12-Day Midrange Kenya Safari – Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Naivasha, Amboseli & Tsavo

Welcome to Kenya! Upon landing at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), your friendly Pita Safaris representative will greet you with a warm karibu sana—Swahili for “you’re very welcome.” Transfer to Sarova Panafric Hotel, a stylish midrange retreat with ensuite rooms, a poolside bar, and lush gardens.

Depending on your arrival time, relax after your flight, enjoy a short city orientation, or unwind with a welcome dinner featuring Kenyan and international cuisine. In the evening, meet your expert safari guide for a briefing on the journey ahead.

Travel Tip: Arrive a day early to explore Nairobi National Museum, the Giraffe Centre, or Karen Blixen House.
- Pro Tip: Rest well—the adventure begins tomorrow!

Distance: ~18 km | Drive Time: ~30–45 minutes

After breakfast, drive southwest to Masai Mara National Reserve (~280 km, ~5–6 hours). Stop at the Great Rift Valley escarpment for panoramic views before arriving at Mara Sopa Lodge for lunch.

This afternoon, enjoy your first Masai Mara game drive, tracking the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—plus cheetahs, giraffes, wildebeest, and over 450 bird species.

Safari Tip: Sunset in the Mara creates stunning silhouettes of acacia trees.
- Highlight: Experience one of Africa’s most iconic safari landscapes with Pita Safaris.

Distance: ~280 km | Drive Time: ~5–6 hours

Rise early for a sunrise game drive, the best time to spot predators. Enjoy a full-day safari with picnic lunch across the Mara’s open plains. During July–October, witness the awe-inspiring Great Migration river crossings. Outside migration months, spot lions, elephants, cheetahs, and giraffes in abundance.

Optional: Visit a Maasai village to learn about traditional life, dance, and beadwork. Return for dinner at the lodge.

Safari Tip: Dawn and dusk are perfect for photographing big cats in action.
- Highlight: Front-row access to Africa’s greatest wildlife spectacle.

Drive north (~250 km, ~5 hours) to Lake Nakuru National Park, a hotspot for birdwatchers and rhino conservation. Check in at Lake Nakuru Lodge and enjoy lunch before an afternoon game drive. Spot black and white rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, lions, and buffalo, plus seasonal flamingo flocks along the lakeshore.

Safari Tip: Rhinos often graze close to roads—perfect for photography.
- Highlight: Witness rhinos and flamingos together in a stunning natural setting.

Distance: ~250 km | Drive Time: ~5 hours

Short drive (~100 km, ~2 hours) to Lake Naivasha, a freshwater gem surrounded by acacia forests. Check in at Muthu Lake Naivasha Country Club, set amid tranquil gardens. Optional activities include Boat safari on Lake Naivasha to spot hippos, kingfishers, and African fish eagles and a Guided walking safari on Crescent Island, safely strolling among giraffes, zebras, and antelopes.

Safari Tip: Crescent Island is one of Kenya’s safest walking safari locations.
- Highlight: Naivasha offers both relaxation and immersive wildlife experiences.

Distance: ~100 km | Drive Time: ~2 hours

Drive southeast (~310 km, ~6 hours) to Amboseli National Park, famed for elephant herds and snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro views. Arrive at Kilima Safari Camp  for lunch, then enjoy an afternoon game drive across swamps and plains.

Safari Tip: Capture elephants in the golden light with Kilimanjaro as your backdrop.
- Highlight: Amboseli is a photographer’s dream.

Distance: ~310 km | Drive Time: ~6 hours

Start with a sunrise game drive, when Kilimanjaro’s peak often appears clear. Explore Amboseli’s wetlands, home to flamingos, hippos, and herds of elephants. Big cats patrol these plains too. In the afternoon, optional visit a Maasai village for cultural immersion.

Safari Tip: Carry binoculars—Amboseli is paradise for bird enthusiasts.

- Want wildlife, scenery, and culture in one park? Amboseli delivers.

Drive east (~250 km, ~5–6 hours) into Tsavo West National Park, home to volcanic hills, lava flows, and giant baobabs. Check in at Severin Safari Camp before an afternoon game drive to Mzima Springs, where hippos and crocodiles thrive.

Safari Tip: Rugged scenery here is as photogenic as the wildlife.
- Highlight: Combine dramatic landscapes with classic safari adventures.

Distance: ~250 km | Drive Time: ~5–6 hours

Spend the day exploring Tsavo West. Search for cheetahs, elephants, and black rhinos, explore the Shetani Lava Flows, and enjoy birdwatching (600+ species). Conclude with a bush dinner under the stars.

Safari Tip: Bring a field guide—Tsavo is a birdwatcher’s paradise.
- Highlight: Experience true, uncrowded wilderness.

Drive east (~200 km, ~4 hours) to Tsavo East National Park, Kenya’s largest and most untouched park. Check in at Ashnil Aruba Lodge near Aruba Dam. Afternoon game drives reveal red-dusted elephants, lions, cheetahs, and zebras.

Safari Tip: Watch elephants after dust baths for unforgettable photos.
- Highlight: Encounter Kenya’s legendary red elephants.

Distance: ~200 km | Drive Time: ~4 hours

Sunrise safari across Tsavo East’s endless plains. Spot elephants at watering holes, prides of lions, and elusive leopards. With fewer visitors, enjoy an authentic off-the-beaten-track safari experience.

Safari Tip: Focus each game drive on specific regions—Tsavo East is vast.
- Highlight: Experience raw, untamed African wilderness.

After breakfast and a final game drive, return to Nairobi (~325 km, ~6 hours), with a picnic lunch en route. Arrive at JKIA for your outbound flight or enjoy an optional day room and city tour before departure.

Safari Reflection: From predator-rich Masai Mara to Amboseli’s elephants and Tsavo’s red giants, this 12-day Kenya safari with Pita Safaris delivers unforgettable wildlife and landscapes.

- Highlight: Inspired to return or bring friends next time? Let Pita Safaris craft your next adventure.

Distance: ~325 km | Drive Time: ~6 hours