13 Days Kenya Safari – Big Five & Top Parks

Tour Plan

A 13-day Kenya safari is a journey through diverse landscapes and wildlife experiences.

Begin in Tsavo East, known for its vast plains and red elephants, and Tsavo West, where dramatic scenery and Mzima Springs await.

Next, Amboseli offers stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and large elephant herds.

Travel to Samburu, home to rare species like the Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe.

At Ol Pejeta Conservancy, experience up-close encounters with rhinos and wildlife at the renowned conservancy.

Lake Naivasha offers boat rides to observe hippos and diverse birdlife.

Finally, the world-famous Masai Mara delivers unforgettable game drives, especially during the Great Migration, where you witness the raw beauty of wildlife crossing the Mara River.

Each destination offers enriching moments that will give you a true African safari experience.

 

Safari Summary

• Start/End: Nairobi/Nairobi
• Status: Private, Open All year
• Vehicle used: 4/4 Land Cruiser
• Accommodations: Mid-range or Luxury Tented Camps/Lodges
• Tsavo East – 2 Nights, Amboseli – 2 Nights, Nairobi – 1 Night, Samburu – 2 Nights, Sweetwaters – 1 Night, Lake Naivasha – 1 Night, Maasai Mara – 3 Nights
• Activities: Game viewing, birding, photography, cultural visit, nature walk and sight seeing

 

Detailed Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi – Transfer to Tsavo East (Approx. 5-6 hours)

Depart Nairobi at 6.30a.m. for Tsavo East to arrive by lunch time. Have lunch then relax before an afternoon game drive at 4p.m.

Overnight: Ashnil Aruba Lodge/Satao Camp

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 2: Tsavo East – Full day

Spend the day with morning & afternoon game drives.

Overnight: Ashnil Aruba Lodge/Satao Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 3: Tsavo East - Tsavo West – Transfer to Amboseli (Approx. 3 hours)

Early breakfast, then proceed to Tsavo West for a visit to Mzima Springs and Lava in the park. Lunch at Kilaguni Serena before departing for Amboseli.

Arrive and immediately have a game drive till 6p.m. when you check in at the camp/lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Overnight: Kibo Safari Camp/Ol Tukai Lodge/Tortilis Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 4: Amboseli – Full day

This day have morning and afternoon game drives. The rest of the time is spent in the lodge/camp.

Overnight: Kibo Safari Camp/Ol Tukai Lodge/Tortilis Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 5: Amboseli – Transfer to Nairobi, Approx. 4 hours

Have breakfast then depart for Nairobi. Arrive and have lunch and afternoon visit Giraffe Centre before drop off at the hotel.

Overnight: Tamarind Tree Hotel/Nairobi Serena Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 6: Nairobi – Transfer to Samburu, Approx. 5 hours

Be picked from your Nairobi hotel at 6.30a.m. and immediately depart for Samburu passing through the equator line to Samburu land. Enjoy views of different plantations along the way, it is a scenic route. You will have a game drive en-route to the camp. Afternoon game drive is at 4p.m. for 2 hours.

Samburu Park is home to Reticulated Giraffe, Grevy Zebra, Beisa Oryx, long-necked gerenuk and the Blue legged Somali Ostrich. Much of the reserve consists of desert landscape; dusty red plains broken by thorny scrub, featuring dramatic views of table-top Mt Ol Olokwe on the horizon.

Overnight: Samburu Ashnil Camp/Elephant Bedroom Camp

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 7: Samburu – Full day

Spend this day with morning and afternoon game drives with the rest of the time spent at the camp. All meals are taken at the camp.

Optional Activity – Cultural visit

Overnight: Samburu Ashnil Camp/Elephant Bedroom Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinne

 

Day 8. Samburu – Transfer to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Approx. 3 hrs

Have breakfast and depart for Sweetwaters to arrive before lunch time. After lunch, enjoy a private visit with the tame animals at the wildlife orphanage. You will also visit a Chimp sanctuary.

Optional activities - walking safaris escorted by a local ranger, bird watching, horseback riding and night game drives.

Overnight: Sweetwaters Serena/Jambo Mutara/Ol Pejeta Bush Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 9: Ol Pejeta – Transfer to Lake Naivasha, Approx. 4 hours

Have breakfast and immediately depart for Lake Naivasha to arrive by lunch time. Afternoon is spent with a boat ride to Crescent Island.

Overnight: Loldia House/Chui Lodge/Lake Naivasha Resort

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

 

Day 10: Lake Naivasha – Transfer to Maasai Mara, Approx. 5 hours

Have an early breakfast then depart for Maasai Mara to arrive for lunch at the camp. Have lunch then relax before an afternoon game drive at 4o’clock.

Overnight: Zebra Plains or Basecamp/Sarova Mara Game Camp/Entim or Mara Bush Camp/Kichwa Tembo Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 11 & 12: Maasai Mara – Full day game drives

On these 2 days, have breakfast then depart for full-day game drives in search of the big five and many other wildlife. There will be picnic lunch along Mara River or a good spot chosen by your guide.

Alternatively, have morning and afternoon game drives with the rest of the day spent at the camp.

Optional activities: Hot air balloon, a visit to Maasai village & guided nature walks

Overnight: Zebra Plains or Basecamp/Sarova Mara Game Camp/Entim or Mara Bush Camp/Kichwa Tembo Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 13: Maasai Mara – Transfer to Nairobi, Approx. 5 hours

Have breakfast, then depart for Nairobi to arrive in time for lunch. After lunch be dropped off at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch