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Day 1
Arrival Nairobi
Upon arrival in Nairobi, you’ll be transferred to your hotel so that you can then spend an afternoon at your own leisure, perhaps taking advantage of the facilities. Located minutes away from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Wilson Airport, your selected hotel is also close to the bustling central business district. Overnight in Nairobi.
Hotel: Eka Hotel 4* (or similar) -
Day 2
Nairobi - Masaai Mara
Leaving Nairobi after breakfast, travel towards Kenya's fertile highlands and head down the Rift Escarpment on a road built by Italian prisoners during World War II. Keep an eye out for the charming chapel they built at the foot of the escarpment. As you head across the valley to Narok, pass the futuristic Longonot earth satellite station and then travel through the hypnotising fields of wheat and barley. Reach Maasai Mara and the Keekorok Lodge in time for lunch. Afterwards, indulge in the first game drive. Keekorok is strategically located in the direct path of the annual migration. At the height of the migration, it is surrounded by a swarming mass of animals – you hardly need to go on a game drive! In front of the lodge, wander along a 300-metre-long elevated walkway that meanders through a small riverine forest to a bar. This overlooks a dam where resident hippos and other animals are regularly seen. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Maasai Mara.
Hotel: Keekorok Lodge 4* (or similar) -
Day 3
Masai Mara
Enjoy an early breakfast before departing to a Maasai village followed by a morning game drive. The Maasai Mara National Reserve is home to millions of wild animals, including the fabled Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and black rhinos. But don’t forget to keep an eye out for antelopes, gazelles and wildebeest, among others. Return to the lodge for lunch and perhaps a siesta before setting off for an afternoon game drive, then returning to the lodge as the sun sets. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Maasai Mara.
Hotel: Keekorok Lodge 4* (or similar) -
Day 4
Masaai Mara - Lake Nakuru
Bid farewell to the Maasai Mara after breakfast and travel across the ‘breadbasket’ of Kenya. Wheat and barley plantations dominate the landscape as you head north to Narok, the district headquarters of this part of Maasailand. Cross the vast plains on the floor of the Great Rift Valley and look for giraffes and gazelle as you head up the Mau Escarpment. Arrive at Lake Nakuru at midday. The waters often have a shimmering pink colour, from the thousands of flamingos that line its shores. After lunch, depart for an afternoon game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. Like all the beautiful flamingos, both black and white rhino are being carefully protected and given a new lease of life in this fully fenced 188-square-kilometre park. The rhino population numbers more than 50 and continues to grow. The Rothschild’s giraffe is another rarity, and the park has its fair share of buffaloes, leopards, zebras, elands, waterbucks, and lions. Lush gardens surround the lodge and cottages, and there is an exciting programme of activities and evening entertainment. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight at Lake Nakuru.
Hotel: Lake Nakuru Lodge 4* (or similar) -
Day 5
Lake Nakuru - Amboseli
Rise early for breakfast before continuing the adventure with a drive south for a boat ride on Lake Naivasha. Providing habitat for hundreds of bird species and hippos, the lake is located at one of the highest elevations in the Rift Valley. Leave it behind, as the tour proceeds towards Nairobi for a picnic lunch. Head south to Amboseli National Park, arriving at Ol Tukai Lodge by late afternoon. The lodge lies at the heart of the park, which is itself at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. This area is considered one of the best spots for viewing elephants at close range. At Ol Tukai Lodge, cottage-style accommodation spreads out on either side of the main lodge. The architecture features lots of wood, local stone, and slate. Each room has an uninterrupted view of either the wetlands or Kilimanjaro. There is a relaxing swimming pool shaped like a number eight and plenty of sun loungers. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight at Amboseli.
Hotel: Ol Tukai Lodge 4* (or similar) -
Day 6
Amboseli
Feast on a fine breakfast, preparing for a day spent on game drives in Amboseli. Most of the park consists of a partially dry lake bed of evaporated salts and fragile grassland with patches of acacia woodland. You can see most types of game in the park, including rhinos, giraffes, gazelles, lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Birdlife is prolific, too, especially around the swamp areas. This entire experience is carried out under the shadow of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, which rises some 5,000 metres above the national park. Return to the lodge as the sun sets over this magical landscape. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight at Amboseli.
Hotel: Ol Tukai Lodge 4* (or similar) -
Day 7
Amboseli - Tarangire
Following an early breakfast, catch your last views of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro as you depart Amboseli. Travel by road to the Namanga border. We will stop for lunch in Arusha before continuing to Tarangire National Park. Through the highlands and the Karatu district, pass scenic wheat plains and coffee plantations, journeying down a spectacular escarpment before arriving at the park and on to Tarangire Sopa Lodge for dinner. Enjoy a game drive en route. Tarangire National Park is home to one of the greatest concentrations of elephants in Africa and other game, including zebras and lions. More than 550 bird species can be spotted here as well. Surrounded by ancient baobab trees, the lodge is almost hidden among the kopjes of the national park. A broad veranda wraps itself around the lodge and offers prime viewing over a waterhole below which fills during the dry season and becomes a magnet to wildlife. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight at Tarangire.
