Overview
This safari is paced for children and parents alike, with shorter drives, family-friendly camps and plenty of hands-on activities. Begin in Nairobi with the orphaned baby elephants at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and the Giraffe Centre, then head to Laikipia’s Ol Pejeta Conservancy to meet rhino and learn how rangers protect them.
Lake Naivasha brings a boat trip and a walk among giraffe and zebra on Crescent Island, and three nights in the Maasai Mara complete the adventure. Many camps offer junior ranger programmes, family tents and pools.
Route
Highlights
- Sheldrick elephant orphanage and Giraffe Centre
- Rhino conservation at Ol Pejeta
- Boat trip and walking among giraffe at Naivasha
- Junior ranger activities
- Three nights in the Maasai Mara
Activities
- Nairobi National Park game drive
- Elephant orphanage visit
- Giraffe Centre
- Game drives and night drives
- Walking safaris
- Rhino conservation visit
- Boat trip
- Crescent Island walk
- Hell's Gate cycling
Day-by-day itinerary
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Day 1:
Karibu Nairobi
NairobiArrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where our team will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, relax in the gardens or enjoy dinner at one of the city's excellent restaurants. Your guide will brief you on the journey ahead.
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Day 2:
Laikipia & Ol Pejeta
LaikipiaAfter breakfast, continue by road from Nairobi to Laikipia (about 3.5 hours). After lunch, head out into Ol Pejeta Conservancy to look for black and white rhino and visit the enclosure of the last northern white rhinos, learning how conservationists are working to save the species.
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Day 3:
Conservancy Adventures
LaikipiaChoose from a morning walking safari, a camel ride or a game drive across the conservancy, then return to camp for lunch. After an afternoon drive, set out after dark on a night drive to look for aardvark, hyena and leopard.
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Day 4:
Lake Naivasha
Lake NaivashaAfter breakfast, continue by road from Laikipia to Lake Naivasha (about 4 hours). Arrive at Lake Naivasha and take a boat trip across the lake to see hippos and fish eagles up close, then land on Crescent Island for a guided walk among giraffe, zebra and waterbuck.
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Day 5:
Into the Maasai Mara
Maasai MaraAfter breakfast, continue by road from Lake Naivasha to Maasai Mara (about 4.5 hours). Arrive in the Maasai Mara in time for lunch at camp. After a rest, set out on your first afternoon game drive across the open plains, looking for lion prides, grazing herds of topi and zebra, and elephant families moving towards the river as the light turns golden.
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Day 6:
Full Day in the Maasai Mara
Maasai MaraLeave early, when the predators are most active, with a packed breakfast in the vehicle. Your guide will follow the latest news on the radio — perhaps a cheetah hunting on the short-grass plains or a leopard in the riverine forest. Return to camp for lunch and a rest before an afternoon drive into a different area of the reserve.
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Day 7:
Mara River Day
Maasai MaraSpend a full day exploring towards the Mara River with a picnic lunch. In migration season you may wait near a crossing point as herds of wildebeest gather on the banks; at other times of year the river is a reliable place for hippos, huge Nile crocodiles and big herds of buffalo.
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Day 8:
Maasai Mara to Nairobi
Maasai MaraAfter an early game drive or a relaxed breakfast, travel back to Nairobi (5–6 hours), with a lunch stop on the way. On arrival you will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or your hotel.
Meals: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner.
Accommodation
This itinerary is priced with mid-range accommodation. Every property is chosen for its location, guiding and service; final properties are confirmed at booking and we can upgrade or adjust any night.
- NairobiGarden hotel in the Karen or Westlands area1 night
- LaikipiaTented camp in Ol Pejeta Conservancy2 nights
- Lake NaivashaLakeshore lodge with gardens and resident hippos1 night
- Maasai MaraPermanent tented camp with en-suite tents near the Talek River3 nights
Meals: Full board on safari; breakfast and dinner in cities and at the beach
What's included
Included
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof and a professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Accommodation as listed (or similar, subject to availability)
- Meals as listed in the day-by-day itinerary
- All national park, reserve and conservation fees
- Arrival and departure airport transfers
- Bottled drinking water during the safari
- All government taxes and levies
- 24-hour in-country support from our Nairobi office
- Boat trip on Lake Naivasha and guided walk on Crescent Island
Not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Comprehensive travel insurance (required)
- Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
- Drinks other than drinking water, unless stated
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls and souvenirs
- Optional hot-air balloon flight (currently from around USD 450–600 per person)
Travel information
Best time to travel
July to October for the Great Migration and river crossings; January to March for dry, quieter game viewing with good predator action. April and May are wetter but green, peaceful and good value.
What to pack
- Neutral-coloured, lightweight clothing (khaki, olive, beige)
- A warm fleece or jacket for early mornings and evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
- Binoculars and a camera with spare batteries and memory cards
- Insect repellent and personal medication
- A soft-sided bag rather than a hard suitcase
Experiences on this safari
Frequently asked questions
Is this a private safari?
Yes. This itinerary runs privately for your own group, with your own vehicle and guide. It can start on any date, and we can adjust the route, pace and accommodation to suit you.
What does the price include?
The guide price from USD 3,200 per person is based on two people sharing mid-range accommodation in the low season. It includes accommodation, the meals and activities listed, park fees and transfers. Prices vary by season and group size; we confirm an exact quote when you enquire.
When can I see a river crossing?
Crossings most often happen between late July and early October, but the herds move with the rain, so no date can be guaranteed. Spending at least three nights in the Mara gives you the best chance.
What age is suitable for this safari?
We recommend it for children aged about five and over. Some camps have minimum ages for walking activities, which we check when choosing accommodation.
Gallery
Open image: Zebra in Nairobi National Park
Open image: Masai giraffe in the Serengeti
Open image: Ol Pejeta Conservancy on the Laikipia Plateau
Open image: The peaks of Mount Kenya: Batian, Nelion and Point Lenana
Open image: Male lion in the Maasai Mara
Open image: Sunset over Lake Naivasha in the Rift Valley
Open image: Eland on the Maasai Mara savanna
Open image: Open savanna of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, KenyaEnquire about this safari
Every date is available on request. Tell us when you would like to travel and we will send a tailored quote — adjustments welcome.
