Kenya Wildlife Safari
Book this package- from$3799Tour + Flights
- 10days
Overview
| Featuring | Nairobi, then 9 game drives in Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara; Stay in deluxe Nairobi hotels & superior safari lodges | |
| Style | Small Group TourTravel with a small, intimate group of 15-24 likeminded travelers escorted by an English speaking guide and/or tour manager for some or all of your journey. More of these packages
18 travelers max, dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout |
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| Departures | Scheduled Dates; select from 5 open departures, September – December 2018 | |
| Price Includes |
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| Optional |
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| Highlights | Nairobi, Samburu Game Reserve, Visit Jane Goodall Chimpanzee sanctuary, OL Pejeta Conservancy, Lake Naivasha & Masai Mara National Reserve | |
| Departs | New York City (NYC); other gateways on request (flight schedule) | |
| Themes | Active, Nature & Wildlife, Family Friendly | |
| 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. | |
| As Seen in |
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Prepare for your trip Already booked? Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more.
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. Want even more iconic Africa? Extend your stay with a post-tour to the majestic Victoria Falls (available for 2018 departures).
To enhance your visit to Kenya and make it more complete and memorable, we offer exciting optional excursions. These are available through your guide or tour manager and must be purchased locally. See our detailed itinerary below for full descriptions of each excursion. More information, including updates on pricing and availability, will be included with your travel documents.
Dates, Prices & Options
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart USA
- Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Nairobi, Kenya
Day 2: Arrive Nairobi
Accommodations: 1 night EKA Hotel Nairobi.
- Upon arrival in Nairobi, following customs and immigration formalities, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel.
Day 3: Samburu Game Reserve
Accommodations: 2 nights Samburu Intrepids Tented Camp. Included meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
- Travel north to the remote Samburu Reserve
- After a stop for lunch, continue to your lodge, enjoying a game drive en route
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 people 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. After a stop for lunch, continue to your lodge, enjoying a game drive en route.
Day 4: Samburu Game Reserve
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
- Morning game drive
- Lunch, followed by some free time to relax
- Early evening game drive
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 early evening, in a safari vehicle with roof hatch access for perfect game viewing and photography. Guided by your expert driver, enjoy searching for animals native to this fascinating and beautiful area.
Day 5: Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Accommodations: 1 night Sweetwaters Tented Camp, Ol Pejeta. Included meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
- After a morning game drive and breakfast, 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
Full Day Itinerary: After a morning game drive and 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 chimpanzee. Enjoy lunch at your camp. In the afternoon, visit the Jane Goodall Chimpanzee sanctuary followed by a game drive. In the evening sit by the lit waterhole to view the animals.
Day 6: Lake Nakuru & Lake Naivasha
Accommodations: 1 night Naivasha Sopa Lodge, Lake Naivasha. Included meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
- Early this morning, travel to Lake Nakuru National Park
- Enjoy lunch at one of the lodges, followed by a game drive
- Later, drive to Lake Naivasha for an afternoon boat ride and overnight
Full Day Itinerary: Early this morning, travel to Lake Nakuru National Park. Travel south through the town of Naromoru and then head west via Nyahururu (still known to many as Thompsons Falls). This park is a rhino sanctuary, offering the rare opportunity to see these endangered animals. It's also home to rare Rothschild's giraffes, buffalo, leopards and lions. Enjoy lunch at one of the lodges, followed by a game drive. Later drive to Lake Naivasha for an afternoon boat ride and overnight.
Day 7: Masai Mara National Reserve
Accommodations: 2 nights Mara Intrepids Tented Camp, Masai Mara Reserve. Included meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
- After breakfast, head out for the Masai Mara National Reserve
- Enjoy lunch at your lodge then relax
- Later this afternoon take your first game in the Masai Mara
Full Day Itinerary: After breakfast, head out for 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. Enjoy lunch at your lodge then relax until later this afternoon when you'll take your first game drive through this haven of wildlife.
Optional Excursion: Masai Village Tour, $25 (purchased locally). This afternoon, you can get an in-depth look at this colorful and pastoral people in their natural setting. 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". Credit cards not accepted for this excursion.
Day 8: Masai Mara National Reserve
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
- 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
Full Day Itinerary: Today you will take two safari drives, one in the morning and another in the early evening, in a safari vehicle with roof hatch access for perfect game viewing and photography. You have the option of replacing one safari drive with an optional balloon safari, which provides a thrilling opportunity to soar high over the plain 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 guided by your expert driver, who will amaze you with his ability to spot game hidden in the bush.
