13 DAYS / 12 NIGHTS
13 Days Kenya Safari
Discover Kenya on a 13-day safari exploring Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara and Amboseli. Enjoy Big Five wildlife, rhinos and breathtaking scenery.
- Wildlife Safari Private Journey
- Private Safari 4x4 Vehicle
- Expert Guide English Speaking
- All Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- 24/7 Support We're here to help
01 Overview
Safari Overview
- Duration 13 days / 12 nights
- Destination Kenya
- Starts / ends On request
- Safari style Private safari
- Accommodation Essential · Comfort · Premium · Signature
- Best for Couples, families, first-timers
13 Days Kenya Safari – An Unforgettable Wildlife Journey Across Kenya's Best National Parks
Kenya is a country of remarkable contrasts. In the north, dry riverbeds, acacia woodland and rugged hills provide a home for wildlife rarely encountered in the southern parks. Farther south, the Great Rift Valley cuts through the landscape, creating lakes and volcanic features that support extraordinary biodiversity. Beyond these highlands, the grasslands of the Masai Mara stretch towards Tanzania, while Amboseli's elephant herds move across open plains beneath Africa's highest mountain.
Our 13 Days Kenya Safari brings these landscapes together in one comprehensive wildlife holiday. The journey explores Samburu National Reserve, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Naivasha, the Masai Mara National Reserve and Amboseli National Park.
The itinerary is designed for travellers who want to experience Kenya beyond a single national park. Each destination introduces a different aspect of the country's wildlife: northern species in Samburu, rhino conservation in Ol Pejeta, Rift Valley birdlife, the predators of the Masai Mara and the elephant populations of Amboseli.
Thirteen days provide an excellent opportunity to appreciate these differences. However, covering northern, western and southern Kenya involves substantial road travel. This itinerary therefore includes carefully planned transfer days, with multiple nights in the major wildlife destinations.
At Safari Trips to Kenya, the journey can be arranged privately, allowing you to select your preferred accommodation category, departure date and travel pace. Domestic flights or additional nights can also be incorporated to reduce driving or extend time in particular parks.
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi, welcome to Kenya
- Day 2: Nairobi to Samburu, journey into Northern Kenya
- Day 3: Samburu Safari – Special Five and Ewaso Ng'iro River
- Day 4: Samburu to Ol Pejeta, rhino Conservation Country
- Day 5: Ol Pejeta to Lake Nakuru, rift Valley Wildlife
- Day 6: Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha, freshwater Lake and Scenic Landscapes
- Day 7: Lake Naivasha to Masai Mara, afternoon Game Drive
- Day 8: Masai Mara Safari – Big Cats and Savannah Wildlife
- Day 9: Masai Mara Wildlife Exploration, migration and Photography
- Day 10: Masai Mara to Nairobi, scenic Return Journey
- Day 11: Nairobi to Amboseli, elephant Safari
- Day 12: Amboseli Safari – Elephants and Kilimanjaro
- Day 13: Amboseli to Nairobi, end of Safari
02 Itinerary
13 Days Kenya Safari: Detailed Itinerary
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Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Welcome to Kenya - Main destination
- Nairobi
- Accommodation
- Nairobi hotel
Your 13 Days Kenya Safari begins upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.
A representative will meet you at the airport and assist with your transfer to the hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring selected attractions in the city.
Nairobi is Kenya's capital and an important gateway to East Africa's wildlife destinations. It combines modern urban life with museums, restaurants, markets and cultural attractions.
For travellers arriving after a long international flight, we recommend keeping the first day relaxed. This provides time to recover before beginning the safari.
Your representative will review the itinerary, explain the following morning's departure and answer any practical questions.
Where you stay
- Essential (Budget)
- Comfort (Mid-range)
- Premium (Luxury)
- Signature (High-end)
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Day 2: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve – Journey into Northern Kenya - 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, with agricultural landscapes and possible views towards Mount Kenya when weather conditions are favourable.
As you continue north, the scenery gradually changes. The relatively green highlands give way to drier landscapes characterised by acacia woodland, rocky hills and open plains.
