Route: Nairobi – Samburu – Mount Kenya – Lake Nakuru – Lake Baringo – Kakamega Forest – Maasai Mara – Nairobi
Embark on an extraordinary 12-day journey through Kenya’s most spectacular wildlife habitats, birdwatching hotspots, forests, lakes, and savannahs. This safari combines incredible wildlife encounters, world-class birdwatching, breathtaking landscapes, and authentic cultural experiences for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Welcome to Kenya
Upon arrival at Nairobi’s international airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our safari representative and transferred to your hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to visit Nairobi’s famous attractions, including Nairobi National Park, the only wildlife park located within a capital city, or the Giraffe Centre where you can meet the endangered Rothschild’s giraffes.
Spend the evening relaxing and preparing for the adventure ahead.
Accommodation: Nairobi Hotel
Meals: Bed & Breakfast
Day 2: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve
After breakfast, begin your journey north through Kenya’s scenic highlands towards the rugged wilderness of Samburu National Reserve.
The reserve is famous for unique wildlife species found only in northern Kenya, often referred to as the “Samburu Special Five.” Upon arrival, enjoy lunch before heading out for an exciting afternoon game drive.
Look out for Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and the long-necked gerenuk. Bird enthusiasts will also enjoy excellent birdwatching opportunities along the Ewaso Nyiro River.
Accommodation: Samburu Lodge or Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Full Day Wildlife & Birding in Samburu
Spend a full day exploring Samburu’s diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife.
Morning and afternoon game drives provide opportunities to spot lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and numerous antelope species. The reserve is also home to over 450 bird species, making it one of Kenya’s premier birdwatching destinations.
An optional visit to a traditional Samburu village offers insight into the culture and traditions of the local community.
Accommodation: Samburu Lodge or Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Samburu to Mount Kenya Region
After a final morning game drive, travel south towards the foothills of Mount Kenya, Africa’s second-highest mountain.
The cool highland forests surrounding the mountain offer a completely different ecosystem from the northern savannahs. Enjoy a guided nature walk while searching for forest birds, monkeys, and unique plant species.
Relax in the peaceful mountain environment while enjoying spectacular views of Mount Kenya.
Accommodation: Mount Kenya Lodge / Nanyuki
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Mount Kenya to Lake Nakuru National Park
Journey into the Great Rift Valley and arrive at Lake Nakuru National Park, one of Kenya’s most famous wildlife sanctuaries.
The afternoon game drive focuses on spotting both black and white rhinos, which thrive in the park’s protected environment. Other wildlife includes lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and waterbucks.
Bird lovers can admire flamingos, pelicans, cormorants, and numerous water birds around the lake. A visit to Baboon Cliff offers panoramic views of the park and surrounding landscape.
Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Lake Nakuru to Lake Baringo
After breakfast, continue north to Lake Baringo, one of Kenya’s most important birdwatching destinations.
Enjoy a boat excursion on the lake where you may encounter hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of aquatic birds. The lake attracts hundreds of resident and migratory bird species, including kingfishers, hornbills, fish eagles, and herons.
You may also visit local communities and learn about their traditions and way of life.
Accommodation: Lake Baringo Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Lake Baringo to Kakamega Forest
Begin the day with an early birding walk before departing for western Kenya.
Arrive at Kakamega Forest, Kenya’s only tropical rainforest and one of East Africa’s most important biodiversity hotspots. The forest is home to rare birds, butterflies, monkeys, and unique plant species.
Enjoy a guided forest walk in search of the magnificent Great Blue Turaco and many other forest birds found nowhere else in Kenya.
Accommodation: Forest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Kakamega Forest to Maasai Mara
After breakfast, travel to the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve.
The scenic journey takes you through beautiful countryside before arriving in time for an evening game drive. The Maasai Mara is renowned for its incredible wildlife concentrations and spectacular landscapes.
Your first safari introduces you to the abundant wildlife that makes this reserve one of Africa’s premier safari destinations.
Accommodation: Safari Camp or Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Full-Day Safari in Maasai Mara
Spend the entire day exploring the vast plains of the Maasai Mara.
Search for the legendary Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—while also encountering cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and numerous antelope species.
Birdwatchers can enjoy sightings of vultures, eagles, secretary birds, and many other raptors.
A picnic lunch is served in the wilderness, allowing you to maximize your game-viewing opportunities.
Accommodation: Safari Camp or Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Another Exciting Day in Maasai Mara
Enjoy another day in one of Africa’s finest wildlife reserves.
Optional activities include an unforgettable hot air balloon safari at sunrise, guided walking safaris, photography sessions, or additional game drives in search of elusive predators.
Every game drive offers new wildlife encounters and spectacular photographic opportunities.
Accommodation: Safari Camp or Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11: Maasai Mara to Nairobi
Enjoy a final morning game drive before departing for Nairobi.
Upon arrival, you may choose to visit local craft markets, purchase souvenirs, or enjoy dinner at the famous Carnivore Restaurant.
Spend your last evening reflecting on the incredible wildlife, landscapes, and birdlife experienced throughout your safari.
Accommodation: Nairobi Hotel
Meals: Bed & Breakfast
Day 12: Departure
After breakfast, enjoy some leisure time before your transfer to the airport for your onward flight home.
Your unforgettable Kenya Safari & Birdwatching Adventure comes to an end, leaving you with lasting memories of Kenya’s incredible wildlife, birds, landscapes, and cultures.
Meals: Breakfast
Safari Highlights
Perfect for birdwatchers, photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, and nature lovers.
Explore 6 of Kenya’s most diverse wildlife and birding destinations.
Search for the famous Samburu Special Five.
Spot the Big Five in Maasai Mara.
Discover over 1,000 bird species across Kenya.
Visit Kenya’s only tropical rainforest at Kakamega Forest.
Enjoy boat safaris on Lake Baringo.
Track rhinos in Lake Nakuru National Park.
Experience spectacular views of Mount Kenya.
Optional cultural visits with Samburu and Maasai communities.
Travel in comfortable 4×4 safari vehicles with expert guides.
