Big Kenya Safari

9 Days / 8 Nights | Private Kenya Safari

 

Experience the Best of Kenya in One Journey

Our 9-day Big Kenya Safari takes us across some of Kenya’s most remarkable wildlife destinations, from the legendary Maasai Mara to the dramatic landscapes of Tsavo West. We begin in the Great Mara, where two nights give us time to search for the Big Five and experience the extraordinary wildlife of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem.

From there, we travel through the Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha before continuing south toward Amboseli National Park, famous for its elephants and spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro. We finish in Tsavo West National Park, combining game viewing with some of Kenya’s most fascinating volcanic and natural attractions.

 

Safari style: Private journey
Duration: 9 days / 8 nights
Destinations: Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli and Tsavo West

Kenya Destinations

Big Kenya Safari

Our Big Kenya Safari Route

DayDestinationNights
01Maasai Mara National Reserve2 nights
02Maasai Mara National Reserve
03Lake Nakuru National Park1 night
04Lake Naivasha1 night
05Amboseli National Park2 nights
06Amboseli National Park
07Tsavo West National Park2 nights
08Tsavo West National Park
09Tsavo West – NairobiDeparture

 

The Complete Big Kenya Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi to Maasai Mara National Reserve

Driving time: approximately 5 hours 30 minutes

We leave Nairobi early in the morning and drive toward the Maasai Mara National Reserve, one of Kenya’s most celebrated wildlife areas.

The Mara remains one of the places where wildlife can still move across expansive natural landscapes in remarkable numbers. It forms the northern extension of the wider Serengeti ecosystem and is particularly famous for the seasonal movement of wildebeest, zebras and their predators.

After arriving around lunchtime, we settle into our accommodation before heading out for our first afternoon game drive.

As the afternoon light changes across the savannah, we begin looking for the Mara’s resident wildlife and the predators that make this ecosystem so compelling.

Dinner and overnight: Campsite or lodge.

Day 2: Full-Day Maasai Mara Wildlife Experience

After breakfast, we spend the day exploring the Maasai Mara National Reserve on a full-day game drive. We carry a packed lunch so we can maximize our time in the reserve.

The Mara is particularly known for its black-maned lions, abundant resident wildlife and excellent opportunities to encounter the Big Five.

Cheetahs can also be encountered across the open plains. Their behavior around safari vehicles can sometimes provide remarkably close viewing opportunities.

For birdwatchers, the Mara is equally rewarding. Almost 500 bird species have been recorded here, including numerous eagles, hawks, falcons, vultures, storks, bustards and sunbirds.

Optional Maasai Mara Experiences

We can tailor the day with additional experiences, including:

  • Hot-air balloon safari
  • Visit to a Maasai village

These optional activities allow us to experience the Mara beyond conventional game drives.

Dinner and overnight: Campsite or lodge.

