18 days Kenya: lots and lots of safari & beach
*price p.p. incl. guide, safari jeep, hotel and park entrance fees, excl. international flight (based on six persons)
You want to see the big landscapes, experience big highlights and marvel at the Big Five? Then this is your big chance! Cruise through nine national parks before you hit the beach.
You’ll kick things off with seeing the rhinos and African wild dogs of Ol’ Pejeta Conservancy, followed by a meet-and-greet with the elephants and the Samburu Special Five in the Samburu National Reserve. In the Solio Game Reserve, you’ll encounter the grey giants once more, along with the usual suspects of African wildlife. With big smiles, you’ll make your way to Lake Nakuru National Park. Here you can marvel at countless birds flocking to the star of the park: Lake Nakuru itself. If you’re lucky, you’ll even encounter some tree-climbing lions during your game drive.
While the Big Five and the Great Wildebeest Migration await you in the Masai Mara National Reserve, hippos welcome you in the waters of Lake Naivasha. In Amboseli National Park it’s again the elephants that cross your road. To top it off, all of the Big Five pass you by one more time in Tsavo West and Tsavo East National Park, before you’ll head to the beautiful beaches of Diani. This 18-day tour is proof that perfection does exist!
Many people travelling to the African continent have questions about safety. Is Kenya safe to travel to? Our answer is clear: YES!
Kenya is definitely a safe country to visit, especially for people going on organised game drives with private guides as you will do with us. There are definitely some places to avoid in big cities like Nairobi or Mombasa, but – as with all big cities – by taking some precautions, you’ll be fine. We advise, for example, to leave the hotel at night with a driver and not to go strolling around alone. Also be aware not to wear big and visible jewellery, and keep an eye on your valuables.
This is an exclusive, private safari that allows you to travel at your own pace. This trip is made just for you, exactly as you want it! Our experienced travel consultants will make sure that your wishes come true. There are numerous advantages to such a trip. First, you can cruise around in a private safari vehicle and have a personal guide. It’s completely up to you what time you leave in the morning and when you come back (taking into account your guide’s advice, of course). Secondly, once you’re in a national park, you can observe specific animals or herds for as long as you like. No one will push you to move along. And lastly, knowing your wishes, your personal guide will give you the right tips, turning your trip into an unforgettable experience.
At Africa Safari Trips, we’re all about co-creating your perfect journey. When you plan your African adventures with us, you’re not just booking a trip; you’re embarking on a personalised experience. We start by understanding your wishes and preferences, and we won’t stop until every aspect of your journey aligns perfectly with your vision. Our team works closely with you to ensure that your entire trip is tailor-made to your satisfaction. And for added convenience, we offer a selection of our most popular African tours and safaris as a starting point for your consideration.
Absolutely, Kenya is also home to all of the Big Five and many, many more animals. In short: wildlife galore! These magnificent creatures, lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo, can be observed in their natural habitats, making Kenya a preferred choice for wildlife enthusiasts.
* Indicative costs per person, excluding international airline tickets
24/7 service 18 days All accommodations Drinking water in our safari jeeps Full board Game drives Luxurious private 4×4 Safari Jeep Park Fees Pickup and transfer airport Private guide speaking fluently English Reservation costs Domestic flight/train Fully accredited under SGR Excluded Visas Travel insurance International flights (can be booked for you on request) Make your dream trip come true with Africa Safari Trips At Africa Safari Trips, you can customize your trip. Our sample itineraries are adjustable to your preferences. Our specialists work together with you to create your dream journey!
Day 1 Arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi Arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi Silver Argyle Grand Hotel Gold Tamarind Tree Hotel Platinum Emara Ole Sereni As you step out of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, a member of our Africa Safari Trips team or a hotel driver greets you with a big smile: ‘Karibu Kenya – welcome to Kenya!’ He brings you straight to your hotel to relax and, along the way, you get your first impressions of vibrant Nairobi. The next day, your guide takes you on an exclusive, private safari that allows you to travel at your own pace. Let the adventure begin!