Optional Excursion: Masai Mara Hot Air Balloon Safari & Champagne Breakfast, $450 (purchased locally). Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take a balloon ride across the Masai Mara. Weather conditions permitting, your flight begins in the pre-dawn hours, when the view over the park is most magnificent. Toward the end of your adventure, you'll rise to a height of 1,500 feet for a panoramic view of the twisting Mara River and the savannah below. After an hour or so in the air, your safari finishes with a champagne breakfast in the bush, cooked on the balloon's burners. Flight may not operate if weather conditions are not suitable.
Day 9: Masai Mara & Nairobi/Depart Kenya
Accommodations: EKA Hotel Nairobi or similar (day-use room). Included meals: Breakfast & lunch.
- Depart the Masai Mara for Nairobi
- Enjoy a farewell lunch at the famous Carnivore Restaurant
- Visit the Karen Blixen Museum and the Kazuri Bead factory
- Stop at the Langata Giraffe Center
- Transfer to the airport for your overnight return flight via Europe
- If continuing on the Victoria Falls extension, overnight in Nairobi
Full Day Itinerary: After breakfast, depart the Masai Mara for Nairobi and enjoy an "all you can eat" farewell lunch at the famous Carnivore Restaurant. After lunch visit the Karen Blixen Museum. Before becoming a museum in 1991, the house and surrounding 4500 acre farm were owned by "Out of Africa" author Karen Blixen from 1917 till 1931.
Continue to the Kazuri Bead factory. Kazuri, which means "small and beautiful" in Swahili, began in 1975 as a tiny workshop experimenting in making handmade beads. The factory is located on part of the former Blixen estate. Its founder, Lady Susan Wood, started with two Kenyan women and soon discovered that there were many other women in the villages around Nairobi, most of them single mothers, who were in great need of regular employment.
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.
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 via Europe.
If continuing on the optional Victoria Falls post-tour extension, you will overnight in Nairobi and continue on the extension itinerary below.
Day 10: Arrive USA
- Arrive in the USA today
Victoria Falls Post-Tour Optional Extension
Why not take advantage of your already-included international airfare to visit Victoria Falls, one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders. You'll return to the U.S. 4 days after the return dates shown.
Day 10: Nairobi & Victoria Falls
Accommodations: 3 nights Victoria Falls Safari Lodge or similar.
- Transfer to the airport for your flight to Victoria Falls
- Remainder of the day at leisure
Full Day Itinerary: This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Victoria Falls. You'll soon discover why this UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered one of the greatest natural wonders—and the largest curtain of falling water in the world! Located at the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, Victoria Falls consists of numerous falls separated by islands in the river below. The Zambezi River spills more than 2 million gallons per second over the Bakota Gorge, casting multiple rainbows and resulting in an awe-inspiring display of raw power unrivalled by other natural wonders. The tremendous roar of the water and the ever-present cloud of spray give the falls their local moniker, "Smoke that Thunders."
Check into your award-winning safari lodge, located high on a plateau bordering the Zambezi National Park. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure at one of the hotel swimming pools or game-viewing platforms. Elephants, buffalo and other wild animals often graze on hotel lawns.
Day 11: Victoria Falls
Included meals: Breakfast.
- Guided tour of Victoria Falls
- Sunset cruise on the Zambezi River
Full Day Itinerary: Your exploration of the falls begins with a guided tour of the Zimbabwe side.
Later today, experience the glorious falls from an up-close vantage point as you set sail on a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. Be on the lookout for hippos, monkeys, elephants, and crocodiles that frequent the waters and the surrounding areas.
Day 12: Victoria Falls
Included meals: Breakfast.
- Day at leisure or partake in an optional full day excursion to Chobe National Park
Full Day Itinerary: Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore this magnificent natural wonder on your own on the well-marked trails through the rainforest that wind up to and around the falls. The trails allow for excellent picture-taking from a variety of vantage points (be sure to protect your camera if it's not waterproof). There are a wide range of optional excursions available locally on request basis including game drives, walking safaris, bungee jumping, and more. We recommend the full day tour of Chobe National Park in Botswana.
Optional Excursion: Chobe National Park, Botswana, $195. Take advantage of an optional full day excursion to the Chobe National Park in Botswana, renowned for its large elephant population. Begin the day with a safari boat cruise on the Chobe River. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at the Chobe Game Lodge and end the day with an afternoon game drive in an open vehicle. This excursion requires a passport and double or multiple entry Zimbabwe visa.
