Day 1: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve – Enter the Land of the Special Five
Your Luxury Kenya Safari begins in Nairobi, where you will be greeted by your professional driver-guide at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or your hotel. Step into your private 4×4 Land Cruiser, equipped with Wi-Fi, charging ports, and a stocked minibar, and begin the scenic six-hour journey north.
As the city fades behind you, the landscapes transform into rugged wilderness — rolling hills, dry riverbeds, and semi-arid plains that define northern Kenya. Along the way, you’ll pass traditional Samburu villages, with brightly dressed herders guiding their cattle across the dry savannah.
Arrive at the luxurious Sarova Shaba Game Lodge, set along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River. After check-in and a gourmet lunch, refresh in your riverside suite before embarking on your first game drive in Samburu National Reserve.
This reserve is famous for its “Special Five” — the Grevy’s zebra with its narrow stripes, the reticulated giraffe with its striking coat patterns, the Somali ostrich, the long-necked gerenuk, and the Beisa oryx. Unlike other reserves, Samburu offers exclusivity, fewer crowds, and raw beauty.
As the sun dips low, painting the sky in shades of amber and crimson, return to the lodge. Enjoy a three-course dinner served with fine wine, and fall asleep to the soothing sounds of flowing water and distant calls of wildlife.Accommodation: Sarova Shaba Game Lodge
Day 2: Full-Day Luxury Safari in Samburu
Wake up to the scent of fresh Kenyan coffee and the chorus of birdsong. After a hearty breakfast, set off for a morning game drive at the golden hour, when predators are most active. Watch elephants meander to the riverbanks, spot lions basking in the early light, and marvel at the incredible diversity of birdlife.
Return to the lodge for a gourmet brunch, then take time to unwind by the pool, indulge in a spa treatment, or enjoy a guided nature walk along the river.
In the late afternoon, head back into the reserve for another game drive, this time chasing the dramatic Samburu sunsets. The dry, rugged terrain creates the perfect backdrop for striking photographs. As the sun sets, your guide will prepare a luxury sundowner experience — chilled champagne, canapés, and panoramic views of Samburu’s wilderness.
Dinner is served under a blanket of stars, followed by storytelling around the campfire.
Accommodation: Sarova Shaba Game Lodge – full luxury board
Day 3: Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy – Conservation & Rhinos
After breakfast, drive three hours south to the world-renowned Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a model for conservation success and home to one of the largest populations of black rhinos in East Africa.
Check in at Sweetwaters Serena Camp, where your luxury tented suite overlooks a private waterhole that attracts elephants, buffalo, and even lions. After lunch, embark on an afternoon game drive, where you’ll encounter elephants, giraffes, lions, and cheetahs.
A highlight here is visiting the enclosure of the last two northern white rhinos in the world, an emotional conservation experience. Later in the evening, take part in a night game drive, where you’ll spot nocturnal wildlife such as aardwolves, civets, and leopards under the glow of a spotlight.
Dinner is served in a candlelit dining tent with uninterrupted views of Mount Kenya.Accommodation: Sweetwaters Serena Camp
Day 4: Ol Pejeta to Lake Nakuru – Flamingos and Rhinos
After breakfast, depart for Lake Nakuru National Park, a scenic six-hour journey through the Great Rift Valley. Along the way, stop at breathtaking viewpoints overlooking dramatic escarpments and fertile valleys.
Arrive at Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, a luxury lodge perched above the park with sweeping views of the lake. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon game drive, focusing on the park’s famed flamingos, pelicans, and birdlife.
Visit the Rhino Sanctuary, home to both black and white rhinos, and drive to Baboon Cliff, a dramatic viewpoint offering panoramic views of the lake and surrounding woodlands.
Return for a fine-dining dinner featuring locally sourced ingredients and relax in the lodge’s luxury suites.Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge
Day 5: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara – The Safari Crown Jewel
Today, your Luxury Kenya Safari takes you to the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve. After breakfast, embark on a five-hour drive across scenic highlands and rolling hills.
Arrive at Enkorok Mara Camp, a luxury tented camp blending modern indulgence with safari charm. After lunch, relax with a massage or swim before heading out for your first Mara game drive.
This reserve is known for its incredible wildlife density and diversity. Expect to see elephants grazing in large herds, lions lounging under acacias, cheetahs stalking prey, and hippos in the Mara River.
Return to camp for dinner, followed by Maasai cultural dances around the fire.Accommodation: Enkorok Mara Campv
Day 6: Full-Day Masai Mara – Big Five & Great Migration
Rise early for a sunrise game drive, when the golden light bathes the savannah and predators are on the move. Optional: Experience a hot air balloon safari ($450 per person), followed by a champagne bush breakfast.
Spend the day traversing the Mara plains. From July to October, witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, one of the most spectacular wildlife events on earth. Even outside migration season, the Mara offers superb sightings of lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and more than 450 bird species.
Return to camp for dinner under the stars, with the option to enjoy a private romantic bush dinner.Accommodation: Enkorok Mara Camp
Day 7: Masai Mara to Lake Naivasha – Lakeside Serenity
After breakfast, drive five hours to Lake Naivasha, a tranquil freshwater lake. Check in at Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge, where your suite offers direct views of the lake.
In the afternoon, enjoy a private boat ride on Lake Naivasha, gliding past hippos, pelicans, and kingfishers. Visit Crescent Island for a guided walking safari among giraffes, zebras, and antelope.
Return to the lodge for fine dining and overnight stay.Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge
Day 8: Lake Naivasha to Amboseli – Kilimanjaro Views
After breakfast, depart for Amboseli National Park, a five-hour drive south. Arrive at Kibo Safari Camp, where your luxury tent faces Mount Kilimanjaro.
After lunch, embark on an afternoon game drive. Amboseli is famous for its large herds of elephants, often photographed with Kilimanjaro in the background. You may also spot lions, cheetahs, and wildebeest roaming the plains.
Return for dinner and stargazing by the campfire.Accommodation: Kibo Safari Camp
Day 9: Full-Day Amboseli – Elephants & Big Five
Wake early to catch the best view of Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak. After breakfast, set off for a full-day Amboseli safari.
Game drives take you through swamps where elephants wade, open plains filled with buffalo, and observation points offering panoramic views. Birdwatchers will love spotting over 400 species, including crowned cranes and herons.
Return for dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge.Accommodation: Kibo Safari Camp
Day 10: Amboseli to Nairobi – Safari Farewell
After breakfast, enjoy a final short game drive before departing Amboseli. On the return to Nairobi, take in the last views of Kenya’s breathtaking landscapes.
Arrive by afternoon for a drop-off at your hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, marking the end of your Luxury Kenya Safari.
