20 Days Complete Kenya Safari

Your 20 Days Complete Kenya Safari begins when you arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. After completing immigration procedures and collecting your luggage, meet our representative in the arrivals area. You will then be transferred privately to your Nairobi hotel.

The first day is intentionally relaxed. Many international travelers arrive after overnight flights, so it is normally preferable not to begin a long road safari immediately after landing. After reaching your hotel, check in and rest.

Depending on arrival time, optional activities in Nairobi can be arranged. These may include selected wildlife conservation attractions, museums, markets or restaurants. You can also use the afternoon to recover from the flight, exchange currency if necessary and prepare your luggage for the safari.

Later, your guide or representative may provide a briefing explaining the route, expected game-drive schedule, approximate travel times, park procedures and any optional activities that have been prearranged. Because the safari lasts twenty days, your guide can also explain practical matters such as laundry opportunities, charging devices and managing luggage during the journey.

Destination: Nairobi

Activities: Airport pickup, hotel transfer and safari briefing

Accommodation: Nairobi hotel

Meal Plan: Depending on arrival arrangements

Northern Kenya Safari Section

After breakfast, meet your safari driver-guide and begin the journey north toward Samburu National Reserve. Leaving Nairobi, the road passes through Kenya's central highlands. Depending on routing and visibility, you may enjoy scenic views of fertile agricultural landscapes before descending toward the warmer and drier regions of northern Kenya.

The contrast is dramatic. Vegetation gradually changes, and the green highlands give way to open scrubland, acacia woodland and rugged terrain. This transition is one of the reasons Samburu is such an important component of a complete Kenya safari—it introduces an ecosystem very different from the southern parks.

Arrive at your lodge or tented camp in time for lunch depending on departure time and road conditions. After a short rest, depart for an afternoon game drive in Samburu National Reserve.

The reserve is centered around the Ewaso Nyiro River, which is critically important to wildlife. During dry periods, elephants, giraffes, antelopes, predators and numerous birds gather along the river and surrounding woodland. Among the animals you may encounter are the following, although no individual sighting can be guaranteed: Reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, Gerenuk, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Impala, Waterbuck, Baboon.

Return to your accommodation in the evening.

Destination: Samburu National Reserve

Activities: Scenic road transfer and afternoon game drive

Accommodation: Safari lodge or tented camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Wake early for your first full safari day. Morning is often one of the best times to explore Samburu because temperatures are cooler and wildlife activity may be higher. Predators may still be active after hunting during the night, elephants may begin moving toward the Ewaso Nyiro River, and giraffes browse in open woodland while Grevy's zebras move between feeding areas and water sources.

One of Samburu's major attractions is its collection of northern Kenya wildlife specialties.

Grevy's Zebra

The Grevy's zebra is larger than the common plains zebra and has narrower stripes, a white belly and large rounded ears. Northern Kenya provides some of the most important habitat for this endangered species.

Reticulated Giraffe

The reticulated giraffe is instantly recognizable because of its sharply defined geometric coat pattern. Samburu is one of the best places in Kenya to observe this attractive giraffe.

Gerenuk

The gerenuk is a long-necked antelope adapted to dry environments. It may stand upright on its hind legs to browse leaves from shrubs and trees.

Beisa Oryx

The Beisa oryx is another dry-country specialist characterized by long straight horns and a striking facial pattern.

Somali Ostrich

The Somali ostrich differs visually from the more widespread Masai ostrich and is an important northern Kenya specialty. These species make Samburu particularly rewarding for guests who want more than the standard Big Five safari.

Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation during the hottest part of the day. In the afternoon, head out for another game drive. Your guide may search for predators along the river, especially leopards that use riverine woodland. Return for dinner after sunset or according to reserve regulations.

Destination: Samburu National Reserve

Activities: Morning and afternoon game drives

Accommodation: Same lodge or camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Spend another day exploring Samburu. A second full day is valuable because wildlife sightings vary from one day to another. Yesterday's route may have produced excellent elephants while today could become the day for cats. Your guide will use recent sightings, tracks, animal behavior and local knowledge to decide where to concentrate.

