Kenya Wildlife Safari

Nairobi, then 9 game drives in Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara; Stay in superior Nairobi hotels & safari lodges. Also available with Victoria Falls.

Overview

from$3799Tour + Flights 10days

price per person, double occupancy,* based on Nov 13, 2020 departure from JFK

$500 Instant Savings. Expires Sep 3, 2020.* All prices reflect savings.

$99 deposit. Lock in your spot for less through Aug 31.^††

This trip is running! We're ready to get back out in the world, and we hope you are too. Learn about our new health & safety protocols and what we mean by Flexible, Safe, Confident Travel.

Carefree Booking. Change your travel plans with no penalties. See details & restrictions.^†

Also see Kenya Wildlife Safari with Victoria Falls

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Style	Small Group TourTravel with a small, intimate group of no more than 24 likeminded travelers (and often much fewer), escorted by an English speaking guide and/or tour manager for some or all of your journey. More of these packages Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout
Departures	September 2020 – November 2021	Group Size	18 travelers max
Themes	Active, Nature & Wildlife
Activity Level	Recreational
What to Expect	This fast-paced, partially escorted tour includes a reasonable amount of walking or hiking and requires an average level of physical fitness. This tour also includes long scenic drives between destinations, sometimes on bumpy unpaved roads and may have limited rest stops.
Already booked?	Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more.

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Dates

Travelers

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Savvy travelers and novices alike include Kenya on their list of dream destinations, and for very good reason. Kenya is blessed with an abundance of spectacular wildlife and lavishly gorgeous, incredibly photogenic landscapes. Everywhere you go, from the teeming cities to the plains of the Masai Mara, the people are friendly and welcoming. Tourist infrastructure is amazing, often offering white glove service where the basics of running water and electricity appear impossible to find. Game reserves are magnificent, filled with all manner of wildlife, beautiful lakes and beaches, and sweeping vistas that seem to go on forever.

With more than 50 parks to choose from in Kenya alone, it's hard to decide where to go. But everyone agrees that the Masai Mara and Samburu parks are must-visit sites. Our Kenya Wildlife Safari includes them both plus a lot more! And like all Friendly Planet tours, you'll enjoy the best of Kenya at prices that are as amazing as the country itself.

If you want even more iconic Africa see our Kenya Wildlife Express with Victoria Falls!

Package includes

Flights
Coach
Transfers
Hotel
Meals
Guides

Round trip airfare from New York to Nairobi, including fuel surcharges and taxes and fees
All intra-Africa land transportation and transfers
8 nights' accommodations at superior Nairobi hotels and safari lodges plus day-use room on day 10
22 meals: 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners, including a welcome dinner at the famous Carnivore Restaurant
Comprehensive sightseeing tours and game-viewing drives by local English-speaking guides
All-wheel drive (4x4) safari vehicles with guaranteed window seat and access to roof hatch, maximum 6 guests per vehicle
Experienced driver/guide

Optional add-ons

Masai Mara Hot Air Balloon Safari & Champagne Breakfast

Why you'll love it

Set out on nine incredible game drives in search of the “Big 5” and more.
Fall in love with the orphaned elephant babies of Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphans' Nursery and learn how these adorable creatures are cared for before being released back into the wild.
Learn about the production of handmade beads at the Kazuri Bead Factory, which employs local women and single mothers.
Tour the Karen Blixen Museum, previously home to the author whose memoir inspired the Oscar-winning film, Out of Africa.
Hand-feed endangered giraffes at the Langata Giraffe Center.
See the efforts to save chimpanzees from extinction at the Jane Goodall Chimpanzee sanctuary.
Indulge in an array of exotic meats at the famous Carnivore Restaurant.

Itinerary at a Glance

1 Depart USA
2 Arrive Nairobi
3 Nairobi
4 Samburu Game Reserve
5 Samburu Game Reserve
6 Ol Pejeta Conservancy
7 Lake Nakuru National Park
8 Masai Mara National Reserve
9 Masai Mara National Reserve
Optional Excursion: Masai Mara Hot Air Balloon Safari and Champagne Breakfast, $430
10 Masai Mara & Nairobi/Depart Kenya

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Dates & Prices

Instant Savings: Get $500 off if you book by Sep. 3, 2020!

