Kenya Wildlife Safari

Masai Mara, Mt. Kenya, Lake Nakuru & Samburu
plus Tanzania & Ngorongoro Crater optional extension

African safari tours are the experience of a lifetime. Our Kenya wildlife safari is the Africa travel adventure you've been looking for! Explore Kenya's famous wildlife sanctuaries and discover the world-renowned biodiversity of East Africa.

Your African safari tours depart Nairobi and pass snow-capped Mt. Kenya on the way to Samburu National Reserve. An early morning wildlife safari at Samburu reveals animals when they are most active. From semi-desert Samburu, your Africa travel adventure proceeds to world-famous Treetops Lodge, built on stilts in the lush forest of the Abedares National Park. Your African safari tour then traverses the Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru, where pink flamingoes by the thousands dance along the lakeshore. No Africa travel experience is complete without a visit to the Masai Mara National Reserve, the northern extension of Tanzania's famous Serengeti Plains and Kenya's premier place for viewing wildlife.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Depart USA. Your fascinating journey to mysterious Africa begins as you depart on your overnight flight to Kenya.

Day 2: Nairobi. Evening arrival in Nairobi, Kenya's vibrant capital. You'll be escorted to your deluxe hotel. Safari Park Hotel

Day 3: Nairobi. Today, visit the home of Karen Blixen, a coffee farmer and famed author of "Out of Africa". Nearby is the Giraffe Center where you'll admire and feed the gentle and rare Rotschild's giraffes. Relax at your hotel this afternoon before attending a safari orientation and welcome dinner with local entertainment. Breakfast & dinner provided.

Day 4: Nairobi, Mt. Kenya & Samburu. Over the next week venture into Kenya's most captivating wildlife sanctuaries, set amid the beauty of the surrounding wilderness. This morning depart northward to the Central Highlands where you cross the Equator as you approach majestic Mt. Kenya, a dormant volcano with a glittering cap of snow and ice. After a stop for lunch, continue your drive to Samburu National Reserve in Kenya's semi-desert, rugged northern frontier. Enroute to your lodge enjoy your first game-viewing drive. Settle into your comfortable lodge in the heart of the reserve in time for dinner. Samburu Lodge Breakfast, lunch & dinner provided.

Day 5: Samburu. Set in an extraordinary region along the Ewaso Ngiro River, Samburu is home to some of Africa's rarest game species. The river's permanent waters abound with crocodile and hippo and attract plenty of wildlife including the Grevy's zebra, the long necked gerunuk antelope, the shy oryx beisa and the Somali ostrich. Leopard, cheetah and lion are also found in the reserve.

A full day of game viewing starts with an early morning safari when the animals are most active. Keep your camera ready as your game spotter leads you in search of the animals and you'll have plenty of opportunities to photograph your sightings. Return to the lodge for breakfast and relax by the pool. This afternoon, venture out on additional game viewing. Breakfast, lunch & dinner provided.

Day 6: Samburu & Mt. Kenya. Depart for Mt. Kenya National Park, a wonderland of dense forests, tumbling waterfalls and abundant wildlife. Arrive at your lodge, the only "tree-hotel" ever to be built on the slopes of legendary Mt. Kenya.

From specially built viewpoints you may watch the animals arriving at the floodlit waterhole and saltlicks throughout the evening and night. Serena Mountain Lodge Breakfast, lunch & dinner provided. (On select departures you'll travel from Samburu to world renowned Aberdares National Park and stay at The Ark instead.)

Day 7: Mt. Kenya & Lake Nakuru. As you journey southwest today, stop at the impressive Nyahururu Falls and then travel along the magnificent Rift Valley toward Lake Nakuru, world known for its vast population of pink flamingos. Drive through Lake Nakuru National Park, one of Kenya's finest rhino sanctuaries and admire the flamingos and other abundant birds dancing along the lake's shoreline. Arrive at your lodge, overlooking the lake. Lake Nakuru Lodge Breakfast, lunch & dinner provided.

Day 8: Lake Nakuru & Lake Naivasha. Savor a morning game drive to explore the rich wildlife of Lake Nakuru. Traverse the Rift Valley en route to Lake Naivasha. Here, enjoy lunch, followed by a scenic boat ride on the lake. Your lodge is located on the lake shore. Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge Breakfast, lunch & dinner provided.

Day 9: Lake Naivasha & Masai Mara Today drive to the fabled Masai Mara National Reserve, rich with wildlife, birds, natural flora and stunning scenic beauty. The Masai Mara is the northern extension of Tanzania's famous Serengeti Plains. It is Kenya's premier place of seeing wildlife, and home to a thriving population of predators such as lion and cheetah, as well as hippo, crocodile, zebra, giraffe, elephant, wildebeest and impala. Arrive at your lodge, ideally located on the banks of the Talek River and surrounded by lush landscaped gardens. Enjoy a thrilling afternoon game-viewing drive in this photographer's paradise. Tonight enjoy a traditional performance of tribal dances by local Masai Warriors. Mara Simba Lodge Breakfast, lunch & dinner provided.

Day 10: Balloon Safari, Masai Village & Game Safari. Early this morning you may join an exhilarating optional hot-air balloon safari above the Masai Mara's plains. You may also opt to visit the local Masai Village where you'll learn more about their culture and customs. Included in today's program are additional morning and late afternoon safaris led by your game spotter who will take you in search of the Big Five: elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard and the much rarer rhino. In between game drives, relax at your comfortable lodge, take a dip in the pool and enjoy the delicious food served. This evening join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner. Breakfast, lunch & dinner provided.