Elephant Viewing

Samburu is particularly good for elephant observation. Family groups may be seen moving through woodland or approaching the river to drink. Young calves are often surrounded by adult females while older bulls may travel independently. Watching elephants at the river can be one of the safari's most memorable experiences.

Predator Search

Leopards are naturally secretive but are occasionally seen around riverine areas, lions may rest in shade during hotter parts of the day, and cheetahs typically favor more open terrain where they can use their speed to hunt. Samburu supports: Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Spotted hyenas, Jackals.

Birdwatching

The reserve is also excellent for birding. Dry-country species combine with riverine birds to create impressive diversity. Possible sightings include: Hornbills, Bee-eaters, Kingfishers, Eagles, Vultures, Rollers, Storks, Guinea fowl.

Return to the lodge or camp in the evening.

Destination: Samburu National Reserve

Activities: Extensive wildlife viewing

Accommodation: Same lodge or camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Laikipia Conservation Section

After breakfast, leave Samburu and travel toward Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya's Laikipia region. The journey once again passes through changing scenery, and as you move south and gain elevation, the environment becomes greener. Arrive at Ol Pejeta and check into your selected lodge or tented camp.

After lunch, head out for your first game drive in the conservancy. Ol Pejeta plays an important role in wildlife conservation. It is particularly famous for rhinos, making it an excellent complement to destinations where rhinos are more difficult to locate. Possible wildlife includes: Black rhino, White rhino, Elephant, Lion, Buffalo, Giraffe, Zebra, Eland, Impala, Warthog, Hyena.

The conservancy also provides travelers with opportunities to learn about modern wildlife conservation. Return to your lodge in the evening.

Destination: Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Activities: Transfer, conservation experience and game drive

Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Spend the full day exploring Ol Pejeta. Morning game viewing may focus on rhinos. Both black and white rhinos occur within the conservancy, though every sighting depends on wildlife movement and local conditions. The difference between the two species can be explained by your guide: white rhinos generally have broader mouths adapted for grazing, whereas black rhinos have more pointed upper lips suited to browsing.

Beyond rhinos, Ol Pejeta offers excellent general wildlife viewing. Lions occur within the conservancy, and there may also be opportunities to see elephants, buffaloes and giraffes.

Certain specialist conservation experiences may be available by advance arrangement. These can add an educational dimension to the safari by showing how anti-poaching, species monitoring and habitat management contribute to conservation. The exact activities depend on availability and should be confirmed when booking. Return to the lodge in the evening.

Destination: Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Activities: Game drives and conservation-focused experiences

Accommodation: Same lodge or camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Great Rift Valley Safari Section

After breakfast, leave Ol Pejeta and drive toward the Great Rift Valley. As the road descends toward Lake Nakuru, you enter another very different ecosystem. Lake Nakuru National Park is relatively compact compared with Samburu or Tsavo, but it contains an impressive variety of habitats. These include:

• Lake shoreline.
• Grasslands.
• Acacia woodland.
• Rocky escarpments.
• Forest.
• Wetlands.

After entering the park, begin a game drive en route to your accommodation. Lake Nakuru is particularly important for rhino conservation. White rhinos are sometimes seen grazing in open grassland while black rhinos may be more difficult to spot among thicker vegetation. Other wildlife may include: Rothschild's giraffe, Buffalo, Zebra, Waterbuck, Baboon, Warthog, Lion, Leopard.

The lake also attracts diverse birdlife. Flamingo numbers vary according to water levels and food conditions, so enormous concentrations cannot be guaranteed. However, pelicans, storks, herons, eagles and numerous other birds may be present.

Destination: Lake Nakuru National Park

Activities: Road transfer and afternoon game drive

Accommodation: Safari lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Begin with an early morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. Morning light provides attractive conditions for wildlife viewing and photography, and your guide may search open areas for rhinos before exploring woodland for other species.

