Kenya Uncovered: From Savannah to Sea
12 Days / 11 Nights | Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Naivasha, Amboseli, Tsavo West & East, Diani Beach
Experience Kenya in full—from the Great Rift Valley and the legendary Masai Mara to elephant country in Amboseli, the wild expanses of Tsavo, and a relaxing finish on the Indian Ocean coast. This journey is thoughtfully paced to balance immersive game drives with time to unwind, featuring handpicked lodges located inside national reserves and private safari guiding throughout.
Quick Overview
- Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights
- Start: Nairobi
- Finish: Diani Beach (optional drop-off)
- Destinations: Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli, Tsavo West, Tsavo East, Diani Beach
- Safari Style: Private classic safari with relaxed pacing
- Ideal For: First-time Kenya visitors, couples, families, wildlife lovers seeking a complete journey
Safari Highlights
- Scenic Rift Valley drive with photo stops (including views of Mt. Longonot)
- Rhino tracking and Rothschild’s giraffe sightings in Lake Nakuru
- Multiple sunrise and sunset game drives in the Masai Mara
- Optional Maasai-guided walk to a resident hippo pool
- Lake Naivasha boat ride and Crescent Island walk (optional/seasonal)
- Amboseli elephant herds with Mount Kilimanjaro views
- Tsavo West landscapes and the crystal-clear waters of Mzima Springs
- Tsavo East’s vast plains, Lugard Falls, and Mudanda Rock formations
- Seamless end to your journey with a beach drop-off in Diani
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi → Lake Nakuru National Park
Depart Nairobi at 7:00 am, driving through the Great Rift Valley with scenic stops for photos, including viewpoints of the Rift Valley and Mt. Longonot. Enter Lake Nakuru and enjoy a game drive en route to your lodge. Arrive for lunch and take time to relax with tranquil lake views. At 4:00 pm, depart for an evening game drive, returning by approximately 6:45 pm for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Lake Nakuru (Safari lodge)
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Lake Nakuru → Masai Mara
After an early breakfast, depart at around 8:00 am for the Masai Mara. Enjoy game viewing as you enter the Greater Mara ecosystem and continue toward camp, with chances to spot the Big Five. Arrive for lunch and relaxation, then depart at 4:00 pm for an evening game drive, returning by approximately 7:00 pm.
Overnight: Masai Mara (Camp near the Mara River)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Masai Mara Sunrise Safari & Afternoon Game Drive
Begin at 6:00 am with a sunrise game drive, followed by an extended morning experience with a packed breakfast in the bush. Return around 12:00 pm. After lunch and rest, depart again at 4:00 pm for an afternoon game drive. You may also opt for a guided walk with Maasai guides to a nearby hippo pool for a closer look at this lively ecosystem.
Overnight: Masai Mara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Masai Mara Game Drives or Hot Air Balloon Upgrade
Start with an early morning game drive at 6:00 am, returning to camp at around 9:00 am for breakfast. Enjoy an extended morning drive with a packed breakfast, returning around midday. After lunch and rest, depart at 4:00 pm for your evening drive.
Optional upgrade: Hot air balloon safari (approx. 4:30 am pickup) followed by a champagne bush breakfast.
Overnight: Masai Mara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Masai Mara → Lake Naivasha (Optional Maasai Village Visit)
Depart the Masai Mara after breakfast and travel toward Lake Naivasha. En route, enjoy a cultural visit to a Maasai village to learn about traditions and daily life. Arrive in Naivasha by around 1:00 pm for lunch and a relaxed afternoon. An optional boat ride can be arranged in the evening.
Overnight: Lake Naivasha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Lake Naivasha (Crescent Island & Boat Ride)
Enjoy a peaceful day in the Rift Valley. Begin with a walk on Crescent Island, known for its scenic views and grazing wildlife. After lunch, take time to unwind before an evening boat ride experience, offering excellent birdlife and hippo sightings. Lake Naivasha is a perfect pause in the journey—calm, scenic, and restorative.
Overnight: Lake Naivasha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Lake Naivasha → Amboseli National Park
Depart at 7:00 am for Amboseli National Park, arriving at your lodge in time for lunch. After resting, head out at 4:00 pm for an afternoon game drive, returning by approximately 6:30 pm for dinner and a relaxed evening.
Overnight: Amboseli (Lodge overlooking a swamp inside the park)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Amboseli National Park
Depart at 6:30 am for an early morning game drive, returning by 9:30 am. Enjoy a relaxed midday break—Amboseli’s heat can be intense, and your lodge’s location allows for efficient, high-quality game viewing without spending the entire day on the move. At 4:00 pm, depart again for an evening game drive, returning by 6:30 pm for dinner.
Overnight: Amboseli
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Amboseli → Tsavo West National Park (Mzima Springs)
Depart at 8:30 am for Tsavo West, known for dramatic volcanic terrain, red elephants, and legendary safari history. Visit Mzima Springs, where filtered waters create crystal-clear pools often revealing hippos and fish beneath the surface. Continue to your lodge in time to settle in and enjoy the wilderness setting.
Overnight: Tsavo West (Safari lodge)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Tsavo West → Tsavo East National Park
Depart at 8:00 am for Tsavo East, enjoying game drives through both parks en route. Arrive at your lodge overlooking Aruba Dam in time for lunch. After relaxing, head out for a sunset game drive—one of the best times to experience Tsavo’s wide-open plains and changing light.
Overnight: Tsavo East (Safari lodge near Aruba Dam)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Tsavo East Exploration (Lugard Falls & Mudanda Rock)
After breakfast, explore Tsavo East’s scenic highlights, including Lugard Falls and the Mudanda Rock formations. Return for a late lunch, followed by a relaxed afternoon at the lodge where wildlife often visits the waterhole. An optional evening game drive can be arranged.
Overnight: Tsavo East
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Tsavo East → Diani Beach
After breakfast, continue onward to Diani Beach—the perfect coastal finale to your safari. Your guide can drop you directly at your beach hotel. Alternatively, you may choose to take the train from Voi to Mombasa and then transfer to Diani (this option is longer and more tiring).
Meals: Breakfast
What’s Included
Private safari for all days mentioned, including drop-off to Diani Beach
Full-board accommodation with all meals
All scheduled game drives
Park entry fees
Lodges located inside national reserves
Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
Not Included
Tips and gratuities
Laundry services
Drinks at the hotels/lodges
International and domestic flights
Any additional excursions not mentioned above
Customize This Safari
Want to extend your beach stay, upgrade to luxury camps, adjust driving times, or add special experiences? We’ll tailor the itinerary to match your preferred pace, travel style, and must-see destinations.