Day 13: Depart Victoria Falls
Included meals: Breakfast.
- Transfer to the airport for your short flight to Johannesburg, South Africa
- Check into your overnight return flight home
Day 14: Arrive USA
- Your memorable African adventure ends as you touch down this morning in New York
Hotels
EKA Hotel Nairobi
First Class
EKA Hotel is conveniently located along Mombasa Road in Nairobi, near the city's many attractions including Nairobi National Park, the Karen Blixen Museum, the National Museum, Bomas of Kenya, and the Giraffe Centre. It is also minutes away from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, 5km from Wilson Airport and 5km from the bustling central business district and entertainment venues.
Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge
Tourist Class
Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge is located on 150 acres of grassland on the shores of Lake Naivasha. The resort is not only home to a resident giraffe, waterbuck and Vervet and Colobus monkeys, but it is also a stop for the hippos at night.
Mara Intrepids Tented Camp
First Class
Mara Intrepids Tented Camp is located in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, overlooking the Talek River. The camp is a short drive to the Mara River, home of the iconic wildebeest migration.
Samburu Intrepids Tented Camp
First Class
Located 345 kilometers north of Nairobi, Samburu Intrepids offers 30 modern and newly refurbished tents with a private view over the wildlife-rich banks of the Uaso Nyiro River.
Sweetwaters Tented Camp
First Class
Located on the plains of Mount Kenya, Sweetwaters Tented Camp is a sheltered oasis, clustered around a water hole and set in the pristine calm of the private Ol Pejeta Conservancy. It offers a charming blend of under-canvas ambience and safari luxury.
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
First Class
Situated high on a plateau which forms a natural boundary to the Zambezi National Park, the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge enjoys uninterrupted views and spectacular African sunsets and is just four kilometers from the majestic Victoria Falls. Designed to give the impression of a vast open-plan tree-house, the Lodge is built on intricate levels offering magnificent views of the African bushveld. The use of vibrant fabrics and rustic finishes, local hardwoods and clay tiles gives Victoria Falls Safari Lodge an undeniable appeal and unique character.
In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.
Videos
Reviews
We just returned from the Kenya Wildlife Safari and one would have to say, 'Hakuna Matata" about any concern I had after reading travel reviews that the Intercontinental Hotel in Nairobi was less than satisfactory! It is disconcerting that one could complain about the accommodations. While it is an older hotel, it is clean and in a great location, particularly given the short amount of free-time we had. This location gave us a chance to go to the Intercontinental Market and to see the Parliament and governmental buildings. I would rate our breakfasts at the Intercontinental as scrumptious and the presentation was incredible! Who could possibly complain about fresh squeezed orange juice, Kenyan coffee with hot milk, and a variety of over 50 feet of food choices? It is absolutely awesome and the service was superb. Thanks to Vintage Africa we had an incredible driver, Dominic, who has an A+ personality, and is probably a mixture of human/animal/bird! Dominic could sense animals before they were visible and he knew their patterns along with having a vast knowledge of their behaviors and instincts. He astonished us with his mastery of the bird species. We learned so much from him and it was obvious he loves his job! This was the most spectacular Safari we could imagine and we cannot thank all the Friendly Planet staff and Vintage Africa for making it one we will never forget. Our accommodations, the food, and everything else were simply marvelous! Friendly Planet was recommended to us by an unfamiliar traveler we met in California: now we will recommend friendly Planet to our friends and acquaintances and we will be back for another adventure with Friendly Planet in the future!
Carol Schmidt
Things to Know
- Any tips before I depart? Yes! We've compiled a handy checklist of everything you need to know before you go, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
- I'm traveling solo. Can you help me find a roommate? Yes, you can connect with other travelers to share a room and avoid single occupancy rates.
- Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? 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.
- Do I need a visa or any other documents? Travel visas are required for this package. Please review the requirements.
- Should I purchase travel protection? Yes! Protect your travel investment with our travel protection plan, available to U.S. residents.
- What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
- What should I know about Kenya? Check out our guide for travel tips, the best time to go, blog posts, videos, and more.
- What should I know about Zimbabwe? Check out our guide for travel tips, the best time to go, blog posts, videos, and more.
- What should I know about Botswana? Check out our guide for travel tips, the best time to go, blog posts, videos, and more.