After breakfast, leave Lake Nakuru and travel toward Lake Naivasha. Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake within the Great Rift Valley and introduces a slower, more relaxed component to the safari. After reaching your lakeside lodge, enjoy lunch and some rest.

In the afternoon, an optional or included boat safari on Lake Naivasha, depending on your package, can be arranged. Boat excursions provide a completely different safari perspective. Instead of watching wildlife from a vehicle, you move quietly across the lake while observing birds and hippos from water level. During the boat excursion, you may see: Hippos, African fish eagles, Pelicans, Cormorants, Kingfishers, Herons, Egrets.

Return to the lodge before evening.

Destination: Lake Naivasha

Activities: Morning game drive, transfer and optional boat safari

Accommodation: Lakeside lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner depending on confirmed package

Amboseli and Kilimanjaro Safari Section

After breakfast, leave Lake Naivasha and drive south toward Amboseli National Park. The journey passes through Kenya's varied countryside before eventually reaching the plains beneath Mount Kilimanjaro. Kilimanjaro lies across the international border in Tanzania, but some of the mountain's most iconic views are seen from Amboseli in Kenya, weather permitting. Arrive at your lodge or camp, check in and have lunch.

Later, depart for an afternoon game drive. Amboseli is particularly associated with elephants. Large family groups may be encountered moving across open plains, feeding in marshes or gathering at water sources. The park's wetlands are fed by underground water originating from Mount Kilimanjaro's catchment, and these permanent water sources support wildlife even during dry periods. Other animals may include: Buffaloes, Zebras, Wildebeest, Giraffes, Hippos, Lions, Cheetahs, Hyenas, Gazelles, Warthogs.

Return to your lodge in the evening.

Destination: Amboseli National Park

Activities: Transfer and afternoon game drive

Accommodation: Safari lodge or tented camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Begin early. Clear mornings provide the best chance of seeing Mount Kilimanjaro before clouds develop. When conditions are favorable, the mountain creates an unforgettable backdrop to the surrounding plains, although mountain views are never guaranteed.

Your morning game drive may concentrate on elephant routes. Amboseli's elephant population has been extensively studied, and the park is considered one of Africa's most important destinations for observing elephant social behavior. Guests may witness:

• Mothers and calves.
• Large breeding herds.
• Bulls.
• Dust bathing.
• Drinking.
• Feeding.
• Herd communication.

The park also supports excellent birdlife because of its wetlands. Possible birds include: Pelicans, Egrets, Herons, Storks, Cranes, Kingfishers, Raptors.

Return to your accommodation for lunch and relaxation. During the afternoon game drive, your guide may search open plains for predators. Lions and cheetahs are present, although sightings depend on luck. Return before nightfall.

Destination: Amboseli National Park

Activities: Morning and afternoon wildlife drives

Accommodation: Same lodge or camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

A second full day increases the probability of excellent elephant sightings and clear Kilimanjaro conditions, although neither can be guaranteed. Sunrise can be particularly beautiful. Depending on wildlife movements, today's route may explore less-visited areas of the park rather than repeating the previous day's circuits.

One objective may be to observe interactions between elephants and other species around wetlands. Buffaloes, hippos and waterbirds can gather in surprisingly high numbers. Later, your guide may visit higher viewpoints that provide a broader perspective over the Amboseli ecosystem and demonstrate how sharply the wetlands contrast with the surrounding semi-arid landscape. The afternoon can focus on predator search, birdwatching or extended elephant observation depending on your interests.

Destination: Amboseli National Park

Activities: Full-day safari

Accommodation: Same lodge or camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Tsavo Wilderness Section

After breakfast, leave Amboseli and travel toward Tsavo West National Park. The landscape becomes increasingly rugged. Tsavo West is known for:

• Volcanic formations.
• Rocky hills.
• Lava flows.
• Savannah.
• Woodland.
• Natural springs.
• Extensive wilderness.

After checking into your lodge and having lunch, begin exploring the park. One major attraction is Mzima Springs, where clear underground water creates an oasis within the dry landscape. Wildlife in Tsavo West may include: Elephant, Buffalo, Giraffe, Zebra, Hippo, Waterbuck, Lion, Leopard, Antelope.

