Kenya Safari Itinerary
Overview
A Complete 8-Night Kenya Safari Route Through Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru, and the Masai Mara
A journey through Kenya’s most iconic landscapes — from the buzz of Nairobi to the endless plains of the Masai Mara, with rhino conservancies, flamingo-lined lakes, and a walking safari among zebras and giraffes along the way.
Highlights
- Two full days in the Masai Mara
- A Maasai cultural visit
- Crescent Island walking safari
- A well-paced route
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Itinerary
From rhino tracking in Ol Pejeta to two full days chasing the Big Five in the Masai Mara, this 9-day Kenya safari itinerary takes you through the country's most iconic parks — plus a boat ride and walking safari at Lake Naivasha. Everything you need to plan the ultimate Kenya adventure.
Arrive into Nairobi and settle into the city for the night at a comfortable base such as Sarova Panafric Hotel. Depending on your arrival time, ease into Kenya with a relaxed afternoon of optional activities:
- Giraffe Centre — hand-feed the endangered Rothschild's giraffe
- A curio and craft market visit for local souvenirs
- Nairobi National Museum — a great primer on Kenya's history and wildlife
- A short city tour
Overnight: Nairobi Sarova Panafric Hotel
Depart Nairobi in the morning and drive to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, home to the last two northern white rhinos on Earth and one of the highest densities of black rhino in Kenya. Arrive in time for lunch, then head out for an evening game drive across the conservancy.
Overnight: Sweetwaters Serena Camp, inside Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Enjoy a final morning game drive in Ol Pejeta before checking out and driving to Lake Nakuru National Park, known for its dense birdlife and healthy populations of both black and white rhino. Arrive in the afternoon for an evening game drive around the lake.
Overnight: Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge, Lake Nakuru
Start with one last morning game drive in Nakuru before setting off for the Masai Mara. Arrive in the late afternoon in time for a late lunch. In the evening, visit a nearby Maasai village for an authentic cultural experience.
Overnight: Mara Maisha Camp, Masai Mar
A full day exploring the Mara's plains in search of the Big Five, with the possibility of witnessing the Great Migration (seasonal). Game drives in the morning and afternoon, with a break at camp during the heat of midday.
Overnight: Mara Maisha Camp, Masai Mara
A second full day immersed in the Mara ecosystem — different routes and areas of the reserve to maximize wildlife sightings, from lion prides to elephant herds.
Overnight: Mara Maisha Camp, Masai Mara
Depart the Mara and drive to Lake Naivasha. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat ride on the lake to spot hippos and birdlife up close, followed by a walking safari on Crescent Island — a rare chance to walk freely among zebras, giraffes, and antelope with no predators present.
Overnight: Lake Naivasha
Drive back to Nairobi for a final relaxed night before departure the next day. A great chance to do any last-minute souvenir shopping or simply unwind after a full week of game drives.
Overnight: Argyle Grand Hotel, Nairobi
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight, taking with you memories of Kenya's rhinos, lions, flamingos, and the vast plains of the Mara.
Includes/Excludes
Costs Includes
- Accommodation for 8 nights as per itinerary (or similar category)
- All park entrance fees (Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Lake Nakuru National Park, Masai Mara National Reserve)
- All game drives as listed (morning, evening, and full-day drives)
- Professional driver-guide throughout the safari
- Transport in a safari vehicle (4x4 with pop-up roof, if that's your standard)
- All meals during the safari portion (breakfast, lunch, dinner) — typically full board once outside Nairobi
- Bottled water during game drives
- Maasai cultural village visit fee
- Lake Naivasha boat ride
- Crescent Island walking safari entrance fee
- Airport transfers in Nairobi (arrival and departure)
Cost Excludes
- International flights
- Kenya visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Meals in Nairobi (Day 1 and Day 8/9, unless specified otherwise)
- Tips and gratuities for driver-guide and lodge staff
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, phone/internet)
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- Optional activities not listed (e.g., hot air balloon safari in the Mara, extra excursions)
- Any activities during free time in Nairobi (Giraffe Centre, museum, city tour)