14-Day Kenya Grand Safari

Kenya's complete safari: Samburu, Laikipia, the Rift Valley lakes, the Maasai Mara, Amboseli and Tsavo West in two unhurried weeks.

14 days / 13 nightsKenyaMid-range · Private Guided

Photo: Charles J. Sharp / CC BY-SA 4.0

Overview

Two weeks lets you see almost every side of Kenya’s wildlife and landscapes without rushing. The route begins in the dry north with Samburu and the rhino conservancies of Laikipia, descends through the Rift Valley lakes of Nakuru and Naivasha, and spends three nights in the Maasai Mara.

A short flight then takes you to Amboseli for Kilimanjaro views and its famous elephants, with a final night in the volcanic scenery of Tsavo West. It is the ideal itinerary for keen photographers and travellers who want to understand Kenya’s diversity.

Route

NairobiSamburuLaikipiaLake NakuruLake NaivashaMaasai MaraAmboseliTsavo WestNairobi

Highlights

  • Eight distinct parks and reserves
  • Samburu Special Five and Laikipia rhino
  • Rift Valley lakes by boat and on foot
  • Three nights in the Maasai Mara
  • Amboseli elephants and Kilimanjaro
  • Mzima Springs in Tsavo West

Activities

  • Nairobi National Park game drive
  • Elephant orphanage visit
  • Giraffe Centre
  • Game drives
  • Samburu village visit
  • Riverside sundowners
  • Game drives and night drives
  • Walking safaris
  • Rhino conservation visit

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. Day 1:

    Karibu Nairobi

    Nairobi

    Arrive 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.

    Overnight: Garden hotel in the Karen or Westlands area Meals: D
  2. Day 2:

    North to Samburu

    Samburu

    After breakfast, continue by road from Nairobi to Samburu (about 6 hours, crossing the Equator). Travel north past the slopes of Mount Kenya and across the Equator into the dry country of Samburu. After lunch overlooking the Ewaso Nyiro River, head out to look for reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra and elephants coming to drink.

    Overnight: Tented lodge on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River Meals: B, L, D
  3. Day 3:

    Samburu Special Five

    Samburu

    Spend the day tracking the northern specials — gerenuk standing on their hind legs to browse, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich — and watching for leopard in the riverine forest. In the afternoon, visit a Samburu community to learn about their pastoral way of life.

    Overnight: Tented lodge on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River Meals: B, L, D
  4. Day 4:

    Laikipia & Ol Pejeta

    Laikipia

    After breakfast, continue by road from Samburu to Laikipia (about 2.5 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.

    Overnight: Tented camp in Ol Pejeta Conservancy Meals: B, L, D
  5. Day 5:

    Conservancy Adventures

    Laikipia

    Choose 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.

    Overnight: Tented camp in Ol Pejeta Conservancy Meals: B, L, D
  6. Day 6:

    Lake Nakuru Rhino Sanctuary

    Lake Nakuru

    After breakfast, continue by road from Laikipia to Lake Nakuru. Arrive at Lake Nakuru National Park and head out on a game drive around the lake shore, searching for white and black rhino, Rothschild's giraffe and buffalo. Stop at Baboon Cliff for sweeping views over the lake and its birdlife.

    Overnight: Lodge inside the park overlooking the lake Meals: B, L, D
  7. Day 7:

    Lake Naivasha

    Lake Naivasha

    After breakfast, continue by road from Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha (about 1.5 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.

    Overnight: Lakeshore lodge with gardens and resident hippos Meals: B, L, D
  8. Day 8:

    Into the Maasai Mara

    Maasai Mara

    After 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.

    Overnight: Permanent tented camp with en-suite tents near the Talek River Meals: B, L, D
  9. Day 9:

    Full Day in the Maasai Mara

    Maasai Mara

    Leave 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.

    Overnight: Permanent tented camp with en-suite tents near the Talek River Meals: B, L, D
  10. Day 10:

    Mara River Day

    Maasai Mara

    Spend 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.

    Overnight: Permanent tented camp with en-suite tents near the Talek River Meals: B, L, D
  11. Day 11:

    Amboseli & Kilimanjaro

    Amboseli

    After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for your flight from Maasai Mara to Amboseli. As the clouds lift in the late afternoon, watch for the summit of Kilimanjaro appearing above the plains.

    Overnight: Lodge set in gardens inside Amboseli National Park Meals: B, L, D
  12. Day 12:

    Elephants of Amboseli

    Amboseli

    Set off at dawn for the best chance of clear views of Kilimanjaro, then spend the morning with Amboseli's famous elephant families. Climb Observation Hill for a panorama over the swamps and plains, and return to the lodge for lunch before a final afternoon drive.

    Overnight: Lodge set in gardens inside Amboseli National Park Meals: B, L, D
  13. Day 13:

    Tsavo West & Mzima Springs

    Tsavo West

    After breakfast, continue by road from Amboseli to Tsavo West (about 3 hours). After lunch, walk the nature trail at Mzima Springs and watch hippos from the underwater viewing chamber, then continue on an afternoon game drive past ancient lava flows.

    Overnight: Lodge built into the hillside above a floodlit water hole Meals: B, L, D
  14. Day 14:

    Tsavo West to Nairobi

    Tsavo West

    After an early game drive or a relaxed breakfast, travel back to Nairobi (about 5 hours), with a lunch stop on the way. On arrival you will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or your hotel.

    Overnight: End of services Meals: B, L

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
  • SamburuTented lodge on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River2 nights
  • LaikipiaTented camp in Ol Pejeta Conservancy2 nights
  • Lake NakuruLodge inside the park overlooking the lake1 night
  • Lake NaivashaLakeshore lodge with gardens and resident hippos1 night
  • Maasai MaraPermanent tented camp with en-suite tents near the Talek River3 nights
  • AmboseliLodge set in gardens inside Amboseli National Park2 nights
  • Tsavo WestLodge built into the hillside above a floodlit water hole1 night

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
  • Domestic and light-aircraft flights as described in the itinerary
  • 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
  • Soft-sided duffel bag — light aircraft allow around 15 kg per person

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 6,200 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.

Is there a luggage limit on the flights?

Yes. Light aircraft and some domestic flights allow around 15 kg per person including hand luggage, packed in soft-sided bags. We can store extra luggage for you.

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.

Gallery

Zebra in Nairobi National ParkOpen image: Zebra in Nairobi National ParkMasai giraffe in the SerengetiOpen image: Masai giraffe in the SerengetiElephant calf in the Maasai MaraOpen image: Elephant calf in the Maasai MaraElephant herd in Samburu National Reserve, northern KenyaOpen image: Elephant herd in Samburu National Reserve, northern KenyaDry-country landscape of Samburu National ReserveOpen image: Dry-country landscape of Samburu National ReserveAfrican elephants in the Maasai MaraOpen image: African elephants in the Maasai MaraOl Pejeta Conservancy on the Laikipia PlateauOpen image: Ol Pejeta Conservancy on the Laikipia PlateauThe peaks of Mount Kenya: Batian, Nelion and Point LenanaOpen image: The peaks of Mount Kenya: Batian, Nelion and Point Lenana

Enquire 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.

Countries of interest
Interests

We reply within one working day. Prefer to chat? WhatsApp us or call +254 724 241 818.

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