Day 1: 04/08/2025 Arrival in Nairobi
Arrive at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya, where you will be received and welcomed by your Tour Driver Guide for onward transfer to the 5-star overnight hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. In case you wish to see some of Nairobi's sights and sounds, we can arrange a brief drive through the city center, time allowing. Transfers to these can be arranged on request.
Overnight Accommodation: Fairview Hotel Kenya
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 2: 05/08/2025 Nairobi city tour
After breakfast, depart for Karen Blixen Museum which is located on the outskirts of Nairobi on Karen road. Its history dates back to 1914, during the First World War, with the arrival of Karen Blixen from Denmark. At the foot of Ngong Hills, Karen Blixen established herself as a farmer. After her departure in 1931, the suburbs retained the commemorative home of Karen. This is the beautiful farmhouse where Karen Blixen, author of Out of Africa, lived between 1914 and 1931, until she left Kenya after a series of personal tragedies. Our next stop is at David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, truly the most unique animal care center in the world. You can visit between 11am and 12 noon every day, and see the elephants being fed and playing. Where else can you see dozens of baby elephants being fed from giant milk bottles right before you? And then after the feeding, watch the elephant babies roll about in the mud, playing, frolicking like young children everywhere. This world-renowned sanctuary rescues orphaned elephants throughout Africa and hand raises them with expertise and love. The Sheldrick Family has been taking in and caring for these orphaned babies for over forty years. Over 200 have now been rescued and you can experience up close the expressions of compassion. But now it's your feeding time and we'll have lunch at the beautiful Karen Blixen Coffee Garden. Then it's on to the Giraffe Centre. Here at the Giraffe Centre, you can climb up the feeding tower and hand feed a food pellet to an inquisitive giraffe. Some lucky visitors have been known to get a giraffe kiss! The Centre is a refuge for the endangered Rothschild's giraffe. Here we'll learn about this beautiful species at the special Information Centre. You may also find yourself surrounded by dozens of schoolchildren, as this is a favorite outing for Kenya's youngsters. Later visit the Kazuri beads factory. Kazuri Beads and Pottery Centre provide a great visit to buy original souvenir from self-help women project where handmade ceramics and jewelry are produced. They produce brightly-colored, handmade ceramic jewelry which are sold all over the world. It supports literally hundreds of disadvantaged Kenyan women, by providing employment and healthcare services for them and their families. It's a popular place for many tourists who have just a few hours to spend seeing the sights of Nairobi. The main showroom and workshop is located at the facility. Later return to your Nairobi hotel.
Overnight Accommodation: Fairview Hotel Kenya
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: 06/08/2025 Nairobi – Samburu National Reserve
After an early breakfast in Nairobi, you will check out from your hotel and be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your scheduled domestic flight to Nanyuki Airstrip. Enjoy the scenic aerial views of central Kenya as you fly over the lush landscapes and the foothills of Mount Kenya. Upon arrival at Nanyuki Airstrip, you will be warmly received by our professional driver-guide. From here, you will embark on a picturesque road transfer to Samburu National Reserve, a journey of approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, passing through the dramatic semi-arid terrain of northern Kenya and small rural towns along the way. You will arrive at your lodge or camp in Samburu in time for a late lunch and check-in. After lunch, you will have time to relax and soak in the views from your lodge, possibly spotting wildlife right from your veranda. In the late afternoon, you will head out for your first game drive in the reserve. Samburu is known for its unique wildlife including the Samburu Special Five – Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, and gerenuk – as well as elephants, lions, and leopards. Return to the lodge before sunset, freshen up, and enjoy dinner under the stars. The evening is at leisure as you unwind and prepare for the adventures of the next day.
Overnight Accommodation: Samburu Intrepids Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Day 4: 07/08/2025 Samburu National Reserve
Start your day with an early morning game drive in search of Lions, Leopard, Cheetahs and other wildlife animals that will show up in the dawning light. Return to your camp/lodge for breakfast. The rest of the day is for relaxation getting to use the camps/lodge facility or perhaps book added activities such as nature walk or cultural visit within the area (Extra Activities at extra cost). Afternoon game drive is scheduled giving you the opportunity to explore the reserve, visit different attractions, sights and get to spot wildlife.
