9-Day Big Kenya Safari – Mid Range

9 days safari in Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Mara and overnight stay in mid range accommodation.

Tour description:

A 9 days safari visiting the best of Kenya: Tsavo West (2 nights), Amboseli National Park (2 nights), Lake Nakuru (2 nights) and Maasai Mara (2 nights)

Safari start and end from Nairobi

Day 1: Nairobi to Tsavo west

We depart by road for Tsavo West National Park. Arrive in time for lunch then an optional afternoon or evening game drive. Tsavo West is the most visited section in Tsavo National Park, offering many attractions apart from its wildlife. The foremost is the famous Mzima Springs where up to 227.3 million litres of cool crystal clear water flows out of the ground through porous volcanic rocks. The water is believed to originate from Chuyulu Hills, via an underground river.

Dinner and overnight at Kilaguni safari lodge

Lunch and dinner are included

Day 2: Tsavo West

After breakfast, we have a full day game drive, packed lunch provided. Other interesting places to visit are the Roaring Rocks, which get their name from the wind that hurtles through them. From here there are wonderful views over Tsavo from the top of a 98m rock face; similar views can be experienced from the poacher’s lookout. The volcanic Chaimu Crater, less Than 200years old and composed of black coke, is worth visiting and can be climbed if one is interested. The area is a good place to look out for klipspringer, a small antelope that’s as agile as its Swahili name mbuzi mawe(mountain goat). In the south-west corner of Tsavo West is Lake Jipe, which has the Kenyan-Tanzanian border running through it.

Dinner and overnight at Kilaguni safari lodge

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included

Day 3: Tsavo West to Amboseli

Early Morning start and drive to Amboseli National Park, check in at your accommodation. Afternoon game drive after lunch. Amboseli National Park is situated due south of Nairobi. Most of the park consists of a dry, ancient lake bed and fragile grassland with patches of acacia woodland, while in the southern area there is a number of small, rocky, volcanic hills. Around the swamps Ol Okenya, Ol Tukai and Enkongo Narok, the vegetation is lush with yellow-barked acacias and phoenix palms.
Dinner and overnight at Kibo safari camp

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included

Day 4: Amboseli game drive

Left unharassed by poachers, elephants feeding and bathing in the swamps must form the highlights of any Safari. Rising early for good views of Mount Kilimanjaro before clouds build up over the summit with packed lunch provided, an optional visit to a Masai village can be planned after breakfast. A visit reveals the singing and dancing that are part of their daily lives and sacred rituals. A glimpse into their homes and social structure is a poignant experience. Despite its changing habitat, Amboseli National Park is possibly the best wildlife area In the whole of Africa to experience elephants at close range. Lef unharassed by poachers, elephants feeding and bathing in the swamps must form the highlights of any Safari.
Dinner and overnight at Kibo safari camp

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included

Day 5: Amboseli/Lake Naivasha

An early morning drive to Lake Naivasha, it is the highest and the most beautiful of the Rift Valley lakes. At 1910m (6200f), the water is fresh and the lake is fringed with dense clumps of papyrus (ancient Egyptian once used this to make paper). Kingfishers use the papyrus as a perch, herons hide in it while searching for food. Naivasha is yet another area popular for bird watching (over 400species have been recorded). It is also a favorite weekend retreat for Nairobi residents, who come here to sail, water ski and fish. There are no crocodiles in the lake as the water is too cold for them, due to altitude but there are a number of hippos. Along the lake shore, vineyards produce grapes for the country’s fledgeling wine industry.
Dinner and overnight at Great Rift Valley lodge

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included

Day 6: Masai Mara game drive

Depart early morning to Maasai Mara National Reserve, it holds on as one of the few places left on earth where wildlife still lives comparatively undisturbed, in the numbers that once roamed the plains and forests of Africa. As the northern tip of the vast Serengeti ecosystem, the Mara hosts the spectacular seasonal migration of many thousands of Wildebeest, Zebras and attendant predators. Arrive in time for lunch then have an afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight at Ikeliani camp

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included

Day 6-7: Masai Mara game drive

After breakfast, we have a full day game drive, with packed lunch provided. The reserve is well known for its black-manned lion, as well as its abundant resident wildlife and its one of the few places where it’s possible to see the big five during a morning’s game drive. Many of the cheetahs are so tame they seek shelter from the hot sun under one’s vehicle and several even climb onto the roof to get a better view of prospective prey. For the bird enthusiast, almost 500 species have been recorded: among these 16 species of eagle, plus many hawks and falcons, 6 species of vultures, 8 species of storks 4 of bustard (including the Kori bustard, the world’s heaviest flying bird), and 9 species of sunbirds. Dinner and overnight at Ikeliani camp.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included

Day 8: Lake Nakuru

Early morning pick up then drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, across the equator, southwards of Bogoria, lies the Rift Valleys most famous lake Nakuru. Known all over the world for its flamingoes, it’s alkaline and is recognized as being one of the natural wonders of the world. Lake Nakuru is now a rhino sanctuary, harbouring a population of over 40 black and over 60 white rhinos, but the flamingoes, of course, have always been the main attraction. At times there may be almost 2million flamingoes in the residence, forming a stunningly beautiful deep pink band around the edge of the lake shore. Arrive in time for lunch then have an afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight at Lake Nakuru Lodge

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included

Day 9: Lake Nakuru/Nairobi

We wake up at 6 am for a sun rise game drive. At 9 am, we drive back to accommodation for brunch then depart for Nairobi. Lunch en-route and arrival in Nairobi in time for lunch. Transfer after lunch to the hotel or airport.

Breakfast and lunch are included

Total price for 2 people is $5800

Price for a solo private is $4500

The price includes:

  • Park fees
  • mid range safari accommodation
  • Boat safari
  • English speaking professional driver/guide
  • Min van safari vehicle for game drive
  • Government taxes
  • Pickups and drop off during safari
  • Meals
  • Mineral bottled water

The price excludes:

  • Air ticket
  • Tips
  • Meals and drinks not specified
  • Items of personal nature
  • Visas