12-Day Kenya Wildlife Safari: Explore Masai Mara & Top Game Parks
Embark on an unforgettable Kenya Wildlife Safari adventure through some of Africa’s most iconic national parks and reserves. This exclusive 12-day guided safari is limited to a small group of six travelers, ensuring a personalized and immersive wildlife experience. From the dramatic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley to the wildlife-rich plains of the Masai Mara and Amboseli’s views of Mount Kilimanjaro, this tour showcases the very best of Kenya’s natural beauty.
Quick Overview
- Duration: 12 days
- Style: Luxury camping & lodge safari
- Start/End: Nairobi, Kenya
- Destinations: Masai Mara, Samburu, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli, Tsavo West, Mount Kenya
- Group Size: Maximum of 6 guests per vehicle
Kenya Wildlife Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi to Tsavo West National Park
Depart Nairobi early morning and drive southeast to Tsavo West National Park, famous for its volcanic scenery and red elephants. Visit Mzima Springs to view hippos and crocodiles through an underwater viewing chamber. Overnight stay at a scenic lodge with views over the park.
Day 2: Full Day in Tsavo West
Enjoy game drives through Tsavo West’s diverse terrain. Look for lions, leopards, elephants, and exotic birds like bateleur eagles. The park’s red-earth terrain makes for dramatic photography and unique game-viewing opportunities.
Day 3: Tsavo West to Amboseli National Park
Travel to Amboseli National Park, famous for its large elephant herds and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Arrive at a luxury tented camp and enjoy your first game drive in Amboseli’s lush wetlands and open plains.
Day 4: Explore Amboseli National Park
Spend the day exploring Amboseli, home to buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and big cats. The backdrop of snow-capped Kilimanjaro provides perfect photo opportunities. Return to the camp for dinner and overnight under the African stars.
Day 5: Amboseli to Mount Kenya (Sweetwaters)
Journey north to the foothills of Mount Kenya. Enjoy a game drive in Sweetwaters Game Sanctuary, home to rhinos and rescued chimpanzees—the only chimpanzee sanctuary in Kenya. Overnight at a lodge with views of Mount Kenya.
Day 6: Mount Kenya to Samburu National Reserve
Head into Kenya’s northern wilderness to Samburu. After lunch at camp, go on a game drive in search of rare species such as the Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, Somali ostrich, and Beisa oryx. Overnight beside the Ewaso Nyiro River.
Day 7: Full Day in Samburu National Reserve
Explore Samburu’s dramatic landscapes and rich wildlife. Spot elephants, leopards, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife. Learn about Samburu culture and enjoy a peaceful night in your riverside camp.
Day 8: Samburu to Lake Nakuru National Park
Travel south to Lake Nakuru, known for its rhino sanctuary and incredible birdlife. Enjoy an afternoon game drive where you may spot white and black rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, and flamingos. Overnight at a lodge inside the park.
Day 9: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara
Drive through the Great Rift Valley to the legendary Masai Mara. Arrive at a tented camp in a private conservancy bordering the reserve. Watch wildlife by the Oloirigynyisho River and enjoy sundowners overlooking the hills.
Day 10: Masai Mara Game Reserve
Spend the day on thrilling game drives in Masai Mara, one of Africa’s best reserves. Home to the Big Five and the spectacular Great Migration (seasonal), the Mara promises excellent wildlife viewing and breathtaking scenery.
Day 11: Another Day in Masai Mara
Continue exploring the vast savannahs in search of lions, cheetahs, elephants, and hippos. Optional hot-air balloon safaris are available for a unique aerial perspective of the wildlife below.
Day 12: Masai Mara to Nairobi
After breakfast, return to Nairobi where your 12-day Kenya Wildlife Safari concludes in the afternoon. Transfer to your hotel or the airport.
Accommodation Highlights
- Masai Mara: Luxury tented camp in a private conservancy with en-suite tents and scenic river views.
- Samburu: Riverside camping near the reserve, shaded by palms with refreshing cold showers.
- Lake Nakuru: Comfortable lodge inside the national park with en-suite rooms and a swimming pool.
Safari Transport
Your Kenya Wildlife Safari is conducted in a custom 4×4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for prime game viewing. Each traveler is guaranteed a window seat, with a maximum of 6 people per vehicle. Vehicles include onboard fridges for chilled drinks during drives.
Optional Extras
- Masai cultural village visits
- Hot-air balloon safaris over the Masai Mara
About the Great Migration
The Great Migration is a natural, seasonal movement of millions of wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes between Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara. Peak viewing in Masai Mara typically occurs between July and October, but exact timing varies yearly.
Family-Friendly Safari
This Kenya Wildlife Safari welcomes children of all ages traveling with parents or guardians. It’s a fantastic educational and adventurous experience for families.
Book Your Kenya Wildlife Safari
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to explore Kenya’s top wildlife destinations. Enquire now to reserve your seat on this small-group 12-day Kenya Wildlife Safari.