10 day Kenya Ultimate Big Five Adventure

This 10-day Kenya Wildlife Safari offers an unforgettable journey through Kenya’s most iconic safari destinations, combining exceptional wildlife encounters, scenic landscapes, and unique experiences. Begin in Nairobi before exploring the wilderness of Samburu National Reserve, home to rare northern species. Continue to Ol Pejeta Conservancy for rhino conservation and chimpanzee sanctuary visits, then enjoy a boat cruise at Lake Naivasha and walk at Crescent Island Game Sanctuary. End with unforgettable game drives in the spectacular Maasai Mara National Reserve, famous for the Big Five and breathtaking wildlife adventures.

 

Safari highlights

Day 1: Arrival and pick-up from the airport, then transfer to a hotel in Nairobi

Day 2: Drive to Samburu National Reserve

Day 3: Full Day of exploring Samburu National Reserve

Day 4: Transfer to Ol Pejeta Conservancy with an afternoon Game Drive.

Day 5: Enjoy a full day of exploring Ol Pejeta Conservancy.

Day 6: Drive to Lake Naivasha and enjoy a relaxed boat cruise to Crescent Island

Day 7: Depart Lake Naivasha and drive to Maasai Mara

Day 8: Full day of exploring the Maasai Mara

Day 9: Second day of exploring the Maasai Mara Plains

Day 10: Return to Nairobi – End of Safari

 

Detailed itinerary

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN NAIROBI – WELCOME TO MAGICAL KENYA

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari representative. Enjoy a smooth private transfer to your Nairobi hotel where you can relax and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast

DAY 2: DRIVE FROM NAIROBI TO SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE

Depart from Nairobi early in the morning and drive north through Kenya’s central highlands, passing picturesque countryside, local villages, and views of Mount Kenya on clear days. Enjoy a stopover en route before continuing toward Samburu. Arrive at Samburu in time for lunch at your lodge or camp followed by some relaxation. In the afternoon, head out for your first exciting game drive in the reserve. Search for elephants, lions, leopards, and Samburu’s unique wildlife species while enjoying the dramatic landscapes. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 3: FULL DAY IN SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE

Spend the entire day exploring Samburu National Reserve with morning and afternoon game drives. The reserve is well known for excellent wildlife sightings and stunning scenery surrounding the Ewaso Nyiro River, which attracts large concentrations of animals. Look out for the rare northern species including Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, and Beisa oryx. Predators such as lions, cheetahs and leopards are frequently spotted. Bird lovers can also enjoy sightings of over 450 bird species found in the park. Optional visit to a traditional Samburu village can be arranged to experience the culture and lifestyle of the local Samburu people. Return to camp in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 4: DRIVE TO OL-PEJETA CONSERVANCY

After breakfast, drive to the world-renowned Ol Pejeta Conservancy, one of Kenya’s best wildlife sanctuaries and a leading rhino conservation success story. Upon arrival and after lunch, embark on an exciting afternoon game drive, offering your first chance to spot incredible wildlife in a stunning savannah setting. Your evening will end in the comfort of your lodge, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of nature.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 3: FULL DAY GAME DRIVE IN OL-PEJETA

Today is dedicated to fully exploring the beauty of Ol Pejeta. This conservancy is famous for its rich concentration of wildlife including lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and both black and white rhinos. Your game drive will be packed with breathtaking sightings and unforgettable photo opportunities including Baraka the blind rhino and Chimp Sanctuary in the afternoon. After a thrilling day, return to your camp for dinner and relaxation. In the evening, enjoy the atmosphere of the African wilderness as you sit by the campfire under the stars, listening to the distant calls of wildlife and the natural rhythm of Africa under the stars.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 4: DRIVE TO LAKE NAIVASHA AND BOAT CRUISE TO CRESCENT ISLAND

After breakfast, check out and depart for Lake Naivasha, a serene freshwater lake famous for hippos, birdlife and stunning lakeside scenery. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing boat cruise across the lake to Crescent Island Game Sanctuary, a unique destination where you can enjoy guided walking experiences among wildlife. This is a refreshing change from vehicle safaris and offers wonderful photography opportunities in a peaceful environment.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 5: DEPART LAKE NAIVASHA FOR MAASAI MARA

After breakfast, you will depart the serene shores of Lake Naivasha to the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s crown jewel of safari destinations. Drive through the beautiful landscapes of the Great Rift Valley, pass through small towns and rural communities while enjoying scenic views along the route. Arrive at Maasai Mara National Reserve in time for lunch and after some relaxation, head out for an afternoon game drive in one of Africa’s most famous wildlife reserves, known for its exceptional concentration of wildlife and seasonal wildebeest migration. Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 6: DISCOVER THE TIMELESS WILDERNESS AND UNTAMED BEAUTY OF MARA

Begin your day with an exciting morning game drive through the vast plains of Maasai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations. This adventure offers an excellent opportunity to encounter four of the Big Five, including elephants, lions, leopards, and buffalo, alongside other remarkable wildlife such as zebras, wildebeests, and giraffes roaming freely across the savannah. Bird lovers will also enjoy spotting some of the reserve’s rich birdlife, with over 500 recorded species found in the ecosystem. After the morning safari, return to camp for lunch and some time to relax before heading out for another thrilling afternoon game drive. Later, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay. End the day surrounded by the peaceful wilderness, reflecting on unforgettable wildlife encounters and the breathtaking beauty of the Mara.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 7: UNLIMITED GAME DRIVES AND OPTIONAL MAASAI CULTURAL VISIT

Wake up to the symphony of the Maasai Mara, the calls of wild animals and the songs of birds greeting the morning. After breakfast, embark on a morning game drive, exploring a new sector of the Mara for fresh wildlife encounters. An optional afternoon game drive is available for those eager to continue their adventure. You may also choose to visit a Maasai community (optional, extra cost) for a cultural experience including traditional dances, warrior interactions and learning about Maasai lifestyle and their coexistence with wildlife for generations. If your trip coincides with the Wildebeest Migration, prepare for a truly spectacular experience. Witness thousands of wildebeests and zebras crossing the plains from the Serengeti, and at the Mara River, marvel at the dramatic scenes of animals braving crocodile-infested waters, a vivid display of the struggle for survival in the wild.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 11: RETURN TO NAIROBI – END OF SAFARI

After a leisurely gourmet breakfast, check out and embark on a comfortable drive back to Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, concluding your unforgettable luxury safari adventure.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

 

Safari inclusions

  • Full-time English professional safari guide
  • Private Transport in 4×4 safari Land Cruiser and Transfers
  • Full board accommodation
  • Park entry fees as per itinerary
  • Bottled water

 

Safari Exclusions

  • International and domestic flight fees
  • Visa fees
  • Laundry services
  • Items of personal nature
  • Gratuities and tips
  • Other beverages/ drinks
  • Other extras not mentioned in the itinerary above