Hotel: Tarangire Sopa Lodge 4* (or similar) -
Day 8
Taranagire - Lake Manyara
Morning game drive and lunch at the lodge. Then depart to Lake Manyara National Park arriving at your lodge perched above the Rift Valley escarpment for dinner and overnight. The magnificent lodge is perched on the edge of the Rift Valley and boasts mesmerising views over the distant Lake Manyara. The African-style lodges are grouped around a dramatic infinity pool, which is accessed via a bridge over a small stream. Slightly above the pool are the central dining room, a bar and a charming veranda. All these are located on the very edge of a cliff that overlooks the lake, the pool, and the observation point. The accommodation itself is in two-storey thatched rondavels, which are dotted along the edge of the cliff. All have captivating views of the lake. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight at Lake Manyara.
Hotel: Lake Manyara Serena 4* (or similar) -
Day 9
Lake Manyara - Serengeti
After a tasty breakfast in Lake Manyara National Park, indulge in a thrilling game drive. This park is famous for its varied birdlife – notably flamingos – in the wet season and large mammal viewing in the dry season. Tree-climbing lions, large-tusked elephants, and one-and-a-half-tonne hippos are among the denizens of this fascinating park. Return to the lodge for lunch and then head north-west, to the north of Ngorongoro Conservation Area, driving across the hilly countryside of the highlands. From here, lie the vast plains of the Serengeti, where you’ll hopefully start spotting game well before you enter the park. Accommodation is in the Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, which is located near the famous Western Corridor and River Grumeti. The lodge has been designed to blend completely into the living landscape and features rondavels, which are cooled by groves of acacia trees and watered by sparkling streams. On the edge of the ridge is an infinity pool, which looks out over the ‘endless plains' after which the Serengeti is named. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Serengeti.
Hotel: Serengeti Serena Lodge 4* (or similar) -
Day 10
Serengeti
The Serengeti is famed for being home to millions of animals and the annual Great Migration of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles. Yes, the dramatic landscapes in which the wildlife prowls are themselves worthy of admiration. Riverine forests and woodlands, rocky outcrops called kopjes, and an imposing volcano are just some of the backdrops in which the animals can be spotted during the morning and afternoon game drives. With some luck, here you will see the Big Five and, with great luck, the harder-to-spot species grouped as the Little Five: the antlion, the rhino beetle, the elephant shrew, the buffalo weaver, and the leopard tortoise. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included Overnight in Serengeti.
Hotel: Serengeti Serena Lodge 4* (or similar) -
Day 11
Serengeti - Ngorongoro
Take to the road after breakfast for a breathtaking drive to Ngorongoro Crater. Enjoy a pause along the way for a picnic lunch and for viewing game in the Serengeti plains. Continue to the Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge. Perched high on the rim of the crater, the lodge blends with the landscape to appear almost camouflaged among the vegetation. The lodge hugs the contours of the rim, taking its inspiration from the nearby prehistoric site of Olduvai Gorge, known as the ‘Cradle of Mankind’. Linked by arched stone passages and timbered decks, the walls are bedecked with stylised prehistoric cave paintings and lit by flaming torches. At the heart of the lodge burns a glowing fire, which is kept constantly alight. Rooms are decorated with cave paintings and strung around the rim. Each has its own rock-enclosed balcony and all enjoy uninterrupted views of the volcanic caldera below. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included Overnight in Ngorongoro.
Hotel: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge 4* (or similar) -
Day 12
Ngorongoro
A spellbinding experience awaits you this morning as you explore what is considered to be the world’s largest wildlife zoo. After breakfast, descend through the early morning mists to the basin of the crater, some 600 metres below the rim, for a picnic lunch. The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera and due to its size – it has a diameter of 19km – and diversity, the crater floor features distinct areas that range from forests, swamps, lakes and springs to open grasslands and sandy dunes. The crater has traditionally been inhabited by the Maasai people, who share it with more than 25,000 wild animals, including black rhinos, wildebeests, zebras, eland, gazelles, lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, spotted hyenas, jackals, cheetahs, and many more. It’s an awesome wildlife experience. Return to the lodge in the late afternoon. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included Overnight in Ngorongoro.
Hotel: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge 4* (or similar) - Day 13 Ngorongoro - Nairobi Those awake early enough will be able to enjoy the sunrise across the eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. Following breakfast, you depart the lodge and begin your journey back to Arusha arriving in the city for lunch. Then transfer to Nairobi and drop off at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight to be booked from 11:00 pm onwards.
