20 DAYS / 19 NIGHTS
20 Days Kenya Wildlife Safari
Discover Kenya on a 20-day wildlife safari exploring Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Amboseli and Tsavo with expert guides and Big Five game drives.
- Wildlife SafariPrivate Journey
- Private Safari4x4 Vehicle
- Expert GuideEnglish Speaking
- All MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- 24/7 SupportWe're here to help
01 Overview
Safari Overview
- Duration20 days / 19 nights
- DestinationKenya
- Starts / endsOn request
- Safari stylePrivate 4×4 safari
- AccommodationEssential · Comfort · Premium · Signature
- Best forCouples, families, first-timers
Kenya is one of Africa's most rewarding destinations for travellers who want to experience wildlife in its natural environment. From the dry savannah of northern Kenya to the rolling grasslands of the Masai Mara, the country supports an extraordinary variety of mammals, birds and ecosystems. Each protected area has its own character, making an extended safari particularly rewarding for visitors who want to understand the diversity of East African wildlife.
Our 20 Days Kenya Wildlife Safari is designed as a comprehensive exploration of Kenya's most celebrated wildlife destinations. The journey combines Samburu National Reserve, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Naivasha, Masai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, Tsavo West National Park and Tsavo East National Park.
Unlike shorter safari packages that concentrate on only two or three destinations, this itinerary allows travellers to explore different wildlife habitats while spending meaningful time in the principal parks. The route introduces northern Kenya's distinctive animals, rhinoceros conservation areas, Rift Valley lakes, the Masai Mara's predators, Amboseli's elephant families and the extensive landscapes of Tsavo.
The 20-day Kenya safari is particularly suitable for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, couples and families who prefer a comprehensive experience rather than a rushed itinerary. The extended duration provides opportunities to enjoy early morning game drives, afternoon wildlife viewing and relaxed evenings at carefully selected safari lodges.
A professional safari driver-guide will accompany you throughout the journey, helping you identify animals, understand wildlife behaviour and appreciate the conservation importance of Kenya's protected areas.
Itinerary
- Day 1:Arrival in Nairobi, welcome to Your Kenya Wildlife Safari
- Day 2:Nairobi to Samburu, northern Kenya Adventure
- Day 3:Samburu Safari – Special Five and Elephant Habitats
- Day 4:Samburu to Ol Pejeta, rhino Conservation Country
- Day 5:Ol Pejeta Safari – Big Five Wildlife
- Day 6:Ol Pejeta to Lake Nakuru, great Rift Valley Wildlife
- Day 7:Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha, freshwater Wildlife and Boat Safari
- Day 8:Lake Naivasha to Masai Mara, entering Big Cat Country
- Day 9:Masai Mara Safari – Lions, Cheetahs and Savannah Wildlife
- Day 10:Masai Mara, great Migration and Mara River Landscapes
- Day 11:Masai Mara, final Wildlife Safari and Optional Balloon Experience
- Day 12:Masai Mara to Nairobi, scenic Return Journey
- Day 13:Nairobi to Amboseli, elephant Country
- Day 14:Amboseli Safari – Elephants and Kilimanjaro
- Day 15:Amboseli to Tsavo West, volcanic Landscapes
- Day 16:Tsavo West Safari – Mzima Springs and Wildlife
- Day 17:Tsavo West to Tsavo East, red Elephants and Open Savannah
- Day 18:Tsavo East Safari – Wildlife and Savannah Landscapes
- Day 19:Tsavo East to Nairobi, final Scenic Journey
- Day 20:Nairobi, departure
02 Itinerary
20 Days Kenya Wildlife Safari: Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Welcome to Your Kenya Wildlife Safari - Main destination
- Nairobi
- Accommodation
- Nairobi hotel
Your 20 Days Kenya Wildlife Safari begins upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. A representative from Safari Trips to Kenya will welcome you and arrange your transfer to the selected hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, you may spend the afternoon relaxing or enjoying optional sightseeing. Nairobi offers several attractions, including the Giraffe Centre, Karen Blixen Museum and Nairobi National Park.
During the evening, your safari representative will discuss the planned route, accommodation arrangements and expected travel times.
Day 2: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve – Northern Kenya Adventure - Main destination
- Samburu National Reserve
- Drive time
- 5–7 hours
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, depart Nairobi and travel north towards Samburu National Reserve.
The journey passes through Kenya's central highlands before descending into the drier landscapes of northern Kenya.
