The scenic Laikipia Plateau, Great Rift Valley lakes of Naivasha and Nakuru, and wildlife-filled Masai Mara all feature on this Kenya safari holiday, culminating at Lake Victoria.
Kenya. The name alone evokes a nostalgic, bygone era of big game and vast plains absolutely teeming with an abundance of wildlife under huge African skies. Fast forward to today, and that still very much rings true. Putting it simply, the country is synonymous with safari. From the slopes of Mount Kenya, through the Great Rift Valley Lakes to the iconic Masai Mara and Lake Victoria, this itinerary covers breathtaking landscapes and numerous ecological zones, leading to staggering biodiversity.
Classic vehicle safaris, some private, some shared, traverse vast wildlife strewn vistas, and these are supplemented by boat based excursions and the chance to walk too. With carefully chosen, intimate accommodation including safari camps and lodges completing the picture, the holiday can be fully customised to suit your preferences.
Suggested Itinerary
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Day 1:
Depart UK & arrive Nairobi
Welcome to Kenya! You're met on arrival and transferred to your overnight hotel in Nairobi.
Accommodation: Argyle Grand Hotel Nairobi Airport, 1-night
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Days 2-4
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Safaris in the Laikipia Plateau
Get your safari holiday to Kenya off with a bang as you're transferred in your private vehicle with a guide to the award-winning Ol Peteja Conservancy, on the Laikipia Plateau. Flanked by Africa’s second-highest peak, Mount Kenya on the horizon, spend two full days soaking up wildlife sightings and learning about the many valuable conservation initiatives taking place here in the bush.
Home to the Big Five, during morning and afternoon private game drives, explore and search for elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino. In fact, Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a haven for both black and white rhino, including the last two remaining Northern white rhinos in the world. Additionally, cheetah, spotted hyena and endangered African wild dog may also be seen. Plains game includes endangered Grevy’s zebra and threatened Jackson’s hartebeest in addition to giraffe, wildebeest, waterbuck, eland, Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelle.
This part of Kenya receives comparatively fewer visitors and between safaris, enjoy game viewing from the comfort of your small, intimate and beautifully elegant camp. It's also possible to join optional tours (shared, and at extra cost) such as guided bush walks, meeting the canines of the Anti-Poaching Unit, night drives and horse riding. You could also enjoy a shady picnic beside the river, a refreshing dip in the natural rock pools below the camp, or bask on the camp's main deck overlooking the plains, lulled by the sound of the river which flows all year round.
Accommodation: The River Camp – Ol Pejeta, 3-nights
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Days 5-6
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Game Drives in Lake Naivasha & Lake Nakuru
The Great Rift Valley lakes await and your private guide transfer you to historic Loldia House, on the shores of Lake Naivasha, where you're left in the capable hands of local staff. Here, explore and revel in the glorious impala and bird-filled tropical gardens, where lawns sweep down to the papyrus and fever tree-lined shore. Striking colobus monkeys command your attention and as you venture out onto the water, enjoy a boat safari for up close and personal encounters with hippos and a veritable profusion of waterbirds.
You may, of course, wish to simply relax and soak up the serenity of your surroundings, but we've included a day safari to Lake Nakuru National Park, which lies just only two hours away. Renowned for birdwatching and its flamingos and rhino sightings in particular, its other wildlife is impressive, being home to lion, buffalo, numerous species of antelope, primates and in excess of 400 bird species.
Once again, though, there are a host of optional tours (at additional cost) should you prefer to perhaps visit Joy Adamson’s house (of Born Free fame) or the tortured geology and wild inhabitants of Hell’s Gate National Park. Keen birders should flock (excuse the pun!) to Lakes Oloiden and Elmenteita, or search for Narina trogons and even the elusive bongo in nearby Eburu Forest.
Accommodation: Loldia House, 2-nights
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Days 7-9
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Safaris in the Masai Mara National Reserve
For your next adventure, anticipation levels are no doubt be soaring as you take to the skies for a light aircraft flight into the sensational Masai Mara National Reserve. Arguably the most infamous safari destination in East Africa, the Mara as it's affectionately known, really needs no introduction. This is big cat country, and their supporting cast is nothing short of impressive.
Upon arrival, you’re whisked to your tented accommodation, staying in ultimate luxury at renowned Governors’ Camp. Located along the banks of the Mara River, herds of elephant, buffalo and antelope will dominate your views over the plains, giraffe will browse on surrounding acacias, and hippos will escape the sun in their watery abodes. Immerse yourself in nature, escaping into the bush on shared morning and afternoon game drives with highly trained and passionate guides spotting all manner of species, identifying them and interpreting behaviour in this wildlife Mecca. With creatures ranging from common to rare, bold to elusive, incredible game viewing will be enjoyed, with a lifetime of memories made.
If you time your Kenya safari holiday between July and October, you're in the right place at the right time to experience one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in the world, the Great Migration. Huge numbers of migrating wildebeest and zebra pass through the Masai Mara, drawing the attention not only of feline predators, but of huge Nile crocodiles too. Lurking patiently all year, they are ready to feast on the glut that occurs during panicked river crossings, while scavengers such as jackals to vultures wait to clean up the aftermath.
Break up the wildlife bonanza with a visit to local villages (manyattas) to meet the Masai, or pull out all the stops and indulge in a once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon safari for a bird’s eye view over this iconic part of Kenya.
Accommodation: Governors' Camp, 3 nights
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Days 10-11
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Transfer & Explore Lake Victoria
Leaving the Masai Mara behind, fly to Nairobi and catch a connecting flight west to Kisumu, gateway to Africa’s largest lake, Lake Victoria. 30 minutes by private launch later, and you’ll be relaxing in paradise. Breathe deeply, grab a cocktail and get ready for some serious R&R.
Mfangano Island Lodge is tucked away, a quiet slice of paradise overlooking the bird and dhow laden waters, where it is perfectly acceptable to do as much or as little as you wish! Snooze in hammocks under the canopy of giant fig trees or cool off in the pool, go fishing, birding, boating, cycling, or visit ancient rock paintings. It's your holiday, you decide.
Accommodation: Mfangano Island Lodge, 2-nights
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Day 12:
Visit Nairobi’s Giraffe Centre & depart
All good things must come to an end, but there’s a lot to experience on your last day in Kenya. Flying back to Nairobi, you’re met and transferred to the Giraffe Centre for an afternoon spent hanging out with these gentle giants. Afterwards, enjoy dinner at famous Carnivores Restaurant, before being dropped at the airport in time for your flights home.
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Day 13:
Arrive UK
Please note: Start planning your luxury Kenya holiday today, as this itinerary is fully customisable. Why not extend your stay to include gorgeous Indian Ocean beaches or for more safari options, consider Tsavo National Park, Samburu National Reserve, Amboseli National Park or even Nairobi National Park? As the crow flies, Uganda and Rwanda are not far away should mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and shoebills be on your bucket list. Africa awaits, so let us help you make the most of your time on this diverse and stunning continent.