Day 11: Masai Mara, Nairobi & Depart Kenya. After a final safari, board a short scenic flight to Nairobi. A day room has been reserved for you and the balance of the day is free for independent exploration. This evening transfer to the airport for your return flight. Safari Park Hotel day room. Breakfast provided.

Day 12: Arrive USA. Your memorable journey ends as you arrive New York early this afternoon.

Tanzania & Ngorongoro Crater 4-night Optional Extension

Take advantage of your included international airfare and extend your stay to three of Tanzania's magnificent game parks: The Ngorongoro Crater, often described as the "eighth wonder of the world," is remnant of an ancient volcano and has one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa; Lake Manyara, home of the famous tree-climbing lions; and Tarangire National Park, famous for its abundant birdlife as well as plentiful big game.

Your extension includes flights to Tanzania, one night at each of the three Tanzania game reserves, guided game-viewing, 3 meals daily, an additional night in Nairobi and all transfers. Extension starts on day 11 with an overnight in Nairobi. Fly to Tanzania on the morning of day 12. On the evening of day 15, fly back to Nairobi and connect to your overnight flight back to the U.S. arriving New York on day 16.

Day 11: Masai Mara & Nairobi, Tanzania. A short scenic flight brings you back to Nairobi, where the balance of the day is at leisure. Safari Park Hotel Breakfast provided.

Day 12: Nairobi & Arusha. Fly this morning to Kilimanjaro Airport near Arusha, Tanzania. Upon arrival you will be met by your Tanzania guide, enjoy a picnic lunch and drive through Tanzania countryside to Lake Manyara. After checking into your lodge, the evening is at leisure. Serena Lake Manyara Lodge Breakfast, lunch & dinner provided.

Day 13: Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro. Lake Manyara National Park offers a rich diversity of scenery and wildlife including the famous tree-climbing lions. This morning enjoy a game drive of the park and hike the Great Rift Valley. After lunch, drive to Ngorongoro, a World Heritage Site. Arrive at your lodge at the rim of the crater in the late afternoon, in time for dinner. Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge Breakfast, lunch & dinner provided.

Day 14: Ngorongoro & Tarangire. Ngorongoro Crater is remnant of an ancient volcano peak and has one of the greatest concentration of wildlife in Africa. On today's excursion your expert game driver/spotter will lead you on thrilling game-viewing drives by land rover to explore this unique phenomenon. It is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip to East Africa. This afternoon, proceed to nearby Tarangire National Park and arrive at your lodge. Tarangire Sopa Lodge Breakfast, lunch & dinner provided.

Day 15: Arusha & Nairobi. Morning game drive in Tarangire National Park, renowned for its abundant birdlife and plentiful big game. This afternoon travel by road to Arusha and enjoy an orientation tour before arriving at Kilimanjaro Airport. Board your evening flight back to Nairobi, where you'll connect with your overnight return flight home. Breakfast & lunch provided.

Day 16: Arrive USA. Your memorable journey ends as you arrive New York early this afternoon.

Kenya Wildlife Safari Optional Tours

To enhance your visit to Kenya and make it more complete and memorable, here are some optional tours that will be available to you through your guide or tour manager. More information, including updates on pricing and availability, will be included with your travel documents.

Nairobi: Afternoon City Tour
On this afternoon tour you'll be introduced to Nairobi's major attractions including the Parliament buildings, the National Museum and the Kenyatta International Conference Center. Visit the bustling City Market housed in an old World War II aircraft hanger. You'll also have an opportunity to shop for last minute souvenirs including fine quality woodcarvings, African jewelry, stone sculptures and unique African artwork. $35 per person.

Nairobi: Carnivore Dinner
On your final night in Nairobi, before departing to the airport for your return flight, savor an "all you can eat" dinner at the world famous Carnivore Restaurant. You'll be transferred to the restaurant where you'll enjoy a buffet of salads and deserts to accompany the amazing array of "all you can eat" meats brought to your table. After dinner, you will be transferred directly to the airport. $35 per person.

Masai Mara: Masai Village Tour
This is an opportunity to experience what the Masai tribal life is like as you walk through a traditional village compound. You'll be greeted by the village chief and be escorted around the village by a local host who will explain the history, culture and practices of the Masai. Before departing the village, enjoy a cultural performance by the young men of the tribe, the famed warrior "morans". $15 per person, credit card not accepted for this tour.

Masai Mara: Hot Air Balloon Safari and Champagne Breakfast
Take to the sky over herds of wildlife in the Masai Mara game reserve, flying in a hot air balloon. The balloon can soar over the most inaccessible and undisturbed parts of the reserve and offers a bird's eye view of the plains below. At the conclusion of your incredible flight, you'll be treated to a champagne breakfast in the bush. Before returning to your lodge, your balloon pilot will present you with a Balloon Flight Certificate. This is certain to become a once in a lifetime experience you will remember long after returning from Kenya! (Please be advised that flight may not operate if weather conditions are not suitable for balloon flying). $375 per person if you reserve and prepay in Nairobi, or $385 if reserved and paid in the Masai Mara.

Destination FAQs

For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Kenya, click here.

For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Tanzania, click here.