The Ultimate 10-Day Kenyan Safari

Your safari adventure begins with a warm reception at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. After a brief orientation and check-in at your hotel, you’ll embark on a scenic drive to Lake Nakuru National Park. This park, set in the heart of the Great Rift Valley, is renowned for its incredible birdlife, including the famed flocks of flamingos that transform the lake into a shimmering pink spectacle. Upon arrival, enjoy your first game drive, where you’ll spot rhinos, giraffes and possibly the elusive leopard. As the sun sets, retreat to your comfortable lodge overlooking the tranquil lake, where a delicious dinner awaits.

After a hearty breakfast, continue your exploration of the Rift Valley with a visit to Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake teeming with life. A boat ride across the lake offers close encounters with pods of hippos and a variety of water birds, such as African fish eagles and cormorants. For those seeking more adventure, a guided walking safari on Crescent Island provides an up-close experience with giraffes, zebras and other grazing animals in a serene, predator-free environment. End your day at a lakeside lodge, where you can relax amidst the soothing sounds of nature.

After breakfast, set off for Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a world-class wildlife conservancy located at the foothills of Mount Kenya. This unique sanctuary is home to the last two northern white rhinos and offers an exceptional Big Five safari experience. Upon arrival, embark on an afternoon game drive to explore the conservancy’s diverse landscapes. Visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the only place in Kenya where you can see rescued chimpanzees. Learn about the conservancy’s groundbreaking conservation efforts before settling into your lodge for the night.

Dedicate this day to delving deeper into Ol Pejeta’s wildlife and conservation initiatives. Morning and afternoon game drives will take you through the conservancy’s plains and woodlands, where you can observe lions, elephants, and rare wild dogs in their natural habitat. For a more intimate experience, opt for a guided walking safari to explore the flora and fauna up close. In the evening, relax at your lodge with stunning views of Mount Kenya as a backdrop, reflecting on the incredible wildlife encounters of the day.

Your journey continues northward to Samburu National Reserve, a strikingly beautiful park characterized by its rugged terrain, palm-fringed rivers, and unique wildlife. Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive, where you’ll encounter the Samburu Special Five; Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx and gerenuk. Watch as herds of elephants and other wildlife congregate near the Ewaso Nyiro River, the lifeblood of this arid region. As night falls, enjoy dinner at your lodge, surrounded by the raw beauty of Samburu.

Spend a full day immersing yourself in Samburu’s unique ecosystems and abundant wildlife. Begin with a sunrise game drive, when predators like lions and cheetahs are most active. Later, take a cultural detour with a visit to a Samburu village, where you’ll learn about the traditions and lifestyle of this proud pastoralist community. In the afternoon, continue your wildlife exploration, searching for rare species and marveling at the dramatic landscapes. Conclude the day with a tranquil evening at your lodge.

Today, make your way to the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve, the crown jewel of Kenya’s safari destinations. Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive, where you’ll be greeted by the awe-inspiring sight of vast savannahs teeming with wildlife. From the Big Five to the swift cheetahs and majestic giraffes, the Mara offers unmatched biodiversity. As the sun sets over the rolling plains, head to your lodge or tented camp for a relaxing evening under the star-studded African sky.

Dedicate this day to exploring the breathtaking landscapes of the Maasai Mara. Morning and afternoon game drives will take you across the park’s varied terrains, providing ample opportunities to spot wildlife. Witness herds of wildebeest and zebras grazing alongside elephants and antelopes. If visiting during the Great Migration season, marvel at the dramatic river crossings. Enhance your experience with an optional hot-air balloon safari, offering panoramic views of the park followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush.

On your final full day in the Mara, enjoy more game drives, perhaps focusing on animals you haven’t seen yet. Spend time photographing the sweeping landscapes and diverse wildlife, or visit a Maasai village for an authentic cultural encounter. End the day with a sundowner in the bush, toasting to the unforgettable moments you’ve experienced during your safari.

After a leisurely breakfast, bid farewell to the Maasai Mara as you embark on a final game drive en route to Nairobi. Enjoy your last glimpses of Kenya’s incredible wildlife and landscapes before arriving back in the capital. Depending on your schedule, you may have time for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Nairobi before being transferred to the airport for your departure flight.