Arrive at your lodge or tented camp and enjoy lunch before an afternoon game drive if timing permits.
Samburu is known for wildlife species particularly associated with northern Kenya, including Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx and Somali ostrich.
Accommodation: Samburu lodge or tented camp
Day 3: Full-Day Samburu Safari – Special Five and Elephant Habitats - Main destination
- Samburu National Reserve
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wake early for a morning game drive in Samburu National Reserve.
The reserve supports elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, antelopes and numerous bird species.
The Ewaso Ng'iro River is an important feature of the ecosystem, providing water and supporting riverine vegetation.
Your guide will explore suitable habitats while explaining how wildlife adapts to the region's relatively dry environment.
Return to the lodge for lunch before another afternoon game drive.
Accommodation: Samburu lodge or tented camp
Day 4: Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy – Rhino Conservation Country - Main destination
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, depart Samburu and travel towards Ol Pejeta Conservancy, located in the Laikipia region near Mount Kenya.
Ol Pejeta is internationally recognised for its rhinoceros conservation programmes.
The conservancy supports black and white rhinos and plays an important role in efforts to protect endangered wildlife.
Arrive at your lodge and enjoy lunch before an afternoon game drive.
Accommodation: Ol Pejeta or Laikipia lodge
Day 5: Full-Day Ol Pejeta Safari – Big Five Wildlife - Main destination
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend the day exploring Ol Pejeta Conservancy, one of Kenya's important wildlife conservation areas.
The conservancy supports elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, lions, leopards and numerous other species.
Sightings depend on animal movements and cannot be guaranteed.
Enjoy a morning game drive, return to the lodge for lunch and continue exploring in the afternoon.
Depending on the activities included in your package, additional conservation-related experiences may be available.
Accommodation: Ol Pejeta or Laikipia lodge
Day 6: Ol Pejeta to Lake Nakuru National Park – Great Rift Valley Wildlife - Main destination
- Lake Nakuru National Park
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, depart Ol Pejeta and travel towards Lake Nakuru National Park.
The route passes through central Kenya and parts of the Great Rift Valley.
Lake Nakuru is known for its rhinoceros populations, woodland habitats and birdlife.
After arrival, enjoy lunch and an afternoon game drive.
Search for black and white rhinos, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, waterbucks and numerous birds.
Accommodation: Lake Nakuru safari lodge
Day 7: Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha – Freshwater Wildlife and Boat Safari - Main destination
- Lake Naivasha
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, depart Lake Nakuru and travel to Lake Naivasha.
The relatively short journey allows time for a guided boat excursion after arrival.
Lake Naivasha supports hippos and numerous waterbirds, including African fish eagles, pelicans, cormorants, herons and kingfishers.
During the boat safari, your guide will explain the lake's ecology and the importance of freshwater habitats.
An optional visit to Crescent Island Game Sanctuary may be arranged for travellers interested in a guided walking experience.
Accommodation: Lake Naivasha lodge
Day 8: Lake Naivasha to Masai Mara – Entering Big Cat Country - Main destination
- Masai Mara National Reserve
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, depart Lake Naivasha and travel towards the Masai Mara National Reserve.
The journey passes through the town of Narok and the surrounding Maasai countryside.
Arrive at your lodge or tented camp and enjoy lunch before an afternoon game drive if timing permits.
The Masai Mara is famous for lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes and numerous grazing animals.
Accommodation: Masai Mara lodge or tented camp
Day 9: Full-Day Masai Mara Safari – Lions, Cheetahs and Savannah Wildlife - Main destination
- Masai Mara National Reserve
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wake early for a full day exploring the Masai Mara National Reserve.
The reserve's open grasslands provide opportunities to search for lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and numerous antelopes.
Your guide will select suitable wildlife-viewing areas according to current conditions.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at an authorised location before continuing the afternoon game drive.
Accommodation: Masai Mara lodge or tented camp
Day 10: Masai Mara – Great Migration and Mara River Landscapes - Main destination
- Masai Mara National Reserve
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, continue exploring the Masai Mara ecosystem.
During the main migration season, generally July through October, large herds of wildebeest and zebras may be present.
The Mara River is famous for dramatic crossings, but these events are unpredictable.
Your guide will assess current wildlife movements and determine whether visiting suitable river areas is worthwhile.
Accommodation: Masai Mara lodge or tented camp
Day 11: Masai Mara – Final Wildlife Safari and Optional Balloon Experience - Main destination
- Masai Mara National Reserve
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your final full day in the Masai Mara offers another opportunity to explore the reserve.
