13-Day Complete Kenya Safari Adventure

Welcome to Kenya! Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), where your professional Pita Safaris driver-guide greets you with a warm karibu sana—Swahili for “you’re very welcome.” Transfer to Sarova Panafric Hotel, a trusted Nairobi retreat with ensuite rooms, lush gardens, and a poolside bar.
Depending on arrival time, relax after your flight or explore highlights like the Giraffe Centre, Karen Blixen Museum, or Nairobi’s vibrant craft markets. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel’s Flame Tree Restaurant with skyline views.
Travel Tip: Nairobi has hidden art galleries and a rich coffee culture—ask your guide for recommendations.
- Your East Africa safari adventure begins here. Rest well—the wilderness awaits tomorrow.

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

After breakfast, drive north through rolling tea and coffee plantations (~180 km | ~3.5 hrs) to Aberdare National Park. Stop for lunch at Aberdare Country Club, then transfer to The Ark Lodge, overlooking a floodlit waterhole visited by elephants, buffalos, and bushbuck.
Evening at the viewing decks to spot nocturnal visitors under the misty forest canopy.
Travel Tip: Bring binoculars—rare species like bongo antelope and giant forest hog may appear.
- Safari Moment: Sipping hot tea as elephants gather at the glowing waterhole.

Distance: ~180 km | Drive Time: ~3.5 hours

Descend from the highlands and head north (~220 km | ~5 hrs) to Samburu National Reserve, home to the “Samburu Special Five.” Check in at Samburu Sopa Lodge with sweeping savannah views.
Afternoon game drive in search of Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, and gerenuk.
Travel Tip: Samburu sunsets light up ochre hills—keep your camera handy.
- Safari Moment: Watching elephants bathe along the Ewaso Nyiro River.

Distance: ~220 km | Drive Time: ~5 hours

Morning and afternoon game drives reveal lions, cheetahs, leopards, and elephant herds. Optional visit to a Samburu village for cultural storytelling, beadwork, and dance.
Travel Tip: Early mornings are best for predator sightings.
- Safari Moment: Face-to-face with a tall reticulated giraffe in golden light.

Travel south (~150 km | ~3.5 hrs) to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a world-renowned conservation area on the equator. Stay at Sweetwaters Serena Camp, overlooking a waterhole.
Visit the rhino sanctuary (home to the last two northern white rhinos) and the Jane Goodall Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Afternoon game drives reveal lions, elephants, and plains wildlife.
Travel Tip: Ask your guide about optional night drives for nocturnal wildlife.
- Safari Moment: Standing meters from a browsing black rhino.

Distance: ~150 km | Drive Time: ~3.5 hours

Track endangered black rhinos, watch elephants on the plains, and—if lucky—spot wild dogs. Optional night drive under starlit skies.
Travel Tip: Pack a light jacket—nights get cool.
- Safari Moment: Listening to hyenas call across the savannah.

Drive southwest (~180 km | ~4 hrs) into the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park. Afternoon safari reveals Rothschild’s giraffes, black and white rhinos, lions, and—seasonally—flamingo flocks.
Travel Tip: Birdwatchers should keep binoculars ready—over 450 bird species thrive here.
- Safari Moment: Watching a fish eagle swoop across the shimmering lake.

Distance: ~180 km | Drive Time: ~4 hours

Travel (~280 km | ~5–6 hrs) to the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s flagship safari destination. Check in at Mara Sopa Lodge.
Afternoon game drive—track the legendary Big Five: lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards, and rhinos.
Travel Tip: Sunrise and sunset are the best times to spot predators.
- Safari Moment: Witnessing a cheetah chase unfold across the golden plains.

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

Spend a full day exploring the vast Masai Mara plains. Depending on the season (July–October), witness the Great Wildebeest Migration and dramatic river crossings. Outside migration season, focus on resident predators and rich wildlife diversity.
• Optional: Sunrise hot air balloon safari with champagne breakfast.
Travel Tip: A packed picnic lunch allows you to spend more time deep inside the reserve.
- Safari Moment: Watching thousands of wildebeest and zebras surge across the Mara River.

Drive (~240 km | ~5 hrs) to Lake Naivasha, a freshwater Rift Valley lake surrounded by acacia forests. Stay at Muthu Lake Naivasha Country Club.
• Optional: Take a boat ride among hippos and giraffes or a guided walk on Crescent Island.
Travel Tip: Pack a wide-brim hat and sunscreen for lake activities.
- Safari Moment: Drifting silently as a kingfisher dives beside your boat.

Distance: ~240 km | Drive Time: ~5 hours

Travel (~320 km | ~6 hrs) to Amboseli National Park, famous for its elephant herds and views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Stay at Amboseli Sopa Lodge.
Afternoon game drive with elephants framed by the snow-capped Kilimanjaro.
Travel Tip: Kilimanjaro is usually clearest at sunrise and sunset.
- Safari Moment: Photographing elephants with Africa’s highest peak in the background.

Distance: ~320 km | Drive Time: ~6 hours

Spend a full day on safari in Amboseli’s swamps, savannahs, and woodlands, home to over 400 bird species. Stay at Amboseli Sopa Lodge.
Search for lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and abundant birdlife.
Optional: Maasai cultural visit to learn traditions and heritage.
Travel Tip: Carry binoculars—Amboseli offers excellent birdwatching opportunities.
- Safari Moment: Watching a herd of elephants splash in Amboseli’s swamps under Kilimanjaro’s gaze.

Enjoy a final morning game drive, then return to Nairobi (~250 km | ~5 hrs) with a picnic lunch. Drop-off at JKIA for your flight home or optional extra night in Nairobi.
Safari Reflection: From Aberdare’s forests to the Mara’s plains and Amboseli’s elephants—you’ve experienced the heart of Kenya.
- Inspired for more? Extend your safari with Tanzania’s Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater for the ultimate East Africa adventure.

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