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4.8/5

Based on 133+ reviews

8-Day Kenya Classic Wildlife & Birding Safari

From $2,484.00 USD* / 8 days

Experience the incredible diversity of Kenya on an unforgettable 8-day safari combining vibrant city experiences, beautiful landscapes, and exceptional wildlife viewing. This carefully designed Kenya Wildlife Tours itinerary begins in Nairobi with a peaceful nature experience at Karura Forest, where you can explore scenic trails, indigenous vegetation, and the forest’s tranquil surroundings. On Day 2, travel from Nairobi to Amboseli National Park, one of Kenya’s most iconic wildlife destinations, renowned for its open plains, large elephant herds, and spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Day 3 is dedicated to exploring Amboseli with morning and afternoon game drives, offering opportunities to see elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, and numerous bird species. On Day 4, continue your journey towards Lake Naivasha in the Great Rift Valley, enjoying scenic landscapes along the way and a relaxing evening near the lake. Day 5 takes you from Lake Naivasha to Lake Nakuru National Park, where you can enjoy a game drive and discover the park’s rich wildlife, including rhinos, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, and diverse birdlife. On Day 6, travel onward to the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve, arriving in time for an afternoon game drive across its vast grasslands. Day 7 provides a full day to explore the Masai Mara, with exciting game drives offering opportunities to encounter some of Africa’s most famous wildlife, including lions, elephants, cheetahs, leopards, buffaloes, and giraffes. The reserve’s scenic plains also provide an unforgettable setting for photography and wildlife observation. On Day 8, enjoy your final journey from the Masai Mara back to Nairobi, taking in the changing landscapes before arriving in the capital. From the forests of Nairobi and the dramatic scenery of Amboseli to the peaceful lakes of the Rift Valley and the wildlife-rich plains of the Masai Mara, this Kenya Wildlife Tours itinerary offers a well-rounded safari experience for travelers seeking nature, wildlife, scenery, and memorable encounters across some of Kenya’s most celebrated destinations.

Itinerary

Exploring all that Africa has to offer is a dream for many. From epic Kenya safari adventures spotting Africa’s Big Five, going on a Gorilla trekking in Uganda or relaxing at Diani Beach: Africa has it all. Good news: Africa Safari Trips can build a custom-made itinerary that suits all your wishes.

Our most popular itineraries can help you find some inspiration. A lot of our clients love to end their exciting safari with a few days of relaxation on Africa’s most stunning beaches. Would you like that as well?

Whether you choose one of our popular itineraries or prefer to customize your journey, we are here to assist you. Come aboard and get ready to explore Africa at your own pace, exactly the way you like it!

Day 1

Arrival in Nairobi | Karura Forest Nature Experience

Arrive in Nairobi and meet our representative for your transfer to your hotel. After settling in and enjoying some time to relax, begin your Kenya Wildlife Tours experience with a visit to Karura Forest, one of Nairobi’s most beautiful natural areas.

Enjoy a guided nature walk through the forest, following peaceful trails surrounded by indigenous trees and lush vegetation. Keep an eye out for different bird species, butterflies, monkeys and other small wildlife that inhabit the forest. Karura also provides an excellent opportunity to experience Kenya’s natural environment without leaving the city.

The forest’s tranquil atmosphere makes it a perfect introduction to the diverse landscapes and wildlife you will encounter during the rest of your safari. After the nature experience, return to the hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening.

Activities:

Accommodations:

  • Platinum Pullman Nairobi

Day 2

Nairobi – Amboseli National Park

After breakfast, depart Nairobi and travel south towards Amboseli National Park. Enjoy the changing scenery as you leave the city behind and travel through rural landscapes towards one of Kenya’s most iconic wildlife destinations.

Arrive at Ol Tukai Lodge for lunch before setting out on your first afternoon game drive. Amboseli is famous for its large elephant herds and spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days. The park’s open plains, wetlands and seasonal marshes create an ideal habitat for a wide range of wildlife and bird species.

During your game drive, look out for elephants, lions, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, hippos and numerous bird species. Your guide will help you identify wildlife and explain the behavior and habitats of the animals encountered.

As the afternoon progresses, enjoy the beautiful scenery and the opportunity to photograph elephants against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro before returning to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Activities:

Accommodations:

  • Platinum Ol Tukai Lodge

Day 3

Amboseli National Park

Spend the entire day exploring Amboseli National Park on an exciting wildlife and birding safari. Begin with an early morning game drive, when temperatures are cooler and wildlife is often most active.

