Day to Day Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi to Aberdare National Park
We’ll leave Nairobi and drive to Aberdare National Park. Along the way, the diversity of Kenya unfolds before you. Starting with the skyscrapers of Nairobi on to the industrial town of Thika and through the developed farms of central Kenya highlands, we go on toward our final destination, the breath-taking Aberdare National Park.
Aberdare starts with lowland rainforests, moorlands and bamboo forests, then climbs into chilly mountains 4,300 metres above sea level. As we go up to Treetops Lodge, we'll pass through valleys and criss-cross mountain streams and waterfalls. The reserve's landscapes make way for stunning scenery. All of Africa's Big Five, the African buffalo, black rhinoceros, bush elephant, leopard and lion, are found here.
Dinner and overnight at Treetops Hotel.
Day 2: Aberdare National Park to Lake Nakuru National Park
Abedare prepares you for our next destination - Lake Nakuru National Park, located at the heart of Kenya's Rift Valley. Lake Nakuru's is just tranquil and beautiful. Millions of the iconic pink flamingos form a pink ring around the shores. The park has approximately 400 bird species. Other rare and prized wildlife also have sanctuary here. These include; the endangered Rothschild's giraffes, white rhinos, black rhinos, lions, baboons and African buffalos.
Dinner and overnight at Mbweha Camp.
Day 3: Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara Game Reserve
Early on the third day we leave Nakuru and head off inside the Rift Valley to the day's destination; the famous Maasai Mara Game Reserve – the true Kenya Safari Experience; endless savannah and big game.
The reserve is the home of the Maasai tribe, a friendly community that has maintained its traditional ways of co-existing with the abundant wildlife that is found here. Prides of lions roam the Mara staking claim to huge chunks of game-rich territory. Other wildlife includes; Leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, wildebeest, zebra, topi, Thomson's gazelle, Hippopotamus, Nile crocodiles, jackals, bat-eared foxes, impalas, Coke's hartebeests and many more.
The Masai Mara is also home to more than 470 species of birds, both local and migrants. These include; hornbills, secretary birds, vultures, crowned cranes, marabou storks, ostriches, African pygmy-falcons, long-crested eagles, the lilac-breasted roller.
There is a bonus, and it’s the Eighth Wonder of the world - The Great Wildebeest Migration. Here, it is possible to get close enough to count a zebra's stripes. Millions of Wildebeest make their way to and from the Maasai Mara closely followed by predators creating a frenzy that has to be experienced to be appreciated.
Dinner and overnight at Mara Sopa Lodge.
Day 4: Maasai Mara
Welcome the day as only the birds can – from heights far above the Kenyan bush. This morning's balloon safari (optional) departs just after sunrise, sending you soaring into muted colours, the echo of silence, and the tranquillity of panoramic vistas. Watch as the savannah awakes, and lions, elephants and giraffes spring to life – another day to be lived on the grand expanses of the Maasai Mara. If you decide not to take a balloon safari, your morning's adventure stays grounded: a game drive in search of the reserve's resident wildlife. In the afternoon, we all hit the savannah for an afternoon game drive.
Dinner and overnight at Mara Sopa Lodge.
Day 5: Maasai Mara to Lake Naivasha
Say goodbye to the savannah and hello to Lake Naivasha, a picturesque freshwater escape and the highest point in Africa's Great Rift Valley, at 1,890 metres (6,200 feet) above sea level. As you look out over the sparkling waters of this blue-green lake, you'll notice the glassy surface is studded with protruding, grey bumps – hippos!
Lake Naivasha is one of Kenya's premier habitats for hippopotami, and this afternoon includes an optional hippo safari and boat ride to Crescent Island Game Park. A hike along the island introduces us to a world of unimaginable avian abundance: fish-eagles, cormorants and pelicans form a significant part of the island's bird population. These trails also wind by wildebeest, zebra, waterbuck and gazelles that roam the island freely. And as the sun sets, the island explodes in picture-perfect moments. Your only challenge is choosing how many ways to engrave the experience on film and memory.
Dinner and overnight at Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge.
Day 6: Lake Naivasha to Amboseli National Park
The southbound drive to Amboseli National Park is picturesque, but nothing can prepare you for the looming sight of Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance. The cloud-capped mountain – the largest free-standing mountain in the world – rises from flat plains to culminate in the famous snow dome, an ice-capped summit populated by ancient glaciers.
This afternoon, hang tight for an afternoon game drive through the national park, which cowers at the base of the colossal mountain. The park is renowned for its huge elephant herds, which stampede across the plains, seemingly challenging Kilimanjaro to a test of power and might. You may also spot African buffalo, black rhinos, zebras, wildebeest and other plain animals.
Dinner and overnight at the Amboseli Sopa Lodge.
Day 7: Amboseli National Park
Today, challenge yourself to ever more animal sightings. Two game drives, one in the early morning and the other in late afternoon, introduce you to the open plains of Amboseli, and the vast animal populations nourished by these natural riches.
Dinner and overnight at the Amboseli Sopa Lodge.
Day 8: Amboseli to Tsavo West National Park
Today, the Sheitani lava flows pave our way to Tsavo West National Park, one of Kenya's most incredible destinations for wildlife watching. Red cliffs spring up from the park's landscape, home to some of Kenya's toughest and most prized climbing. These nature-made obstacles also provide shade and refuge to Tsavo West's abundant wildlife, so look carefully for camouflaged buffalos, lions, elephants, antelopes, monkeys, and other species.
Dinner and overnight at Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge.
Day 9: Tsavo West to Mombasa
Tsavo West National Park's Mzmia Springs are a major source of water for the exotic city of Mombasa. It's fitting then, that today we travel from one crystal-clear water source to another: Kenya's second largest city and the nation's premier beach destination on the Indian Ocean. En route, we'll stop for a game drive.
Envision aquamarine ocean, speckled with white sailboats. Inhale the salty aroma of a fresh, sea breeze. Savour the city's mosaic of cultures, colours, and cuisines. And in the early afternoon, take all that to the Severin Sea Lodge, located on the tranquil shores of Bamburi Beach and the Indian Ocean. Find your favourite spot under the palms and dig your toes into the sand. It's time to relax, Kenya-style.
Dinner and overnight at Severin Sea Lodge.
Day 10, 11, and 12: Mombasa
Have you ever played the Desert Island game? You know the one – what three things would you take, if you were stranded on deserted island? Today is just like that, if you swap your three things for your every wish come true. Severin Sea Lodge and Bamburi Beach are the premier getaway on Mombasa's perfect coast. Here, turquoise ocean melts into powdery white sand, and cool sea breezes and shady palms provide relief from the golden sun. Do yourself a favour and take a deep breath. Relax. Grab a book and order a drink. Dedicate this day to hedonism, indulgence and total relaxation.
Day 13: Mombasa to Nairobi
Breakfast oceanside before transferring to Mombasa Airport for your flight back to Nairobi.
Aberdare gives you the African mountain experience with lots of game and scenery. Lake Nakuru wows with the million plus flamingos lining its shores. It is also a wildlife sanctuary hosting black and white rhinos, and Rithschild’s giraffe. Masai Mara is where you get total African safari bragging rights. The Mara is a prime wildlife destination teeming with game and some of the best safari experiences and surprises. You will then head to the picturesque Amboseli and on to Tsavo West. The safari concludes at Kenya’s beautiful beaches at Mombasa.