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This, our own take on the classic Kenya safari itinerary, offers a graceful immersion into some of our incredible country’s most captivating landscapes and wildlife.

From the sweeping plains of Amboseli, where elephants wander beneath the towering presence of Mount Kilimanjaro, to the serene shores of Lake Naivasha and the bird-filled waters of Lake Nakuru, each stop reveals a different layer of Kenya’s diverse natural beauty.

In the Masai Mara, the days are shaped by the rhythms of the wild as you explore open grasslands in search of iconic species, from lions and leopards to the mighty elephants and buffalo. This is a land renowned for its intense wildlife encounters, where each game drive unfolds like a story, offering moments both thrilling and contemplative. Between excursions, you’ll find rest in our thoughtfully chosen lodges and camps that bring the natural world close without sacrificing comfort.

Customise this trip

All days and accommodations can be adjusted to suit your budget and needs – contact us now to discuss your preferences!

Good to know

  • Leading Kenya-based operator
  • Top reviews on Trip Advisor
  • Fully bonded financial protection

What's included

  • Included Accommodation
  • Included Guided excursions
  • Included Ground transfers
  • Included All meals
  • Included Insurance
  • Included Support
Days

8

Starting from

$2,450 pp

Contact us now for more information about this trip
This tour is operated by
Beyond the Plains Safaris

Speak to John for expert travel advice

Enquire now 💬 Chat on WhatsApp
Activity
Safari, Family, Active, Nature & Wildlife
Tour Type
Private guided tour, Custom itinerary
Physical Level
Easy
Season Season
January - December

Detailed itinerary

What you'll see and do

This is a customisable trip

Use the following itinerary for inspiration. Remember: all days, hotels and activities can be altered to suit your requirements. A Beyond the Plains Safaris travel specialist will be happy to advise.

Arrival to Nairobi

Upon landing in Nairobi at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you’ll be met by our local representative, ready to greet you and assist with your transfer to the Radisson Blu Hotel. Situated in the lively center of Nairobi, the hotel offers a restful retreat where you can unwind after your journey. Later, as evening falls, the hotel’s restaurant invites you to a thoughtfully crafted meal featuring local flavors—a relaxed introduction to Kenya’s vibrant culinary landscape, preparing you for the days to come.

Featured Accommodation
Amboseli National Park

Following a relaxed breakfast, set out on a drive toward Amboseli National Park, where the vast plains offer iconic views of Mount Kilimanjaro and opportunities to see Amboseli's renowned elephant herds. You'll arrive at Ol Tukai Lodge, nestled in gardens that frame the majestic silhouette of Kilimanjaro. After lunch, venture out for your first game drive, observing elephants, zebras, and wildebeests moving across the landscape with Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak as a striking backdrop. Return to the lodge for a quiet dinner and an evening at leisure.

Featured Accommodation
On safari in Amboseli

Start the day with an early morning game drive, timed to catch the first light as it casts a warm glow across the landscape. Afterward, take a break for a picnic lunch in a scenic spot within the park, giving you a chance to enjoy Amboseli’s beauty up close. In the afternoon, you may choose to set out on another game drive or simply relax back at Ol Tukai Lodge, taking in the views at your own pace. As evening approaches, settle in for dinner overlooking the open plains, then retire for the night at the lodge.

Amboseli to Lake Naivasha

After breakfast, depart Amboseli and make your way toward Lake Naivasha, nestled in the famed Great Rift Valley. Known for its diverse birdlife and resident hippos, this freshwater lake offers a tranquil escape. Arriving at Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort, settle in and enjoy the lush gardens and views across the water. Following lunch, take a gentle boat ride across the lake, then continue with a guided walk on Crescent Island, where you can approach giraffes, zebras, and antelopes in their natural surroundings. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the resort.

Lake Naivasha to Nakuru National Park

After breakfast, set off for Lake Nakuru National Park, a haven for rhinos, lions, and leopards, and renowned for the vibrant pink flamingo flocks that gather along its shores. Upon arrival, check into Sarova Lionhill Game Lodge, ideally located for observing the park’s wildlife. After a leisurely lunch and some downtime, head out for an afternoon game drive, exploring the park’s diverse bird species and keeping an eye out for rhinos and elusive leopards. Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.

Featured Accommodation
To the Masai Mara

After breakfast, travel onward to the Masai Mara National Reserve, famed for its rich wildlife and the seasonal spectacle of the Great Migration. Arriving at Zebra Plains Mara Camp, take a moment to settle into your surroundings before lunch. In the afternoon, venture out across the vast plains on a game drive, where you’ll have the chance to spot the iconic Big Five. Return to camp in the evening for dinner and a restful night under the Mara’s expansive skies.

On safari in the Mara

Begin a full-day journey through the Masai Mara, setting off after breakfast with packed lunches in hand. Around midday, pause for a picnic at a viewpoint by the Mara River, where hippos and crocodiles are often seen basking or swimming in the waters below. Continue your exploration across various regions of the reserve, increasing your chances of encountering a wide range of wildlife. In the late afternoon, return to camp to unwind before dinner and settle in for a final night surrounded by the sounds of the Mara.