Included
- Operated with English-speaking local driver-guide throughout the tour (the assigned local driver-guide may change during the itinerary)
- French German or Spanish driver-guide subject to availability (airport transfers will be operated with English-speaking drivers)
- 12 nights’ hotel accommodation
- 12 breakfasts
- 12 lunches
- 12 dinners
- Arrival and departure shared transfer in an air-conditioning bus from/to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
- 4×4 vehicle with a pop-up roof and guaranteed window seat during game drives and all transportation throughout the tour (maximum 7 persons per vehicle)
- All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: 1 game drive at Maasai Mara National Reserve (Day 2); 2 game drives at Maasai Mara National Reserve (Day 3); 1 game drive at Lake Nakuru National Park (Day 4); Boat ride at Lake Naivasha (Day 5); 2 game drives at Amboseli National Park (Day 6); 1 game drive at Tarangire National Park (Day 8) 1 game drive at Lake Manyara National Park (Day 9); 2 game drives at Serengeti National Park (Day 10); 1 game drive at Ngorongoro Crater (Day 12);
- Meet & Greet
- 1 bottle of mineral water (500ml) per person per day on game drives
Exclusions
- Visas
- Domestic flights
- International flights
- Drinks during meals (unless specified otherwise)
- City tax not included payable on the spot
- Any visit not mentioned in the program
- Porterage and gratuities
- Expenditures of a personal nature drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program
- Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks mineral water camera/video camera fee (if any)
- Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays accidents etc.
TRAVELING TO KENYA
Kenya is one of East Africa’s true gems, a country that inspires travelers with the vastness of its landscapes, the richness of its wildlife, and the diversity of its cultures. Renowned worldwide for its safaris, Kenya also offers stunning beaches along the Indian Ocean, tropical forests, legendary mountains, and endless savannahs. With more than fifty national parks and reserves, it is one of the best places on Earth to observe the famous Big Five: the lion, leopard, elephant, black rhinoceros, and African buffalo.
Yet Kenya is far more than its iconic wildlife. Traveling through the country also means meeting communities that have preserved ancestral traditions, discovering unspoiled nature, and feeling a deep connection to the great African outdoors.
The capital city is Nairobi, a major economic and cultural hub of East Africa. Kenya covers an area of 582,646 km². The official languages are Swahili and English, and the local currency is the Kenyan shilling. The country operates on a time zone seven hours ahead of Montreal. The international dialing code is +254, and the electrical voltage is 240 V.
DID YOU KNOW…
Kenya is the only African country to have established a dedicated armed force solely responsible for the protection of wildlife. Its territory is home to Mount Kenya, which rises to 5,199 meters and is the second-highest peak in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro. The country also plays a key economic and financial role in East Africa, largely driven by agriculture and tourism, two major pillars of its economy. This richness is further enhanced by Kenya’s exceptional human diversity, with more than forty ethnic groups speaking over sixty different languages.
SHABA NATIONAL RESERVE
Located in northern Kenya, Shaba National Reserve forms a remarkable natural trio with the Samburu and Buffalo Springs reserves. This arid and striking landscape is particularly known for sightings of giraffes and the endangered Grevy’s zebra. The regular presence of rangers, researchers, and wildlife photographers highlights the ecological importance of the area. Shaped by a river and dramatic volcanic rock formations, the scenery offers a powerful blend of raw wilderness and tranquil beauty.
SAMBURU
The Samburu region is inseparable from the Samburu people, known for their ancestral traditions and semi-nomadic way of life. Visitors have the opportunity to learn about the customs of this warrior community, their social structures, dwellings, and survival techniques in a sometimes harsh environment. Traditional dances and vibrant beadwork, worn by both men and women, lie at the heart of this cultural experience.
Samburu National Reserve stretches along the Ewaso Ng’iro River, a vital lifeline in the heart of the savannah. It allows travelers to observe a wide variety of wildlife in a more intimate setting than the large southern parks, offering an authentic and memorable safari experience.
NAKURU
Nakuru National Park was established in 1961 to protect the alkaline lake of the same name, located in the Great Rift Valley. The lake is famous for hosting, at certain times of the year, hundreds of thousands of pink flamingos, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle. Beyond these iconic birds, the area supports a remarkable diversity of birdlife and serves as an excellent introduction to safari for travelers discovering Kenya.
Nearby lies Hell’s Gate National Park, whose name contrasts sharply with its reality. Situated close to Lake Naivasha, this spectacular park is known for its gorges, cliffs, and impressive rock formations. Unlike most parks, visitors can explore it on foot, by bicycle, or even on horseback, offering a more immersive and dynamic way to experience Kenya’s natural environment.
MASAI MARA
The Masai Mara Reserve is undoubtedly Kenya’s most iconic destination. Located in the southwest of the country along the border with Tanzania, it is characterized by vast rolling plains crossed by the Mara and Talek rivers. It is here that one of the world’s greatest natural spectacles takes place: the Great Migration, during which millions of wildebeest, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, traverse the savannah while facing constant threats from predators.
