Day 1: Nairobi > Masai Mara
After breakfast we will pick you up from your hotel and depart for Masai Mara Game Reserve, stopping at the view point of the Great Rift Valley and at Narok for lunch and refueling. We arrive in time for a late afternoon game drive. Diner and overnight are at lodge/campsite.
Day 2: Masai Mara
After breakfast, proceed for a day tracking game with your guide. All the big five may be seen but they are very elusive. You may expect to see three out of the big five. There is a break for a leisurely lunch at the hippo pool. Return to the lodge/campsite towards the end of the day for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 3: Masai Mara
There is early breakfast followed by a morning game drive, which is essentially the northern extension of Tanzania's Serengeti National Park. Lunch is at the campsite. In the afternoon you have a choice of three activities: a drive or nature drive with our guides; or a visit to the Masai village to experience their nomadic lifestyle at an extra cost. All activities end at the lodge/campsite by 6:30pm.
Day 4: Masai Mara > Nakuru
There is an early morning pre-breakfast drive. After breakfast depart for Nakuru for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: Lake Nakuru > Lake Naivasha
There is an early breakfast after which you proceed to Lake Baringo for an hour's boat ride where you can see hippos at close range and the bird life that inhabits this lake — over 350 species of birds have been recorded here. Lunch is in Lake Baringo then drive back to Nakuru for dinner and overnight at the lodge or campsite via Lake Bogoria to view flamingos and the hot springs.
Day 6: Naivasha > Samburu – Crossing the Equator
This is a long travel day with a dramatic change of scenery. After an early breakfast, you depart Naivasha and head north. You'll pass near Mount Kenya and make a memorable stop at the Equator Crossing point for photos and a demonstration. Arrive at your camp in the Samburu National Reserve in time for a late lunch. In the afternoon, embark on your first game drive in this arid region, searching for the unique Samburu Special Five along the Ewaso Ng'iro River.
Day 7: Samburu – The Special Five & Riverine Oasis
A full day is dedicated to exploring the rugged beauty of Samburu. Embark on both morning and afternoon game drives to maximize your chances of spotting the rare Special Five: the Grevy's Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Gerenuk, Beisa Oryx, and Somali Ostrich. Spend time along the Ewaso Ng'iro River, a lifeline that attracts elephants, hippos, and crocodiles.
Day 8: Samburu > Tsavo West – The Long Safari Drive
After an early breakfast, check out and embark on the long, scenic drive south to Tsavo West National Park. This is a full day of travel, showcasing Kenya's diverse landscapes. You will arrive at your lodge in Tsavo West in the late afternoon for dinner and a well-deserved rest.
Day 9: Tsavo West – Volcanic Landscapes & Mzima Springs
The day is spent exploring the dramatic scenery of Tsavo West. The morning game drive focuses on the park's volcanic terrain, including the Shetani Lava Flow. The main highlight is a visit to Mzima Springs, an oasis of crystal-clear water where you can take a short walk and visit an underwater viewing chamber to see hippos and crocodiles. An afternoon visit to the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary offers another chance to see the critically endangered Black Rhino.
Day 10: Tsavo West > Tsavo East – The Land of Red Elephants
After an early breakfast, enjoy a final en-route game drive as you leave Tsavo West and cross into Tsavo East National Park. This park is characterized by its vast, open plains and iconic red soil. The afternoon game drive focuses on spotting the famous 'red elephants', which dust themselves in the red earth. You'll also visit the Aruba Dam, a vital water hole that attracts massive wildlife concentrations.
Day 11: Full Day in Tsavo East
Dedicate your final full safari day to exploring the vast wilderness of Tsavo East. With a full-day game drive, you'll have the chance to venture deep into the park's remote regions, known for excellent predator sightings across the open savannah. You will also visit Mudanda Rock, a massive whale-shaped formation that serves as a natural water catchment, drawing large numbers of animals to its base.
Day 12: Tsavo East > Nairobi – Farewell to the Wild
Enjoy one last early morning game drive in Tsavo East, capturing final photos of the wildlife and landscapes. After breakfast at the lodge, you will begin the scenic journey back to Nairobi. You will be dropped off at your Nairobi hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in the late afternoon, marking the end of your unforgettable 12-day Kenyan safari.