14 Days Kenya Safari

Your 14 Days Kenya Safari begins when you arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. After completing immigration procedures and collecting your luggage, meet our representative in the arrivals area and transfer privately to your selected Nairobi hotel.

The first day is deliberately uncomplicated. Most international travelers arrive after a long flight, and immediately adding several hours of safari driving can make the beginning of the journey unnecessarily tiring. Check into your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Depending on your arrival time, optional Nairobi activities can be arranged. Possible experiences include:

• Giraffe Centre
• Karen Blixen Museum
• Nairobi National Museum
• Nairobi National Park
• Shopping for Kenyan art
• Private city tour
• Selected restaurants

If your flight arrives in the evening, simply rest. Your safari driver-guide can meet you today or the following morning for a briefing, which normally covers:

• Safari route
• Approximate transfer times
• Park procedures
• Accommodation
• Meals
• Vehicle setup
• Wildlife expectations
• Photography
• Optional experiences
• Safety

• Accommodation: Nairobi hotel
• Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast or according to selected hotel

After breakfast, meet your professional safari driver-guide and begin traveling north toward Samburu National Reserve. The journey itself is an excellent introduction to Kenya's changing geography. Leaving Nairobi, you travel through parts of the central Kenyan highlands, where agricultural land, towns and greener countryside characterize the first section of the journey. Depending on weather conditions, you may enjoy views toward the Mount Kenya region, although they cannot be guaranteed.

As you continue farther north, the environment begins changing dramatically. Vegetation becomes increasingly sparse, and dry bushland, rocky hills, acacia trees and semi-arid plains begin replacing the lush highlands. Eventually, you reach the Samburu ecosystem, where the Ewaso Nyiro River forms one of the most important ecological features in this dry environment. Riverine vegetation creates shade, food and water for animals that inhabit the surrounding semi-arid landscape.

Arrive at your selected lodge or tented camp and enjoy lunch. After check-in and a short rest, begin your first safari game drive. Possible first-day sightings include: African elephants, Reticulated giraffes, Grevy's zebras, Gerenuks, Beisa oryx, Impalas, Dik-diks, Baboons, Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs.

Continue exploring into the late afternoon before returning to camp.

• Accommodation: Samburu lodge or tented camp
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Wake early for your first complete day in northern Kenya, as the cooler morning hours can provide excellent wildlife activity. A major objective is searching for species associated particularly with Kenya's northern drylands, commonly known as the Samburu Special Five. They include:

1. Grevy's zebra
2. Reticulated giraffe
3. Gerenuk
4. Beisa oryx
5. Somali ostrich

Finding all five creates a fascinating wildlife challenge, although no sighting can be guaranteed.

Grevy's Zebra

Grevy's zebra is significantly different from the more widespread plains zebra. It has:

• Narrower stripes
• Large rounded ears
• A larger body
• A distinctive white belly

Northern Kenya remains one of the species' most important strongholds.

Reticulated Giraffe

Reticulated giraffes have beautiful geometric coat patterns formed by reddish-brown patches divided by clean white lines.

Gerenuk

The gerenuk is one of northern Kenya's most unusual antelopes. Its long neck allows it to browse higher vegetation, and it is also famous for standing upright on its hind legs to reach leaves.

Beisa Oryx

Beisa oryx are adapted to dry environments. Their long straight horns and striking facial markings make them particularly photogenic.

Somali Ostrich

The Somali ostrich is another northern specialty and differs visually from the common ostrich.

Spend the morning exploring different parts of the reserve, then return to your lodge for lunch and a break. Later, head back out for an afternoon game drive, as wildlife frequently gathers around the Ewaso Nyiro River when temperatures fall. Return to your accommodation for dinner.

• Accommodation: Samburu lodge or tented camp
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

A second full day in Samburu gives you time to move beyond a simple species checklist. Today can concentrate more heavily on animal behavior.

Elephants

Samburu has a particularly strong association with elephants, and family groups frequently use the Ewaso Nyiro River. You may observe elephants:

• Drinking
• Crossing the river
• Bathing
• Feeding
• Dust bathing
• Protecting calves
• Communicating
• Traveling between feeding areas

Spending time with one family group can reveal far more than simply taking a quick photograph and moving onward.

Lions

Lion prides inhabit the Samburu ecosystem. Early morning provides opportunities to search for animals before they settle into shade.

Leopards

Leopards often use riverine woodland. They remain elusive, making every sighting especially rewarding.

Cheetahs

Cheetahs may occur in suitable open areas. Your guide can also focus on smaller animals and birds, as northern Kenya's birdlife differs substantially from the southern safari circuit.