The road journey commonly takes approximately five to seven hours, depending on traffic, road conditions and the location of your accommodation.
Arrive at your lodge or tented camp for lunch if timing permits. Later, depart for an introductory afternoon game drive.
Your guide will search for elephants, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and predators while explaining the distinctive ecology of northern Kenya.
Return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight relaxation.
Accommodation: Samburu lodge or tented camp
Where you stay
- Essential (Budget)
- Comfort (Mid-range)
- Premium (Luxury)
- Signature (High-end)
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Day 3: Full-Day Samburu Safari – Special Five and Ewaso Ng'iro River - Main destination
- Samburu National Reserve
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend the day exploring Samburu National Reserve, one of Kenya's most rewarding destinations for distinctive northern wildlife.
The reserve is particularly associated with the Samburu Special Five: Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx and Somali ostrich.
These animals are adapted to northern Kenya's landscapes and provide an interesting contrast with species commonly encountered in the southern parks.
The Ewaso Ng'iro River is an important feature of the reserve, supporting vegetation and providing water for wildlife.
Elephants may be encountered moving between feeding areas and water sources, while lions and leopards also inhabit the ecosystem.
Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives, with a break for lunch and relaxation during the warmer part of the day.
Your guide will explain how animals survive in the semi-arid environment and why conservation of northern Kenya's habitats is important.
Accommodation: Samburu lodge or tented camp
Where you stay
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Day 4: Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy – Rhino Conservation Country - Main destination
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy
- Drive time
- 3–5 hours
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, depart Samburu and travel south towards Ol Pejeta Conservancy in the Laikipia region.
The journey introduces changing landscapes as the dry northern plains give way to central Kenya's highland and savannah environments.
Ol Pejeta is internationally recognised for its conservation programmes, particularly its work protecting black and white rhinoceroses.
Arrive at your lodge or tented camp, enjoy lunch and depart for an afternoon game drive.
Your guide will search for rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras and predators.
Depending on the arrangements, additional conservation-related activities may be available at extra cost.
Return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation: Ol Pejeta lodge or tented camp
Where you stay
- Essential (Budget)
- Comfort (Mid-range)
- Premium (Luxury)
- Signature (High-end)
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Day 5: Ol Pejeta to Lake Nakuru National Park – Rift Valley Wildlife - Main destination
- Lake Nakuru National Park
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, enjoy a final wildlife-viewing opportunity in Ol Pejeta if the schedule permits.
Continue towards Lake Nakuru National Park, travelling through parts of central Kenya and the Great Rift Valley.
Lake Nakuru is known for its varied habitats, including woodland, grassland and lake environments.
The park supports rhinos, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and numerous bird species.
Arrive at your accommodation for lunch if timing permits, followed by an afternoon game drive.
Birdlife around the lake varies with water levels and ecological conditions. Although flamingos are historically associated with Lake Nakuru, their numbers and distribution change.
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight accommodation.
Accommodation: Lake Nakuru lodge or hotel
Where you stay
- Essential (Budget)
- Comfort (Mid-range)
- Premium (Luxury)
- Signature (High-end)
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Day 6: Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha – Freshwater Lake and Scenic Landscapes - Main destination
- Lake Naivasha
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, enjoy a short wildlife-viewing opportunity in Lake Nakuru if the schedule and entrance arrangements permit.
Continue towards Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake surrounded by attractive Rift Valley scenery.
Arrive at your accommodation and enjoy lunch.
An optional boat excursion may be arranged on Lake Naivasha, subject to weather, safety conditions and additional charges.
The lake supports hippos and numerous waterbirds, while the surrounding landscape provides opportunities for nature exploration.
Visitors should remember that hippos are dangerous wild animals and must follow the instructions of authorised boat operators and guides.
Spend the evening relaxing at your lakeside accommodation.