Dates & Prices, with flights per person, double occupancy*"Your Price" column already reflects discounts & Instant Savings
2020 DEPARTURES
Dates	Regular Price	Instant Savings	Your Price
Departs U.S.: Fri, Jul 3, 2020 Finishes: Sun, Jul 12, 2020 Jul 3 – Jul 12	$5599	–	–	Departed
Departs U.S.: Fri, Jul 17, 2020 Finishes: Sun, Jul 26, 2020 Jul 17 – Jul 26	$5599	–	–	Closed
Departs U.S.: Fri, Jul 31, 2020 Finishes: Sun, Aug 9, 2020 Jul 31 – Aug 9	$5599	–	–	Closed
Departs U.S.: Fri, Aug 28, 2020 Finishes: Sun, Sep 6, 2020 Aug 28 – Sep 6	$5199	–	–	Closed
Departs U.S.: Fri, Sep 25, 2020 Finishes: Sun, Oct 4, 2020 Book by Thu, Sep 3, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Sep 25 – Oct 4	$5199	–$500	$4699	Select
Departs U.S.: Fri, Oct 23, 2020 Finishes: Sun, Nov 1, 2020 Oct 23 – Nov 1	$5199	–	–	Closed
Departs U.S.: Fri, Nov 13, 2020 Finishes: Sun, Nov 22, 2020 Book by Thu, Sep 3, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Nov 13 – Nov 22	$4299	–$500	$3799	Select
Departs U.S.: Fri, Dec 4, 2020 Finishes: Sun, Dec 13, 2020 Book by Thu, Sep 3, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Dec 4 – Dec 13	$4299	–$500	$3799	Select
2021 DEPARTURES
Dates	Regular Price	Instant Savings	Your Price
Departs U.S.: Fri, Jan 8, 2021 Finishes: Sun, Jan 17, 2021 Book by Thu, Sep 3, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Jan 8 – Jan 17	$4499	–$500	$3999	Select
Departs U.S.: Fri, Feb 5, 2021 Finishes: Sun, Feb 14, 2021 Book by Thu, Sep 3, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Feb 5 – Feb 14	$4499	–$500	$3999	Select
Departs U.S.: Fri, Mar 5, 2021 Finishes: Sun, Mar 14, 2021 Book by Thu, Sep 3, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Mar 5 – Mar 14	$4499	–$500	$3999	Select
Departs U.S.: Fri, Apr 2, 2021 Finishes: Sun, Apr 11, 2021 Book by Thu, Sep 3, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Apr 2 – Apr 11	$4299	–$500	$3799	Select
Departs U.S.: Fri, May 7, 2021 Finishes: Sun, May 16, 2021 Book by Thu, Sep 3, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! May 7 – May 16	$4399	–$500	$3899	Select
Departs U.S.: Fri, May 28, 2021 Finishes: Sun, Jun 6, 2021 Book by Thu, Sep 3, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! May 28 – Jun 6	$4699	–$500	$4199	Select
Departs U.S.: Fri, Jun 25, 2021 Finishes: Sun, Jul 4, 2021 Book by Thu, Sep 3, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Jun 25 – Jul 4	$5499	–$500	$4999	Select
Departs U.S.: Fri, Jul 9, 2021 Finishes: Sun, Jul 18, 2021 Book by Thu, Sep 3, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Jul 9 – Jul 18	$5699	–$500	$5199	Select
Departs U.S.: Fri, Aug 6, 2021 Finishes: Sun, Aug 15, 2021 Book by Thu, Sep 3, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Aug 6 – Aug 15	$5399	–$500	$4899	Select
Departs U.S.: Fri, Sep 3, 2021 Finishes: Sun, Sep 12, 2021 Book by Thu, Sep 3, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Sep 3 – Sep 12	$5399	–$500	$4899	Select
Departs U.S.: Fri, Sep 24, 2021 Finishes: Sun, Oct 3, 2021 Book by Thu, Sep 3, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Sep 24 – Oct 3	$5399	–$500	$4899	Select
Departs U.S.: Fri, Oct 15, 2021 Finishes: Sun, Oct 24, 2021 Book by Thu, Sep 3, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Oct 15 – Oct 24	$5399	–$500	$4899	Select
Departs U.S.: Fri, Nov 19, 2021 Finishes: Sun, Nov 28, 2021 Book by Thu, Sep 3, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Nov 19 – Nov 28	$4599	–$500	$4099	Select