The Masai Mara is also a prime location for observing lions, cheetahs, leopards, and elephants in their natural habitat. The presence of the Maasai people, who have lived in harmony with wildlife for centuries, adds a powerful cultural dimension to the visit.
KAKAMEGA
Kakamega Forest is Kenya’s last remaining primary tropical rainforest. Located in the western part of the country, it is a true sanctuary of biodiversity. This vast forest can be explored on foot or by bicycle and offers complete immersion in a lush ecosystem. Visitors can stay in campsites or nature-integrated lodges, an experience particularly appreciated by travelers seeking tranquility and authenticity.
MOMBASA ISLAND
Mombasa Island is a coral outcrop connected to the mainland by road. It is home to the historic heart of the city of Mombasa, shaped by strong Swahili and Arab influences. Beyond its rich cultural heritage, the island is known for its lively atmosphere, markets, beaches, and events, including the famous Mombasa Carnival held in November. It is an ideal destination for discovering a different side of Kenya, one oriented toward the ocean and cultural exchange.
CENTRAL PROVINCE
Central Province is dominated by the majestic silhouette of Mount Kenya, the highest peak in the country. This mythical mountain, surrounded by a national park listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers some of Kenya’s most breathtaking scenery. Its slopes are home to unique flora and fauna, while hiking trails lead to spectacular viewpoints.
The Ewaso Ng’iro River, fed by Mount Kenya’s glaciers, flows through the region and attracts kayaking and hiking enthusiasts. Whether seeking adventure or contemplation, this area is a must for anyone wishing to explore the country’s natural heart.
CUISINE
Kenyan cuisine reflects the country’s cultural diversity and bears the influence of Indian and Swahili traditions. Historically designed to feed large populations with limited resources, it is based on simple, hearty, and accessible dishes. Corn, beans, rice, vegetables, and meat form the foundation of many meals.
Among the most emblematic foods, ugali holds a central place. This cornmeal staple accompanies nearly every dish. Fresh salads such as kachumbari, sautéed greens like sukuma wiki, coconut-based bean stews, chapati bread, and spiced rice dishes such as pilau illustrate the richness and generosity of local gastronomy. Along the coast, coconut- and fish-based dishes like wali wa nazi reflect the influence of the Indian Ocean.
DRINKS
Although Kenya is internationally recognized for the quality of its coffee and tea, the most widely consumed beverage is chai. This milk tea, slowly brewed and generously sweetened, is omnipresent in daily life and represents a true social ritual.
SHOPPING AND SOUVENIRS FROM KENYA
Kenyan souvenirs are deeply rooted in local craftsmanship. Maasai beadwork, with its symbolic colors, is among the most iconic items. Wooden carvings, often depicting African wildlife, are also highly sought after. In Nairobi, the Kitengela artistic community stands out for its unique creations made from recycled glass. Baobab fiber bags, Kenyan Arabica coffee, and decorative masks complete a rich and varied artisanal offering, ideal for bringing home an authentic keepsake.
SAFETY
Traveling with a guide is recommended, particularly when venturing outside major cities or into national parks. As with any major destination, demonstrations may occasionally occur in urban centers. Staying informed about local news during the trip is advised.
HEALTH ADVICE
Basic hygiene practices should be observed, especially washing hands before meals. Food should be well cooked and served hot, fruits and vegetables peeled or thoroughly washed, and dairy products preferably industrially produced. A consultation at a travel health clinic several months before departure is strongly recommended to receive appropriate vaccinations.
CLIMATE
Kenya enjoys a tropical climate with alternating dry and rainy seasons. The months from July to March are generally preferred for safaris, with October being particularly favorable for observing large concentrations of wildlife.
RELIGIONS AND BELIEFS
The majority of Kenya’s population identifies as Christian, primarily Protestant and Catholic. Islam is also present, especially along the coast, alongside many traditional African beliefs that remain very much alive.
ETIQUETTE AND CUSTOMS
Kenyans place great importance on values of respect, humility, and solidarity. Community life and human relationships are central, particularly in rural areas where tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously. Attentive travelers will discover a welcoming people, proud of their heritage and deeply connected to their roots.
Name: East African Explorer
Brand: tripcentral tours
Quality: Superior First Class
Tour Type: Wildlife
Start City: Nairobi
End City: Nairobi
Vacation Overview:
An African safari touches something deep within all of us, for it is an experience that will never be forgotten. This 13-day adventure takes you to some of the most dramatic landscapes on the planet to explore Africa’s fascinating wildlife, especially the Big Five, as well as its intriguing cultures. The safari visits five national parks, one national reserve and the conservation area that covers the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. The driver-guides are all very experienced and will certainly make this safari feel special.