Accommodation: Lake Naivasha lodge or hotel
Where you stay
- Essential (Budget)
- Comfort (Mid-range)
- Premium (Luxury)
- Signature (High-end)
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Day 7: Lake Naivasha to Masai Mara – Afternoon Game Drive - 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 Great Rift Valley and Maasai countryside before reaching the reserve.
The road transfer generally takes approximately four to six hours, depending on road conditions and accommodation location.
Arrive at your lodge or tented camp for lunch if timing permits.
Later, enjoy an afternoon game drive, searching for elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, antelopes and predators.
The Masai Mara is famous for its open grasslands and large predator populations.
During the migration season, wildebeest herds may also be present, although their location varies annually.
Accommodation: Masai Mara lodge or tented camp
Where you stay
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Essential (Budget)
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Comfort (Mid-range)
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Premium (Luxury)
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Signature (High-end)
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Day 8: Full-Day Masai Mara Safari – Big Cats and Savannah Wildlife - Main destination
- Masai Mara National Reserve
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wake early for a full-day Masai Mara game drive.
The reserve is particularly famous for lions, cheetahs and leopards, although sightings remain unpredictable.
Your guide will explore suitable habitats while looking for predators, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras and numerous antelopes.
During the main migration season, large wildebeest herds may be present in the ecosystem.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at an authorised location before continuing the afternoon game drive.
The changing light provides opportunities for wildlife photography.
Return to your accommodation in the evening for dinner and overnight relaxation.
Accommodation: Masai Mara lodge or tented camp
Where you stay
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Day 9: Masai Mara Wildlife Exploration – Migration and Photography - Main destination
- Masai Mara National Reserve
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend another full day exploring the Masai Mara National Reserve.
The additional time allows your guide to revisit productive areas or explore different habitats according to current wildlife movements.
During suitable migration periods, a visit to the Mara River region may be considered.
However, river crossings are unpredictable and cannot be guaranteed.
Outside the migration season, the reserve remains rewarding for resident wildlife.
An optional sunrise balloon safari may be arranged, subject to availability, weather and additional charges.
Return to your accommodation for your final evening in the Masai Mara.
Accommodation: Masai Mara lodge or tented camp
Where you stay
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Day 10: Masai Mara to Nairobi – Scenic Return Journey - Main destination
- Nairobi
- Meals
- Breakfast
After breakfast, depart the Masai Mara and travel towards Nairobi.
The journey passes through Narok and the Great Rift Valley, with opportunities for short stops where practical.
The road transfer commonly takes approximately five to seven hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Arrive in Nairobi during the afternoon and check into your hotel.
This overnight stop provides a practical break before continuing towards Amboseli the following morning.
Spend the evening relaxing or enjoying an optional meal at a suitable restaurant.
Accommodation: Nairobi hotel
Where you stay
- Essential (Budget)
- Comfort (Mid-range)
- Premium (Luxury)
- Signature (High-end)
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Day 11: Nairobi to Amboseli National Park – Elephant Safari - Main destination
- Amboseli National Park
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, depart Nairobi and travel south towards Amboseli National Park.
The road journey commonly takes approximately four to five hours, depending on traffic, road conditions and accommodation location.
As you approach Amboseli, the landscape opens into dry plains, scattered vegetation and views towards Mount Kilimanjaro when weather conditions are favourable.
Arrive at your lodge or tented camp for lunch.
Later, depart for an afternoon game drive, searching for elephants, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, antelopes and numerous birds.
Amboseli is particularly famous for its elephant populations, and large family groups may be encountered moving between feeding areas and water sources.
Return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight relaxation.
Accommodation: Amboseli lodge or tented camp
Where you stay
- Essential (Budget)
- Comfort (Mid-range)
- Premium (Luxury)
- Signature (High-end)
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Day 12: 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.
The cooler hours after sunrise can be particularly rewarding for wildlife viewing and photography.
Amboseli's open plains provide opportunities to observe elephants, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes and other wildlife.
The park's wetlands support hippos, waterbirds and vegetation that attracts animals during dry periods.
When the weather is clear, Mount Kilimanjaro may provide a spectacular backdrop. However, cloud cover can obscure the mountain, so views cannot be guaranteed.
