Arrival in Nairobi

Your adventure begins at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), where our experienced safari guide meets you for a seamless transfer to your city hotel. Nairobi serves as the gateway to Kenya’s diverse landscapes and provides a perfect introduction to East Africa’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

Upon arrival, guests can rest and recover from their flight or choose to explore some of Nairobi’s renowned attractions. The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust offers a unique opportunity to observe orphaned elephants being cared for before their eventual release into the wild, providing insights into Kenya’s commitment to wildlife conservation. Another cultural highlight is the Bomas of Kenya, where visitors can explore traditional homesteads and witness authentic dances and musical performances, showcasing the heritage of Kenya’s 42 ethnic communities.

Evening meals in Nairobi present a taste of Kenya’s diverse cuisine. Traditional dishes like nyama choma (grilled meat), ugali (maize porridge), and sukuma wiki (collard greens) are complemented by international fare. The night concludes with an overnight stay at a city hotel, preparing for the journey to Amboseli.

• Animals to Spot: Nairobi National Park (optional) – lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes
• Birds to Spot: African fish eagle, weavers, sunbirds, hornbills
• Cultures to Experience: Urban culture, Bomas of Kenya, Maasai-inspired dances

Travel south to Amboseli National Park, famed for its vast elephant herds and postcard-perfect views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Amboseli’s combination of swamps, open plains, and acacia woodlands makes it an ideal destination for wildlife viewing and photography. Over two full days, travelers enjoy morning and afternoon game drives to maximize sightings of elephants, lions, cheetahs, zebras, and other iconic African species.

Amboseli’s swamps attract a variety of birdlife, including kori bustards, African fish eagles, and colorful bee-eaters. Early morning drives reveal mist rising over the wetlands, elephants bathing in shallow waters, and predators starting their day. Afternoon drives take visitors to open plains where buffalo herds, giraffes, and zebras graze under the watchful eyes of Maasai herders.

A cultural visit to a local Maasai village (Manyatta) enhances the experience. Guests learn about Maasai semi-nomadic traditions, cattle-herding practices, beadwork, and warrior training rituals. Optional walking safaris reveal smaller ecological wonders, from medicinal plants to animal tracks, providing context to the interconnectedness of Amboseli’s ecosystem.

• Animals to Spot: Elephants, lions, cheetahs, buffaloes, giraffes, hyenas, warthogs
• Birds to Spot: Kori bustard, lilac-breasted roller, African fish eagle, hornbills, storks
• Cultures to Experience: Maasai village visit, traditional beadwork, warrior demonstrations

Lake Nakuru or Lake Naivasha – The Rift Valley’s Wonders

Depart Amboseli and head to the Great Rift Valley, stopping at either Lake Nakuru National Park or Lake Naivasha. Lake Nakuru is renowned for its rhino sanctuary and large flocks of flamingos that create vibrant pink panoramas along the shoreline. Game drives around the lake allow encounters with lions, leopards, buffaloes, and giraffes, all set against scenic viewpoints like Baboon Cliff. Bird enthusiasts find Lake Nakuru an ornithological paradise, with pelicans, cormorants, and African fish eagles abundant.

Alternatively, Lake Naivasha offers a tranquil freshwater experience. Guests enjoy a boat safari among hippos, waterbucks, and Nile crocodiles, followed by a guided walk on Crescent Island, where non-predator wildlife roams freely. The surrounding area is ideal for birdwatching, with kingfishers, fish eagles, herons, and bee-eaters present. Optional visits to local flower farms or Hell’s Gate National Park allow guests to cycle through dramatic gorges and interact with community-managed conservation projects.

• Animals to Spot: Rhinos, giraffes, zebras, lions, hippos, buffaloes
• Birds to Spot: Flamingos, African fish eagle, pelicans, storks, kingfishers
• Cultures to Experience: Local community projects, flower farms, Maasai cultural interaction

Maasai Mara National Reserve – Predator Kingdom and Migration Spectacle

Travel to the world-renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve for three full days of immersive safari adventures. This iconic destination provides the quintessential African safari experience, with sweeping plains, acacia-dotted landscapes, and abundant wildlife, including the “Big Five.” Extended time in the Mara allows travelers to witness predator action, river crossings during the Great Migration (seasonal, July–October), and explore hidden waterholes and forested areas.

Daily morning and afternoon game drives are complemented by optional activities such as hot-air balloon safaris at sunrise, offering panoramic views of the Mara and a champagne breakfast on the savannah. Cultural visits to Maasai villages provide insight into semi-nomadic lifestyles, cattle-herding traditions, and colorful attire. Guests may participate in traditional dances, visit local schools, and purchase handcrafted beadwork, supporting local communities.

The Mara’s diverse habitats attract a wealth of birdlife, from martial eagles soaring overhead to lilac-breasted rollers adding splashes of color. Photographers find abundant opportunities, from close encounters with elephants and lions to dramatic sunrises and sunsets across the golden plains. These three days provide a thorough, immersive experience of one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife reserves.

• Animals to Spot: Lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, cheetahs, wildebeests, zebras, hippos
• Birds to Spot: Martial eagle, lilac-breasted roller, grey-crowned crane, hornbills, kingfisher
• Cultures to Experience: Maasai village visits, traditional dances, cattle-herding demonstrations

Maasai Mara to Indian Ocean Coast (Diani Beach/Mombasa)

After a final morning game drive in the Maasai Mara, transfer to a local airstrip for a chartered flight to Ukunda (Diani Beach) or Mombasa, combining safari adventure with coastal relaxation. Upon arrival, guests are escorted to their beach resort, where white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and coral reefs await.

The coast offers a contrast to the bush, providing a serene environment to unwind after days of intense wildlife viewing. The region also features rich Swahili culture, influenced by Arabic, Portuguese, and Indian trade histories. Guests can explore coastal towns, local markets, and historical landmarks such as Fort Jesus in Mombasa, blending leisure with cultural exploration.

• Animals to Spot: Coastal marine life – dolphins, sea turtles, and reef fish
• Birds to Spot: Kingfishers, terns, cormorants, frigatebirds
• Cultures to Experience: Swahili architecture, local markets, coastal traditions

Leisure and Activities on the Indian Ocean Coast

Spend three days at leisure on the pristine Indian Ocean Coast. Guests may relax on the beaches, swim, snorkel, dive, or engage in deep-sea fishing. Optional excursions include dhow sailing, exploring nearby marine parks, or visiting traditional fishing villages to observe local livelihoods. The combination of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion completes the safari experience.

• Animals to Spot: Dolphins, sea turtles, reef fish
• Birds to Spot: Terns, cormorants, frigatebirds, herons
• Cultures to Experience: Swahili cuisine, dhow sailing traditions, local fishing communities

After breakfast, transfer to the local airstrip for a flight back to Nairobi, connecting with your international departure. Travelers leave Kenya with vivid memories of diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and cultural encounters, culminating in the ultimate 12 Days Kenya Safari and Indian Ocean Coast experience.