Wildlife can sometimes be more challenging to see here than in open grassland parks because of thicker vegetation. However, the reward is a genuine sense of wilderness. Return to your accommodation in the evening.

Destination: Tsavo West National Park

Activities: Transfer, scenic exploration and game drive

Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Today is dedicated to exploring Tsavo West in greater depth. Early morning game drives may search water points and open areas for elephants and buffaloes. Tsavo elephants frequently take on a reddish appearance because they dust themselves with the park's iron-rich soil. The contrast between red elephants, green vegetation and dark volcanic terrain creates some of Kenya's most distinctive safari scenery.

Your guide may explore routes through:

• Lava fields.
• Woodland.
• Open plains.
• River systems.
• Springs.
• Scenic viewpoints.

Predators are present but require patience. Lions occur throughout the ecosystem, while leopards also inhabit Tsavo West but are difficult to locate because of vegetation and their naturally secretive behavior. Return to your accommodation for lunch before another afternoon wildlife drive.

Destination: Tsavo West National Park

Activities: Extensive game viewing and scenic exploration

Accommodation: Same lodge or camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Enjoy breakfast before traveling from Tsavo West into Tsavo East National Park. Although the two parks belong to the same enormous ecosystem, their landscapes differ. Tsavo East generally contains broader open areas, making wildlife more visible in many locations. The park is famous for its scale, and looking across it gives travelers an appreciation of how much wilderness remains within Kenya's protected areas.

After checking into your accommodation and having lunch, embark on an afternoon game drive. Elephants are again among the principal attractions. You may see herds moving between water sources, digging into dry riverbeds or crossing the open plains. Other species can include: Lions, Buffaloes, Giraffes, Zebras, Impalas, Kudus, Waterbucks, Jackals, Hyenas, Numerous birds.

The Galana River and associated habitats support important concentrations of wildlife.

Destination: Tsavo East National Park

Activities: Transfer and afternoon wildlife drive

Accommodation: Safari lodge or tented camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Wake early for a complete day exploring Tsavo East. Because of the park's enormous size, full-day exploration allows you to travel beyond the areas immediately around the lodge. Wildlife sightings may be concentrated around:

• Rivers.
• Waterholes.
• Open plains.
• Woodland edges.

Large elephant herds are a particular highlight, and some groups may contain calves of several ages, offering fascinating opportunities to observe elephant family structure. Lions are also important. Tsavo's lions occupy a legendary position in Kenya's history, and searching for them in this expansive landscape is a very different experience from seeing lions on the crowded plains of the Masai Mara.

Birdlife is diverse. The relatively dry habitat supports species that differ considerably from those around Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru. Return to the lodge in the evening.

Destination: Tsavo East National Park

Activities: Full-day wildlife viewing

Accommodation: Same lodge or camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Masai Mara Safari Section

After breakfast, enjoy wildlife viewing while leaving Tsavo East and travel back toward Nairobi. This is primarily a transfer and rest day. Breaking the journey in Nairobi makes the itinerary more comfortable and prepares you for the final wildlife section in the Masai Mara.

Arrive at your hotel and spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing. Your guide can also discuss the next day's route into the Masai Mara. You may use the opportunity for:

• Laundry.
• Shopping.
• Repacking.
• Charging devices.
• Restaurant dining.
• Optional Nairobi sightseeing.

Destination: Nairobi

Activities: Road transfer and relaxation

Accommodation: Nairobi hotel

Meal Plan: Breakfast and other meals depending on arrangement

After breakfast, travel southwest from Nairobi toward the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve. The road eventually descends into the Great Rift Valley before continuing across highland landscapes toward Narok and the Mara ecosystem. Alternatively, a domestic flight from Nairobi can be arranged for travelers who prefer to reduce driving time.