Overnight Accommodation: Samburu Intrepids Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Day 5: 08/08/2025 Samburu National Reserve – Mount Kenya
After breakfast, you will check out from your camp at Samburu National Reserve and begin your journey to Mount Kenya. The drive to Nanyuki, where you will be staying at the prestigious Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club, will take approximately two hours and cover about 135 kilometers through scenic landscapes. Upon arrival, you will check in and enjoy a relaxed lunch while taking in the stunning views of Mount Kenya and the beautifully maintained gardens that surround the property. In the afternoon, you will have the chance to visit the Animal Orphanage located within the hotel grounds. Although often referred to as a zoo, it is actually a sanctuary managed by the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy. Here, you will get to see and learn about rescued animals such as the endangered Mountain Bongo, cheetahs, monkeys, tortoises, and many more. The experience offers close-up interactions and is both engaging and educational. Please note there is a small entry fee, and the proceeds go directly towards conservation efforts. After your visit, you can unwind and take advantage of the hotel's impressive facilities.
Overnight Accommodation: Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club
Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Day 6: 09/08/2025 Mount Kenya – Mara North Conservancy
After enjoying a relaxing breakfast at your lodge in Nanyuki, you will check out and head to Nanyuki Airstrip for your scheduled flight to the Masai Mara. The flight offers scenic views of Kenya's diverse landscapes, from the lush foothills of Mount Kenya to the expansive plains of the Great Rift Valley. You will land at Mara North Airstrip, located within the Mara North Conservancy. Upon arrival, you will be warmly received by a driver-guide from Olare Mara Kempinski. From the airstrip, you'll enjoy a short game drive en route to the camp, offering a preview of the incredible wildlife that awaits you. On arrival at Olare Mara Kempinski, you will check in and settle into your luxury tented suite, set along the banks of the Ntiakitiak River. After a refreshing welcome drink, lunch will be served at the camp's elegant dining area, where you can enjoy a delicious meal while overlooking the scenic bush surroundings. The afternoon is at your leisure. You may choose to relax in your suite, enjoy the infinity pool, or book a spa treatment. Later, you will embark on a late afternoon game drive within the private conservancy, known for its abundant wildlife, particularly big cats like lions, cheetahs, and leopards. As the sun sets, you will return to camp for a sundowner and a gourmet dinner under the stars. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the African wilderness before retiring for the night.
Overnight Accommodation: Karen Blixen Mara Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Day 7: 10/08/2025 Full day Mara North Conservancy, optional hot air balloon safari
Due to the thriving wildlife activity, a second full day in the park will offer you the opportunity to witness more of the wildlife's natural behaviour. This can include a lion killing, a cheetah chase, or the serene activities of elephants grazing and birds building nests. You will be back at the hotel in time for lunch with the afternoon free for you to enjoy at the lodge or exploring the park. If there's interest, embark on a one-hour hot air balloon safari in Maasai Mara. At around 5 am, you will be picked up from your lodge and transferred to the launch site. Here you will meet your pilot, receive a briefing, and watch as your hot air balloon is inflated. At dawn, you will take off and enjoy a breath-taking view of the sun rising. The balloon will carry you in the direction of the morning's wind. Your pilot can precisely control the altitude of your balloon: sometimes flying at treetop height or much lower. This will offer you unique perspectives of the park and great photographic opportunities of the wildlife below. Upon landing, you can observe the complete deflation of the balloon envelope. Our vehicles will then transport you a short distance to breakfast. Our breakfast is set up on the picturesque savannah plains of the Mara, typically under the shade of a single balanite tree. You will sit down to a full bush breakfast in the Kenyan style, complete with eggs-to-order, fresh juices, fruits, cereals & of course sparkling wine. During breakfast, you can also peruse the photos your pilot has taken during the flight, and decide whether you would like to purchase the photos, or any of the other Hot Air Safaris merchandise on display. After breakfast, at about 9AM, you will have a brief game drive back to meet up with your driver-guide for onward itinerary. Depending on what you find along the way, the game drive usually takes about one and a half hours. By 10:30/11:30AM you should be back at your camp already reliving the memories of the morning's flight. Afternoon is free for you to enjoy at the lodge or exploring the park.