If you want a few extra days to explore on your own, we may be able to arrange for you to stay later than the scheduled dates, including extra hotel nights and separate airport transfers, for an additional charge. Ask us about prices and availability when (or after) you reserve. More information Want to extend your trip?

Options & Fees

Kenya Wildlife Safari
Rooming Selection
Double Occupancy	included
Single Occupancy
Apr 2, 2021; May 7, 2021	$449
Nov 13, 2020; Dec 4, 2020; May 28, 2021	$599
Nov 19, 2021	$649
Jan 8, 2021; Feb 5, 2021; Mar 5, 2021	$699
Jun 25, 2021	$1099
Jul 9, 2021; Aug 6, 2021; Sep 3, 2021; Sep 24, 2021; Oct 15, 2021	$1199
All other dates	$1149

Optional Excursions
Masai Mara Hot Air Balloon Safari¹	$430

1. Flight may not operate if weather conditions are not suitable.

Separately Paid Fees
Kenya Visa Fee¹ (paid separately)	$51

1. All visitors to Kenya must obtain a visa. Comprehensive visa instructions will be included in the confirmation packets to all passengers. Please inquire with the Kenyan Consulate about reduced visa fees.

So that we can offer you the best deals, our packages are, like most hotels and cruises, priced based on double occupancy rooms or cabins. We charge solo travelers an extra fee to cover the extra costs of single occupancy rooms or cabins. (Consider: if you booked a $200/night hotel room solo, you would pay the $200 yourself; but if a couple booked the same room, each one would pay only $100.) But you only pay extra for the rooms or cabins, nothing else, including meals, sightseeing, tips, etc. Why are single rooms more?

Flights & Departure Cities

Departure Airports
New York Kennedy (JFK)	included

This package includes round-trip flights from the city listed above. Please review the flight schedule, especially if you're booking connecting flights.

Want to fly from another city? Unfortunately, we do not offer flights from cities not listed, but you can book your own connecting flights. Some schedules may require an overnight in NYC prior to departure for Kenya.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Depart USA

Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Nairobi, Kenya

Day 2 Arrive Nairobi

Upon arrival in Nairobi, following customs and immigration formalities, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel.
This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at the famous Carnivore Restaurant.

Tamarind Tree Hotel or similar Dinner

Day 3 Nairobi

Visit the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
Discover how local women make handmade beads at the Kazuri workshop
Visit the Karen Blixen Museum
See the endangered Rothschild's giraffe at the Langata Giraffe Center

Tamarind Tree Hotel or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, visit the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphans' Nursery, where young orphaned elephant babies are hand-raised until they are released back to their natural habitat in the Tsavo National Park. Here they are able to mingle freely with the wild community.

After a lunch break, continue to the Kazuri Bead Factory Store, where the guide will explain the hand-making process. Founded in 1975 by Lady Susan Wood, the factory started as a tiny workshop experimenting in making handmade beads, only employing two Kenyan women and today has grown to employ many other women, most of them single mothers. Then, visit the Karen Blixen Museum, which is the former home of "Out of Africa" author Karen Blixen and served as the farm house for her 4500 acre farm from 1917-1931.

