9-Day Ultimate Kenyan Explorer
Destination
Overview
This unparalleled 9-day, 8-night Kenyan safari and beach adventure is meticulously designed for those seeking a truly comprehensive exploration of Kenya’s diverse landscapes, iconic wildlife, and rich cultural tapestry. From the unique conservation efforts of the Northern Highlands and the active safaris of the Great Rift Valley to the classic Big Five encounters of the Maasai Mara and the majestic elephants of Amboseli, this journey culminates in serene relaxation on Mombasa’s pristine beaches. The itinerary is strategically optimized with domestic flights to maximize your time for exploration and enjoyment, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable experience.
Itinerary
- Morning: Depart from Nairobi, driving north through scenic landscapes to the Ol Pejeta Conservancy (approx. 3-4 hours).
- Afternoon: Enjoy your first exhilarating game drive in Ol Pejeta, East Africa's largest black rhino sanctuary, home to significant populations of endangered black and white rhinos, and the renowned Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary
- Highlight: Unique conservation experiences, chimpanzee encounters, and excellent rhino viewing against the backdrop of Mount Kenya.
- Overnight: Ol Pejeta.
- Morning: After a final morning game drive in Ol Pejeta, drive south into the Great Rift Valley to the picturesque Lake Naivasha area (approx. 3-4 hours).
- Afternoon: Embark on a tranquil boat ride on Lake Naivasha, famous for its abundant hippos and diverse birdlife, including fish eagles and pelicans. This is followed by a unique walking or cycling safari in Hell's Gate National Park, where you can explore dramatic geothermal landscapes and walk or cycle among plains game like zebras, giraffes, and gazelles.
- Highlight: Active safari (walking/cycling), close encounters with hippos and birds, and unique volcanic scenery.
- Overnight: Lake Naivasha area.
- Morning: Depart for the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve (approx. 4-5 hours drive), traversing vast plains. Please note that self-driving is prohibited in Maasai Mara; all game drives must be conducted with a licensed safari company and professional driver-guide.
- Afternoon: Arrive at your safari lodge/camp and embark on your first thrilling game drive in the Maasai Mara, renowned for its incredible wildlife concentration, including the Big Five.
- Highlight: The quintessential African safari experience, with high potential for vast herds and predator sightings.
- Overnight: Maasai Mara.
- Full Days: Dedicate these days to comprehensive morning and afternoon game drives, exploring different sectors of the reserve for diverse wildlife viewing. The Maasai Mara is famous for its high concentration of big cats and, seasonally (July-October), the spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration.
- Optional Activities: Enhance your experience with an optional hot air balloon safari at sunrise for a breathtaking aerial perspective of the Mara, or a cultural visit to a local Maasai village to learn about their traditions and way of life.
- Highlight: Iconic African savannah, unparalleled opportunities for Big Five sightings, and the chance to witness the Great Migration (seasonal).
- Overnights: Maasai Mara.
- Morning: After a final game drive or leisurely breakfast, transfer to a local airstrip for a scenic bush flight to Amboseli National Park (approx. 1.5 - 2 hours connecting flight time, often via Nairobi Wilson Airport).
- Afternoon: Arrive in Amboseli and embark on a game drive. Amboseli is world-renowned for its large herds of free-ranging elephants and the stunning, unobstructed backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak.
- Highlight: Efficient travel, iconic elephant herds, and unparalleled photographic opportunities with Kilimanjaro.
- Overnight: Amboseli.
- Full Day: Enjoy full-day game drives, focusing on maximizing photographic opportunities with the majestic Kilimanjaro and observing the diverse wildlife around Amboseli's swamps. The park is home to a rich variety of plains animals and predators.
- Highlight: Photogenic landscapes, close-up elephant encounters, and diverse wildlife viewing.
- Overnight: Amboseli.
- Morning: After a final breakfast and perhaps a short game drive, transfer to Amboseli Airstrip for your flight to Moi International Airport (MBA) in Mombasa (approx. 1-1.5 hours flight time). Alternatively, flights to Ukunda (Diani) are also available, offering access to the South Coast beaches.
- Afternoon: Upon arrival in Mombasa, you will be met and transferred to your chosen beachfront hotel on the Indian Ocean coast. Enjoy immediate relaxation by the pool or on the pristine white sands of the beach.
- Highlight: Seamless transition from safari adventure to serene coastal relaxation.
- Overnight: Mombasa.
- Morning: Enjoy a blend of cultural exploration and relaxation. Visit Fort Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a deep dive into Mombasa's rich history and architectural grandeur. Explore the narrow, atmospheric streets of Mombasa Old Town, and discover authentic crafts at Bombolulu Workshops and Cultural Centre, which supports physically disabled Kenyans.
- Optional Activities: Depending on your flight schedule, you can opt for marine activities like snorkeling or diving in Mombasa Marine National Park , a serene sunset dhow cruise, or a delightful floating restaurant dinner.
- Afternoon: Transfer to Moi International Airport (MBA) for your international departure or onward travel, concluding your ultimate Kenyan journey.
- Highlight: Historical depth, vibrant Swahili culture, and last-minute souvenir shopping.
Costs Include
Accommodation: 7 nights in safari lodges/camps; 1 night in a coastal hotel
Meals: Full board (days 1–7); breakfast only (days 8–9)
Internal Flights:
Maasai Mara → Amboseli (via Nairobi Wilson)
Amboseli → Mombasa (or Diani)
Entrance Fees
Safari Vehicle & Guide: Private 4×4 (pop-up roof) with English-speaking driver-guide (days 1–7)
Activities:
Game drives in Ol Pejeta, Maasai Mara, Amboseli
Boat ride on Lake Naivasha
Walking/cycling safari in Hell’s Gate
Guided Mombasa city tour (Fort Jesus, Old Town, Bombolulu)
All transfers as per itinerary
Bottled Water
Costs Exclude
International Flights: Round-trip to/from Nairobi JKIA
Visa & Insurance: Kenyan ETA/visa fees; comprehensive travel/medical insurance
Optional Activities:
Hot-air balloon in Maasai Mara (~USD 450 pp)
Maasai village visit
Mombasa marine activities (scuba, jet ski, kitesurf, dhow cruise, floating-restaurant dinner)
Beverages: Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, juices (unless included in meal plan)
Meals Not Specified: Any meals outside those listed (e.g., lunch on days 8–9 if not covered)
Personal Expenses: Laundry, phone calls, internet, souvenirs, etc.
Tips & Gratuities: For driver-guides, lodge/hotel staff, porters, boat crews
Fee Increases: Any future park/levy/tax hikes after booking
From $4,680
Per Adult (Price vary by group size)