Return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation before another afternoon game drive.
The full day provides an opportunity to explore different areas of the park and appreciate its varied habitats.
Accommodation: Amboseli lodge or tented camp
Where you stay
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Day 13: Amboseli to Nairobi – End of Safari - Main destination
- Nairobi
- Meals
- Breakfast
After breakfast, check out of your accommodation and begin the return journey to Nairobi.
Depending on your lodge location and departure schedule, a short morning game drive may be possible if specifically included.
The road journey commonly takes approximately four to five hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Arrive in Nairobi during the afternoon for drop-off at your hotel, residence or agreed location.
Your 13 Days Kenya Safari concludes with memories of northern Kenya's distinctive wildlife, rhino conservation, Rift Valley scenery, the Masai Mara's predators and Amboseli's elephants.
Where you stay
- Essential (Budget)
- Comfort (Mid-range)
- Premium (Luxury)
- Signature (High-end)
03 Rates
Safari rates 2027-2029
Indicative per person. Season, group size and lodge style change the total — your quotation confirms current rates.
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Essential (Budget)
Essential (Budget)
Budget camps and lodges suit travelers who prioritize wildlife while keeping costs lower.
Great value camps
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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
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Premium (Luxury)
Premium (Luxury)
Luxury camps and lodges focus on location, service and more intimate wildlife experiences.
Premium camps and lodges
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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.
Additional information
Plan This Safari
Why Choose a 13 Days Kenya Safari?
A 13 Days Kenya Safari provides an opportunity to explore several complementary wildlife destinations rather than concentrating on one national park.
The itinerary combines northern Kenya, central conservation areas, Rift Valley lakes, the Masai Mara and Amboseli.
Each destination offers different habitats and wildlife-viewing opportunities.
The extended duration allows multiple nights in major parks, although the itinerary includes substantial road travel.
Travellers who prefer a slower pace can customise the route by reducing the number of destinations or adding extra nights.
Samburu National Reserve – Wildlife of Northern Kenya
Samburu National Reserve is located in northern Kenya along the Ewaso Ng'iro River.
The reserve's semi-arid environment supports wildlife species adapted to relatively dry conditions.
Its landscapes include open plains, acacia woodland, rocky hills and riverine vegetation.
Samburu is internationally recognised for its distinctive wildlife, particularly the species collectively known as the Samburu Special Five.
The reserve also supports elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes and numerous birds.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy – Kenya's Rhino Conservation Destination
Ol Pejeta Conservancy is located in the Laikipia region near Mount Kenya.
The conservancy is internationally recognised for its work protecting endangered wildlife, particularly rhinoceroses.
It supports black and white rhinos and provides opportunities for visitors to learn about conservation challenges.
Ol Pejeta also supports elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras and numerous other species.
The conservancy demonstrates how wildlife protection, tourism and community engagement can contribute to long-term conservation.
Lake Nakuru National Park – Rhino Conservation and Birdlife
Lake Nakuru National Park is recognised for its rhino populations and varied habitats.
The park supports both black and white rhinos, although sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and numerous birds also inhabit the park.
Flamingos are historically associated with Lake Nakuru, but their numbers vary according to water levels and ecological conditions.
The park's combination of lake, woodland and grassland habitats makes it a rewarding addition to a multi-destination safari.
Lake Naivasha – Rift Valley Scenery and Relaxation
Lake Naivasha provides a relaxing contrast to the more intensive wildlife-viewing days.
The freshwater lake supports hippos and numerous bird species.
Boat excursions may provide opportunities to observe waterbirds and appreciate the surrounding scenery.
Visitors should follow safety instructions because hippos are dangerous wild animals.
Lake Naivasha is also a convenient base for selected nature activities in the Great Rift Valley.
Masai Mara National Reserve – Big Cats and Migration Country
The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of Kenya's most famous wildlife destinations.
Its grasslands support lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras and numerous antelopes.
During the main migration season, large wildebeest herds may enter the Kenyan section of the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem.