Return to camp for lunch and continue later in the afternoon, then spend your final evening in Samburu.

• Accommodation: Samburu lodge or tented camp
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, leave Samburu and begin traveling toward central Kenya. The landscape changes noticeably as you leave the dry northern region. Your destination is Ol Pejeta Conservancy, one of Kenya's best-known wildlife conservation areas. Arrive and check into your selected lodge or camp, and after lunch begin exploring the conservancy.

Ol Pejeta is particularly famous for rhinos, and both black rhinos and white rhinos inhabit the conservation area. Rhino conservation is one of the defining themes of the destination. During your drive, your guide may discuss:

• Rhino poaching
• Population monitoring
• Anti-poaching work
• Habitat protection
• Conservation funding
• Community involvement

Ol Pejeta also supports a broad range of other wildlife. Potential sightings include: Elephants, Buffaloes, Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Giraffes, Zebras, Warthogs, Antelopes.

Return to your accommodation for dinner.

• Accommodation: Ol Pejeta lodge or camp
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Enjoy an early morning wildlife drive in Ol Pejeta if your final schedule permits, which provides another opportunity to search for rhinos and predators. After breakfast, begin traveling toward the Great Rift Valley. Your destination is Lake Nakuru National Park, and the drive introduces yet another change in landscape. Arrive in the Nakuru region and begin your national park experience depending on timing.

Lake Nakuru provides another opportunity to see rhinos, and both black and white rhinos may occur. The park is also particularly important for Rothschild's giraffes. Other wildlife may include: Buffaloes, Waterbucks, Zebras, Impalas, Warthogs, Baboons, Lions, Leopards, Hyenas.

The lake is internationally known for birds. Historically, Lake Nakuru was associated with enormous flamingo flocks, but flamingo numbers now fluctuate according to water levels and feeding conditions. Birdlife nevertheless remains an important part of the experience.

Continue game viewing before transferring to your lodge.

• Accommodation: Lake Nakuru lodge or nearby hotel
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, enjoy another game drive if your accommodation and schedule allow. Then leave the Lake Nakuru region and begin traveling toward the Masai Mara National Reserve. Travel through parts of the Great Rift Valley and continue toward Narok. Beyond Narok, the scenery becomes increasingly open as agricultural areas gradually give way to pastoral landscapes. You may see:

• Maasai settlements
• Livestock
• Open grasslands
• Acacia trees
• Broad plains

Eventually arrive in the Masai Mara ecosystem and check into your lodge or tented camp. After lunch, begin your first Mara game drive. The wildlife density can be immediately impressive, and potential sightings include: Lions, Elephants, Buffaloes, Giraffes, Zebras, Wildebeest, Topis, Gazelles, Warthogs, Hyenas.

Cheetahs are another major possibility, while leopards inhabit riverine woodland but tend to be considerably harder to locate. Return to your lodge or camp around sunset.

• Accommodation: Masai Mara lodge or tented camp
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today is dedicated entirely to exploring the Masai Mara. Begin early while temperatures remain cool. The Mara is one of Africa's best-known destinations for big cats.

Lions

Lion prides are widely distributed through the ecosystem. You may encounter lions:

• Sleeping
• Walking
• Feeding
• Playing
• Interacting socially
• Patrolling territory
• Hunting

A private safari vehicle gives you the flexibility to remain longer when interesting behavior occurs.

Cheetahs

Cheetahs favor open landscapes and often use raised ground such as termite mounds to scan for prey. Watching a cheetah search for hunting opportunities can become one of the most exciting parts of a Mara safari.

Leopards

Leopards are secretive. They tend to use:

• Riverine woodland
• Dense vegetation
• Trees
• Rocky cover

Finding a leopard often requires patience, and a sighting can never be guaranteed.

Carry a picnic lunch and remain in the reserve all day if you want to maximize wildlife viewing. Alternatively, return to camp for lunch before another afternoon game drive.

• Accommodation: Masai Mara lodge or tented camp
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Spend another complete day in the Mara. The focus today can shift toward the wider ecosystem, which supports enormous populations of grazing animals. Potential species include: Wildebeest, Zebras, Topis, Elands, Impalas, Thomson's gazelles, Grant's gazelles, Buffaloes, Giraffes.

These animals support the reserve's predator populations.

Mara River

Depending on your camp location and wildlife conditions, your guide may explore sections of the Mara River. The river supports: Hippos, Nile crocodiles, Riverine birds, Elephants, Predators around surrounding woodland.

