10 Days, 9 Nights Ultimate Kenyan Safari: Tsavo, Amboseli, Naivasha, Masai Mara, and Nakuru

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your driver-guide and transferred to Tsavo West National Park. The journey offers a scenic drive through Kenya’s diverse landscapes. Upon arrival, check into Ashnil Aruba Lodge, nestled within the park’s stunning scenery. Later in the day, embark on your first thrilling evening game drive to explore Tsavo West’s rich wildlife, including the iconic “red elephants” and the park’s vast open plains.

Your day begins with an early morning game drive, the best time to catch the wildlife at its most active. Tsavo West is renowned for its diverse landscapes, including volcanic hills, rolling plains, and natural springs. One of the highlights of the day will be a visit to Mzima Springs, where you can view hippos and crocodiles in the crystal-clear waters. After lunch and some relaxation, venture out again for an afternoon game drive, taking in more of the park’s incredible fauna and flora.

After an early morning game drive to soak in the last of Tsavo’s beauty, you will be transferred to Amboseli National Park. Known for its large elephant herds and views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli offers a different landscape and wildlife experience. After checking into the Amboseli Serena Lodge and having lunch, head out for an afternoon game drive to witness the park’s varied wildlife, including elephants, lions, and more, all set against the stunning backdrop of Africa’s tallest peak.

Spend a full day exploring the diverse habitats of Amboseli National Park. With morning and afternoon game drives, you will have ample opportunities to observe the park’s iconic elephant herds, as well as lions, cheetahs, and a variety of bird species. The vast open plains and swamps make game viewing in Amboseli both exciting and rewarding. For a cultural experience, you have the option to visit a nearby Maasai Village (at an additional cost) to learn about the traditions and lifestyle of the Maasai people.

Start your day with an early morning game drive, capturing the breathtaking sight of the sunrise over Mount Kilimanjaro. After breakfast, you will be transferred to Lake Naivasha, a beautiful freshwater lake located in the Great Rift Valley. Upon arrival, check into the Lake Naivasha Country Club. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, with the option to go on a boat ride (additional cost) to explore the lake and its rich birdlife, including pelicans and fish eagles, as well as hippos basking in the water.

After breakfast, depart for the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve. The journey takes you through diverse landscapes, and upon arrival, you will check into the Mara Serena Lodge. After some relaxation, embark on an evening game drive in this vast reserve, home to an abundance of wildlife, including the Big Five—lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, and leopards. The reserve’s rolling plains offer endless opportunities for wildlife sightings and photography.

Today is dedicated to a full day of game viewing in the Masai Mara. With the option of a hot air balloon safari at dawn (additional cost), you can start your day by soaring over the plains, followed by a champagne breakfast. The day’s game drives take you across the Mara’s diverse landscapes, where you can witness the Great Migration (seasonal) and spot a variety of wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the African wilderness before returning to the lodge for dinner.

Another exciting day awaits in the Masai Mara. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives to explore different areas of the reserve, each offering unique wildlife encounters. You also have the option to visit a Maasai Village (additional cost) for a cultural insight into the Maasai community. Your guide will take you to the prime locations for wildlife sightings, ensuring you get the most out of your safari experience.

After an early morning game drive and breakfast, bid farewell to the Masai Mara and transfer to Lake Nakuru National Park. Upon arrival, check into the Sarova Lion Hill Lodge. In the afternoon, embark on an evening game drive around Lake Nakuru, famous for its large populations of flamingos that color the lake’s shores pink. The park is also a sanctuary for endangered black and white rhinos, offering a chance to spot these majestic creatures up close.

Begin your final day with a morning game drive in Lake Nakuru to capture any last wildlife sightings. After breakfast, prepare for your journey back to Nairobi. Arrive in Nairobi in the afternoon, where you will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure, marking the end of an unforgettable Kenyan safari adventure.