As you approach the Masai Mara, the landscape gradually changes into the classic open savannah associated with East African safari imagery. Enter the reserve or surrounding conservancy and begin wildlife viewing en route to your accommodation. Even the first afternoon can be exceptionally productive, although no individual sighting can be guaranteed. Possible sightings include: Lions, Elephants, Buffaloes, Giraffes, Wildebeest, Zebras, Topis, Impalas, Thomson's gazelles, Hyenas, Jackals, Cheetahs, Leopards.

Arrive at your lodge or camp in the evening.

Destination: Masai Mara National Reserve

Activities: Transfer and afternoon game drive

Accommodation: Safari lodge or tented camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Wake early for a complete day of wildlife viewing. The Masai Mara is among the most productive large-predator ecosystems in Africa.

Lion Viewing

Lions are frequently encountered in the Mara. Large prides may consist of adult females, cubs, sub-adults and territorial males, and early morning provides opportunities to find lions after nighttime hunting activity. Possible behavior includes:

• Feeding.
• Social interaction.
• Cubs playing.
• Males patrolling.
• Pride resting.
• Drinking.
• Hunting preparation.

Cheetahs

The open grasslands of the Mara provide excellent cheetah habitat. Cheetahs use elevated points such as termite mounds to scan the plains for prey and danger, and mothers with cubs are particularly memorable when encountered.

Leopards

Leopards are more secretive. They may be found around riverine woodland or resting in trees. An experienced guide can dramatically improve the chances of locating them, although every sighting remains dependent on nature.

Carry a packed lunch and remain in the reserve throughout the day if preferred. This approach allows you to explore areas farther from your lodge. Return to camp in the evening.

Destination: Masai Mara National Reserve

Activities: Full-day game drive

Accommodation: Same lodge or camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner

Spend another full day exploring the Masai Mara. This extra day is one of the most valuable parts of the itinerary because wildlife behavior changes every day. Yesterday's lion pride may have been sleeping, and today they may hunt. A cheetah that was difficult to see yesterday may move into an open area, elephants may arrive from another section of the reserve, and a leopard may appear along a river. The additional day allows the safari to unfold naturally.

Great Wildebeest Migration

If traveling during a period when migratory herds are present in the Masai Mara, the day's game drive may focus on wildebeest and zebra concentrations. Possible scenes include:

• Large herds covering open plains.
• Predators following migratory animals.
• Wildebeest moving toward rivers.
• Zebra herds.
• Dust clouds.
• River crossings if they occur naturally.

The Great Wildebeest Migration does not follow a fixed timetable. Rainfall and grass conditions influence herd movement, and even when herds gather near a river, they may wait for hours or move away without crossing. Therefore, no ethical safari operator can guarantee a crossing.

Optional Hot-Air Balloon Safari

An optional early morning hot-air balloon flight can also be arranged, subject to weather and operational conditions. Ballooning offers panoramic views over the Mara and creates an entirely different perspective on the savannah.

Optional Maasai Cultural Visit

Travelers interested in culture may visit a Maasai community. Such activities should be arranged respectfully and with clear understanding of any community fees. Return to your lodge or camp for your final safari dinner.

Destination: Masai Mara National Reserve

Activities: Full-day game drive; optional balloon or cultural activity

Accommodation: Same lodge or camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Wake early for one final game drive if your schedule permits. Morning wildlife viewing provides a final opportunity to search for predators, elephants or other species that have become highlights of the journey. Return for breakfast and check out.

Travel back toward Nairobi by road, or fly from a Masai Mara airstrip to Nairobi if a domestic flight has been included. Upon arrival in Nairobi, you may be transferred to:

• Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
• Your Nairobi hotel.
• A restaurant.
• Another domestic connection.

Your 20 Days Complete Kenya Safari ends after nearly three weeks exploring Kenya's northern wilderness, rhino conservancies, Rift Valley lakes, elephant plains, Tsavo wilderness and the legendary Masai Mara.

