdlife.

Overnight at a lodge near Lake Nakuru.

Day 5: Drive to Masai Mara National Reserve

After breakfast, journey to the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve, home to one of Africa’s greatest wildlife spectacles—the annual migration of wildebeest and zebra. On arrival, check into your safari camp and enjoy lunch. An afternoon game drive introduces you to the Mara’s rich wildlife, including lion, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, and more.

Overnight at Mara Sarova Camp or similar.

Day 6: Full-Day Safari in Masai Mara

Spend the day exploring Masai Mara, one of Africa’s premier safari destinations. Enjoy morning and evening game drives, with chances to see cheetahs, black-maned lions, leopards, and vast herds of herbivores. The Mara is part of the greater Serengeti ecosystem, making it an ideal spot to witness the Great Migration (seasonal: July–October). Optional balloon safari available on request.

Overnight in Masai Mara.

Day 7: Transfer to Lake Naivasha & Boat Ride

After breakfast, drive to Lake Naivasha, a serene freshwater lake surrounded by rich vegetation and home to hippos and numerous bird species. After check-in and lunch at your lakeside lodge, enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the lake, where you can observe hippos and fish eagles up close.

Overnight at Naivasha Sopa Resort.

Day 8: Drive to Amboseli National Park

Depart after breakfast for Amboseli National Park, located at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch and some rest before heading out on a scenic game drive. Amboseli is famed for its large elephant herds and breathtaking views of Africa’s tallest mountain. Watch for elephants silhouetted against Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak – a favorite sight for photographers.

Overnight at a lodge in Amboseli.

Day 9: Explore Amboseli National Park

Enjoy a full day of wildlife viewing in Amboseli. Morning and afternoon game drives offer chances to see elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and various bird species. Between the drives, you may visit a traditional Maasai village to learn about their pastoralist lifestyle and vibrant culture.

Overnight in Amboseli.

Day 10: Return to Nairobi & Departure

After an early breakfast, check out and begin your journey back to Nairobi with a packed picnic lunch en route. Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in time for your departure flight, marking the end of a thrilling and enriching Kenya wildlife safari.