An optional hot air balloon safari may be arranged at additional cost, subject to weather conditions and availability.
Travellers remaining on the ground can enjoy an early morning game drive.
The afternoon may be spent exploring additional habitats or relaxing at the lodge.
Accommodation: Masai Mara lodge or tented camp
Day 12: Masai Mara to Nairobi – Scenic Return Journey - Main destination
- Masai Mara National Reserve
- Meals
- Breakfast
After breakfast, depart the Masai Mara and travel back to Nairobi.
The journey passes through the Maasai countryside, the town of Narok and the Great Rift Valley.
Arrive at your Nairobi hotel and spend the afternoon relaxing.
This overnight stop helps break up the longer journey between the Masai Mara and Amboseli.
Accommodation: Nairobi hotel
Day 13: Nairobi to Amboseli National Park – Elephant Country - Main destination
- Amboseli National Park
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, depart Nairobi and travel south towards Amboseli National Park.
The journey normally takes approximately four to five hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Arrive at your lodge or tented camp and enjoy lunch before an afternoon game drive.
Amboseli is famous for its elephant populations and views towards Mount Kilimanjaro.
Accommodation: Amboseli lodge or tented camp
Day 14: Full-Day Amboseli Safari – Elephants and Kilimanjaro - Main destination
- Amboseli National Park
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wake early for a morning game drive in Amboseli National Park.
Large elephant families may be observed moving across the plains, feeding in wetlands or interacting with younger animals.
On clear mornings, Mount Kilimanjaro provides a spectacular backdrop.
The park also supports buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, hippos and numerous birds.
Return to your lodge for lunch before another afternoon game drive.
Accommodation: Amboseli lodge or tented camp
Day 15: Amboseli to Tsavo West National Park – Volcanic Landscapes - Main destination
- Tsavo West National Park
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, depart Amboseli and travel towards Tsavo West National Park.
The park is known for its varied landscapes, including volcanic hills, rocky outcrops, woodland and open plains.
Depending on the route and time available, your guide may explore suitable wildlife-viewing areas after arrival.
Tsavo West supports elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and predators.
Accommodation: Tsavo West lodge or tented camp
Day 16: Full-Day Tsavo West Safari – Mzima Springs and Wildlife - Main destination
- Tsavo West National Park
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend the day exploring Tsavo West National Park.
One of the park's well-known attractions is Mzima Springs, a freshwater system that supports aquatic wildlife and vegetation.
Depending on access arrangements and safety conditions, visitors may have opportunities to observe hippos, fish and waterbirds.
The park also offers game drives through woodland, grassland and rocky landscapes.
Accommodation: Tsavo West lodge or tented camp
Day 17: Tsavo West to Tsavo East – Red Elephants and Open Savannah - Main destination
- Tsavo East National Park
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, depart Tsavo West and travel towards Tsavo East National Park.
Tsavo East is famous for its extensive landscapes and elephants that often appear reddish after dust-bathing in the region's iron-rich soil.
The park supports elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and predators.
Enjoy a game drive through suitable wildlife-viewing areas before arriving at your lodge.
Accommodation: Tsavo East lodge or tented camp
Day 18: Full-Day Tsavo East Safari – Wildlife and Savannah Landscapes - Main destination
- Tsavo East National Park
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend the day exploring Tsavo East National Park.
The park's extensive landscapes provide opportunities to observe elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras and numerous other animals.
Your guide will explore suitable wildlife-viewing areas while explaining the ecological importance of the Tsavo ecosystem.
Enjoy a morning game drive, return to the lodge for lunch and continue exploring in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Tsavo East lodge or tented camp
Day 19: Tsavo East to Nairobi – Final Scenic Journey - Main destination
- Nairobi
- Meals
- Breakfast
After breakfast, depart Tsavo East and begin the return journey towards Nairobi.
This is a substantial road transfer, so an early departure is recommended.
The journey passes through changing landscapes before reaching Kenya's capital.
Arrive at your Nairobi hotel and spend the evening relaxing.
Accommodation: Nairobi hotel
Day 20: Nairobi – Departure - Main destination
- Masai Mara National Reserve
- Meals
- Breakfast
After breakfast, enjoy free time depending on your international flight schedule.
A representative will arrange your transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Your 20 Days Kenya Wildlife Safari concludes with memories of northern Kenya's distinctive wildlife, rhino conservation areas, Rift Valley lakes, Masai Mara predators, Amboseli elephants and the extraordinary landscapes of Tsavo.