Argyle Grand Hotel Gold Tamarind Tree Hotel Platinum Emara Ole Sereni Silver Argyle Grand Hotel Gold Tamarind Tree Hotel Platinum Emara Ole Sereni Day 2 Ol’ Pejeta Conservancy Ol’ Pejeta Conservancy Silver Sweetwaters Serena Camp Gold Sweetwaters Serena Camp Platinum Sweetwaters Serena Camp – Morani Wing The Ol’ Pejeta Conservancy is a protected area set up for endangered species. For rhino lovers, this is a pure heaven on earth with a population of more than 100 black rhinos, almost 40 southern white rhinos AND the last two remaining northern white rhinos worldwide. These white rhinos can even be visited up close! Besides rhinos, the conservancy hosts endangered species like the African wild dog, the oryx, Jackson’s hartebeest and Grévy’s zebra, and houses a sanctuary for abused or orphaned chimpanzees.
Sweetwaters Serena Camp Gold Sweetwaters Serena Camp Platinum Sweetwaters Serena Camp – Morani Wing Silver Sweetwaters Serena Camp Gold Sweetwaters Serena Camp Platinum Sweetwaters Serena Camp – Morani Wing Day 3 – 4 Samburu or Buffalo Springs National Reserve Samburu National Reserve Silver Samburu Sopa Lodge Gold Ashnil Surana Buffalo Springs Platinum Elephant Bedroom Camp For the next two days, your safari adventure continues in northern Kenya. Depending on your chosen accommodation, you’ll either explore Samburu National Reserve (Elephant Bedroom Camp or Samburu Sopa Lodge) or Buffalo Springs National Reserve (Ashnil Surana Buffalo Springs). Both reserves lie within the same ecosystem and offer abundant wildlife and sweeping savannah views.
Samburu National Reserve is a great place the first half of your safari adventure, with a dry semidesert and savannah landscape that allows for far sights and lots of animals. It is home to the Northern Five also called the Samburu Special Five – five rare animals that can only be spotted together in Samburu. The central Ewaso Nyiro River makes for a great spot to see all these animals, while just outside the park you can meet the fascinating Samburu tribe, and observe their special way of living.
Buffalo Springs National Reserve, just south of Samburu in northern Kenya and features varied landscapes from volcanic plains to riverine forests. The reserve is home to elephants, lions, Grevy’s zebras, giraffes, and over 390 bird species, with the Ewaso Nyiro River providing the best wildlife viewing, especially from June to October. Visitors can also spot hippos and crocodiles near the water. With three natural springs at its heart, this reserve flows with the spirit of classic safari exploration!
Samburu Sopa Lodge Gold Ashnil Surana Buffalo Springs Platinum Elephant Bedroom Camp Silver Samburu Sopa Lodge Gold Ashnil Surana Buffalo Springs Platinum Elephant Bedroom Camp Day 5 The Solio Ranch / Solio Game Reserve The Solio Ranch / Solio Game Reserve Silver Rhino Watch Safari Lodge Gold Rhino Watch Safari Lodge Platinum Rhino Watch Safari Lodge – Senator Tent The Solio Ranch Conservancy is a privately owned and very special wildlife sanctuary. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, the former ranch is dedicated to saving and protecting rhinos in Kenya. Enjoy thrilling game drives, guided walks and serene picnics amidst the picturesque scenery and not only marvel at the grey giants, but also animals like buffalos, zebras, giraffes, elands, oryx, impala, waterbucks, Thomson’s gazelles and warthogs. You can either spend an unforgettable day here or even stay the night at this tranquil place in the middle of nowhere.