Return to Nairobi

Savor a final breakfast in the Masai Mara before setting off back to Nairobi. Once in the city, visit the Giraffe Center, a conservation hub focused on protecting the endangered Rothschild giraffe. This visit offers a chance to get close to these gentle giants, learning about their conservation while feeding them from a raised platform. Based on your onward plans, we’ll arrange for your transfer either to a Nairobi hotel or directly to the airport.

  • Nairobi

    Nairobi

    Most visitors to Kenya simply fly in and out of capital Nairobi – which is a huge mistake...
  • Amboseli National Park

    Amboseli National Park

    Sprawling across the Kenyan-Tanzanian border, the greater Amboseli ecosystem is one of East Africa's preeminent wildlife viewing regions and Amboseli National Park is the postcard park of Kenya...
  • Amboseli National Park

    Amboseli National Park

    Sprawling across the Kenyan-Tanzanian border, the greater Amboseli ecosystem is one of East Africa's preeminent wildlife viewing regions and Amboseli National Park is the postcard park of Kenya...
  • Lake Naivasha

    Lake Naivasha

    One of the freshwater lakes that dot Kenya's Great Rift Valley, the large but relatively shallow Lake Naivasha is a sanctuary for a diverse range of wildlife, from hippos and zebras to over 400 species of birds, including the majestic African Fish Eagle...
  • Lake Nakuru National Park

    Lake Nakuru National Park

    One of Kenya’s most popular parks, Lake Nakuru National Park is made up of grasslands, acacia woodlands and rocky escarpments...
  • Masai Mara National Reserve

    Masai Mara National Reserve

    The big beast of Kenya safari
    The king of Kenya safari, the sweeping grass plains of the Mara (as it’s usually referred to) are home to the densest concentration of large mammals on the planet...
  • Masai Mara National Reserve

    Masai Mara National Reserve

    The big beast of Kenya safari
    The king of Kenya safari, the sweeping grass plains of the Mara (as it’s usually referred to) are home to the densest concentration of large mammals on the planet...
  • Nairobi

    Nairobi

    Most visitors to Kenya simply fly in and out of capital Nairobi – which is a huge mistake...

Contact Beyond the Plains Safaris about this trip

Beyond the Plains Safaris

John is standing by to answer your questions.

Enquire now Chat on WhatsApp

Where to stay

Some of our sample accommodation

Expand
Zebra Plains Mara Camp
Classic

Zebra Plains Mara Camp

Zebra Plains Mara Camp offers an intimate and immersive experience in the heart of the Masai Mara National Reserve...

Expand
Ol Tukai Lodge
Classic

Ol Tukai Lodge

Ol Tukai Lodge is a charming retreat nestled within the lush landscape of Amboseli National Park, offering breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro...

Expand
Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge
Classic

Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge

Located on a range of hills that form the western limits of Africa's Great Rift Valley, the lodge offers spectacular views over the vastness of Africa...

Expand
Sarova Lionhill
Classic

Sarova Lionhill

Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge is set along "the Lion Hill" in Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya...

Expand
Radisson Blu
Classic

Radisson Blu

The Radisson Blu Hotel in Nairobi offers a refined escape in the heart of the city, combining modern elegance with warm Kenyan hospitality...

What's included

What you get for your money

Included Accommodation

Full board accommodation in our carefully-chosen, lodges or camps with private en-suite facilities. All accommodations can be adjusted to suit your preferences.

Included Guided excursions

Services of a professional English-speaking driver guide, including game drives, sightseeing and excursions as described in the itinerary, Inclusive of applicable entrance fees, with complementary visit Giraffe Centre.

All Park Entry fees except those labeled as optional tour or activity.

Government taxes and levies where applicable.

Included Ground transfers

Airport Transfers upon arrival and departure. Meet & greet service by our local representatives.

Included All meals

Full board, three meals per day

Included Insurance

AMREF Flying Doctors medical insurance and evacuation cover.

Included Support

24/7 support while travelling

Reviews

What people are saying about Beyond the Plains Safaris

Wojciech M
01/09/2024

Beyond The Plains were very quick in replying to our inquiry. They offered an exciting itinerary for the Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru. We were traveling as a family, and they took this into account and arranged for activities that were great for all. We all enjoyed the safari a lot. I have been on several safaris and this was indeed one of the best! We saw all Big 5 and many more animals. Accommodation and food were great. This was a wonderful time. We even celebrated a birthday on the first day, and Beyond the Plains organized a surprise cake and flowers! Everything worked smooth, and the team was very responsive and communicative. Highly recommended!

Read more
Ranita
05/07/2024

The complete safari trip has been a wonderful experience for us. With Mr. Ben being our guide, everyday of our trip has been an exceptional great experience. We have even witnessed wildebeest migration in Mara River and that was absolutely beyond our imagination!!

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Louie L
06/02/2024

We had a fantastic time with Beyond the Plains in Kenya and can wholeheartedly recommend booking your tours with them! Starting with John's great communication and presentation we had a good feeling from the start about their proposed 7-day Safari tour. Everything was well organised and the tour felt adventurous and luxurious at the same time. A special thanks goes to our guide Dan who shared his 20 years of safari experience with us. He never got tired of answering our many questions and made sure we had a fantastic time. We really couldn't have asked for a better guide and driver. We reviewed many offers from different tour operators and are very happy we chose to go with Beyond the Plains and hope to do it again one day!

Read more

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