03 Rates
Safari rates 2027-2029
Indicative per person. Season, group size and lodge style change the total — your quotation confirms current rates.
- Essential (Budget)
Essential (Budget)
Budget camps and lodges suit travelers who prioritize wildlife while keeping costs lower.
Great value camps
- Comfort (Mid-range)
Comfort (Mid-range)
Mid-range tented camps and lodges balance comfort and price with private rooms or tents and en-suite facilities.
Quoted for your dates
- Premium (Luxury)
Premium (Luxury)
Luxury camps and lodges focus on location, service and more intimate wildlife experiences.
Premium camps and lodges
- Signature (High-end)
Signature (High-end)
Signature camps and lodges are the most exclusive stays — small, highly private properties with exceptional guiding and setting.
Exclusive signature stays
04 Activities
Safari activities
Game viewing is the core of this itinerary. Optional extras are quoted separately and depend on season, permits and availability. Individual species and river crossings are never guaranteed.
Included
Wildlife
Wildlife can be part of this safari when the itinerary and conditions allow.
Included
Enjoy a guided boat excursion on Lake
Included in a typical day on this safari. Exact timing follows the confirmed itinerary.
View activity
Included
Enjoy opportunities for wildlife photography and birdwatching
Included in a typical day on this safari. Exact timing follows the confirmed itinerary.
View activity
Additional information
Plan This Safari
Why Choose a 20 Days Kenya Wildlife Safari?
A 20 Days Kenya Wildlife Safari offers sufficient time to explore several of the country's most important wildlife regions.
Shorter itineraries often concentrate on the Masai Mara and one or two additional parks. This longer journey introduces travellers to northern Kenya, central conservation areas, the Great Rift Valley and the extensive Tsavo ecosystem.
The combination of destinations provides opportunities to observe species associated with different habitats.
Samburu is particularly rewarding for northern Kenya's distinctive wildlife, while Ol Pejeta and Lake Nakuru offer opportunities to learn about rhinoceros conservation.
The Masai Mara provides outstanding predator viewing, Amboseli is famous for elephants and Tsavo offers extensive landscapes and a different safari atmosphere.
Wildlife Highlights of the 20 Days Kenya Safari
Samburu Special Five
Samburu National Reserve is famous for Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx and Somali ostrich.
These species are particularly associated with northern Kenya's semi-arid habitats.
Their presence makes Samburu an important destination for travellers interested in wildlife beyond the species commonly seen in southern Kenya.
Rhinoceros Conservation at Ol Pejeta
Ol Pejeta Conservancy is internationally recognised for its rhinoceros conservation programmes.
The conservancy supports black and white rhinos and plays an important role in efforts to protect endangered wildlife.
Visitors can learn about conservation challenges and the importance of protecting wildlife habitats.
Masai Mara Predators
The Masai Mara National Reserve is particularly famous for lions, cheetahs and leopards.
Its open grasslands support large populations of grazing animals, creating important habitats for predators.
Wildlife sightings remain unpredictable, but the reserve offers excellent opportunities for observation throughout much of the year.
Amboseli Elephants
Amboseli National Park is internationally recognised for its elephant populations.
Large family groups may be observed moving across the plains or feeding in wetlands.
Mount Kilimanjaro provides a spectacular backdrop when weather conditions are favourable.
Tsavo Wildlife
The Tsavo ecosystem includes extensive landscapes supporting elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, antelopes and numerous other species.
Tsavo East is particularly famous for elephants that appear reddish after dust-bathing in the region's soil.
Tsavo West offers varied landscapes, including volcanic features, woodland and freshwater habitats.
Best Time for a 20 Days Kenya Wildlife Safari
The 20 Days Kenya Wildlife Safari can be arranged throughout the year, although conditions vary between destinations.
January to March
These months often provide favourable wildlife-viewing conditions in several parts of Kenya.
Amboseli may offer clear views of Mount Kilimanjaro, while Samburu and the Masai Mara support resident wildlife throughout the year.
April to May
The long-rains period can create green landscapes and attractive scenery.
However, heavy rainfall may affect roads and game-drive tracks, particularly in remote areas.
Some accommodation properties may close temporarily.
June to October
This is a popular safari period, with generally drier conditions in many wildlife destinations.
The Masai Mara's migration season usually falls between July and October, although herd movements vary annually.
Accommodation demand can be high during these months.
