8 Days Big Five Kenya Wildlife Safari Adventure
Explore the heart of Magical Kenya on this perfectly curated 8 Days Big Five Kenya Wildlife Safari. This unforgettable journey takes you through the most iconic national parks and reserves, where you’ll track Africa’s legendary Big Five lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. From the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli to the Great Rift Valley lakes and the sweeping savannahs of the Masai Mara, every day brings you closer to nature’s raw beauty. Discover Kenya’s finest wildlife destinations including Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Samburu, and Aberdare. Your adventure begins and ends in Nairobi, making it seamless and convenient.
Safari Highlights
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Daily game drives in Kenya’s top parks and reserves
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Nature walks and incredible photography moments
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Witness Mount Kilimanjaro from Amboseli
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See the rare species of Samburu like Grevy’s zebra and Beisa oryx
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Discover the birdlife haven of Lake Nakuru
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Experience the legendary Masai Mara and the Big Five
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Enjoy cultural insights in Nairobi at the Giraffe Centre and Karen Blixen Museum
Detailed Itinerary: Big Five Safari Kenya
Day 1: Nairobi to Amboseli National Park
After breakfast, meet your safari guide for a briefing on your upcoming adventure. Depart Nairobi in a 4×4 safari vehicle for Amboseli National Park, a scenic 5-hour drive. Arrive in time for lunch at your lodge before heading out on your first game drive. Enjoy the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, and spot elephants, zebras, giraffes, hippos, and abundant birdlife.
Overnight: Lodge in Amboseli
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Amboseli to Nairobi ‘s Giraffe Centre Visit
Start your morning with a short game drive as you exit Amboseli and head back to Nairobi (5-hour drive). Upon arrival, have lunch and enjoy a relaxed afternoon exploring the Giraffe Centre, home to the endangered Rothschild giraffes, and the Karen Blixen Museum, once home to the famed Danish author of Out of Africa.
Overnight Options:
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Budget: Fairview Hotel / Golden Tulip Westlands
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Midrange: Norfolk Hotel / After 40 Hotel
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Luxury: Nairobi Serena Hotel / Four Points by Sheraton
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve
Leave early for Samburu National Reserve, a 6-hour drive through scenic landscapes including a stop at the Equator crossing. Arrive in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive along the Ewaso Ng’iro River. This unique reserve is home to rare northern species like the reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx, and Somali ostrich.
Overnight Options:
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Budget: Saasab Camp / Larsen’s Tented Camp
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Midrange: Samburu Intrepids / Elephant Bedroom Camp
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Luxury: Samburu Game Lodge / Ashnil Samburu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Samburu to Aberdare National Park
After breakfast, drive about 4 hours to Aberdare National Park, known for its forested hills and waterfalls. Check in, enjoy lunch, then venture out for a thrilling afternoon game drive. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, buffaloes, leopards, black rhinos, hyenas and rare forest antelopes.
Overnight Options:
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Budget: Sapper Hut / Tusk Camp Bandas
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Midrange: Fishing Lodge / Aberdare Cottages
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Luxury: The Ark / Treetops Lodge / Aberdare Country Club
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Aberdare to Lake Nakuru National Park
Drive westward to Lake Nakuru National Park, passing through the beautiful Great Rift Valley escarpment. Check in, have lunch, and head out on a game drive around the lake. This park is a sanctuary for black and white rhinos, as well as flamingos, lions, waterbucks, zebras, and over 400 bird species.
Overnight Options:
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Budget: The Cliff / Flamingo Hill Camp / Sarova Lion Hill
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Midrange: Hotel Bison / Lake Nakuru Lodge
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Luxury: Botana Hotel / Eagle Palace Hotel / The Ole-Ken Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara National Reserve
After breakfast, head to the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve (about 4.5-hour drive). Arrive for lunch and prepare for an afternoon game drive. The Mara teems with wildlife including big cats, buffaloes, elephants, and during migration months (July-October), millions of wildebeests and zebras.
Overnight Options:
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Budget: Mara River Lodge
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Midrange: Maasai Mara Serena / Mara Eden Safari Lodge
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Luxury: Mara Expedition Camp / &Beyond Kichwa Tembo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Full Day in Masai Mara for Big Five Experience
Today is dedicated to a full-day game drive in Masai Mara, a true jewel of African safaris. Traverse its endless plains in search of the Big Five lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, and elephant. Spot hyenas, jackals, cheetahs, giraffes, and possibly a river crossing if you’re visiting during the migration.
Optional: Hot air balloon safari at sunrise (at extra cost)
Overnight: Same as Day 6
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Return to Nairobi & Departure
After breakfast, enjoy a final short game drive before leaving Masai Mara for Nairobi (about 5.5 hours). You’ll be dropped off at your hotel or directly at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast
What’s Included
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Ground transport in 4×4 safari vehicle
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All park entry fees
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Professional English-speaking safari guide
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Accommodation (budget, midrange or luxury as booked)
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Meals as per itinerary
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Game drives and nature walks
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Bottled water in the vehicle
What’s Not Included
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International flights and visa fees
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Travel insurance
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Alcoholic beverages
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Tips and gratuities
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Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, etc.)
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Optional activities not included in itinerary