Destinations Included in the 20 Days Complete Kenya Safari

Samburu National Reserve

Samburu provides a dramatically different beginning to the journey. The dry northern landscape and Ewaso Nyiro River create habitat for animals rarely seen on conventional southern Kenya circuits. The reserve is particularly famous for: Grevy's zebra, Reticulated giraffe, Gerenuk, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich.

Elephants, lions and leopards add further appeal. For travelers seeking a complete picture of Kenyan wildlife diversity, Samburu is one of the most valuable destinations to include.

Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Ol Pejeta adds an important conservation dimension. The conservancy is best known for rhino protection but also supports diverse wildlife populations. Visitors can combine ordinary game drives with selected conservation experiences, which makes Ol Pejeta particularly valuable for travelers interested in the challenges and successes of modern African wildlife protection.

Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru combines wildlife, birds and Rift Valley scenery. The park is particularly important for rhinos, and its relatively compact area can make sightings easier than in enormous parks such as Tsavo. Rothschild's giraffes are another highlight.

Lake Naivasha

Lake Naivasha offers a break from conventional vehicle game drives. Boat excursions provide opportunities to see hippos and diverse birdlife, and the lake's setting also makes it an attractive place to slow down after several intensive safari days.

Amboseli National Park

Amboseli is one of the most recognized safari landscapes in Africa, and its elephants are famous worldwide. Under clear conditions, Mount Kilimanjaro dominates the southern horizon, although views are never guaranteed. Wetlands, open plains and dry lakebeds create excellent habitat for both mammals and birds.

Tsavo West National Park

Tsavo West offers rugged scenery. The landscape includes volcanic hills, lava flows, springs, woodland and open plains. Wildlife requires patience because some areas have thicker vegetation, but the sense of wilderness is exceptional.

Tsavo East National Park

Tsavo East is enormous. Its broad plains, red soil, seasonal rivers and large elephant populations create a distinctive safari experience, and the scale of the park is one of its greatest attractions.

Masai Mara National Reserve

The Masai Mara provides the spectacular conclusion to the journey. Resident wildlife is excellent throughout much of the year, and large populations of herbivores support exceptional numbers of predators. During parts of the migration period, huge wildebeest and zebra herds may also enter the ecosystem from the Serengeti.

Wildlife on the 20 Days Complete Kenya Safari

A twenty-day itinerary provides excellent opportunities to see a broad range of animals.

The Big Five

Lion

Lions may be seen in Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Amboseli, Tsavo and the Masai Mara. The Mara is especially productive.

Leopard

Leopards are present in several destinations but are naturally secretive. Samburu and the Masai Mara can provide particularly good opportunities.

Elephant

Elephants are among the most consistently encountered large mammals on the safari. Amboseli, Samburu and Tsavo are particularly important elephant destinations.

Buffalo

Buffaloes occur in several ecosystems and may form large herds.

Rhino

Ol Pejeta and Lake Nakuru significantly improve opportunities for both black and white rhino sightings.

Other Mammals You May Encounter

Beyond the Big Five, possible wildlife includes the following. This wildlife diversity is one of the strongest reasons to choose a twenty-day itinerary, although no individual sighting can be guaranteed.

• Cheetah.
• Spotted hyena.
• Black-backed jackal.
• Side-striped jackal.
• Giraffe.
• Grevy's zebra.
• Plains zebra.
• Wildebeest.
• Hippo.
• Warthog.
• Eland.
• Waterbuck.
• Impala.
• Thomson's gazelle.
• Grant's gazelle.
• Topi.
• Gerenuk.
• Beisa oryx.
• Baboon.
• Vervet monkey.
• Mongoose.
• Dik-dik.

Birdwatching on the Safari

Kenya is outstanding for birding. Even travelers who do not consider themselves birdwatchers often become interested because large and colorful species are encountered throughout the route. Birding is especially productive around lakes, rivers and wetlands. Possible birds include: African fish eagle, Lilac-breasted roller, Secretary bird, Martial eagle, Crowned crane, Saddle-billed stork, Pelican, Flamingo, Hornbill, Bee-eater, Kingfisher, Vulture, Ostrich, Heron, Egret, Weaver, Sunbird.