However, herd movements depend on rainfall and grazing conditions.
A three-night stay provides opportunities to explore different habitats and respond to current wildlife activity.
Amboseli National Park – Elephants and Kilimanjaro
Amboseli National Park is one of Kenya's most recognisable safari destinations.
Its open plains, wetlands and views towards Mount Kilimanjaro create a distinctive environment for wildlife viewing.
Elephants are the park's main attraction. Large family groups may be observed feeding, walking across the plains or interacting around water sources.
The park also supports buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, antelopes, hippos and numerous bird species.
Because the landscape is relatively open in many areas, wildlife can sometimes be easier to observe than in densely vegetated parks.
Wildlife You May Encounter
The 13 Days Kenya Safari offers opportunities to observe a wide variety of wildlife.
Samburu is particularly associated with Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx and Somali ostrich.
Ol Pejeta and Lake Nakuru are recognised for rhino conservation.
The Masai Mara is famous for lions, cheetahs, elephants and other large mammals.
Amboseli is particularly rewarding for elephant observation and landscape photography.
Buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and numerous bird species may be encountered across several destinations.
Wildlife sightings remain unpredictable and cannot be guaranteed.
Best Time for a 13 Days Kenya Safari
This itinerary can be arranged throughout the year.
January to March often provides relatively dry conditions in several destinations.
April and May can bring substantial rainfall, greener landscapes and potentially challenging road conditions.
June to October is a popular safari period, particularly for travellers interested in the Great Wildebeest Migration.
November and December may bring shorter rains and changing wildlife conditions.
The best travel dates depend on your priorities, accommodation preferences and tolerance for seasonal weather.
Accommodation Options
At Safari Trips to Kenya, we offer Essential, Comfort, Premium and Signature accommodation categories.
Essential properties focus on clean, comfortable lodging and value.
Comfort accommodation provides additional amenities and convenience.
Premium properties offer higher standards of service and attractive locations.
Signature accommodation emphasises distinctive settings and personalised hospitality.
The final lodge selection depends on availability, travel dates and your preferred budget.
Private Safari or Group Departure?
A private 13 Days Kenya Safari provides a dedicated vehicle and guide for your party.
It offers flexibility with departure dates, accommodation and game-drive interests.
A shared group departure may reduce per-person transport costs, but participants generally follow fixed schedules.
For an itinerary covering several destinations, private travel can be particularly convenient because it allows the pace to be adjusted.
How Much Does a 13 Days Kenya Safari Cost?
The cost depends on travel dates, accommodation category, number of travellers, vehicle type and applicable park fees.
Peak-season accommodation may cost significantly more than during quieter periods.
Private transport costs are shared among the travellers, so group size influences the per-person price.
A personalised quotation should clearly identify accommodation, meals, transport, game drives, entrance fees and optional activities.
Book Your 13 Days Kenya Safari
Our 13 Days Kenya Safari combines northern Kenya's distinctive wildlife, rhino conservation, Rift Valley lakes, the Masai Mara's predators and Amboseli's elephants.
At Safari Trips to Kenya, we can customise the itinerary according to your travel dates, group size, accommodation preferences and wildlife interests.
Contact our safari planning team to request a personalised quotation for your 13 Days Kenya Safari.
Planning Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 13 Days Enough for a Kenya Safari?
Yes. Thirteen days provide time to explore several complementary wildlife destinations while allowing multiple nights in major parks.
Can I See the Big Five?
The itinerary offers opportunities to encounter Big Five species, but sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Can I Visit During the Wildebeest Migration?
Yes. The Masai Mara portion can be scheduled during the main migration season, although herd movements vary.
Can the Safari Be Arranged Privately?
Yes. Private departures can be customised according to your travel dates and accommodation preferences.
Can I Add a Beach Holiday?
Yes. Additional nights in Diani, Watamu or another coastal destination can be arranged.
Can I Reduce the Driving Time?
Yes. The itinerary can be adjusted by removing destinations, adding nights or incorporating domestic flights where practical.
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.