Best of Kenya Safari

Board your overnight flight from the UK to Nairobi Airport NBO.

Upon your arrival in Nairobi, your designated driver/guide will warmly greet you, and together you'll embark northward in your exclusive safari vehicle. En route, you'll journey through vast landscapes adorned with maturing pineapples in Thika. Your accommodation for the night will be at the remarkable Ark Lodge, offering panoramic views of a illuminated watering hole frequented by a variety of wildlife. Notably, this locale held significance as a favoured retreat for the British Royal Family in times past (notably hosting the late Queen during the poignant moment of her father's passing in 1952). Spend the afternoon relaxing at the lodge, while keeping a keen lookout for the arrival of the park's resident animals.

Accommodation: Ark Lodge or similar.

Meals included: Dinner

Following breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Samburu National Reserve, with a chance to catch sight of Mount Kenya, often veiled in clouds, along the route. Traverse the high plains, passing through grassy landscapes speckled with bustling market towns.

As you journey onward, you'll cross the Equator and be treated to panoramic views of the Laikipia plateau before descending into the dry lowlands leading to Samburu National Reserve. Nestled along the banks of the Ewaso Ny’iro River, the rugged beauty of Samburu offers a serene and captivating setting. It's a haven for diverse wildlife, including elephants, cheetahs, leopards, crocodiles, giraffes, zebras, the distinct blue-legged Somali ostrich, and the elegant giraffe-necked gerenuk gazelle.

After lunch, join your driver/guide for an exhilarating game drive, included in your itinerary, before returning to the lodge in time to enjoy a sundowner before dinner.

Accommodation: Samburu Sopa Lodge or similar.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Today is dedicated to exploring the wonders of the reserve. Opt for morning and afternoon game drives, returning to your lodge for lunch, or extend your safari adventure by spending the entire day out with a packed lunch. In addition to thrilling game drives, you'll have the opportunity to visit the village of Umoja. Founded in 1990, Umoja Uaso is a unique all-female matriarchal village in Kenya. Explore the village's huts and manyatta, visit the nursery school, napoo (village parliament), and women’s house. Immerse yourself in the Samburu way of life, history, and culture, browse the curio shop, witness blacksmith craftsmanship, and experience traditional songs and dances during an engaging exhibition.

Accommodation: Samburu Sopa Lodge or similar. 

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Embark on a journey through Nyahururu, Kenya's highest town, formerly known as Thompson’s Falls. Enjoy a scenic lunch at Thomson Falls Lodge before continuing to Lake Nakuru National Park. Along the way, indulge in an afternoon game drive, encountering black and white rhinos, Rothschild giraffes, buffaloes, and various gazelle species. Lake Nakuru is a haven for birdwatchers, offering sightings of flamingos, pelicans, fish eagles, herons, and countless other species.

Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Lodge or similar.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. 

Continue South, pausing at spectacular, freshwater Lake Naivasha - one-time home of Born Free author Joy Adamson.

Board a boat to cruise on the lake’s waters, which are home to hippos, and keep a look out for its many bird species, and for giraffe, zebra, waterbuck and wildebeest on the shore. By early afternoon you will have entered the Maasai Mara, perhaps the world’s most famous protected game reserve, Enjoy a private afternoon game drive en route to your lodge.

The Maasai Mara is synonymous with Kenya's annual wildebeest migration, one of the most spectacular natural events on the planet. Every year, between July and October, over a million wildebeest move across the plains, accompanied by over 200,000 zebras, impalas, and antelopes.

Thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, the Maasai Mara continues to boast wildlife numbers reminiscent of the pristine days of the 19th and early 20th centuries. From giraffes, zebras, hippos, and buffalo to elephants, ostriches, and the iconic big cats—lions, cheetahs, and leopards—the diversity and abundance of wildlife here is truly breathtaking.

Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge or similar.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. 

Savour your final full day with exhilarating game drives, opting for morning and afternoon safaris or immersing yourself in the reserve all day. Amidst your adventures, delve into the vibrant culture of the Maasai people with a visit to a traditional Maasai village. Connect with the locals, engage in insightful conversations about their way of life, and acquire locally crafted souvenirs to commemorate your stay. Conclude your day with a memorable farewell dinner at the lodge. 

Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge or similar.

Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner.

Ascend from the Rift Valley back to Nairobi. Take a brief stop at the captivating Giraffe Centre, home to protected Rothschild giraffes, managed by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife. Enjoy a Farewell Dinner at your hotel tonight.

Accommodation: Golden Tulip Hotel or similar.

Meals included: Dinner.

Departure from Nairobi to the UK Transfer to the airport for your return flight home. 

Visitors to Kenya are now required to apply online for an electronic travel authorisation in advance of travel. Some exemptions apply and can be found in full on the website of the Kenyan Civil Aviation Authority.

Every year, between July and October, over a million wildebeest move across the plains, accompanied by over 200,000 zebras, impalas, and antelopes.

Medication is recommended but not mandatory. Visit your medical physician for advice, anti malaria tablets and dosage.

Yes, the government of Kenya has implemented a ban on plastic bags. The ban applies to “carrier and flat bags,” primarily targeting bags from shops and grocery stores, but also extending to Ziploc bags, duty-free bags and bubble wrap. If tourists have those types of bags visible while in the airport, they are likely to be confiscated. Bags designed for multiple use, such as zippered cosmetic bags, are not included in the ban.

Kenya has a cash-based economy. Cash transactions can be made in either U.S. dollars or the local currency. U.S. dollars should be recently issued bills in smaller denominations. Major credit cards are accepted on a very limited basis, mainly in the largest shops, hotels and lodges. Access to ATM machines is available in large cities such as Nairobi, but limited in rural areas.

Choose comfortable and casual clothing in natural, "breathable" fabrics and versatile styles that can be layered, as temperatures may vary considerably in the course of the day. For game viewing, wear neutral colors (though not camouflage, which is illegal in most national parks and reserves). Black, navy or other dark colors tend to attract insects. Smart casual attire is appropriate for evenings. Formal clothing is not necessary.

Clothing -  casual slacks, polo shirts, casual short sleeve shirts or blouses, comfortable walking shoes with traction, a pair of rubber beach sandals to use as slippers, walking shorts, long sleeve shirts or blouses, brimmed hat for sun protection, swimwear. If you are travelling during Africa’s winter months of mid-May through early September, bring warm clothing - heavy sweater, hat, gloves, lined jacket - to protect against chilly early morning and evening temperatures.

Other recommended items: sunglasses, sun block, prescription medications, charging cables for electronics, insect repellant, global travel adapter, small daypack.

While tipping isn't mandatory, a small gesture of generosity is always appreciated, especially given the modest wages many workers receive. Setting aside a little extra for porters, guides, and drivers can make a big difference. Leaving some spare change at restaurants is also a kind way to show your appreciation for their hard work.