Kenya Big Five Safari – 12 Days
KENYA BIG FIVE SAFARI
Trip duration
12 days/ 11 nights
The Kenya Big Five Safari can be combined with our Southern Tanzania Wildlife Safari.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN KENYA – NAIROBI
Our Kenya Big Five Safari will start in Kenya’s tourism capital, Nairobi. We shall arrive via the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where our Tour Leader will be ready to receive us and kick start our journey. We shall then head to our hotel in Nairobi, where we shall check in.
On this day, if we have an early arrival, we may explore local attractions around Nairobi. The city has a national park at its edge, making it one of the most special conservation cities globally. Otherwise, we can relax and enjoy the nice Nairobi weather from our lodge; preparing for the Kenya Big Five Safari.
Night in Nairobi.
DAY 2 AND 3: OL PEJETA CONSERVANCY AND SWEETWATERS CHIMPANZEE SANCTUARY
Our Kenya Big Five Safari will proceed to the Mt. Kenya region. We shall enjoy beautiful game drives at East Africa’s largest Black Rhino sanctuary. We shall be keeping an eye for mammals such as Cape Buffalo, Grevy’s Zebra, Savannah Elephant, Spotted Hyena, Beisa Oryx, African Wild Dog, Jackson’s Hartebeest, Black Rhino, White Rhino, African Lion, Leopard and Cheetah. Birds here include the Grey Crowned Crane and White-bellied Bustard.
We shall also enjoy time at the Chimpanzees Sanctuary, which is the only place to see these Great Apes in Kenya- a key highlight on our Kenya Big Five Safari. At Ol Pejeta, you will have a chance to alight on foot and take a selfie with the famous Equator line sign; and sometimes on clear days Mt. Kenya is visible behind you. Another top highlight of Ol Pejeta Conservancy is the Northern White Rhinos Sanctuary- there are only two individuals left on Earth; and both are hosted at Ol Pejeta.
Nights at Ol Pejeta.
DAY 4 AND 5: MERU NATIONAL PARK – COMPLETE WILDERNESS
Meru National Park is our next destination on the exciting Kenya Big Five Safari. We shall enjoy game drives in this beautiful park located in Northern Kenya; and bathed by the mighty Tana River and its tributaries. This is one of the least-visited hidden gems of Kenya and arguably the least-explored national parks of modern time.
Enjoy tracking White Rhino, Cape Buffalo, Cheetah, Gerenuk, Beisa Oryx, Reticulated Giraffe, Grevy’s Zebra, Savannah Elephant, African Lion and Leopard; across the vast Meru National Park. This park was also the former home of the famous Joy and George Adamson- of the “Born Free” book and film.
Our safari guide will help you enjoy this unique place as you learn the history of Kenya’s conservation. The local Baobab trees will illuminate our journey through this great place. Indeed, Meru National Park is always a key highlight on all our Kenya Big Five Safaris.
Nights in Meru.
DAY 6 AND 7: SAMBURU AND BUFFALO SPRINGS NATIONAL RESERVES
We shall then head to Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserves; where our Kenya Big Five Safari continues. These spectacular reserves host some very unique wildlife such as the Beisa Oryx, Gerenuk, Grevy’s Zebra and Reticulated Giraffe; most of which are not easy to find south of the Equator.
The mighty Ewaso Ng’iro North River meanders its way across these reserves giving life to this beautiful land. Local Doum Palms tangle their branches in the sky as if waving at the people, and provide the landscape with a beautiful touch. Enjoy tracking the local elephants and other members of the Big 5 on your game drives.
Nights in Samburu.
DAY 8: LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK – THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY
We shall continue on our Kenya Big Five Safari to the beautiful Lake Nakuru National Park. The park is known for the mighty Lake Nakuru, a soda lake at the heart of the great ecosystem. This park is also a great sanctuary for rhinos and these may be encountered on our game drives.
The local birds make the park special too, and it is often referred as the birdwatcher’s paradise. We hope for species such as Great White Pelicans and Lesser Flamingos. The bird concentrations here are a popular sight on all our Kenya Big Five Safaris. Enjoy the large herds of herbivores, especially the local Cape Buffaloes, Grant’s Gazelles, Thompson’s Gazelles, Common Zebras; among many other spectacular wildlife species.
The landscapes here are very rewarding as well. Here we shall also be looking for the endangered Rothschild’s Giraffe.
Night in Nakuru.
DAY 9, 10 AND 11: MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE
We shall exit Lake Nakuru National Park on a game drive seeking more wildlife; then head to the Masai Mara National Reserve. Renowned for the annual wildebeest migration, which is often regarded as the 8th Wonder of the World, Masai Mara National Reserve is the crown of our Kenya Big Five Safaris.
Considered the ultimate wildlife haven in Kenya and arguably the best safari destination in Africa, Masai Mara has a lot to offer. From all members of the Big 5 (African Lion, Black Rhino, Cape Buffalo, Leopard, Savannah Elephant) to the numerous herbivores grazing the landscape in huge herds, this place is indeed amazing.
You will spend the next days of the Kenya Big Five Safari learning about this magical destination with our safari guide. Enjoy interesting game drives as you track the Big 5, the Big Cats- Lion, Cheetah and Leopard and much more.
There will be an optional Maasai Village visit on one day- this is one of Africa’s best preserved cultures and you will have a chance to learn about their way of life. This is a popular activity on our Kenya Big Five Safaris.
Here you can also take part in an optional balloon ride across the beautiful Masai Mara plains. This is followed by a scrumptious breakfast and cocktail party; all set up in the bush, with great views of the Masai Mara. This is always a great experience on our Kenya Big Five Safaris.
Nights in Mara.
DAY 12: MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE TO NAIROBI
On this day, we shall enjoy an early morning game drive in Masai Mara. We shall then head to Nairobi, cruising across the Rift Valley.
Later, we head to the airport; marking the end to our lovely Kenya Big Five Safari.
Highlight mammals and others
Leopard, Cheetah, African Lion, Cape Buffalo, Rothschild’s Giraffe, Reticulated Giraffe, Savannah Elephant, White Rhino, Black Rhino, Nile Crocodile, Nile Hippo, Grevy’s Zebra, Beisa Oryx, Greater Kudu, Gerenuk
Highlight birds
Secretarybird, Grey Crowned Crane, Vulturine Guineafowl, Yellow-billed Stork, Martial Eagle, Kori Bustard, Southern Ground Hornbill
Habitats covered
Savannah, Wetlands, Semi-arid Scrubland, Highland Forest
Photographic opportunities
Excellent
Special moments
Mt. Kenya, African Big Five, Northern White Rhino, Wildebeest Herds, optional balloon ride, optional visit to the Maasai Village, Born Free story, Baobab Trees
