Step into warm Kenyan sunshine as your 13-day adventure begins in lively Nairobi. Explore the city’s blend of culture and wildlife—from lions in Nairobi National Park to close encounters with giraffes and the unique “Samburu Special Five.” Visit Ol Pejeta Conservancy to see the world’s last northern white rhinos, then take in the pink shores and birdlife of Lake Nakuru.
Your journey ends in the iconic Maasai Mara, where four days of game drives bring you face-to-face with wildebeest herds, big cats, and sweeping savannah views. Choose an optional sunrise hot-air balloon ride and enjoy meaningful moments with Maasai communities.
With beautiful lodges, unforgettable wildlife, and rich cultural experiences, this trip offers a true taste of Kenya’s magic.
•Nairobi National Park – Big Five spotting within view of the city skyline
•Samburu's "Special Five" – Reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, and gerenuk
•Ol Pejeta Conservancy – Meet the world's last northern white rhinos and visit the Chimpanzee Sanctuary
•Lake Nakuru – Witness flamingo-filled shores, rhinos, and elusive leopards
•Maasai Mara – Four full days of spectacular game drives, wildebeest migrations, lion prides, and river crossings
•Giraffe Centre – Hand-feed endangered Rothschild's giraffes from an elevated platform
•Crescent Island Walking Safari – Walk among zebras and giraffes with no vehicles in sight
•Lake Naivasha Boat Ride – Glide past hippos and vibrant birdlife on serene waters
•Optional Hot-Air Balloon Safari – Float silently over the Maasai Mara at dawn ($500)
•Carnivore Restaurant – Savor Kenya's famous nyama choma (grilled meats) in Nairobi
Hotels in Nairobi are on Bed and Breakfast.The rest are on Full board
Your adventure begins the moment you land in Nairobi. The city hums softly under the afternoon sun as our driver welcomes you with a warm smile at the terminus. After navigating the lively streets, you settle into the tranquil comfort of the Gem Forest Hotel, your haven for the first two nights. The air will feel different, full of promise and after freshening up, you enjoy a quiet evening, letting the excitement for the journey ahead settle into your heart.
Good Morning, Nairobi!
Start your day with a sunrise game drive in Nairobi National Park, watching the savannah come alive with rhinos, lions, and grazing herds. Then head to the Giraffe Centre for an up-close encounter with the elegant Rothschild’s giraffes. Enjoy a tasty lunch at the iconic Carnivore Restaurant before returning to your hotel for a relaxed afternoon—resting up for tomorrow’s journey to Samburu.
After breakfast, you head toward Samburu, watching the scenery shift from green highlands to striking semi-desert. You arrive at your lodge by midday, settle in for lunch, then set out on your first Samburu game drive—spotting Grevy’s zebras, graceful giraffes, and the region’s unique wildlife. As the sun sets, enjoy a delicious dinner back at the lodge before drifting off under a sky full of stars.
Morning arrives with soft light and a gentle breeze. After a warm breakfast at the lodge, you will venture out in search of the Samburu’s “Special Five.” The landscape is open and wild, dotted with acacia trees and home to the elegant reticulated giraffe and Somali ostrich.
Later in the day, you visit a Samburu village. The scent of wood smoke fills the air as the community welcomes you with songs and dances. Elders share stories passed from one generation to another, and children giggle as they show you their handmade beadwork. You return to the lodge for a delicious lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive. Evening brings yet another dinner full of local flavors and international favorites.
After a final Samburu breakfast, you make your way to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, where wide green plains stretch toward the mountains. On arrival, you settle into Maisha Sweetwaters Camp, your tented room facing the conservancy/Mt.Kenya. Enjoy a relaxed lunch, and if you wish, unwind with a soothing spa session after the long drive from Samburu.
In the evening, enjoy dinner from their wide variety of cuisine and a campfire.
Enjoy breakfast at Maisha Sweetwaters before embarking on a full-day safari in Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Along the way, spot elephants, zebras, lions, and leopards. Stop for lunch at the Rhino Sanctuary Restaurant, where you’ll learn about important rhino conservation efforts.
In the afternoon, visit the Chimpanzee Sanctuary, a unique refuge dedicated to rescued chimpanzees. Here, you’ll have the chance to observe these intelligent and playful primates up close, learning about their rehabilitation and protection.
Later, encounter the world’s last northern white rhinos—a rare and humbling experience that highlights the urgent need for wildlife preservation.
The day winds down with a cozy dinner at camp, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the conservancy.
Start with an early breakfast before embarking on an epic 3.5-hour drive through Kenya’s stunning landscapes—watch as the scenery shifts from rolling plains to the misty Aberdare Ranges and the dramatic Great Rift Valley. Arrive at Lion Hill Nakuru for a delicious lunch, then take some time to freshen up and relax.
As the afternoon fades, get ready for an unforgettable evening game drive. Explore the shores of Lake Nakuru, where vibrant flocks of flamingos paint the water pink, and keep your eyes peeled for majestic lions and rare rhinos roaming nearby.
After breakfast, set off toward the beautiful Lake Naivasha and check in at Sawela Lodge. Enjoy a relaxing lunch and soak in the peaceful surroundings of the lodge before heading out on an unforgettable evening boat ride across the shimmering lake. Then, embark on a walking safari at Crescent Island, where you’ll get up close with wildlife in their natural habitat.
Return to the lodge for an early dinner, fueling up for the exciting, long journey to the Maasai Mara the next day.
The journey to the Maasai Mara is one of anticipation. As you approach the endless plains, the landscape opens wide, as if inviting you into its vastness. Lions laze in the tall grass, elephants march in slow, deliberate lines, and wildebeest graze in their thousands. You arrive at your lodge for a late lunch, and the afternoon can be spent at the pool unwinding.
The entire day will be spent exploring the Mara’s magic. With a packed picnic lunch, you venture far into the reserve, perhaps reaching the Mara River, where crocodiles bask on the banks and hippos grunt in the cool water. Every turn presents a new story: a cheetah scouting the plains, a herd of elephants protecting their young, or a lone lion surveying its kingdom.
Bright and early, Before the sun rises, you may choose to drift silently across the sky in a hot-air balloon, watching the Mara stretch endlessly below. If you prefer to keep your feet on land, a visit to a Maasai village brings another layer of cultural connection. Children greet you with warm smiles, and warriors share tales of courage and tradition. Afternoon brings another peaceful game drive.
After breakfast , you take a short, scenic flight back to Nairobi, watching the savannah shrink beneath you as the city reappears. Returning to Gem Forest Hotel, you enjoy your final night in Kenya, perhaps shopping for souvenirs, enjoying a quiet dinner, or simply resting after days filled with adventure.
Open day depending on flight timings.