Explore the park’s expansive grasslands, wetlands and seasonal habitats while searching for elephants, lions, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes and other plains game. The park is particularly rewarding for birdwatchers, with opportunities to spot eagles, herons, storks, kingfishers, flamingos and many other species depending on the season.

Your guide will take you through different areas of the park in search of wildlife activity and good photography opportunities. You may enjoy a picnic lunch in the park or return to the lodge for lunch before continuing with an afternoon game drive.

As the day comes to an end, return to Ol Tukai Lodge for dinner and relaxation.

Activities:

Accommodations:

  • Platinum Ol Tukai

Day 4

Amboseli – Lake Naivasha

After breakfast, leave Amboseli and travel towards Lake Naivasha through scenic Kenyan countryside. The journey takes you towards the Great Rift Valley, where changing landscapes provide excellent opportunities for sightseeing and photography.

Arrive at Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort for lunch before beginning your afternoon activities. Take a relaxing boat ride across Lake Naivasha, one of Kenya’s most beautiful freshwater lakes. During the excursion, look for hippos in the water and African fish eagles, pelicans, herons and other waterbirds along the shoreline.

Continue to Crescent Island for a guided walking safari. This unique experience allows you to explore the area on foot among wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and antelopes. Without the need to remain inside a vehicle, you can enjoy a closer appreciation of the landscape and wildlife.

After the activities, return to Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort for dinner and overnight.

Activities:

Accommodations:

  • Platinum Naivasha Sopa

Day 5

Lake Naivasha – Lake Nakuru National Park

After breakfast, depart Lake Naivasha and continue through the Great Rift Valley towards Lake Nakuru National Park. Upon arrival, begin your wildlife exploration of one of Kenya’s most important rhino and birding destinations.

Enjoy a game drive through the park’s grasslands, woodlands and areas surrounding Lake Nakuru. The park offers excellent opportunities to see white rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, buffaloes, zebras and, with some luck, lions and leopards.

Lake Nakuru is also an important birding destination. Keep watch for pelicans, flamingos, cormorants, storks, eagles and numerous other water and woodland species. Your guide will help you identify different birds and explain the ecological importance of the lake and surrounding habitats.

Continue your game drive before heading to Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge for dinner and relaxation.

Activities:

Accommodations:

  • Platinum Nakuru Sopa

Day 6

Lake Nakuru – Masai Mara

After breakfast, depart Lake Nakuru and travel towards the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve. As you leave the Great Rift Valley, the scenery gradually changes into expansive savannah landscapes that form the heart of Kenya’s wildlife country.

Arrive at PrideInn Mara Camp for lunch before heading out for your first afternoon game drive. The Masai Mara is renowned for its exceptional wildlife diversity and is one of the best places in Kenya to search for the Big Five.

Explore the open plains in search of lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras and wildebeest. The reserve also supports a wide range of bird species, including vultures, eagles, storks, rollers, raptors and many other savannah birds.

Enjoy the changing colors of the Mara landscape during the afternoon before returning to camp for dinner and overnight.

Activities:

Accommodations:

  • Platinum Pride inn Mara

Day 7

Masai Mara National Reserve

Enjoy a full day of wildlife viewing in the Masai Mara. Begin with an early morning game drive when temperatures are cooler and wildlife activity is often at its highest.

Explore the reserve’s vast grasslands, riverine areas and different wildlife habitats. Search for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras and wildebeest while your guide looks for interesting wildlife activity and photographic opportunities.

The Mara is also an excellent destination for birdwatching. Keep your eyes on the skies and surrounding vegetation for eagles, vultures, storks, rollers, secretary birds and other species. Your guide can assist with identifying birds as you explore the reserve.

Depending on wildlife movements and seasonal conditions, you may also explore areas around the Mara River, particularly during the wildebeest migration season.

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the reserve before continuing your afternoon game drive. Later, return to PrideInn Mara Camp for dinner and your final night in the Mara.

Activities:

Accommodations:

  • Platinum Pride inn Mara

Day 8

Masai Mara – Nairobi

Wake up early and enjoy a final opportunity to experience the Masai Mara before beginning your journey back to Nairobi. If time permits, take a short morning game drive as you leave the reserve, keeping watch for wildlife becoming active during the cooler morning hours.

Continue your journey towards Nairobi, enjoying the changing scenery along the way. Upon arrival in the city, enjoy a memorable farewell lunch at Carnivore Restaurant, one of Nairobi’s well-known dining experiences.

After lunch, your Kenya Wildlife Tours experience comes to an end. You will be transferred to your hotel, the airport or another preferred drop-off point, depending on your onward travel arrangements.