9-Day Luxury Big Kenya Safari
Nine days through Kenya's best sites: the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli and Tsavo West. Every tour is customisable: we can add or remove days, mix accommodation levels and more.
- Duration
- 9 days
- Route
- Nairobi → Masai Mara → Lake Nakuru → Lake Naivasha → Amboseli → Tsavo West → Nairobi
- Best for
- Wildlife enthusiasts, Luxury travellers
- From
- US$4,890 pp
Highlights
- Masai Mara game drives
- Lake Nakuru rhino sanctuary
- Lake Naivasha birdlife
- Amboseli elephants and Kilimanjaro views
- Tsavo West: Mzima Springs and the Roaring Rocks
- Destinations
- Nairobi · Maasai Mara National Reserve · Samburu National Reserve · Amboseli National Park · Lake Nakuru National Park · Lake Naivasha (Naivasha) · Tsavo West National Park
- Minimum group
- 1 person
Day-by-day itinerary
Nairobi/Masai Mara
An early morning drive to Maasai Mara National Reserve, it holds on as one of the few places left on earth where wildlife still lives comparatively undisturbed, in the numbers that once roamed the plains and forests of Africa. As the northern tip of the vast Serengeti ecosystem, the Mara hosts the spectacular seasonal migration of many thousands of Wildebeest, Zebras and attendant predators. Arrive in time for lunch then have an afternoon game drive.
Masai Mara National Reserve
After breakfast we have a full day game drive, with packed lunch provided. The reserve is well known for its black- manned lion, as well as its abundant resident wildlife and its one of the few places where it's possible to see the big five during a morning's game drive. Many of the cheetahs are so tame they seek shelter from the hot sun under one's vehicle and several even climb onto the roof to get better view of prospective prey. For the bird enthusiast, almost 500 species have been recorded: among these 16 species of eagle, plus many hawks and falcons, 6 species of vultures, 8 species of storks 4 of bustard (including the Kori bustard, the world's heaviest flying bird), and 9 species of sun birds.
Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru
An early morning pick up then drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, across the equator, southwards of Bogoria, lies the Rift Valley most famous Lake Nakuru. Known all over the world for its flamingoes, it's alkaline and is recognized as being one of the natural wonders of the world. Lake Nakuru is now a rhino sanctuary, harboring a population of over 40 black and over 60 white rhinos, but the flamingoes, of course, have always been the main attraction. At times there may be almost 2million flamingoes in the residence, forming a stunningly beautiful deep pink band around the edge of the lake shore. Arrive in time for lunch then have an afternoon game drive.
Lake Naivasha National Park
An early morning drive to Lake Naivasha, it is the highest and the most beautiful of the Rift Valley lakes. At 1910m (6200f), the water is fresh and the lake is fringed with dense clumps of papyrus (ancient Egyptian once used this to make paper). Kingfishers use the papyrus as a perch, herons hide in it while searching for food. Naivasha is yet another area popular for bird watching (over 400species have been recorded). It is also a favorite weekend retreat for Nairobi residents, who come here to sail, water ski and fish. There are no crocodiles in the lake as the water is too cold for them, due to altitude but there are a number of hippos. Along the lake shore, vineyards produce grapes for the country's fledging wine industry.
Amboseli National Park
Early Morning start and drive to Amboseli National Park, check in at your accommodation, day spent at leisure. Amboseli National Park is situated due south of Nairobi, Most of the park consist of a dry, ancient lake bed and fragile grassland with patches of acacia woodland, while in the southern area there is a number of small, rocky, volcanic hills. Around the swamps Ol Okenya, Ol Tukai and Enkongo Narok, the vegetation is lush with yellow barked acacias and phoenix palms.
Amboseli National Park
Rising early for good views of Mount Kilimanjaro before clouds build up over the summit with packed lunch provided, an Optional visit to a Masai village can be planned after breakfast. A visit reveals the singing and dancing that are part of their daily lives and sacred rituals. A glimpse into their homes and social structure is a poignant experience. Despite its changing habitat, Amboseli National Park is possibly the best wildlife area In the whole of Africa to experience elephants at close range. Left unharassed by poachers, elephants feeding and bathing in the swamps must form the highlights of any Safari.
Tsavo West National Park
We depart by road for Tsavo West National Park. Arrive in time for lunch then an optional afternoon or evening game drive. Tsavo West is the most visited section in Tsavo National Park, offering many attractions apart from its wildlife. The foremost is the famous Mzima Springs where up to 227.3 million liters of cool crystal clear water flows out of the ground through porous volcanic rocks. The water is believed to originate from Chuyulu Hills, via an underground river.
Tsavo West National Park
After breakfast, we have a full day game drive, packed lunch provided. Other interesting places to visit are the Roaring Rocks, which get their name from the wind that hurtles through them. From here there are wonderful views over Tsavo from the top of a 98m rock face; similar views can be experienced from the poachers lookout. The volcanic Chaimu Crater, less Than 200years old and composed of black coke, is worth visiting and can be climbed if one is interested. The area is a good place to look out for klipspringer, a small antelope that's as agile as its swahili name mbuzi mawe(mountain goat). In the south west corner of Tsavo West is Lake Jipe, which has the Kenyan-Tanzanian border running through it.
Tsavo West to Nairobi
Depart for a morning game drive after breakfast. Depart to Nairobi late in the morning. Lunch en route.
What's included
- Park fees (For non-residents)
- All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinking water (On all days)
Not included
- International flights (From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips
- Personal items (travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Good to know
This tour starts and ends in Nairobi
This tour starts and ends in Nairobi
This operator can help to book flight ticket
This operator can help to book flight ticket
Fly to/from Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO - Check price) in Nai…
Fly to/from Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO - Check price) in Nairobi
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour c…
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
Prices are per person based on two travellers sharing and depend on season, lodge choice and group size. Solo travellers, families and groups are welcome; ask us for an exact quote. Itineraries can be changed to suit you.
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