Begin your Premium Kenya Safari with a warm welcome at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where you will meet our representative before departing Nairobi for the scenic Great Rift Valley. Travel towards the beautiful shores of Lake Naivasha, enjoying the changing landscapes and highland scenery along the way.
Upon arrival, settle into Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort, where the peaceful surroundings offer opportunities to observe a variety of bird species within the lush grounds. The area is also home to wildlife such as waterbuck and warthogs, adding to the natural character of your stay.
For an additional experience, you can take an optional one-hour boat safari on Lake Naivasha. This relaxing excursion offers the chance to see hippos in and around the water while enjoying panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding Rift Valley landscapes.
Later in the afternoon, visit Crescent Island for an optional walking safari. Accompanied by a guide, explore the island on foot while looking out for giraffes, zebras, antelopes and other wildlife in their natural surroundings. Lake Naivasha is also an excellent destination for bird enthusiasts, with numerous species frequently seen around the lake and lodge grounds.
After your day’s activities, return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Main Destination: Lake Naivasha
Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort
After breakfast at the lodge, check out and continue your Premium Kenya Safari with a late-morning drive from Lake Naivasha to Lake Nakuru National Park. The journey takes you through the scenic landscapes of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley as you make your way towards one of the country’s renowned wildlife destinations.
Lake Nakuru National Park surrounds the beautiful alkaline Lake Nakuru and supports a diverse range of habitats, from open grasslands and woodland to the lakeshore environment. The lake is well known for its birdlife, with flamingos and other waterbirds often providing memorable sightings. The park is also an important sanctuary for both black and white rhinos, giving you an excellent opportunity to look for these magnificent animals during your visit.
Upon arrival, proceed to your lodge for check-in and lunch. After some time to relax, head out for an afternoon game drive through the park. Your safari guide will take you through different areas in search of wildlife, with opportunities to see giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, water-associated species and rhinos. Keep an eye on the surrounding trees and skies as the park is also home to a wide variety of bird species.
During the game drive, you will also have the opportunity to stop near the shores of Lake Nakuru for a closer look at the birdlife and enjoy the scenic surroundings. The combination of wildlife, lake views and Rift Valley landscapes makes this a rewarding part of your Premium Kenya Safari.
After the afternoon exploration, return to Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Main Destination: Lake Nakuru National Park
Best Time To Visit: June to February – generally favorable for wildlife viewing with less rainfall
High Season: July to February – the park can experience higher visitor numbers
Best Weather: June to February – generally drier conditions
Wildlife: Giraffe, white rhino, buffalo, zebra and hippo are commonly encountered, while black rhino sightings are possible.
Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge
Rise early for breakfast before checking out and beginning the drive from Lake Nakuru towards the famous Masai Mara National Reserve. The journey takes you through Kenya’s scenic countryside and across the Great Rift Valley before continuing towards the rolling grasslands of the Mara ecosystem.
The Masai Mara is renowned for its diverse wildlife and expansive savannah landscapes. It is home to large populations of resident animals, while the annual wildebeest migration usually takes place between July and October. Depending on the season and current conditions, you may encounter wildebeest, zebras, gazelles and a variety of predators.
Upon arrival in the Mara, continue to your accommodation, Ilkeliani Camp, a luxury tented camp situated just outside the reserve. After checking in and enjoying lunch, take some time to relax before heading out for your first afternoon game drive in the Mara.
As you explore the reserve, your guide will help you search for wildlife across the open plains, riverine areas and acacia-dotted landscapes. The Mara offers opportunities to see elephants, giraffes, lions, cheetahs, zebras, wildebeest, gazelles and many other species. Sightings vary according to location, season and animal movements.
The afternoon is also an excellent time to appreciate the changing scenery as the sun begins to lower over the savannah. Your guide will select suitable areas for wildlife viewing while ensuring you have time to enjoy the experience.
After the game drive, return to Ilkeliani Camp for dinner and overnight accommodation.
Main Destination: Masai Mara National Reserve
Accommodation: Ilkeliani Camp
Wake before sunrise for an early morning game drive through the Masai Mara National Reserve. The early hours provide an excellent opportunity for wildlife viewing as many animals are active before the day becomes warmer. Your guide will drive through different sections of the reserve in search of wildlife and scenic locations.
The Mara is particularly known for its large cats, and with some luck you may encounter lions, cheetahs and other predators. Lion prides may sometimes be seen resting or moving across the plains, while cubs may be present depending on the location and time of year. You may also encounter elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and gazelles during the drive.
Return to camp for breakfast and some time to relax. You can then choose to participate in an optional hot-air balloon safari, available at an additional cost. A balloon flight offers a different perspective of the Mara’s open plains and wildlife habitats.
Another optional experience is a visit to a Maasai village, where you can learn more about local traditions, cultural practices and daily life. This activity is available at an additional cost.
Later, enjoy lunch at the camp before heading out for an afternoon game drive. Continue exploring the reserve with your guide, taking advantage of the cooler afternoon conditions to search for wildlife and enjoy the changing colors of the Mara landscape.
As evening approaches, return to Ilkeliani Camp for dinner and your final overnight stay. Relax around camp and reflect on the wildlife experiences from your Premium Kenya Safari.
Main Destination: Masai Mara National Reserve
Accommodation: Ilkeliani Camp
Wake up early and enjoy your final morning in the Masai Mara. After breakfast, check out from Ilkeliani Camp and begin your journey back to Nairobi.
The drive provides one last opportunity to enjoy the changing scenery as you leave the Mara’s open savannahs and travel through the Kenyan countryside. Depending on your departure schedule, your guide can make suitable stops along the way for refreshments, photographs or short breaks.
Continue towards Nairobi, arriving in the afternoon. On arrival in the city, you will be transferred to your preferred drop-off point, either your hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), depending on your onward travel arrangements.
Your Premium Kenya Safari comes to an end after five days of exploring some of Kenya’s most scenic destinations, from the freshwater shores of Lake Naivasha and the wildlife-rich landscapes of Lake Nakuru to the expansive savannahs of the Masai Mara.
Main Destination: Nairobi
