19 days Deep into Kenya Wildlife & Beach safari destinations
Embark on an epic 19-day Kenyan odyssey, a deep dive into the nation’s most iconic wildlife havens and breathtaking landscapes. Your journey begins in Nairobi, the vibrant capital, before venturing north to the rugged terrain of Samburu National Reserve. Here, encounter unique wildlife, from the reticulated giraffe to the Grevy‘s zebra, amidst the dramatic backdrop of arid plains. Continue to the renowned Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a sanctuary for endangered species, including rhinos and chimpanzees. Witness the flamingo spectacle at Lake Nakuru, the vibrant pink hues painting the alkaline waters.
Explore the lesser-known beauty of Lake Elmenteita, a haven for birdlife and stunning scenery. Immerse yourself in the legendary Masai Mara, witnessing the drama of the Great Migration and encountering the “Big Five” in their natural habitat. Journey to Amboseli National Park, where majestic elephants roam beneath the towering presence of Mount Kilimanjaro. Explore the rugged landscapes of Tsavo West, encountering diverse wildlife amidst the park’s volcanic hills and lava flows. Finally, unwind on the pristine sands of Diani Beaches, basking in the sun and enjoying the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. This 19-day safari is a comprehensive exploration of Kenya’s diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife, a journey that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Detailed 19 Days of Deep Kenya Wildlife Safari & beach Leisure
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi and Transfer to Samburu National Reserve
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to Samburu National Reserve. This transfer can be via a 1.5-hour domestic flight or a 6-7 hour road journey. Samburu is famed for its rugged terrain, the Ewaso Ng’iro River, and unique wildlife such as the Somali ostrich and Grevy’s zebra, found only in northern Kenya. Check in to your chosen lodge (e.g., Samburu Intrepids Camp or Saruni Samburu) and, after settling in, embark on your first game drive. Search for lions, elephants, cheetahs, and the rare reticulated giraffe. Enjoy dinner and relax at your lodge.
Day 2: Full Day Game Drive in Samburu National Reserve
An early start with a full-day game drive in Samburu. Focus on spotting the “Samburu Five”: Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, and gerenuk. Your guide will lead you to prime wildlife viewing areas, increasing your chances of encountering these unique species, as well as elephants and predators. A picnic lunch in the reserve allows you to immerse yourself in the surroundings. Return to your lodge in the late afternoon, enjoy a sundowner, and potentially experience a cultural visit to a local Samburu village. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Day 3: Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
After breakfast, depart for Ol Pejeta Conservancy (approximately 4-5 hours by road). This conservancy is a leader in wildlife conservation, particularly for rhinos. Check in to your accommodation (e.g., Sweetwaters Serena Camp or Ol Pejeta Bush Camp). An afternoon game drive will introduce you to the conservancy’s diverse wildlife, including both black and white rhinos. Ol Pejeta is also home to the last two northern white rhinos, a powerful reminder of conservation challenges. Learn about the ongoing efforts to protect these magnificent animals. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Day 4: Full Day Game Drive in Ol Pejeta Conservancy – Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Explore Ol Pejeta further with a full-day game drive. A highlight will be a visit to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the only one in Kenya. Observe rescued chimpanzees in their rehabilitated environment and learn about their care. The game drive will also offer opportunities to see elephants, giraffes, zebras, and perhaps even a leopard. Enjoy a sundowner before returning to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Ol Pejeta to Lake Nakuru National Park
Following breakfast, travel south to Lake Nakuru National Park (approximately 5-6 hours). This park is renowned for its large flamingo population and rhino sanctuary. Check in to your accommodation (e.g., Sarova Lion Hill Lodge or Lake Nakuru Lodge). An afternoon game drive around the lake offers chances to see black and white rhinos, lions, giraffes, and diverse birdlife. The spectacle of thousands of flamingos lining the lake’s shores is truly unforgettable. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Day 6: Lake Nakuru to Lake Elmenteita
After breakfast, a short drive (about 1 hour) takes you to Lake Elmenteita, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and birdwatcher’s paradise. Check in to your accommodation (e.g., Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp). This alkaline lake attracts vast flocks of flamingos and other waterbirds. An afternoon game drive explores the lake’s shores and surrounding areas, offering excellent birdwatching opportunities, as well as sightings of giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. Dinner and overnight at your camp.
