Classic Kenya Explorer Safari

From Kilimanjaro’s Shadows to the Mara’s Golden Plains.

DestinationKenya
Duration8 Days
Starting PriceUSD 3000 / person

Overview

This 8-day Kenya Safari, starting and ending in Nairobi, takes you on a remarkable journey through Kenya’s most iconic parks and landscapes. Begin with the awe-inspiring Amboseli National Park, where towering views of Mount Kilimanjaro frame herds of majestic elephants. Continue to the serene waters of Lake Naivasha and the bird-filled shores of Lake Nakuru, famed for flamingos and rhinos. Conclude your adventure in the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve, home to the Big Five, sweeping savannahs, and the drama of the Great Migration. With each destination offering its own charm, this safari blends breathtaking scenery, rich wildlife, and authentic Kenyan adventure — all in one unforgettable journey.

Itinerary

Begin your safari with a morning pick-up from your Nairobi hotel or the airport. Journey south through the scenic landscapes toward Amboseli National Park, famous for its large elephant herds and breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Arrive in time for lunch, then head out for an afternoon game drive, exploring the park’s open plains and marshlands filled with wildlife. Return to your lodge as the sun sets behind Kilimanjaro.

Highlights:

  • Scenic drive through the Athi Plains
  • Afternoon game drive with Mount Kilimanjaro views
  • Dinner and overnight at Kilima Safari Camp

Enjoy a full day exploring Amboseli’s rich landscapes and diverse wildlife. Morning and afternoon game drives reveal elephants, buffaloes, cheetahs, and countless bird species. Between drives, relax at your lodge or take an optional Maasai cultural visit to learn about local traditions.

Highlights:

  • Morning and afternoon game drives
  • Excellent photographic opportunities of wildlife and Kilimanjaro
  • Dinner and overnight at Kilima Safari Camp

After breakfast, depart Amboseli and travel through the scenic Great Rift Valley, stopping for panoramic views before continuing to Lake Naivasha, a freshwater haven teeming with birdlife. After lunch, enjoy a boat ride to view hippos and waterbirds, or opt for a guided walk on Crescent Island, where herbivores roam freely.

Highlights:

  • Scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley
  • Boat ride on Lake Naivasha
  • Dinner and overnight at Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge

Optional Activities:

  • Walking Safari on Crescent Island USD 36 / person
  • Horseback Safari in Sanctuary FarmUSD 50 / adult
  • Cycling in Hell’s Gate National ParkUSD 60 / adult

Depart after breakfast for Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its pink flamingos and endangered rhinos. Enjoy a game drive through the park’s acacia woodlands and along the lake’s shoreline, spotting rhinos, giraffes, buffaloes, and various bird species.

Highlights:

  • Scenic drive to Lake Nakuru
  • Game drive with rhino and bird sightings
  • Dinner and overnight at Lake Nakuru Lodge

After breakfast, journey across Kenya’s countryside to the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations. Arrive in time for lunch, then head out on an afternoon game drive across the rolling savannahs, home to lions, elephants, cheetahs, and countless antelope.

Highlights:

  • Scenic countryside drive to the Mara
  • Afternoon game drive in the Masai Mara
  • Dinner and overnight at Zebra Plains Camp

Spend a full day exploring the Mara’s vast plains and diverse wildlife. Witness the Big Five and, during the migration season (July–October), the dramatic wildebeest crossings along the Mara River. Enjoy picnic lunches in the wild and take in the incredible scenery and sounds of the savannah.

Highlights:

  • Full-day game drive in the Masai Mara
  • Big Five sightings and Great Migration (seasonal)
  • Dinner and overnight at Zebra Plains Camp

Enjoy another day of game drives or choose to start your morning with an optional hot air balloon safari — a breathtaking experience followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush. Later, relax at your camp or continue exploring the reserve’s rich wildlife and birdlife.

Highlights:

  • Morning and afternoon game drives
  • Dinner and overnight at Zebra Plains Camp

Optional Activities:

  • Hot air balloon Safari480 USD / person

Enjoy a scenic drive back to Nairobi, arriving in the afternoon. Drop-off at your hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward journey — ending your unforgettable Kenyan safari adventure.

Highlights:

  • Scenic return journey through the Rift Valley
  • End of safari experience

Optional Activities:

  • Masai Village Tour30 USD / adult

Camps & Lodges

Expected Sightings

The Predators

High

The vast plains of Kenya reveal nature’s untamed power. Stealth and speed rule here, where every hunt becomes a display of instinct and survival. The balance of life is written in every chase, every moment of stillness, and every heartbeat of the wild.

African Lions
African Leopard
Cheetahs
Hyenas
Nile Crocodile
Jackals
Serval Cats

Best time: All round the year

The Giants

High

Across the savannah, nature’s titans move with grace and power. Towering shapes march across open fields and riverbanks, reshaping the land as they go. Their presence defines the rhythm of the wilderness — timeless, majestic, and eternal.

African Elephants
Giraffes
Hippopotamus
Rhinoceros
Cape Buffalo

Best time: All round the year

The Nomads

Seasonal

Endless herds travel the ancient migration routes, driven by rain and renewal. Their journey across plains and rivers is one of courage and instinct — a breathtaking cycle that sustains life and tells the story of Africa’s eternal migration.