Great Wildebeest Migration

During parts of the year, substantial numbers of migratory wildebeest and zebras enter the wider Mara ecosystem. The migration is driven by:

• Rainfall
• Fresh grass
• Water
• Seasonal conditions

Exact herd locations cannot be predicted with certainty months in advance. During migration season, travelers may encounter huge herds spread across the plains. River crossings can occur, but they cannot be guaranteed, as animals may remain close to a river for hours before crossing or may move elsewhere entirely.

Continue your safari into the afternoon.

• Accommodation: Masai Mara lodge or tented camp
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Your final complete morning in the Mara provides an opportunity to add an optional hot-air balloon safari. Wake before dawn and transfer to the balloon launch area. Following a safety briefing, climb into the basket and begin the flight as morning light spreads across the savannah, when the landscape appears completely different from the air. You may see:

• Elephants
• Giraffes
• Wildebeest
• Zebras
• Antelopes
• River systems
• Animal tracks
• Acacia woodland
• Expansive grasslands

The flight direction depends on wind conditions, so it is not possible to choose an exact route, and the flight itself is subject to weather and operational conditions and can never be guaranteed. After landing, breakfast in the bush normally follows. Travelers not participating in ballooning can enjoy a traditional sunrise game drive instead.

Spend the remainder of the day continuing your wildlife exploration. This is a useful opportunity to concentrate on species you have not yet seen. Return to camp for your final evening in the Masai Mara.

• Accommodation: Masai Mara lodge or tented camp
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, leave the Masai Mara and travel toward Lake Naivasha. After several intensive Mara game-drive days, Naivasha provides a welcome change of pace. Arrive at your lodge and enjoy lunch.

Later, consider an optional Lake Naivasha boat safari. The lake supports: Hippos, African fish eagles, Pelicans, Cormorants, Kingfishers, Herons, Numerous waterbirds.

Boat excursions offer a completely different wildlife perspective: instead of driving across grassland, you move through a freshwater ecosystem. Additional optional activities may include:

• Crescent Island
• Guided walking
• Hell's Gate National Park
• Cycling in designated areas where permitted
• Birding
• Lodge relaxation

Spend a relaxed evening beside the lake.

• Accommodation: Lake Naivasha lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, begin traveling south toward Amboseli National Park. The journey passes through or around Nairobi before continuing toward the Kenya-Tanzania border region. As you approach Amboseli, the landscape becomes increasingly dry and open. When atmospheric conditions are favorable, the great outline of Mount Kilimanjaro may appear, although the view can never be guaranteed. Although the mountain is geographically in Tanzania, some of the best wildlife views occur from Kenya.

Arrive at your lodge or tented camp. After lunch or a short rest, begin your first Amboseli game drive. The park is especially famous for elephants, and large family groups may move between:

• Open plains
• Marshes
• Woodland
• Drinking areas

Potential wildlife includes: Elephants, Buffaloes, Lions, Giraffes, Zebras, Wildebeest, Hippos, Hyenas, Gazelles.

Continue through the late afternoon, then return for dinner.

• Accommodation: Amboseli lodge or tented camp
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Wake early for the final complete safari day. Morning is especially important because Kilimanjaro may be clearer before cloud forms later, and your guide can look for locations where elephants and mountain scenery align.

Amboseli's elephant population is internationally famous, and generations of elephants have been observed and studied in this ecosystem. Watching an elephant family for an extended period can reveal complex behavior. You may observe:

• Mothers guiding calves
• Young elephants playing
• Herd members touching trunks
• Adults feeding
• Elephants bathing
• Families moving toward water
• Dust bathing
• Social interactions

Amboseli's marshes provide critical habitat, as underground water connected to the broader Kilimanjaro ecosystem helps maintain permanent wetland areas. These marshes can support:

• Elephants
• Buffaloes
• Hippos
• Waterbirds
• Grazing animals

Spend the morning exploring, then return to your lodge for lunch and rest. Later, enjoy a final afternoon game drive, which is your last major opportunity to photograph Kenya's wildlife before returning to Nairobi. As sunset approaches, the landscape can become particularly beautiful. Return to the lodge for your final safari dinner.

• Accommodation: Amboseli lodge or tented camp
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Enjoy breakfast at your lodge. Depending on timing and final arrangements, there may be opportunities for additional wildlife viewing while leaving the Amboseli ecosystem. Travel back toward Nairobi and, on arrival, transfer to:

• Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
• Nairobi hotel
• Wilson Airport
• Another agreed destination

Travelers continuing to the Kenya coast can connect with a domestic flight toward Diani or Mombasa. Your 14 Days Kenya Safari ends after exploring an extraordinary range of Kenyan ecosystems from Samburu's dry northern wilderness to the wetlands and elephant plains of Amboseli.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast

Safari Destinations Explained

Samburu National Reserve

Samburu provides one of the strongest contrasts to the conventional southern Kenya safari circuit. The landscape is distinctly semi-arid, and the Ewaso Nyiro River acts as a lifeline through the reserve, with animals moving toward the river for water, shade and feeding opportunities.