Rhino Watch Safari Lodge Gold Rhino Watch Safari Lodge Platinum Rhino Watch Safari Lodge – Senator Tent Silver Rhino Watch Safari Lodge Gold Rhino Watch Safari Lodge Platinum Rhino Watch Safari Lodge – Senator Tent Day 6 Lake Nakuru National Park Lake Nakuru National Park Silver Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge Gold Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge Platinum The Cliff Nakuru Lake Nakuru National Park is an amazing wildlife haven, smack in the middle of the Great Rift Valley. The Nakuru Lake in the middle of the park is its main attraction, with hundreds of birds flocking to its shores. The park used to be known for its many flamingos, but rising water levels caused these birds to migrate elsewhere. Luckily, they are slowly returning, and in any case, Lake Nakuru is a great place to visit with its black and white rhinos, giraffes, buffalos, lions, the occasional leopard and over 400 species of birds.
Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge Gold Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge Platinum The Cliff Nakuru Silver Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge Gold Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge Platinum The Cliff Nakuru Day 7 – 8 En route to the famous Masai Mara National Reserve Drive to the Masai Mara National Reserve to accommodations outside the park Silver Zebra Plains Mara Camp Gold Serenity Mara Legends Camp Platinum Ilkeliani Mara Camp Lovers of road trips get their money’s worth today, as you drive to what might be the most famous safari destination in the world. If you decide to sleep at the Zebra Plains Safari Camp today (our silver accommodation), you will end the day on a high note with a walking safari. If you opt for our gold or platinum accommodation, however, you skip the walking safari but sleep right in the heart of the Masai Mara.
Today is a day to remember as you make your way to the famous Masai Mara National Reserve – the highlight of your trip! Enjoy both straight and winding roads on this beautiful road trip, while passing by some exceptional landscapes that you can only find in this part of the world. As this road trip takes up the biggest part of your day, no game drive is planned today. You sleep in an accommodation just outside the park to be well-rested for all the beauty the Mara has to offer the next day!
As the Zebra Plains camp lies close to the Masai Mara National Reserve, their walking safaris are next level. While walking with two Maasai (one armed for protection) and an experienced guide, this is your chance to get closer than ever to giraffes, zebras, impala and all the other animals in this area. What’s more, the Maasai will teach you how to identify and differentiate wildlife footprints and plants, leaving you feeling like a true nature warrior in your own right!
The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most famous places for safari worldwide. Located 270 kilometres west of Nairobi, this is one of the biggest game reserves in Africa. It extends over 1,500 km² and has more than 400 species of birds and no less than 95 species of mammals. Big cats are frequently spotted here, and this is THE place to watch the world-famous Great Migration between August and October, with its vast herds of wildebeests and zebras crossing the Mara River.
Zebra Plains Mara Camp Gold Serenity Mara Legends Camp Platinum Ilkeliani Mara Camp Silver Zebra Plains Mara Camp Gold Serenity Mara Legends Camp Platinum Ilkeliani Mara Camp Day 9 Boat ride on Lake Naivasha and walking safari on Crescent Island Boat ride on Lake Naivasha and walking safari on Crescent Island Silver Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge Gold Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge Platinum Enashipai Resort and Spa Have you ever wanted to pass floating hippos by boat? Seek no longer: during a boat safari on Lake Naivasha this is exactly what will happen. You will pass between huge groups of hippos while seeing eagles and cormorants flying above you, and admiring giraffes on the shore. The safari on board a small motorized boat takes about 60 minutes and ends on the beautiful Crescent Island, where you will continue with a stunning walking safari between zebras, giraffes and wildebeests.
Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge Gold Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge Platinum Enashipai Resort and Spa Silver Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge Gold Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge Platinum Enashipai Resort and Spa Day 10 – 11 Discover the iconic Amboseli National Park Sundowner at Tulia Amboseli Silver Tulia Amboseli Safari Camp Gold Ol Tukai Lodge Amboseli Platinum Elerai Camp For no less than two days, you explore magical Amboseli National Park. Fantastic views on Mount Kilimanjaro await you, with animals grazing in front of it. And if you stay at the Tulia Amboseli Safari Camp, you can admire amazing savannah views at sunset – sundowner in hand and all!