Wildebeests
Zebra
Thompson's Gazelle

Best time: July to October

Topi in Masai Mara

The Plainsfolk

High

Life thrives across the golden grasslands. Agile and alert, these grazers embody the pulse of the savannah — harmony in motion, survival in numbers, and grace in every stride beneath the open sky.

Topi
Impala
Warthog
Eland
Baboons

Best time: All round the year

The Skyfolk

Medium

Above the plains, the skies come alive with motion and song. From silent gliders to swift hunters, they command the air with freedom and purpose. Each flight writes its own story against the endless horizon.

VulturesAfrican Fish Eagle
Vultures
Secretary Bird
Kori Bustard
Marabou Stork

Best time: All round the year

Flamingos of Lake Nakuru

The Waterfolk

Low

Where rivers flow and lakes shimmer, life gathers in abundance. The waters nurture both calm and chaos — a realm of reflection, movement, and grace that sustains the heart of the wild.

Flamingos
Pelicans
Jacanas
Cormorants
Herons

Best time: November to April

What's Included

Essentials

  • All National Park Entry Fees — full access to Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara
  • All Transfers — airport, inter-park, and lodge transfers as scheduled
  • Professional KPSGA-Certified Safari Guide cum driver — expert wildlife interpretation and personal attention
  • Safari Accessories — binoculars, drinking water station, and cooler box in the vehicle
  • Travel Consultation — free guidance on visas, packing, and travel requirements
  • All Government Taxes & Levies — no hidden costs

Experience

  • Exclusive & Unlimited Safari Experiences — enjoy twice-daily game drives or full-day expeditions, with exceptional opportunities to encounter the Big Five and more
  • Lake Naivasha Experiences — private boat safari
  • Signature Sundowner Experience — enjoy drinks and light bites against an African sunset
  • Curated Safari Lodges & Camps — authetic safari stays with full-board dining throughout your journey
  • Exclusive Private 4x4 Land Cruiser — comfortable, all-window seats, ideal for photography

What's Not Included

  • International and Domestic Flights
  • Personal Expenses — laundry, shopping, and beverages
  • Gratuities — suggested USD 10 - 15 per adult per day for your guide
  • Electronic Travel Authorisation (Kenya ETA / Visa)

Guest Reviews

Firstly, this trip felt surreal, out of a movie. All credit to Marvels of Africa for organising it so well taking into consideration our needs and requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Kenya Explorer Safari can be enjoyed year-round, but the dry seasons from June to October and January to March offer the best wildlife viewing. During these months, animals gather around water sources, and the landscapes are clear for photography. If you prefer lush scenery and fewer tourists, the green season (November–December and April–May) is equally rewarding, with vibrant birdlife and young animals on the plains.

Yes, the Classic Kenya Explorer Safari is an excellent choice for families traveling with children. The itinerary is thoughtfully designed with comfortable travel distances, family-friendly lodges, and engaging activities that appeal to all ages. Children can enjoy exciting game drives, boat rides on Lake Naivasha, and cultural interactions with the Maasai community, all under the guidance of experienced safari guides who prioritize safety and fun. Many lodges also offer family suites, swimming pools, and junior ranger programs, making this safari both educational and unforgettable for young explorers.

You can look forward to a delicious mix of local African flavours and international cuisine throughout your safari. Most lodges and camps serve buffet-style meals, but depending on the number of guests and occupancy, they may also offer a set menu with freshly prepared dishes by the chef. Expect hearty breakfasts with fruits, cereals, eggs, and baked goods, followed by flavourful lunches and three-course dinners under the stars. On full-day game drives, lodges often provide packed lunches, which are convenient but come with limited options — typically sandwiches, fruits, snacks, and juice. Special dietary requests — including vegetarian, vegan, Indian, halal, or gluten-free meals — can usually be arranged with prior notice. In general, the better the lodge, the more elaborate and refined the dining experience, often featuring gourmet presentations, fine wines, and personalised service.

This is one of the most common questions — and a very practical one! While exploring Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara, there are generally no permanent restroom facilities inside most parts of the parks, as these are natural wilderness areas. However, your guide will plan comfort stops at designated safe points, such as ranger stations, picnic sites, or specific rest areas where facilities are available. For longer game drives, especially in the Masai Mara, your guide can also arrange discreet “bush stops” in safe, private spots when needed. Morning and afternoon drives are usually scheduled around your lodge or camp, so you’ll have access to proper restrooms before and after each outing.

A typical full day on a Kenya Explorer Safari covering Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Nakuru and Masai Mara is designed to give you the best chance to spot wildlife from sunrise to sunset. The day begins early with an extended morning game drive, when animals are most active, and you’ll enjoy a packed bush breakfast in the park surrounded by incredible scenery. Afterward, you return to your lodge or camp for a hot lunch and some time to relax or swim. In the late afternoon, you’ll head out again for another game drive until sunset, when the golden light creates perfect conditions for photography and predator sightings. The day ends back at your lodge with a delicious dinner and stories by the campfire — the perfect finish to a day filled with adventure and unforgettable wildlife encounters.