Later, visit The Langata Giraffe Center, established to protect the endangered Rothschild's giraffe. There are also several warthogs which roam freely with the giraffes. Guests may feed the giraffes from a raised feeding platform. Return to the hotel for remainder of the day at leisure

Day 4 Samburu Game Reserve

Travel north to the remote Samburu Reserve arriving at the lodge for lunch
Enjoy an afternoon game drive and dinner at the lodge

Samburu Intrepids Tented Camp Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, travel north to the remote Samburu Reserve. This is the homeland of the nomadic Samburu people, whose culture attaches great value to tending their livestock of cattle, sheep, goats and camels as their main economic activity. The Samburu peoples' dress is dramatic with bright reds, braided hair and skin daubed in red ochre.

Samburu is rich in species not seen in southern Kenya's more famous parks, such as Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, beisa oryx and gerenuk. You'll also have a good chance of spotting lions, cheetahs and the elusive leopard. The semiarid landscape is dramatic, with the rugged outcrop known as Mt. Ololokwe a prominent feature. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch. This afternoon, depart on a game drive returning to the camp as the sun sets.

Day 5 Samburu Game Reserve

Morning game drive
Lunch, followed by some free time to relax
Early evening game drive

Samburu Intrepids Tented Camp Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Enjoy another day of game viewing drives in the Samburu Game Reserve during two safari drives, one in the morning and another in the late afternoon, in a safari vehicle with roof hatch access for perfect game viewing and photography. Guided by your expert driver, search for animals native to this fascinating and beautiful area.

Day 6 Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Depart for Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at your camp
In the afternoon, visit the Jane Goodall Chimpanzee sanctuary followed by a game drive
This evening, sit by the lit waterhole to view the animals

Sweetwaters Tented Camp Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, depart for the 90,000 acre Ol Pejeta Conservancy. The conservancy is situated on the equator, in Kenya’s Laikipia District, between the foothills of the Aberdares and the snow-capped Mount Kenya. The conservancy hosts a large variety of animals, including Grevy’s zebra, Jackson’s hartebeest, cheetah and more. After lunch, visit the Jane Goodall Chimpanzee sanctuary followed by a game drive. In the evening sit by the lit waterhole to view the animals.

Day 7 Lake Nakuru National Park

Early this morning, travel to Lake Nakuru National Park
Once in the park, there will be a game drive
In the afternoon, there will be another game drive prior to check-in and dinner

Sarova Lion Hill Lodge Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Leaving Sweetwaters and Mount Kenya behind, you'll head west to Nyahururu, still known to many as Thomson's Falls for its 237-foot cascade. Continue south to your next destination, Lake Nakuru. This park is a rhino sanctuary, offering the opportunity to see these endangered animals. It's also home to rare Rothschild's giraffes, buffalo, leopards and lions. Once in the park, there will be a game drive. After lunch, enjoy afternoon game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. Then, continue to Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge, arriving as the sun sets.

Day 8 Masai Mara National Reserve

After breakfast, head out for the Masai Mara National Reserve
Enjoy lunch en route to the Masai Mara
Take your first game drive in the Masai Mara on the way to your camp

Mara Intrepids Tented Camp Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, head out to the Masai Mara National Reserve, which borders Tanzania's Serengeti National Park. Every year, between July and September, millions of wildebeests and zebras migrate into the Mara in search of water. The timing of this phenomenon varies, depending on the rains, but they usually start heading back to the Serengeti in October.

Whether you see the migration or not, the grassy plains and lush landscape offer a huge variety of game including lions, cheetahs, buffalo and abundant bird life such as ostriches, cranes and storks. Stop for lunch at a lodge, followed by an afternoon game drive through this haven of wildlife, arriving at the Mara Intrepids Camp as the sun sets.

Day 9 Masai Mara National Reserve

Morning game drive, or take an optional hot air balloon safari
Lunch at the lodge, followed by some free time to relax
Late afternoon game drive

Mara Intrepids Tented Camp Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Today you will take two safari drives, one in the morning and another in the late afternoon, in a safari vehicle with roof hatch access for perfect game viewing and photography.

You'll have the choice for an optional early morning Hot Air Balloon safari, which provides a thrilling opportunity to soar high over the plains for animal viewing from above. Whether you go by air or land, you will enjoy searching for animals native to this fascinating and beautiful area accompanied by your expert guide, who will amaze you with his ability to spot game hidden in the bush.