After driving towards Amboseli National Park today, you end your day in style with a classic safari sundowner. Upon arrival in the lodge and after freshening up, a guide accompanies you to a special sundowner spot. The short walk over the savannah leads to a table and chairs, glasses and drinks, snacks and, of course, a view to die for. With some luck, you see the Amboseli animals passing while the sun slowly sets in the most beautiful glow over the long savannah grasses…
Discover the mesmerizing Amboseli National Park, a true wildlife haven at the foot of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. The national park on the border with Tanzania offers sweeping savannahs, impressive lava rocks and shimmering swamps, creating an ideal habitat for large herds of elephants, graceful lions, a staggering variety of bird species and many more animals. Shoot them all (with your camera, of course!) with the mighty Kili in the background – an amazing sight!
Tulia Amboseli Safari Camp Gold Ol Tukai Lodge Amboseli Platinum Elerai Camp Silver Tulia Amboseli Safari Camp Gold Ol Tukai Lodge Amboseli Platinum Elerai Camp Day 12 Tsavo West National Park Tsavo West National Park Silver Severin Safari Camp Gold Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge Platinum Severin Safari Camp – Junior Suite Tsavo West National Park is a park that shows a diverse and remarkable nature with, for example, the Mzima Springs, the Shetani Lava Flows and the Chaimu crater. With its 9,065 square kilometres, this is one of Kenya’s largest national parks, and four of the Big Five can be seen roaming freely here. Besides, you fairly easily spot regulars like giraffes, zebras, antelopes, gerenuks and many different species of birds, all between the green hills, acacia forests, savannah, natural springs and huge lava rocks from nearby volcanos.
Severin Safari Camp Gold Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge Platinum Severin Safari Camp – Junior Suite Silver Severin Safari Camp Gold Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge Platinum Severin Safari Camp – Junior Suite Day 13 Tsavo East National Park Tsavo East National Park Silver Ashnil Aruba Lodge Gold Ashnil Aruba Lodge Platinum Satao Tented Camp With over 13,000 square kilometres, Tsavo East National Park is huge, impressive, and, since it was founded in 1948, old. Cruise the outstretched savannah of the Yatta Plateau with its large groups of red elephants, and observe some of the last remaining supertuskers and maneless lions. Listen to the famous story of the man-eating lions, while keeping your eyes peeled for an amazing amount of other animals; four of the Big Five (minus rhinos) together with dik-diks, zebras, giraffes, yellow baboons, cheetahs, African wild dogs, elands, gazelles, gerenuks, hyenas, jackals, and over 500 species of birds!
Ashnil Aruba Lodge Gold Ashnil Aruba Lodge Platinum Satao Tented Camp Silver Ashnil Aruba Lodge Gold Ashnil Aruba Lodge Platinum Satao Tented Camp Day 14 – 17 Ride to the South Coast and relax at the beach! Train ride to Mombasa Silver Neptune Village – Beach Resort and Spa Diani Gold Neptune Palm Beach – Boutique Resort and Spa Diani Platinum The Sands at Chale Island – Chale Island Resort It’s now time to rest by the ocean! After your last game drive, you hop on the train to Mombasa to reach the outstretched and white beaches of Diani, the perfect location for beach holidays. Longing for a tropical island retreat? Then step it up to platinum and stay on Chale Island – just off the coast, it offers an amazing design hotel that pampers to all your needs.
Embark on an unforgettable train ride through the breathtaking landscapes of Kenya’s national parks. While heading to Mombasa, expect some great sightings of animals and nature; you might even see the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance! So sit back, grab some snacks and enjoy this nature documentary on rails. Once there, you either stay in a resort on Diani Beach or go to the exclusive tropical island of Chale!
