Kenya: North to South

Today is given over to morning and afternoon game drives across the reserve's open plains and riverine forest edges. The combination of habitats produces varied sightings: the Samburu Five alongside elephants, lions, cheetahs, leopards, and a wide range of birds including vultures and Somali ostriches.

The early morning light along the river is particularly good for photography.

After breakfast you'll drive south to Lake Nakuru National Park, arriving in time for a late-afternoon game drive. The park's alkaline lake attracts flamingos when water conditions allow. The surrounding habitat supports both black and white rhino populations, as well as lions, leopards, buffalo, and Rothschild's giraffe.

The escarpment cliffs above the lake give wide views across the Rift Valley floor.

Accommodation options: Lake Nakuru Lodge, Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge, Flamingo Hill Tented Camp, Lion Hill Lodge, or The Cliff

A final morning game drive in Nakuru before you head west to the Masai Mara National Reserve, arriving late afternoon. The drive passes through the Rift Valley, and the Mara's wide open grassland marks a clear shift in landscape from the days before.

Check in and take the evening to settle in ahead of tomorrow's full day.

Accommodation options: Mara Intrepids Camp, Sarova Mara Game Camp, Keekorok Lodge, Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Ashnil Mara Camp, or Olmoran Tented Camp

Today covers the Mara's main plains and river circuits over a full day. Between July and October, wildebeest and zebra cross the Mara River in large numbers; the crossings are unpredictable but worth waiting for.

Outside migration season, the reserve holds a high density of predators year-round: lion prides, cheetahs, and leopards are regularly sighted, alongside elephant, buffalo, hippo, and crocodile. Lunch is taken in the field.

This morning there is an optional visit to a local Maasai community. You'll then travel east to Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake in the Rift Valley fringed by acacia woodland.

An afternoon boat safari covers the lake's hippo pools and birdlife: pelicans, fish eagles, herons, and kingfishers are all present, and giraffes are frequently seen along the shore.

Accommodation options: Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp, Enashipai Resort & Spa, Naivasha Simba Lodge, Lake Naivasha Resort, Crater Lake Camp, or The Great Rift Valley Lodge

After breakfast you'll drive south to Amboseli National Park, arriving in time for an afternoon game drive. The park sits at the foot of Kilimanjaro, and on clear days the mountain is visible from the game drives themselves.

The afternoon covers both the savannah and the wetland margins, where elephants, zebras, buffaloes, and giraffes congregate. Lions and cheetahs are present across the open plains.

Accommodation options: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, Tortilis Camp, Amboseli Sopa Lodge, Kibo Safari Camp, Ol Tukai Lodge, or AA Lodge Amboseli

A full day in Amboseli, with two game drives and Kilimanjaro as a backdrop. The park is known above all for its elephants: large herds move through the open savannah and swamp margins, often against clear views of the mountain. Early morning light is best for photography.

Beyond elephants, lion prides, buffalo herds, zebras, wildebeest, and hyenas are regularly seen. The afternoon drive covers the swamp edges, where wading birds and hippos are present.

Accommodation options: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, Tortilis Camp, Amboseli Sopa Lodge, Kibo Safari Camp, Ol Tukai Lodge, or AA Lodge Amboseli

An optional early morning game drive before breakfast gives one last chance at elephant sightings and bird activity in the low light. After breakfast, the drive back to Nairobi takes around four to five hours, arriving in time for afternoon flights.

Those with evening flights can request a later check-out or arrange extra time in Nairobi before the airport transfer. The route passes through open bush country and small towns along the Mombasa Road corridor.