Optional Excursion: Masai Mara Hot Air Balloon Safari and Champagne Breakfast, $430

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. After an hour or so in the air, your safari finishes with a champagne breakfast in the bush. This is certain to become a once in a lifetime experience you will remember long after returning from Kenya! Flight may not operate if weather conditions are not suitable. ($450 if purchased locally)

Day 10 Masai Mara & Nairobi/Depart Kenya

Depart the Masai Mara for Nairobi
Enjoy a farewell lunch at a local restaurant
Transfer to the airport for your overnight return flight
Your amazing adventures come to an end as you arrive in the USA tomorrow morning

Hilton Garden Inn or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, depart the Masai Mara for Nairobi and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Then, transfer to your day-use room to relax and freshen up before your return flight. Finally, bid farewell to Kenya as you transfer to the airport for your return flight.

Your amazing adventures come to an end as you arrive in the USA tomorrow morning.

Hotels

Tamarind Tree Hotel

First Class

Tamarind Tree Hotel is ideally located just 5 kms to the southwest of Nairobi near iconic Carnivore Restaurant. The hotel offers easy access to all parts of the city, its national park, as well as to the country’s many diverse attractions via the neighbouring Wilson Airport and Southern Bypass. The nearby Langata and Karen suburbs are among the liveliest and most popular in Nairobi with world-class shopping malls and excellent restaurants.Tamarind Tree Hotel's outstanding leisure facilities and genuine service ensures that all our guests experience the very best of Tamarind hospitality.

More information

Samburu Intrepids Tented Camp

First Class

Located 345 kilometers north of Nairobi, this tented lodge offers 28 modern and newly refurbished tents with a private view over the wildlife-rich riverbanks. All the tents are large and spacious under palm-thatched roofs with netted screens. This allows for the river breeze to keep them cool and give you stunning views of Samburu. The main dining room has a seating capacity of 60, and opens onto an outdoor terrace where buffet breakfasts and lunches are served overlooking the river. Meals can also be enjoyed on your private veranda or at one of a series of specially selected 'bush sites' close to camp.Intrepids also boasts a spacious lounge and bar area, where our naturalists deliver fascinating slideshows on most evenings, and an intimate conference room with a television for viewing wildlife documentaries.Behind the bar, surrounded by a shady sunbathing area, is our freeform swimming pool - a soothing drop of blue in this otherwise arid land

More information

Sweetwaters Tented Camp

First Class

The exclusive Sweetwaters Serena Camp is located in a private conservancy with a higher wildlife-to-area ration than any of Kenya's national parks. The camp lies in the center of the Ol Pejeta Conservancy which is host to elephants, rhinos, lions, buffalo, and leopard.

More information

Sarova Lion Hill Lodge

First Class

Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge is nestled along the Lion Hill overlooking the spectacular flamingo pink rimmed Lake Nakuru. Its location affords panoramic views of the lake and the picturesque Lake Nakuru National Park. A short two-hour drive from Nairobi, it is cleverly laid out in such a way that most rooms and sitting areas afford stunning views of the lake and the park. The Lodge incorporates natural landscaping with tall acacia trees, winding walkways and greens dotted with bird feeds.

More information

Mara Intrepids Tented Camp

Mara Intrepids Camp is located in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The camp is a short drive to the Mara River, home of the iconic wildebeest migration. The camp’s outdoor pool is surrounded by sun-loungers. There is a library with board games and a playground for children. Hot air balloon rides can be organised at Mara Camp.

More information

Hilton Garden Inn

The Hilton Garden Inn Nairobi Airport is a 175 room hotel with a convenient location close to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The hotel features complimentary Wi-Fi, a 24 hour business center, a heated rooftop swimming pool, fitness center, complimentary self-operated laundry.

More information

In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.

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Trip Details

What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Travel visas are required for this package. Please review the visa & entry requirements.
Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 12 or older at time of travel.
Should I purchase travel protection? Yes! Protect your travel investment with our travel protection plan, available to U.S. residents (excluding overseas territories).
What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
What should I know about Kenya? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.