Samburu is particularly valuable because it offers wildlife that may not be seen later in the itinerary. These include: Grevy's zebra, Reticulated giraffe, Gerenuk, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich.

It also provides elephants, predators and excellent dry-country birding.

Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Ol Pejeta introduces the safari's conservation component. The conservancy is particularly important for rhinos and protects substantial wildlife populations, and a visit can help travelers understand the complexity of modern conservation. Protecting large mammals requires:

• Land
• Rangers
• Monitoring
• Security
• Community support
• Tourism revenue
• Veterinary expertise
• Long-term planning

Ol Pejeta therefore adds depth beyond conventional game viewing.

Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru provides another distinct ecosystem. The park combines:

• Lake habitat
• Woodland
• Grassland
• Escarpment scenery

Rhinos are among the principal attractions, and Rothschild's giraffes provide another important conservation story. Birdlife remains excellent even when flamingo numbers are lower than historic levels.

Masai Mara National Reserve

Masai Mara is one of Kenya's most famous wildlife regions. The reserve forms part of the larger Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, and its open grasslands support high numbers of herbivores and predators. Potential wildlife includes: Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Elephants, Buffaloes, Giraffes, Wildebeest, Zebras, Topis, Elands, Gazelles, Hippos, Crocodiles.

The Mara is particularly valuable because multiple full days can produce very different wildlife experiences.

Lake Naivasha

Lake Naivasha gives travelers a break from traditional game drives. A boat safari allows wildlife viewing from the water, with hippos and birds as the main attractions. The slower pace is particularly useful near the end of a long safari.

Amboseli National Park

Amboseli provides an exceptional conclusion. Its open terrain, wetlands, elephant population and Kilimanjaro backdrop give the park a distinct character, and the combination of dry savannah and green marshes makes Amboseli particularly interesting ecologically.

Samburu Special Five

For wildlife enthusiasts, the Samburu Special Five add considerable value to this itinerary.

Grevy's Zebra

A threatened zebra species found primarily in northern Kenya.

Reticulated Giraffe

Recognizable by its geometric coat pattern.

Gerenuk

A long-necked antelope famous for standing upright while feeding.

Beisa Oryx

A large dry-country antelope adapted to harsh environments.

Somali Ostrich

A distinctive ostrich associated with northern Kenya. Seeing these species significantly expands the wildlife diversity of the safari.

Big Five on a 14 Days Kenya Safari

The traditional Big Five are:

1. Lion
2. Leopard
3. Elephant
4. Rhino
5. Buffalo

This itinerary provides strong opportunities to search for all five.

Lion

Samburu and Masai Mara provide particularly good possibilities.

Leopard

Both Samburu and Masai Mara contain leopards, although sightings remain unpredictable.

Elephant

Samburu and Amboseli provide outstanding elephant experiences.

Rhino

Ol Pejeta and Lake Nakuru strengthen rhino opportunities considerably.

Buffalo

Buffaloes occur in several of the itinerary's destinations. No specific wildlife species can ever be guaranteed.

Other Wildlife on the Safari

Beyond the Big Five and Samburu Special Five, possible sightings include: Cheetahs, Spotted hyenas, Jackals, Maasai giraffes, Rothschild's giraffes, Plains zebras, Wildebeest, Hippos, Crocodiles, Topis, Elands, Waterbucks, Impalas, Thomson's gazelles, Grant's gazelles, Warthogs, Baboons, Vervet monkeys, Dik-diks.

The number of different species is one of the strongest reasons to combine northern and southern Kenya.

Great Migration on the 14 Days Kenya Safari

Travelers visiting during the appropriate season may encounter migratory wildebeest and zebra herds in the Masai Mara. The Great Migration is one of Africa's most famous wildlife phenomena, but it should be understood properly. It is not an attraction that starts at a fixed time every morning; it is a continuous natural movement. Rainfall determines where grass grows, and grass determines where animals move, so exact herd locations vary annually.

Broadly, significant migration activity may occur in the greater Mara ecosystem during parts of:

• July
• August
• September
• October

But this is never a guarantee.

Mara River Crossings

River crossings are among the most dramatic migration events. Wildebeest may encounter:

• Strong currents
• Steep banks
• Crocodiles
• Congestion
• Confusion
• Predators beyond the river

However, crossings cannot be scheduled. A large herd may approach a river and do nothing for hours; it may eventually cross, or it may also move away. Travelers should therefore regard any crossing as a bonus rather than the sole measure of a successful safari.