11 Days Kenya Wildlife and Birding Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi

Your Kenyan adventure begins with a warm welcome at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where our professional guide will meet you for a seamless transfer to your luxury accommodation in Nairobi. After settling into your elegant surroundings, enjoy a comprehensive safari briefing over afternoon tea, where you’ll receive detailed information about the exciting days ahead, wildlife viewing tips, and essential safari etiquette. The evening is yours to relax and acclimatize, perhaps enjoying a sundowner on your hotel’s terrace while observing the bustling city below. This gentle introduction to Kenya allows you to recover from your international flight while building anticipation for the wildlife spectacles that await you in the coming days.

Accommodation Options: Hemingways Nairobi, Villa Rosa Kempinski, The Sankara Nairobi

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Transfer to Samburu National Reserve

After an early breakfast, embark on a scenic drive north through Kenya’s central highlands, passing pineapple plantations and coffee farms as the landscape gradually transforms into semi-arid savanna. Upon arrival at Samburu National Reserve, check into your luxury tented camp before enjoying a delicious lunch overlooking the Ewaso Ng’iro River. The afternoon brings your first game drive in this remarkable ecosystem, famous for its endemic species including Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and Somali ostrich. As golden light bathes the acacia-dotted landscape, witness the unique adaptations of desert wildlife while your expert guide shares fascinating insights about this special corner of Kenya. The day concludes with sundowners at a scenic viewpoint, watching the sun set over the dramatic Samburu landscape.

Accommodation Options: Saruni Samburu, Elephant Bedroom Camp, Samburu Intrepids Tented Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Full Day Samburu National Reserve

Begin your day with an early morning game drive when wildlife activity is at its peak, as predators make their final hunts and prey animals emerge to drink at the life-giving Ewaso Ng’iro River. The morning light provides exceptional photography opportunities for capturing the unique Samburu species in their natural habitat, including the elegant beisa oryx and the distinctive long-necked gerenuk antelope. After returning to camp for a leisurely brunch, enjoy the midday hours relaxing by the pool or in the spa, perhaps indulging in a traditional Kenyan massage. The afternoon game drive focuses on birding opportunities, with over 450 species recorded in the area, including the spectacular lilac-breasted roller, northern red bishops, and various species of bee-eaters and kingfishers that create a colorful tapestry against the arid landscape.

Accommodation Options: Saruni Samburu, Elephant Bedroom Camp, Samburu Intrepids Tented Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Transfer to Ol Pejeta Conservancy

After breakfast, journey south through the dramatic landscapes of central Kenya toward the renowned Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a pioneering conservation area that represents the perfect marriage of wildlife protection and sustainable tourism. Upon arrival, check into your luxurious accommodation and enjoy lunch while overlooking the conservancy’s vast plains with Mount Kenya providing a spectacular backdrop. The afternoon game drive introduces you to this remarkable 90,000-acre sanctuary, home to the largest population of black rhinos in East Africa and the last two northern white rhinos on Earth. As you explore the diverse habitats ranging from riverine forest to open grassland, encounter massive elephant herds, rare Grevy’s zebras, and an abundance of plains game while learning about the conservancy’s groundbreaking conservation initiatives and community partnerships.

Accommodation Options: Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club, Serena Sweetwaters Tented Camp, Ol Pejeta Bush Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Full Day Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Start your day with a visit to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the only place in Kenya where you can observe these remarkable primates, rescued from across Africa and provided with a safe haven in specially designed enclosures. The morning continues with specialized rhino tracking, offering intimate encounters with both black and white rhinos while learning about the intensive conservation efforts protecting these magnificent creatures from extinction. After lunch at your lodge, embark on an afternoon game drive that combines wildlife viewing with exceptional birding opportunities, as Ol Pejeta’s diverse ecosystems support over 300 bird species including Jackson’s widowbird, red-winged starling, and various species of larks and cisticolas. The day concludes with a visit to the Endangered Species Boma, where you’ll gain deeper insights into conservation breeding programs and anti-poaching efforts.

Accommodation Options: Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club, Serena Sweetwaters Tented Camp, Ol Pejeta Bush Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Transfer to Lake Nakuru National Park

After an early breakfast, depart for the jewel of the Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru National Park, driving through the dramatic escarpment that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Great Rift Valley floor. Upon arrival, check into your luxury lodge perched on the shores of this remarkable soda lake, famous for its spectacular flamingo populations that create pink carpets across the alkaline waters. Following lunch, embark on your first game drive in this compact but incredibly diverse park, home to both black and white rhinos, endangered Rothschild’s giraffes, and large populations of buffalo and waterbuck. The afternoon’s birding is exceptional, with over 450 species recorded including thousands of flamingos, white pelicans, cormorants, and the rare Madagascar pond heron, while the surrounding fever tree forests provide habitat for colorful turacos, hornbills, and various species of sunbirds.