November to December
The short-rains period can bring fresh vegetation and changing wildlife conditions.
Travellers should prepare for occasional rain and discuss road conditions before departure.
Accommodation Options for Your Kenya Wildlife Safari
Safari Trips to Kenya can arrange accommodation within the Essential, Comfort, Premium and Signature categories.
Essential accommodation focuses on clean, comfortable lodges and camps.
Comfort properties provide additional amenities and more spacious rooms or tents.
Premium accommodation offers higher standards of service and attractive locations.
Signature properties focus on exclusive experiences, distinctive settings and personalised hospitality.
Exact accommodation names and room types will be confirmed in the personalised quotation.
Private Kenya Wildlife Safari or Group Departure?
A private Kenya wildlife safari provides greater flexibility with departure dates, daily schedules and accommodation preferences.
Travellers can discuss wildlife interests with their guide and adjust game-drive routines where practical.
Private safaris are particularly suitable for couples, families, photographers and groups of friends.
A Kenya group safari can reduce certain transport costs by allowing travellers to share a vehicle and guide.
However, group departures normally follow fixed dates and predetermined itineraries.
How Much Does a 20 Days Kenya Wildlife Safari Cost?
The cost of a 20 Days Kenya Wildlife Safari depends on travel dates, accommodation category, group size and the services selected.
Accommodation rates vary by season, particularly in popular destinations such as the Masai Mara.
Private vehicle and guide costs are usually shared among travellers, making group size an important pricing factor.
Conservancy entrance fees, optional activities and accommodation location can also influence the total price.
For an accurate quotation, provide your preferred travel dates, number of travellers and accommodation category.
Practical Travel Advice for Your Kenya Safari
What Should You Pack?
Pack lightweight clothing in neutral colours, comfortable walking shoes, a warm jacket for early morning game drives and suitable rain protection.
Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent and personal medication are also useful.
Binoculars can significantly improve wildlife viewing, particularly when animals are distant.
Is the Safari Suitable for First-Time Visitors?
Yes. The itinerary provides a broad introduction to Kenya's wildlife and landscapes, making it suitable for travellers who want to explore several regions during one holiday.
Are the Road Journeys Long?
Some transfer days involve several hours of driving. The itinerary includes multiple nights in major destinations to reduce unnecessary accommodation changes.
Can the Safari Be Customised?
Yes. The route can be adjusted according to your interests, travel dates and preferred accommodation.
Can I Add a Beach Holiday?
Yes. A Diani Beach holiday or another coastal extension can be arranged after the safari.
Book Your 20 Days Kenya Wildlife Safari with Safari Trips to Kenya
A well-planned Kenya wildlife safari should provide opportunities to explore different habitats while allowing enough time to appreciate each destination.
Our proposed 20 Days Kenya Wildlife Safari combines Samburu's distinctive northern wildlife, Ol Pejeta's conservation programmes, Lake Nakuru's rhino habitats, Lake Naivasha's freshwater environment, the Masai Mara's predators, Amboseli's elephants and the extraordinary landscapes of Tsavo.
At Safari Trips to Kenya, we can tailor the journey to your preferred dates, accommodation category, group size and wildlife interests.
Contact our safari planning team to request a personalised quotation and begin planning your 20 Days Kenya Wildlife Safari.
Planning Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I See the Big Five?
The itinerary includes destinations where all five species occur, but sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Is Samburu Worth Visiting?
Yes. Samburu offers distinctive northern wildlife species and landscapes that differ from the Masai Mara.
What Makes Ol Pejeta Special?
Ol Pejeta is internationally recognised for rhinoceros conservation and provides opportunities to learn about wildlife protection.
Can I See the Great Wildebeest Migration?
The Masai Mara is included in the itinerary, and migrating herds may be present during the appropriate season. Exact movements and river crossings cannot be guaranteed.
Is the Safari Suitable for Families?
Yes. Families can participate, although daily driving distances, accommodation policies and children's ages should be considered.
Can the Safari Finish in Mombasa?
Yes. The itinerary can be adapted to finish in Mombasa or connect with a beach holiday, depending on your onward travel plans.
How Early Should I Book?
Booking several months in advance is advisable, particularly during the main migration season or when requesting popular accommodation properties.
05 Request Quote
Request Quote
Tell us your dates, group size, and preferred lodge style — we will send a tailored quote for this safari.
Want to extend your safari?
Add Amboseli, Diani Beach, Tanzania and Zanzibar, or gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda — we tailor the journey to your dates.