Day 1: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve
Begin your safari with an early morning pickup from Nairobi. Travel north, passing through fertile farmlands and crossing the Equator, a perfect photo opportunity. Stop briefly at the town of Nanyuki before continuing to Samburu.
Arrive at Samburu Sopa Lodge for lunch, then head out for your first afternoon game drive. Explore the semi-arid landscapes of the northern plains and spot the Samburu Special Five: reticulated giraffes, Grevy’s zebras, Beisa oryx, gerenuks, and Somali ostriches. Elephants, lions, and crocodiles are also commonly seen along the Ewaso Nyiro River. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight, enjoying the peaceful northern wilderness.
Accommodation: Samburu Sopa Lodge
Day 2: Full-Day Safari in Samburu
Spend a full day in Samburu, with morning and afternoon game drives that cover the reserve’s diverse habitats. The early morning drive provides excellent opportunities to photograph predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards, while the afternoon offers sightings of elephants, zebras, and rare antelope species. Birdwatchers can enjoy the colourful vulturine guineafowl, bateleur eagles, and kingfishers. Between drives, relax at the lodge and enjoy lunch with views of the surrounding bush. Dinner and overnight at Samburu Sopa Lodge.
Accommodation: Samburu Sopa Lodge
Day 3: Samburu to Lake Nakuru National Park
After breakfast, depart Samburu and stop at Thomson’s Falls, a stunning 74-meter waterfall surrounded by misty cliffs, for photos and a short break. Continue to the Rift Valley and arrive at Lake Nakuru Lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon, embark on a game drive at Lake Nakuru National Park. Famous for its pink flamingos, pelicans, and rhino sanctuary, the park is also home to lions, leopards, giraffes, and buffalo. Watch the sun set over the shimmering lake and rolling hills, providing spectacular photo opportunities. Dinner and overnight at Lake Nakuru Lodge.
Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Lodge
Day 4: Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara
Enjoy a morning game drive to spot flamingos, rhinos, and other wildlife before departing for the Masai Mara National Reserve. Stop along the way for a picnic lunch and enjoy the scenic landscapes of the Rift Valley.
Arrive in the Masai Mara by early evening and take a short game drive to get your first glimpse of the Mara’s abundant wildlife. Check into Mara Sopa Lodge for dinner and overnight. The Mara’s vast savannahs are home to Big Five species and, during July–October, dramatic river crossings of the Great Migration.
Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge
Days 5 & 6: Full-Day Game Drives in Maasai Mara
Spend two full days exploring the legendary Masai Mara, known for its endless plains and incredible wildlife concentrations. Begin early mornings with game drives to catch predators in action, then enjoy picnic lunches in the bush. Afternoon drives explore different regions of the Mara, including the Mara River and the Talek area.
Expect sightings of lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, cheetahs, hyenas, and giraffes. Bird enthusiasts can spot over 450 bird species. Evening relaxation at the lodge offers the perfect way to reflect on your day in the wild. Both nights are spent at Mara Sopa Lodge, offering comfortable accommodations amidst the savannah.
Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge
Day 7: Maasai Mara to Lake Naivasha
After breakfast, optionally visit a Maasai village to learn about their rich culture before traveling to Lake Naivasha. Arrive at Naivasha Sopa Lodge for lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring the lake.
Enjoy a boat ride to spot hippos, waterbirds, and the scenic surroundings. Alternatively, take a walking safari on Crescent Island to see giraffes, zebras, and antelopes up close. Dinner and overnight at the lodge, surrounded by the lake’s calm waters and lush vegetation.
Accommodation: Naivasha Sopa Lodge
Day 8: Lake Naivasha to Amboseli National Park
Begin the day with an optional visit to Hell’s Gate National Park, where you can explore its dramatic gorges, cliffs, and geothermal features on foot or by bicycle. Afterwards, depart for Amboseli National Park.
Arrive in the evening at Amboseli Sopa Lodge and settle in for dinner. Amboseli is renowned for its large elephant herds and iconic views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. Evening light provides stunning photography opportunities.
Accommodation: Amboseli Sopa Lodge
Day 9: Full-Day Safari in Amboseli
Spend a full day exploring Amboseli with morning and afternoon game drives. Morning drives are perfect for photographing elephants against Kilimanjaro’s snowcapped summit. Other wildlife includes lions, cheetahs, hyenas, zebras, and wildebeests. Birdwatchers can enjoy more than 400 species recorded in the park. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation: Amboseli Sopa Lodge
Day 10: Amboseli to Nairobi
Enjoy a final morning game drive to capture the last sights of Amboseli’s elephants and landscapes. After breakfast, depart for Nairobi, arriving mid-afternoon. Transfer to your hotel or the airport, concluding a memorable 10-day journey through Kenya’s diverse wildlife, landscapes, and cultures.