Safaris

North Explorer, Central Kenya Rift Valley Lakes and Masai Mara — 11 Days

The complete circuit: Samburu, Aberdares Ark, Lake Baringo, Lake Nakuru, Naivasha, Amboseli, and Tsavo East.

11 Days / 10 Nights
From USD 4,899 per person (4x4 Land Cruiser)
Year-round

Overview

What this trip is

This 11-day mega safari offers the ultimate opportunity to view Kenya's diverse wildlife, distinct bird species, and contrasting ecosystems. Traverse Samburu National Reserve, Aberdares National Park, the birdwatcher's paradise of Lake Baringo, exotic Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha Crescent Island, elephant-filled Amboseli, and the vast wilderness of Tsavo East. Can easily be extended to the Kenya coast in Mombasa or Diani.

Departure: Arrival in Nairobi on Day 1

Highlights

Samburu Northern Special Five (Grevy's Zebra, Gerenuk, Somali Ostrich, Beisa Oryx, Reticulated Giraffe)
The Ark Lodge in Aberdares National Park with floodlit waterhole viewing
Lake Baringo boat ride and exotic bird watching
Lake Nakuru rhino sanctuary & flamingos
Lake Naivasha boat ride & Crescent Island walking safari
Amboseli National Park giant elephant herds facing Mount Kilimanjaro
Tsavo East National Park Yatta Plateau and red elephants

Wildlife you may see

The Big Five (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, Rhino)
Northern Special Five
Lake Baringo Fish Eagles & Herons
Rothschild's Giraffes
Flamingos & Pelicans

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Nairobi
Met upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and transferred to Nairobi Hilton Garden Inn Hotel for rest and overnight.
Stay: Hilton Garden Inn Nairobi
Day 2
Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve
Cross the Equator into the semi-arid Samburu National Reserve. Arrive at Ashnil Samburu Camp for lunch. Afternoon game drive in search of the special five: reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, gerenuk, Somali ostrich, and Beisa oryx. Dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Stay: Ashnil Samburu Camp
Day 3
Samburu National Reserve Full Day
Full day alternating bush exploration and camp relaxation along the Uaso Nyiro River. Spot elephants, lions, leopards, and northern game. Dinner and overnight at Ashnil Samburu Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Stay: Ashnil Samburu Camp
Day 4
Samburu to Aberdares National Park (The Ark Lodge)
Drive to the lower slopes of the Aberdares for lunch at Aberdare Country Club. Transfer to The Ark Lodge with four viewing decks overlooking the floodlit waterhole. Dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Stay: The Ark Lodge
Day 5
Aberdares to Lake Baringo
Drive to freshwater Lake Baringo arriving at Tumbili Cliff Lodge for lunch. Afternoon boat ride spotting hippos, crocodiles, and over 470 species of birds. Dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Stay: Tumbili Cliff Lodge
Day 6
Lake Baringo to Lake Nakuru National Park
Drive into the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru. Lunch at Sarova Lion Hill Lodge. Afternoon game drive tracking black and white rhinos, Rothschild's giraffes, and waterbirds. Dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Stay: Sarova Lion Hill Lodge
Day 7
Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha Crescent Island
Early morning game drive and breakfast. Depart for Naivasha arriving at Naivasha Simba Lodge for lunch. Afternoon boat ride on the lake and guided walking safari on Crescent Island. Dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Stay: Naivasha Simba Lodge
Day 8
Lake Naivasha to Amboseli National Park
Drive to Amboseli National Park arriving at AA Amboseli Lodge for lunch. 16:00 PM evening game drive exploring the park famous for massive elephant herds. Dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Stay: AA Amboseli Lodge
Day 9
Amboseli National Park Full Day
Early morning game drive with clear views of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro. Buffet breakfast, then full day game drive with picnic lunch tracking predators and elephant herds. Dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Stay: AA Amboseli Lodge
Day 10
Amboseli to Tsavo East National Park
Drive to Tsavo East National Park. Arrive at Ashnil Aruba Lodge for lunch. Afternoon game drive tracking red elephants, lions, and plains game. Dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Stay: Ashnil Aruba Lodge
Day 11
Tsavo East Morning Game Drive — Return to Nairobi
Early morning game drive along the Yatta Plateau. Return for breakfast and drive back to Nairobi arriving in good time for hotel rest or airport transfer (or SGR train transfer to Mombasa).
Meals: Breakfast