Experience the ultimate safari adventure in Kenya – a week dedicated to spotting Africa’s most iconic wildlife. This classic trip takes us to the grassy plains of the Masai Mara, onto the hippo-populated waters of the Lake Naivasha, and through Amboseli National Park, known as the home of the African elephant. Along the way, our expert tour leader brings the animals and landscapes to life, while our specially adapted 4x4s allow everyone to have a window seat – you don’t want to miss any of the action.
Day 1: Begin in NairobiWe begin at our hotel in Nairobi. There is a welcome briefing today, which provides more information about our wildlife-watching adventure. Additionally, the Nextgen shopping mall is next door, which has a money exchange store and ATMs should you wish to exchange or withdraw money.
Typically, our groups enjoy dinner together tonight, a chance to get to know each other.
Accommodation: Eka Hotel (or similar)
Day 2: Transfer to Amboseli National Park; afternoon game driveAfter breakfast, we transfer (4hr 30min) to Amboseli National Park with comfort stops along the way. Our journey takes us via the Athi-Kapiti plains. At the town of Sultan Hamud, we leave the paved road and turn south towards Amboseli. If the weather is clear, we should get good views of the Chyulu Hills to our left and Mount Kilimanjaro in front. We should also start to see many types of antelope, zebra and possibly giraffes. Also look out for the Maasai in their red shuka robes herding cattle and goats on the dusty plains.
We have lunch on arrival at the lodge, then a little time to relax and explore the grounds, before an afternoon game drive. Amboseli is known as the home of the African elephant, but is also populated by leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, lions and crocodiles, plus more than 600 bird species. The setting is spectacular too with several different habitats, including the dried-out Lake Amboseli and savannah, plus Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance.
After our exploration, we return to the lodge, where you can head to Hemingway’s Bar for uninterrupted views of the tallest mountain in Africa and a chance to reminisce on our first safari together.
Accommodation: Amboseli Sopa Lodge (or similar)
Day 3: Two more game drives in AmboseliOur wildlife-watching adventure in Amboseli continues today with two game drives, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. A second day in the park gives us time to explore areas not visited yesterday. We have lunch at a special site called Rocky Hill, which is run exclusively for guests of Amboseli Sopa Lodge. A second day here also significantly increases your chances of seeing some of the iconic animals.
Accommodation: Amboseli Sopa Lodge (or similar)
Day 4: Transfer to Lake Naivasha via the Carnivore Restaurant in NairobiBid farewell to Amboseli after breakfast and transfer to Lake Naivasha. After four hours or so, we stop at the Carnivore Restaurant in Nairobi for lunch, where the chefs roast meats on traditional Maasai swords over a grand charcoal pit.
Once you’ve had your fill, we transfer (two hours) to Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge, arriving around 5pm. Enjoy an evening stroll along the lakeshore gardens before sundown and dinner.
Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort (or similar)
Day 5: Lake Naivasha safari; transfer to Lake Nakuru National ParkRise early for breakfast, then transfer to the lake for a one-hour boat safari. If we’re lucky, we will spot the resident hippo population, plus the majestic African fish eagle swooping from the trees. The safari adventure continues after, as we transfer (1hr 30min) to Lake Nakuru National Park, where we embark on a game drive upon arrival. The wildlife here is plentiful, including rhinos, hippos, giraffes, buffalo and abundant birdlife. We have lunch at our lodge for tonight, followed by another game drive, allowing us to further explore this haven for wildlife.
Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge (or similar)
Day 6: To Masai Mara National Reserve; afternoon game driveTransfer (four hours) to the Masai Mara National Reserve after breakfast, regarded by many as Africa’s finest game park.
After lunch at our lodge, we embark on our first game drive across the savannah, looking out for the abundant wildlife, which includes lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards and buffalo.
Accommodation: Masai Mara Sopa Lodge (or similar)
Day 7: Second day in the Masai MaraWe head back into the Masai Mara today, enjoying two game drives, one in the morning and another in the afternoon. Our second day lets us explore different sections of the park.
On one game drive, we also visit a Maasai village for a glimpse into the life of this famous tribe. During the experience, we meet a village elder and are introduced to the rest of the villagers. We can also see traditional dwellings, watch cultural demonstrations and participate in an adumu, where dancers jump several feet high. You can also purchase traditional crafts.
In the evening, we gather for one final dinner, an excellent chance to reminisce about our adventures together.
Accommodation: Masai Mara Sopa Lodge (or similar)
Day 8: Depart Masai Mara; transfer to airportBid the Masai Mara farewell after breakfast. We then transfer (4hr 45min) to the airport for your onward flight, enjoying good views of the Rift Valley Escarpment on the way back. If you’d like to stay in Nairobi a little longer, speak to your sales representative to book extra nights.