10 Days Kenya Ultimate Wildlife Journey
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Kenya
7 Days Luxury Great Rift Valley and Big Five Safari
- Duration
- 7 Days
- Price
- From $5,324 pp
- Difficulty
- Easy
Overview
A week in Kenya’s Rift Valley at the top end, with three nights in the Maasai Mara so you are not rushing the part that matters.
You start on Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake where you can take a boat among hippo and fish eagles and walk on Crescent Island, one of the few places in Kenya you are allowed on foot among plains game. Then Lake Nakuru National Park, a Ramsar wetland fenced against poaching, which is why both black and white rhino are more reliably seen here than in most of the country.
The Mara takes the second half. Big-cat density here is the highest in Africa, and staying three nights in one place means your guide can follow a pride or a cheetah across days rather than starting over each morning. From July to October the migration herds are in the reserve and river crossings become possible, though never predictable.
Every lodge and camp on this itinerary is chosen for location first and comfort second, on the basis that a shorter drive to the game is worth more than a larger room.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Nairobi
Welcome to Kenya. Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, you will be warmly received by our professional representative and transferred to your hotel for check in. The remainder of the day is reserved for rest and acclimatization following your international flight. As Kenya’s dynamic capital, Nairobi blends modern energy with rich heritage. In the evening, you may choose to explore nearby markets or enjoy a refined dining experience featuring authentic Kenyan cuisine.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Accommodation
- Nairobi Serena Hotel
- High-End Accommodation
- Hemingway’s Nairobi
- Meals:
- Dinner
- Day 2
Transfer Nairobi – Lake Naivasha
After breakfast, you will depart Nairobi and enjoy a scenic drive to Lake Naivasha, beautifully set within the Great Rift Valley. Celebrated for its sweeping landscapes, acacia woodlands, and exceptional birdlife, the lake provides a serene and picturesque retreat away from the city’s pace. Upon arrival, you will check in at your lodge and have time to relax and settle into the tranquil surroundings. In the afternoon, embark on a guided boat excursion on the lake, an excellent opportunity for bird watching and photography. The calm waters allow close views of hippos, fish eagles, cormorants, pelicans, and a wide variety of other aquatic and shoreline bird species. Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Accommodation
- Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge
- High-End Accommodation
- Enashipai Resort & Spa
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
- Day 3
Lake Naivasha to Lake Nakuru National Park
Today, you will explore Lake Nakuru National Park, renowned for its striking landscapes, vibrant birdlife, and thriving wildlife populations. The park is a protected sanctuary for both black and white rhinos, offering exceptional opportunities to observe these remarkable species in their natural habitat. Throughout the day, enjoy rewarding game drives across acacia woodlands and open plains, where you may also encounter flamingos, buffaloes, lions, and other diverse wildlife.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Accommodation
- Sarova Lion Hill or Cliff Nakuru Lodge
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
- Day 4
Transfer Lake Nakuru– Maasai Mara
After breakfast, you will depart for the world renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s most celebrated safari destinations. Famous for its sweeping savannah plains and extraordinary concentration of wildlife, the reserve offers an authentic and immersive safari experience. Upon arrival, proceed to your lodge for check in and relaxation. Take time to settle in and prepare for the exceptional wildlife encounters and memorable adventures that await in the coming days.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Accommodation
- Ashnil Mara
- High-End Accommodation
- Governors Camp
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
- Days 5-6
Game drives in Maasai Mara
Over the next two days, enjoy immersive game drives in the iconic Maasai Mara National Reserve. This exceptional ecosystem is home to the Big Five, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos, along with an impressive diversity of other wildlife species. Should your visit coincide with the Great Migration, you may witness one of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles, as vast herds of wildebeest and zebras traverse the plains in search of fresh grazing grounds.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Accommodation
- Ashnil Mara
- High-End Accommodation
- Governors Camp
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
- Day 7
Transfer back to Nairobi for departure flight
On your final day, enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your lodge before departing for Nairobi. Upon arrival, and depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to explore selected highlights of the city or complete any last minute shopping. At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward departure, concluding your memorable Kenyan safari experience.
- Meals:
- Breakfast and lunch
What Is Included
Included
- Return transfers from JKIA + meet and greet service
- Full board accommodation (B, L, D) while on safari, Bed and Breakfast (BB) while in city hotels
- Private transport and game drives in a customized 4 x 4WD safari customized land cruiser jeeps with a pop-up roof and sliding windows for optimized game viewing and photography
- Services of a professional, experienced English-speaking safari driver guide (French and Spanish speaking guides also available on request basis)
- Park entrance and conservancy fees to the listed parks and national reserves
- All Activities and meals as listed in the itineraries
- Quality binoculars and wildlife referral books provided in the safari vehicle (shared with safari guide and for use during game drives only)
- Enrolment on the AMREF Flying Doctor emergency medical evacuation cover (provided guests have valid travel insurance)
- Complementary bottled mineral water during the safari.
- Applicable Government taxes on tour services
Not Included
- Additional sightseeing or deviation from the itinerary
- All International and domestic flights,
- All items of personal nature such as tobacco; laundry; phone calls, drinks during meals, etc
- Tip for driver guide, porters, and waiters while on safari.
- Drinks/beverages during the safari and at the hotels
- Any other Items not mentioned above
- Medical/Travel Insurance (Highly Recommended)
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does the 7 Days Luxury Great Rift Valley and Big Five Safari cost?
- This safari starts from $5,324 per person. The final price depends on your travel dates, lodge tier, and group size, and every quote is itemized before you commit.
- How long is this safari?
- It runs 7 days. Because every trip is private, we can lengthen, shorten, or add a Zanzibar or gorilla extension to fit your plans.
- Can I customize this itinerary?
- Yes. This itinerary is a starting point. Swap lodges, change the pace, adjust the route, or combine countries, and your planner reshapes it with you before you book.
- When is the best time for this trip?
- Year-round. Nairobi sits at altitude and stays mild; the long rains fall from March to May and the short rains around November.
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Where you might stay
Lodges and camps on this itinerary
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