12 Days Kenyan Safari

Itinerary Overview

This comprehensive safari adventure immerses you in Kenya’s diverse landscapes and wildlife hotspots. Begin with a night in Nairobi before heading north to Samburu National Reserve, famed for its arid beauty and unique “northern species.” Continue to Ol Pejeta Conservancy to witness remarkable rhino conservation efforts. Travel next to Lake Nakuru, renowned for its flamingos and rhinos, and then explore the world-famous Masai Mara for iconic big cat sightings. Relax by Lake Naivasha’s tranquil waters, and finally, conclude your journey in Amboseli National Park, where elephants roam beneath the towering shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro. This itinerary captures the breadth of Kenya’s natural wonders in less than two weeks.

Arrival

Kenya

Departure

Kenya

Duration

12 Days

Top Highlights

Included And Excluded

Tours Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Nairobi

Upon touching down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your Nairobi hotel. Use the day to rest from your journey or explore optional city attractions such as the Giraffe Centre or the Karen Blixen Museum (activities on request). In the evening, settle into your accommodation for a relaxed overnight stay, preparing for the exciting days ahead.

After an early breakfast, depart Nairobi and journey north through central Kenya’s highlands, eventually descending into the semi-arid landscapes of Samburu. Arrive at your lodge or tented camp in time for lunch, followed by a short rest. In the late afternoon, head out on your first game drive in Samburu, where you may spot the “Samburu Special Five”: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, and gerenuk. As the sun sets, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay beneath Samburu’s starry skies.

Awake to the sounds of the wilderness and set off on an early morning game drive, often the best time to see predators in action. Keep your eyes peeled for lions, cheetahs, and leopards, as well as the elephants that frequent the Ewaso Nyiro River. Return for a hearty breakfast and spend midday at leisure—enjoying your lodge facilities or simply resting. In the late afternoon, embark on a second game drive to explore different areas of the reserve’s rugged terrain. Conclude the day with dinner back at your lodge, recounting the day’s sightings around a campfire or in the dining area.

After breakfast, bid farewell to Samburu and travel south toward Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Along the way, you’ll pass scenic vistas of Mount Kenya if the weather is clear. Arrive at your lodge or camp in Ol Pejeta for lunch before an afternoon game drive introduces you to this renowned conservancy. Keep an eye out for black rhinos, thriving under active conservation programs, and visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary if time allows. By evening, return for dinner and an overnight stay, surrounded by the calls of the bush.

Spend today exploring Ol Pejeta’s varied landscapes on morning and afternoon game drives. Apart from rhinos, Ol Pejeta hosts elephants, lions, leopards, and a wealth of other species. Optional activities such as guided bush walks or night game drives (additional cost) may be available depending on your lodge. Between drives, relax at your accommodation, perhaps watching wildlife roam near the waterhole. Share the day’s adventures over dinner and retire for a second night in this special conservancy.

Depart Ol Pejeta after breakfast, traveling west and descending into the Great Rift Valley toward Lake Nakuru National Park. Arrive around midday, check into your lodge, and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, venture onto the lakeshore for a game drive among flamingos (season permitting), pelicans, and other bird species. Lake Nakuru is also a sanctuary for black and white rhinos, and you may be fortunate enough to see leopards or tree-climbing lions. As evening descends, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

After an early breakfast, continue your journey southwest to the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve. Pass small towns, farmlands, and the rolling hills of the Rift Valley. Arrive at your Mara lodge or tented camp for lunch, followed by a short rest. In the late afternoon, head out on your first Mara game drive, marveling at the reserve’s abundant wildlife—from elephants and giraffes to big cats like lions and cheetahs. Return at sunset for dinner and your first overnight in this world-famous reserve.

Wake up to the sounds of the savannah and set off early for a morning game drive, capitalizing on the cooler temperatures and heightened wildlife activity. If traveling between July and October, you may witness the Great Migration crossing the Mara River—an iconic safari highlight. Return to your camp for lunch and relaxation or opt for a full-day drive with a packed picnic. In the late afternoon, venture out again to explore new areas of the reserve. Conclude the day with dinner and another night amid the Mara’s enchanting wilderness.

Savor a final morning game drive if time permits, then return to camp for breakfast. Bid farewell to the Mara and drive to Lake Naivasha in the Great Rift Valley. Arrive at your lakefront lodge by midday, and after lunch, you have the option of taking a boat ride on Lake Naivasha (additional cost). Glide past hippos and a variety of birdlife, including fish eagles, or visit Crescent Island for a guided walk among zebras and giraffes. Spend the evening dining by the lakeshore, enjoying the relaxed ambiance before your next adventure.

Following breakfast, depart Lake Naivasha and head south toward Amboseli National Park. The journey takes you through diverse landscapes, passing Nairobi or its outskirts en route, then continuing further southeast. Arrive at your Amboseli lodge or tented camp in time for lunch. After a brief rest, head out on an afternoon game drive across Amboseli’s plains, famed for large herds of elephants and breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro (weather permitting). Return to your accommodation for dinner, settling in for your first night in Amboseli.

Rise early for a spectacular sunrise over Kilimanjaro and set off on a morning game drive when animals are typically more active. Look for lions, cheetahs, and hyenas, and watch as elephants trudge across the park’s wetlands. Return to camp for breakfast, with the rest of the midday free to enjoy the lodge facilities or relax. Embark on an afternoon game drive in search of more wildlife and photographic opportunities of “Kili” in the background. As dusk settles, head back for a final dinner and overnight in this majestic setting.

On your final day, enjoy one last early game drive if time allows, then return for breakfast at the lodge. Bid farewell to Amboseli as you drive back to Nairobi. Arrive in the city by mid to late afternoon, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward journey. This concludes your extensive 12-day safari, having traversed Kenya’s renowned ecosystems—from Samburu’s arid north to the legendary plains of the Masai Mara and the elephant haven of Amboseli.

12-Day Kenyan Safari (Per Person Sharing, 2025)

12 Day Kenyan Safari

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    From start to finish, this safari tour company exceeded our expectations in every way. The planning process was seamless, and they were always available to answer our questions and make adjustments as needed. When a minor miscommunication arose, their 24/7 support team resolved it immediately with professionalism and care.

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    Our holiday was coordinated by Beverly Akivaga. This lady is a legend, she can do it all. When my wife and I were hoping to combine a business trip with a 30th Anniversary holiday through Kenya (the place of our honeymoon) and Tanzania, we wanted to use an African owned business. We were recommended to try African Hartebeest.

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    This is my second booking in less than a year with Beverly at African Hartebeest. She is always very quick to respond to questions! Excellent value for money. Everything just runs so smoothly from start to finish. She’s an absolute delight. The Safari never disappoints!

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