Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Welcome to Kenya

Your adventure begins in Nairobi, Kenya’s bustling capital city. Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, your guide will greet you and transfer you to your hotel for the night. Options include Nairobi Serena Hotel, Tamarind Tree Hotel, or Fairview Hotel depending on your preference.

If time permits, enjoy an optional city tour visiting the Giraffe Centre, the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, or the Karen Blixen Museum. Enjoy a welcome dinner and safari briefing as you prepare for the journey ahead.

Day 2: Nairobi to Amboseli National Park – Elephants & Kilimanjaro Views

After breakfast, drive south toward Amboseli National Park, arriving in time for lunch at your lodge or tented camp. Amboseli is famous for its large herds of elephants and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain.

In the afternoon, embark on your first game drive, where you’ll see elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, and possibly cheetahs. Return to your lodge—such as Ol Tukai Lodge or Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge—for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Full Day in Amboseli National Park

Spend the full day exploring Amboseli’s vast plains and wetlands. Enjoy both morning and afternoon game drives, taking advantage of the best light and most active wildlife times.

Visit Observation Hill for panoramic views of the park and spot waterbirds, hippos, and elephants in the swamps. In the evening, enjoy a cultural presentation or storytelling session from local Maasai at your lodge.

Day 4: Amboseli to Lake Nakuru – Birdlife & Scenic Rift Valley

After an early breakfast, depart for Lake Nakuru National Park, located in the Great Rift Valley. The drive offers scenic views and stops along the way for photos and refreshments.

Arrive in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive. Lake Nakuru is a birdwatcher’s paradise, known for flamingos, pelicans, and more than 400 bird species. You’ll also have a chance to see white and black rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, and tree-climbing lions.

Check into your lodge—Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge, or similar—for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara – Into the Wild

After breakfast, drive to the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve, the crown jewel of Kenya’s wildlife parks. The journey takes you through the Rift Valley and the Maasai plains.

Arrive in time for lunch at your luxury camp or lodge—such as Ashnil Mara Camp, Mara Serena Safari Lodge, or Basecamp Explorer—followed by a late afternoon game drive. The Mara is home to the Big Five and is known for high densities of big cats.

Day 6: Full Day Safari in Masai Mara

Spend a full day on safari in the Masai Mara with morning and afternoon game drives, or choose to do a full-day game drive with a picnic lunch in the bush. Search for lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, and more. If you’re visiting between July and October, you might witness the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River.

Optional: Book a hot air balloon safari at sunrise for a truly magical view of the plains (advance booking recommended).

In the evening, visit a Maasai village for a cultural experience and insight into traditional pastoral life.

Day 7: Masai Mara to Nairobi – Farewell to the Bush

After a final early morning game drive and breakfast, begin your drive back to Nairobi, arriving in the afternoon. Enjoy a farewell lunch or dinner at the Carnivore Restaurant, famous for its barbecue meats and safari atmosphere.

Check into a day room or hotel depending on your flight schedule, and prepare for your departure.

Day 8: Departure from Nairobi

Today marks the end of your classic Kenya safari. You’ll be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward or return flight, taking with you incredible memories of wild encounters, dramatic landscapes, and Kenyan hospitality.