Day 3: Maasai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park
Driving time: approximately 6 hours
We depart the Mara early and travel toward Lake Nakuru National Park, crossing the Equator as we continue through Kenya’s Rift Valley landscapes.
Lake Nakuru is internationally recognized for its birdlife and its distinctive alkaline lake environment. Flamingos have long been associated with the lake and can sometimes gather in spectacular numbers along its shores.
The park is also an important rhino sanctuary, supporting populations of both black and white rhinos.
After reaching the park around lunchtime, we check into our accommodation before enjoying an afternoon game drive.
We use the afternoon to explore the park and search for its rhinos, birds and other resident wildlife.
Dinner and overnight: Campsite or lodge.
Day 4: Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha
Driving time: approximately 2 hours
We leave Lake Nakuru in the morning and continue to Lake Naivasha, one of the highest and most scenic lakes within Kenya’s Rift Valley.
Situated at approximately 1,910 metres (6,200 feet) above sea level, Naivasha contains fresh water and is surrounded by papyrus and other lush vegetation.
The lake is an important habitat for birdlife, with more than 400 recorded bird species. Kingfishers use the papyrus as hunting perches, while herons can often be found among the vegetation.
Hippos are also present around the lake, while the high-altitude conditions mean crocodiles are absent.
Lake Naivasha is also a popular recreational retreat for Nairobi residents, with activities such as sailing, fishing and water skiing. Along its shores, vineyards contribute to Kenya’s emerging wine industry.
Dinner and overnight: Campsite or lodge.
Day 5: Lake Naivasha to Amboseli National Park
Driving time: approximately 6 hours
We make an early start from Lake Naivasha and travel south toward Amboseli National Park.
After arriving, we check into our accommodation and have time to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Amboseli lies south of Nairobi and is characterized by an ancient lakebed, dry grasslands and areas of acacia woodland. Rocky volcanic hills rise across parts of the southern landscape.
Around the park’s wetlands, including Ol Okenya, Ol Tukai and Enkongo Narok, the scenery becomes greener, with yellow-barked acacias and Phoenix palms creating contrasting pockets of vegetation.
The remainder of the day is reserved for leisure, allowing us to settle into the Amboseli environment before our next full wildlife experience.
Dinner and overnight: Campsite or lodge.
Day 6: Full-Day Amboseli National Park Safari
We rise early to take advantage of the clearest conditions for views of Mount Kilimanjaro, before clouds commonly gather around the summit later in the day.
With a packed lunch, we spend the day exploring Amboseli and observing its diverse wildlife.
The park is especially renowned for its elephants, which can often be seen moving through the wetlands, feeding and bathing.
An optional Maasai village visit can also be arranged after breakfast. During the visit, we can learn more about traditional singing and dancing, homes, community life and social structures.
The combination of elephants, wetlands, open plains and Kilimanjaro creates one of the most memorable landscapes on our Kenya safari.
Dinner and overnight: Campsite or lodge.
Day 7: Amboseli to Tsavo West National Park
Driving time: approximately 5 hours
We leave Amboseli by road and continue to Tsavo West National Park.
After reaching the park around lunchtime, we check into our accommodation. Depending on our schedule and preference, we can enjoy an optional afternoon or evening game drive.
Tsavo West is the more frequently visited section of the wider Tsavo landscape and combines wildlife with remarkable geological and natural attractions.
One of its best-known highlights is Mzima Springs, where exceptionally clear water emerges through volcanic rock. The springs are believed to receive water from the Chyulu Hills through an underground river system.
Dinner and overnight: Campsite or lodge.
Day 8: Full-Day Tsavo West National Park

After breakfast, we head out for a full-day game drive with a packed lunch.

Tsavo West offers more than wildlife viewing, with several geological and scenic attractions adding variety to our safari.

 

We can visit the Roaring Rocks, named for the powerful sound of wind moving through the formations. From the top, we enjoy broad views across the Tsavo landscape from a rock face approximately 98 metres high.

Another viewpoint is the Poachers’ Lookout, which provides further panoramic views.

We can also visit Chaimu Crater, a relatively young volcanic formation composed of dark volcanic material. Travelers interested in climbing can explore the crater on foot.

The area can also provide opportunities to look for klipspringers, small antelope known for their ability to move across rocky terrain.

In the southwestern corner of Tsavo West lies Lake Jipe, a lake shared by the Kenyan-Tanzanian border.

Dinner and overnight: Campsite or lodge.

Day 9: Tsavo West National Park to Nairobi

We begin the final morning with an early game drive after breakfast, giving us one last opportunity to explore Tsavo West and search for wildlife.

 

Later in the morning, we begin our journey toward Nairobi, with lunch taken along the way.

 

Our Big Kenya Safari concludes upon arrival in Nairobi, bringing together some of Kenya’s most celebrated wildlife reserves, Rift Valley lakes, elephant country and volcanic landscapes.

 

End of our safari services.

Big Kenya Safari Highlights

  • Two nights in the Maasai Mara National Reserve
  • Search for Kenya’s Big Five
  • Explore the northern extension of the Serengeti ecosystem
  • Optional hot-air balloon safari
  • Optional Maasai village experience
  • Wildlife viewing at Lake Nakuru National Park
  • Search for black and white rhinos
  • Discover the bird-rich shores of Lake Naivasha
  • Experience the elephant-rich landscapes of Amboseli National Park
  • Enjoy views of Mount Kilimanjaro
  • Visit Mzima Springs in Tsavo West
  • Explore the Roaring Rocks and Chaimu Crater
  • Discover Lake Jipe
  • Finish the journey in Nairobi

 

Why We Love This Kenya Safari

We designed the Big Kenya Safari to connect several of Kenya’s most distinctive landscapes within one private journey. From the open plains of the Mara to the Rift Valley lakes and volcanic scenery of Tsavo, every destination adds a different dimension to the experience.

 

The route also balances Big Five game viewing, birdwatching, cultural encounters, scenic exploration and leisure. With a private safari structure, we can further tailor the pace, accommodation and optional experiences around your travel dates and interests.