Kenya’s Best Wilderness Expedition: 9 Days Safari Through Tsavo West, Amboseli, Naivasha, Nakuru, and Masai Mara

Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, where our driver-guide will meet you for the start of your safari adventure. Depending on your arrival time, you will depart for Tsavo West National Park, a journey that introduces you to Kenya’s vast landscapes. Upon arrival, check into your lodge in time for a late lunch. After a brief rest, head out for an evening game drive. Tsavo West is famous for its red-dusted elephants and diverse wildlife, including lions, leopards, and various bird species. Enjoy a sundowner as the sun sets over the park’s dramatic terrain. Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Rise early for a morning game drive to catch the park’s wildlife at their most active. The scenic landscapes of Tsavo West, with its volcanic hills and lush vegetation, provide a stunning backdrop for wildlife viewing. Return to the lodge for breakfast and then visit Mzima Springs, where you’ll see hippos, crocodiles, and aquatic birds in their natural habitat. After lunch and some leisure time at the lodge, embark on another evening game drive to explore different sections of the park. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, check out and drive to Amboseli National Park, a 4-5 hour journey through diverse landscapes. Arrive in Amboseli in time for lunch at your lodge or camp. In the afternoon, set out on a game drive to witness the park’s renowned elephant herds and the stunning backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. As the sun sets, return to your accommodation for dinner. If the weather is clear, enjoy a breathtaking view of Kilimanjaro at sunset from your lodge.

Start your day with an early morning game drive in Amboseli, where you’ll have the best chance of spotting large herds of elephants, lions, cheetahs, and other wildlife. Return to the lodge for breakfast. Later, you may opt for a cultural visit to a Maasai village to learn about their unique way of life (additional cost). After lunch, choose between a leisurely afternoon at the lodge or another game drive. Alternatively, you can opt for a full-day game viewing experience with a picnic lunch in the park. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, depart for Lake Naivasha, a beautiful freshwater lake in the Great Rift Valley. The drive takes approximately 5-6 hours, with scenic views along the way. Arrive at your lodge for a relaxing lunch by the lake. In the afternoon, you can take an optional boat ride on Lake Naivasha (additional cost) to see hippos, various bird species, and possibly giraffes and other wildlife along the shores. Spend a peaceful evening at your lodge, enjoying dinner and the serene surroundings.

Depart for Lake Nakuru National Park after breakfast, a short 1.5-hour drive. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a game drive in Lake Nakuru, famous for its flamingo populations and diverse birdlife. The park is also a sanctuary for black and white rhinos, and you’ll have the opportunity to spot other wildlife, including lions, leopards, and Rothschild giraffes. Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

After an early breakfast, set off for the Masai Mara National Reserve, a journey of approximately 5-6 hours through Kenya’s stunning countryside. Arrive at your lodge or camp in the Masai Mara in time for lunch. In the late afternoon, head out for a game drive in the reserve, known for its incredible wildlife density and diverse ecosystems. The Mara is one of the best places to see the “Big Five” and a myriad of other wildlife species. As the day comes to a close, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Experience a full day of game viewing in the Masai Mara. Begin with an early morning game drive to catch the park’s wildlife at its most active. After breakfast at the lodge, you have the option of taking a hot air balloon safari (additional cost) for a bird’s-eye view of the Mara’s vast plains, followed by a champagne breakfast. Spend the afternoon on another game drive or relax at your lodge. If visiting during the Great Migration (July to October), you’ll witness the dramatic river crossings of wildebeests and zebras. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

After a leisurely breakfast, check out and prepare for your return journey to Nairobi. The drive back to the city takes approximately 5-6 hours. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a final lunch or some last-minute shopping in Nairobi. Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure, marking the end of an unforgettable safari adventure.