Itinerary for The Essential 13-Day Kenya Safari Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, you'll be greeted by a representative from The Jaynavy Tours LTD. who will assist with your transfer to a luxury hotel in Nairobi. In the evening, enjoy an orientation and welcome dinner where you'll meet your guide and fellow travellers, review the itinerary, and indulge in a traditional Kenyan meal.

Day 2: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve

After an early breakfast at the hotel, you'll depart for Samburu National Reserve via a scenic drive through Kenya's central highlands. Arriving in Samburu by afternoon, you'll check into a luxury safari lodge or tented camp. Your first game drive in Samburu will take place in the late afternoon, offering the opportunity to spot unique species such as the Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, and Somali ostrich. The day concludes with dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge.

Day 3: Samburu National Reserve

Begin the day with an early morning game drive, the prime time to observe predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs as they are more active during the cooler hours. After returning to the lodge for breakfast, you can relax or participate in optional activities such as a guided nature walk or a visit to a local Samburu village. Following lunch at the lodge, you will have some leisure time before embarking on another game drive in the late afternoon. As the sun sets, enjoy a sundowner in the bush before heading back to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4: Samburu to Aberdare National Park

After breakfast, you'll depart for Aberdare National Park, driving through lush farmlands with scenic views of Mount Kenya. Arriving at Aberdare by the afternoon, you'll check into a unique tree lodge, such as The Ark or Treetops, known for their wildlife viewing decks. The late afternoon will be spent enjoying high tea and settling into the lodge. In the evening, watch animals gather at the waterhole from the lodge's viewing platform before having dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5: Aberdare to Lake Nakuru National Park

Following an early breakfast, you'll depart for Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its flamingo population and rhino sanctuary. Upon arrival in Lake Nakuru in the afternoon, you'll check into a safari lodge or camp. The late afternoon will be dedicated to a game drive exploring the park, where you can see flamingos, rhinos, lions, and leopards. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 6: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara National Reserve

After breakfast at the lodge, you'll set off for the Masai Mara National Reserve, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife. Upon arrival in the afternoon, you'll check into a luxury tented camp or lodge. Your first game drive in the Masai Mara will be in the late afternoon, offering the chance to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) and other wildlife. Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at the camp.

Day 7: Masai Mara National Reserve

Start your day with an early morning game drive, the perfect time to spot wildlife as the animals are most active during the cooler hours. After returning to the camp for breakfast, you can relax or engage in optional activities such as a hot air balloon safari, offering a bird's-eye view of the Mara, followed by a champagne breakfast upon landing. Post-lunch, enjoy some leisure time before heading out for another game drive in the late afternoon. As the sun sets, you'll have the chance to witness the dramatic landscapes and the abundant wildlife that make the Masai Mara so famous. Dinner and overnight stay will be at your luxury camp or lodge.

Day 8: Masai Mara National Reserve to Lake Naivasha

After breakfast, you'll depart the Masai Mara and travel to Lake Naivasha, a stunning freshwater lake in the Great Rift Valley. Arriving by early afternoon, you'll check into a lakeside lodge or camp. The afternoon is yours to enjoy a boat ride on Lake Naivasha, where you can see hippos and a variety of bird species. Later, visit Crescent Island Game Sanctuary, where you can walk among giraffes, zebras, and other wildlife. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 9: Lake Naivasha to Amboseli National Park

Following breakfast, set off for Amboseli National Park, known for its breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and large elephant herds. Arrive in Amboseli by early afternoon and check into a safari lodge or tented camp. After lunch and some leisure time, embark on a late afternoon game drive. Look for elephants, lions, cheetahs, and a variety of bird species as the park comes to life. Enjoy a sundowner while taking in the majestic views of Mount Kilimanjaro before returning to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 10: Amboseli National Park

Begin your day with an early morning game drive to witness the stunning sunrise over Mount Kilimanjaro and spot wildlife at their most active. Return to the lodge for breakfast, followed by free time to relax by the pool or participate in optional activities like a visit to a local Maasai village to learn about their culture and way of life. After lunch and some rest, head out for an afternoon game drive, exploring different parts of the park and seeking out its diverse wildlife. Dinner and overnight stay will be at your lodge or camp.

Day 11: Amboseli to Nairobi and Flight to Entebbe, Uganda (or Kigali, Rwanda)

After breakfast, you'll depart Amboseli and drive back to Nairobi, arriving in time for lunch. After a short rest, transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your flight to Entebbe, Uganda, or Kigali, Rwanda, depending on the chosen gorilla trekking destination. Upon arrival, you'll be met by a representative and transferred to a hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 12: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda) or Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)

Following breakfast, depart for either Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda or Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. This journey will take you through beautiful landscapes and rural villages, offering glimpses of local life. Upon arrival, check into a lodge or camp near the park. In the afternoon, attend a briefing session about the gorilla trekking experience and what to expect. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in preparation for the next day's adventure.

Day 13: Gorilla Trekking and Departure

Start the day early with breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for the gorilla trekking briefing. Accompanied by experienced guides, embark on a trek through the dense forest in search of a gorilla family. Once found, you will spend an unforgettable hour observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and some rest. In the afternoon, transfer back to the airport for your return flight to Nairobi, where your safari adventure concludes. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Nairobi before your international flight home.

Price inclusions and exclusions

Price Inclusions for The Essential 13-Day Kenya Safari Tour

All game drives as shown in the itinerary
Services of a qualified and seasoned tour guide and driver
Accommodations for your vacation
Park entry fees
Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Pickup and dropoff at the trip departure/arrival points and your place of accommodation
Taxes and service fees included in the services provided
Transfer and transport charges for the excursions

Price Exclusions for The Essential 13-Day Kenya Safari Tour

traveller's Medical insurance
Domestic and International flights cost
Visa cost
Personal Expenses issues such as shopping in curio shops
Airport Taxes
Gratuities and tips for guide and driver
Optional activities (e.g., hot air balloon ride)

The Essential 13-Day Kenya Safari Tour