Overnight Accommodation: Karen Blixen Mara Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Day 8: 11/08/2025 Big Five in Maasai Mara Conservancy
Breakfast at your Camp, you will depart for your mid-morning game viewing drive until mid-day, return to your camp for lunch. After lunch, relax at the lodge, then depart for your late afternoon game viewing drive at the reserve to explore more of the wild. Alternative, depart with picnic lunch box for full day game viewing drive at the reserve returning to the camp late in the evening. This international conservation destination has been placed as one of the seven new wonders of the world and offers a unique opportunity to fully experience Africa's endless plains, an abundance of wildlife, and incredible vistas. Travellers will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience to observe the big five in their natural habitat including the endangered rhinos.
Overnight Accommodation: Karen Blixen Mara Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Day 9: 12/08/2025 Maasai Mara Game Reserve – Lake Naivasha
After breakfast, you will check out from your lodge at the Maasai Mara and begin your journey to Lake Naivasha. The drive takes approximately 5 hours, passing through the scenic Great Rift Valley. You will arrive at your hotel in Naivasha in time for lunch and enjoy a relaxed meal as you take in the peaceful lakeside surroundings. In the afternoon, you will head out for a boat ride on Lake Naivasha, where you can enjoy close-up views of hippos, a variety of bird species, and the beautiful landscape that surrounds the lake. After the boat ride, you will proceed to Crescent Island for a guided walking safari. Here, you'll walk among freely roaming wildlife such as zebras, giraffes, antelopes, and wildebeests in a serene and open environment, making it a unique and unforgettable experience. After the excursion, you will return to your hotel to relax and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.
Overnight Accommodation: Enashipai Resort & Spa
Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Day 10: 13/08/2025 Day trip to Lake Nakuru National Park
After an early breakfast at your resort, you will depart around 7:00 AM for a scenic drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, located approximately 1.5 to 2 hours away from Naivasha. The journey takes you through the Rift Valley escarpment, offering beautiful views along the way. You will arrive at the park mid-morning and begin your game drive right away. Lake Nakuru National Park is renowned for its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. As you explore the park, you may spot white rhinos, buffalos, zebras, giraffes, impalas, and a wide variety of birdlife, including the iconic flamingos along the shores of the alkaline lake. If lucky, you might also catch a glimpse of lions or the elusive leopards resting in the trees. Around midday, you will stop at one of the designated picnic sites inside the park for a relaxing lunch break. You can either enjoy packed picnic lunches or dine at one of the lodges near the park if arranged in advance. After lunch, you will continue with an afternoon game drive, exploring different sections of the park such as Baboon Cliff, Makalia Falls, or the southern acacia woodland areas where you're likely to spot more wildlife and enjoy panoramic views of the lake. By 3:30 to 4:00 PM, you will begin your journey back to your resort in Naivasha, arriving in the evening in time to relax, freshen up, and enjoy dinner at the resort.
Overnight Accommodation: Enashipai Resort & Spa
Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Day 11: 14/08/2025 Lake Naivasha – Nairobi
After waking up in the morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel in Lake Naivasha while taking in the final views of the serene lake and surrounding landscapes. Once you've finished breakfast, proceed to check out and prepare for your journey back to Nairobi. Depart from Naivasha mid-morning, driving through the scenic Great Rift Valley escarpment. The drive typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic, offering a smooth and pleasant return to the city. Upon arrival in Nairobi you will be dropped off at your hotel. Check in at your hotel and have lunch. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure.
Overnight Accommodation: Fairview Hotel Kenya
Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Day 12: 15/08/2025 Departure
After breakfast, you will check out of the hotel at 10:00. Thereafter, depending on your flight timings, you will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta Airport for your flight back home and this will be the end of this amazing safari. We hope you had a memorable journey and look forward to welcoming you again in the future. Safe travels!
Safari Package Inclusions:
- Accommodation for 11 nights at luxury properties
- All airport transfers
- Use of a private customized safari 4x4 vehicle with pop-up roof
- Guaranteed window seats for every participant
- All park entry fees and conservation charges
- Full board meal plan (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
- Bottled water during game drives
- Services of an experienced English-speaking driver-guide
- All scheduled game drives as per itinerary
- Local flights as per itinerary
- Driver allowances and vehicle park fees
- All applicable government taxes
Safari Package Exclusions:
- International flights to/from Kenya
- Hot Air Balloon safari in Maasai Mara ($500 per person)
- Kenya entry visa fees
- Optional activities not mentioned in inclusions
- Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, drinks, etc.)
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
Terms and conditions apply