Accommodation Options: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge, Flamingo Hill Tented Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Transfer to Maasai Mara National Reserve

Begin your journey early toward Kenya’s most famous wildlife destination, the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve, driving through scenic Maasai pastoral lands where traditional bomas dot the landscape and warriors in colorful shukas tend their cattle. Upon arrival at your luxury camp in the heart of the Mara, enjoy lunch while gazing out over the endless golden grasslands that stretch to the horizon. The afternoon game drive introduces you to this 1,510-square-kilometer ecosystem, renowned for its exceptional year-round wildlife concentrations and the dramatic wildebeest migration that occurs from July to October. As you traverse the rolling savannas, encounter massive elephant families, pride after pride of lions, towering Maasai giraffes, and countless plains game while your expert guide shares stories of this remarkable ecosystem that has captivated explorers and conservationists for generations.

Accommodation Options: Angama Mara, Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Governors’ Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Full Day Maasai Mara National Reserve

Rise before dawn for an early morning game drive when the Mara comes alive with predator activity, offering exceptional opportunities to witness dramatic hunting scenes as lions, leopards, and cheetahs take advantage of the cool morning hours. The golden light provides perfect conditions for photography while the abundance of wildlife ensures constant excitement and discovery around every corner. After returning to camp for a sumptuous breakfast, enjoy leisure time to relax and perhaps visit the camp’s spa for rejuvenating treatments inspired by traditional Maasai healing practices. The afternoon game drive focuses on the Mara River area, famous for its dramatic crocodile-infested waters and, during migration season, the spectacular river crossings that represent one of nature’s greatest spectacles. Throughout the day, birding opportunities abound with over 470 species recorded, including secretary birds, kori bustards, various species of eagles and vultures, and the colorful lilac-breasted roller.

Accommodation Options: Angama Mara, Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Governors’ Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Transfer to Lake Naivasha

After breakfast, depart the Maasai Mara and journey toward the freshwater paradise of Lake Naivasha, one of the Rift Valley’s most beautiful and ecologically diverse destinations. The drive offers spectacular scenery as you descend into the Rift Valley, with opportunities to stop at scenic viewpoints for photographs and geological explanations of this dramatic landscape formation. Upon arrival at your luxury lakeside lodge, enjoy lunch on the terrace overlooking the tranquil waters where hippos surface regularly and fish eagles soar overhead. The afternoon features a guided boat safari on Lake Naivasha, gliding silently through the papyrus-fringed channels while observing abundant birdlife including African fish eagles, cormorants, herons, ibises, and the rare African marsh harrier. The boat cruise also provides excellent opportunities to observe hippos at close range and enjoy the stunning scenery of the lake surrounded by fever trees and volcanic hills.

Accommodation Options: Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort, Lake Naivasha Country Club, Enashipai Resort & Spa

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Lake Naivasha – Crescent Island and Hell’s Gate

Begin your day with an exclusive visit to Crescent Island, a private sanctuary in the middle of Lake Naivasha where you can enjoy guided walking safaris among free-roaming wildlife including giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and various antelope species. This unique experience allows for intimate wildlife encounters impossible in traditional vehicles, while the island’s diverse habitats support an incredible variety of birds including fish eagles, kingfishers, herons, and numerous species of waterfowl. After lunch at your lodge, embark on an afternoon excursion to Hell’s Gate National Park, famous for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, towering red cliffs, and natural geothermal hot springs. The park offers excellent walking and cycling opportunities through spectacular gorges and past steaming fumaroles, while the diverse habitats support unique bird species including Verreaux’s eagles, augur buzzards, and the rare lammergeyer that soar on the thermals rising from the volcanic terrain.

Accommodation Options: Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort, Lake Naivasha Country Club, Enashipai Resort & Spa

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Lake Naivasha to Nairobi – Departure

Enjoy a leisurely final breakfast while savoring the peaceful atmosphere of Lake Naivasha and reflecting on the incredible wildlife encounters and memories created during your Kenyan adventure. The morning drive back to Nairobi provides a final opportunity to appreciate Kenya’s diverse landscapes and perhaps spot additional bird species along the route. Upon arrival in Nairobi, visit a local craft market for last-minute souvenir shopping, where you can purchase authentic Kenyan handicrafts, jewelry, and artwork to commemorate your safari experience. Your guide will ensure a timely transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your international departure, assisting with check-in procedures and ensuring your safari concludes as smoothly as it began. As you board your flight, carry with you unforgettable memories of Kenya’s magnificent wildlife, stunning landscapes, and the warm hospitality that makes this country so special for discerning travellers.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch