9 Days African Wilderness Safari
Safari Introduction
Embark on an unforgettable 9-day safari adventure across some of Kenya’s most iconic and diverse national parks and reserves. This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Kenya’s world-renowned wildlife and spectacular landscapes, including vast savannahs, lakes, and towering mountains. From the famous Masai Mara, home to the Great Migration, to the breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli, and the rugged beauty of Tsavo, each day will bring you closer to nature’s finest.
During this journey, you’ll have the chance to spot the “Big Five”—lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos—along with countless other species of mammals and birds. This safari is a perfect blend of game drives, nature walks, and cultural experiences, with plenty of relaxation time at comfortable lodges and tented camps that immerse you in the beauty of the African wilderness.
Safari Highlights
- Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s most renowned safari destination. Famous for the Great Migration (if visiting during the season) and home to the “Big Five”—lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo
- Lake Nakuru is a birds heaven and also has a sanctuary for both black and white rhinos, and offers excellent sightings of lions, leopards, buffaloes, and the endangered Rothschild giraffe.
- Lake Naivasha is a fresh water lake in the Great Rift Valley, you can enjoy birdwatching, boat ride and guided nature walks.
- Amboseli National Park, set against the majestic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. Amboseli is renowned for its large herds of elephants
- Tsavo West National Park, famed for its rugged terrain, volcanic hills, and breathtaking Mzima Springs, where you can observe hippos and crocodiles in crystal-clear waters.
- Tsavo East National Park, one of the largest parks in Kenya, known for its vast open plains, semi-arid scrublands, and the iconic red elephants.
Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve
Drive: Early morning pick-up in Nairobi, drive to Masai Mara (approx. 5-6 hours)
Lunch: En route or upon arrival at your lodge/camp in Masai Mara
Afternoon game drive: Experience your first game drive in the Mara, searching for the “Big Five” (lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos), along with cheetahs, hyenas, and numerous herbivores such as wildebeests and zebras.
Dinner and overnight: At your lodge or tented camp
Day 2: Full Day in Masai Mara
Early morning game drive: Masai Mara is famous for its wildlife abundance. You’ll enjoy a full day of game viewing, with options for a picnic lunch by the Mara River to witness hippos and crocodiles.
Optional: Hot air balloon safari at dawn (extra cost)
Late afternoon game drive: Explore more areas of the park, observing different species of animals and birdlife.
Dinner and overnight: At your lodge or tented camp
Day 3: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park
Drive: After breakfast, depart Masai Mara and drive to Lake Nakuru (approx. 5 hours)
Lunch: At your lodge upon arrival in Nakuru
Afternoon game drive: Lake Nakuru National Park is known for its large populations of flamingos, pelicans, and other waterbirds, as well as rhinos (both black and white), giraffes, buffaloes, and leopards.
Dinner and overnight: At a lodge near or inside the park
Day 4: Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha
Morning game drive: Explore Lake Nakuru for any wildlife you may have missed, focusing on the large populations of rhinos and diverse bird species.
Drive to Lake Naivasha: Depart for Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake, about 1.5 hours away.
Lunch: At a lakeside resort or lodge
Afternoon: Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Naivasha to spot hippos and many species of waterbirds. Optional nature walk on Crescent Island for close-up encounters with giraffes and zebras.
Dinner and overnight: At a lodge or camp by Lake Naivasha
Day 5: Lake Naivasha to Amboseli National Park
Drive: After breakfast, embark on the journey to Amboseli National Park (approx. 5-6 hours)
Lunch: Upon arrival at your lodge in Amboseli
Afternoon game drive: Enjoy an introductory game drive in Amboseli, where you’ll have amazing views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, and see large herds of elephants, lions, and other wildlife.
Dinner and overnight: At your lodge or camp
Day 6: Full Day in Amboseli National Park
Early morning game drive: Explore the plains of Amboseli, where elephants are often seen walking across the landscape with the majestic Kilimanjaro in the background.
Midday: Relax at your lodge, or visit a nearby Maasai village for a cultural experience (optional).
Late afternoon game drive: Continue to spot wildlife, including cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, and more.
Dinner and overnight: At your lodge or camp
Day 7: Amboseli to Tsavo West National Park
Drive: After breakfast, depart Amboseli for Tsavo West (approx. 2.5-3 hours)
Lunch: At your lodge or camp in Tsavo West
Afternoon game drive: Tsavo West offers a more rugged landscape with volcanic hills, swamps, and rivers. Visit the famous Mzima Springs to see hippos and crocodiles underwater.
Dinner and overnight: At a lodge or tented camp in Tsavo West
Day 8: Tsavo West to Tsavo East National Park
Morning game drive: Explore Tsavo West, focusing on its unique landscapes and wildlife.
Drive to Tsavo East: After lunch, head to Tsavo East National Park, known for its red-dust elephants (approx. 2 hours)
Afternoon game drive: In Tsavo East, spot more wildlife, including elephants, lions, and the chance to see large herds roaming across the open savannah.
Dinner and overnight: At a lodge or camp in Tsavo East
Day 9: Tsavo East National Park to Nairobi or Mombasa
Morning game drive: Your final game drive in Tsavo East, where you can enjoy the vast landscapes and wildlife encounters.
Drive back to Nairobi or transfer to Mombasa: After breakfast, drive back to Nairobi (approx. 5-6 hours) or head to Mombasa (approx. 4 hours) depending on your preference.
Safari Price Includes
- Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel or the airport in Nairobi
- Transport in a comfortable safari vehicle with a pop-up roof.
- Game drives as per itinerary.
- Park entrance fees.
- Full-board accommodation at a safari lodge/camp.
- Services of a professional, English-speaking driver/guide.
- Bottled water.
Safari Price Excludes
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, extra snacks, etc.).
- Optional lodge lunch (can be arranged in advance).
- Tips and gratuities.