Day 7: Lake Elmenteita to Masai Mara National Reserve
Depart for the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve (approximately 5-6 hours). Check in to your lodge or camp (e.g., Mara Serena Safari Lodge or Mara Intrepids Camp). An afternoon game drive introduces you to the Mara’s incredible wildlife. Search for the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) and other iconic African animals. Dinner and overnight in the Mara.
Day 8: Full Day Game Drive in Masai Mara National Reserve
A full day dedicated to exploring the Masai Mara. Your guide will tailor the game drive to maximize wildlife sightings. The Mara is home to a vast array of animals, and even outside of the Great Migration, game viewing is exceptional. Enjoy the vast plains and the abundance of wildlife. Return to your camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 9: Hot Air Balloon Safari and Maasai Village Visit
An early morning hot air balloon safari offers a unique perspective of the Mara. Drift silently over the plains, observing the wildlife below. Enjoy a champagne breakfast upon landing. In the afternoon, visit a Maasai village to learn about their culture, traditions, and way of life. Return to your camp for a sundowner, dinner, and overnight.
Day 10: Full Day Game Drive in Masai Mara National Reserve
Another full day of game drives in the Masai Mara, focusing on different areas of the reserve to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities. Your guide’s expertise will enhance your safari experience. Enjoy the Mara’s diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. Dinner and overnight at your camp.
Day 11: Masai Mara to Nairobi
After breakfast, depart for Nairobi (approximately 5-6 hours). Check in to your Nairobi accommodation. Visit the Giraffe Centre, a sanctuary for the endangered Rothschild giraffe. At the Giraffe Centre, you can get up close and personal with the giraffes. You can feed them from a raised platform, learn about their unique characteristics, and even take a walk on the nature trail to see other wildlife. It’s a truly unforgettable experience that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for these amazing creatures. Enjoy lunch in Nairobi.
Day 12: Nairobi to Amboseli National Park
After breakfast, travel to Amboseli National Park, famous for its large elephant herds and views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Check in to your lodge (e.g., Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge or Amboseli Sopa Lodge). An afternoon game drive introduces you to the park’s wildlife, with elephants often featuring prominently. Dinner and overnight in Amboseli.
Day 13: Full Day Game Drive in Amboseli National Park
A full day of game drives in Amboseli, maximizing your chances of seeing elephants, lions, zebras, and other animals against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. The park’s unique landscape offers stunning photographic opportunities. Enjoy a sundowner and dinner at your lodge.
Day 14: Amboseli to Tsavo West National Park
Depart for Tsavo West National Park, known for its dramatic landscapes and “red elephants.” Check in to your accommodation. An afternoon game drive explores the park’s volcanic hills, swamps, and savannahs. Look out for lions, buffalo, giraffes, and diverse birdlife. Dinner and overnight in Tsavo West.
Day 15: Tsavo West National Park and Transfer to Diani Beach
Explore Tsavo West further, including a visit to Mzima Springs, a vital water source that attracts hippos, crocodiles, and birds. Afterward, transfer to Diani Beach on the coast. Check in to your beach resort (e.g., The Sands at Nomad or Diani Reef Beach Resort). Relax and enjoy the coastal atmosphere.
Day 16: Diani Beach – Beach Activities
Enjoy a full day at Diani Beach. Options include swimming, sunbathing on the powdery white sand, snorkeling amongst vibrant coral reefs, diving, windsurfing, or simply relaxing by the pool with a refreshing drink. Explore the bustling Ukunda Market or take a magical dhow cruise.
Day 17: Diani Beach – Beach Activities
Another day to enjoy the beautiful Diani Beach. Indulge in water sports, explore the coral reefs, or take a day trip to a nearby island. In the late afternoon, join a guided nature walk through the nearby forest, keeping an eye out for colobus monkeys and diverse birdlife. Enjoy the resort’s amenities and soak up the sun.
Day 18: Diani Beach – Relaxation and Departure Preparation
Another day to enjoy the beautiful Diani Beach. Indulge in water sports, explore the coral reefs, or take a day trip to a nearby island. Treat yourself to a traditional Swahili massage with aromatic oils, or simply unwind with a yoga session on the beach as the sun sets. Enjoy the resort’s amenities and soak up the sun.
Day 19: Departure
Transfer to Mombasa/Moi International Airport (MBA) for your flight back to Nairobi and onward departure.
