10-Day Classic Kenya Safari: Amboseli, Ol Pejeta, Samburu, Nakuru, and Maasai Mara

Begins with an early departure from Nairobi to Amboseli National Park, a 4-5 hour scenic drive through the countryside. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge or camp, enjoy a delicious lunch, and take a short rest. In the late afternoon, embark on your first game drive in Amboseli, famous for its majestic elephants and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Capture breathtaking photos as the sun sets behind Africa's tallest mountain.

Spend a full day exploring the park's swamps, open plains, and acacia woodlands. Amboseli is home to large herds of elephants, as well as lions, cheetahs, and numerous bird species. Optional visits to a Maasai village offer a deeper understanding of the Maasai people and their vibrant culture. Relax in the evening and take in the magical views of Kilimanjaro.

This day takes you from Amboseli to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, located near Mount Kenya. The drive lasts about 6-7 hours with a stopover for lunch along the way. Arrive in Ol Pejeta in the afternoon and set out for a game drive. Visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, a refuge for rescued chimps, and see the critically endangered rhinos, including the last two Northern White Rhinos in the world.

Full day in Ol Pejeta, where you can explore the conservancy’s vast landscapes on morning and afternoon game drives. Spot elephants, giraffes, lions, and leopards, and enjoy a unique night safari for an opportunity to see nocturnal animals like aardvarks and hyenas in action.

Travel to Samburu National Reserve, a rugged and semi-arid region approximately 4-5 hours away. After lunch at your lodge or camp, enjoy a game drive along the Ewaso Nyiro River, where animals gather to drink. Samburu is renowned for its rare species, including the Samburu Special Five: Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx.

Day spent fully immersing yourself in Samburu's wild beauty. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives to spot wildlife and predators such as lions and leopards. Optional visits to a Samburu village offer a chance to experience the customs, songs, and dances of the Samburu people.

Depart Samburu and drive to Lake Nakuru National Park in the Great Rift Valley, a journey of about 6-7 hours. Arrive in the afternoon for a game drive along the shores of Lake Nakuru, famous for its flamingos, rhinos, and tree-climbing lions. The scenic lake, surrounded by woodlands and cliffs, provides incredible photo opportunities.

Day takes you to the iconic Maasai Mara National Reserve, a 5-6 hour drive through picturesque countryside. Arrive for lunch, then set off for an exciting afternoon game drive. The vast plains of the Mara are home to the Big Five and large concentrations of predators, including lions, cheetahs, and leopards.

A full day of adventure in the Maasai Mara. Spend the day exploring the reserve on game drives, witnessing thrilling predator-prey interactions and spotting herds of elephants, zebras, and antelopes. If visiting during the Great Migration (July to October), you’ll witness millions of wildebeest crossing the crocodile-infested Mara River. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, consider an optional hot air balloon safari at dawn, followed by a champagne breakfast in the wild.

Enjoy an early morning game drive for a final opportunity to spot wildlife before departing for Nairobi. The drive takes about 5-6 hours, with an optional stop at Narok Town for souvenirs. Arrive in Nairobi in the late afternoon, concluding your incredible safari adventure.

This carefully planned itinerary offers an immersive experience through Kenya’s most celebrated destinations, combining spectacular wildlife viewing, cultural encounters, and breathtaking landscapes for memories that will last a lifetime.