10-Day Mid-Range Best of Kenya Safari

Arrival in Nairobi and Road Transfer to Amboseli National Park

Your 10-Day Mid-Range Best of Kenya Safari begins upon arrival in Nairobi, where a professional driver-guide from Mooi Adventures welcomes you at the airport. After introductions and a safari briefing, you embark on a road transfer to Amboseli National Park, located approximately 4-5 hours from Nairobi. The route traverses the scenic central Kenyan plains, small towns, and traditional Maasai villages, providing glimpses into everyday life along the way.

Upon arrival at Ol Tukai Lodge, guests are greeted with refreshments and a detailed orientation about lodge facilities and safety procedures. After lunch, enjoy your first afternoon game drive in Amboseli, where vast savannahs and swamps provide excellent habitats for elephants, giraffes, zebras, and an array of bird species. With Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop, photographers and wildlife enthusiasts have ample opportunities to capture dramatic landscapes and iconic wildlife moments.

As the sun sets, the park’s magical atmosphere comes alive, with the sounds of hippos and distant lions adding to the immersive experience. Return to the lodge for dinner, reflecting on your first day of adventure and preparing for the full safari experience ahead. This day balances travel, relaxation, and initial wildlife exposure, setting the tone for an unforgettable 10-Day Mid-Range Best of Kenya Safari journey.

• Accommodation: Ol Tukai Lodge
• Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast

Amboseli National Park Safari Game Drives, Nature Walks, and Photography

Day two offers a full immersion in Amboseli National Park, a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The day begins with an early morning game drive, taking advantage of the cooler hours when predators are most active and herbivores graze along the plains. Amboseli is renowned for its large elephant herds, which roam freely across swamps and grasslands. With Mount Kilimanjaro towering in the background, the park presents unparalleled photographic opportunities.

Midday activities include nature walks guided by experienced rangers, focusing on tracking animals, plant identification, and understanding the park’s ecosystem. Travelers gain insight into predator-prey dynamics, bird diversity, and the ecological importance of wetland areas. During the afternoon game drive, the focus shifts to spotting elusive species such as lions, cheetahs, and smaller mammals. The day concludes at Ol Tukai Lodge, where dinner and relaxation provide a serene end to an action-packed day.

Amboseli’s combination of vast plains, wildlife diversity, and scenic beauty creates a perfect foundation for the remainder of your safari. Guests leave the lodge with both stunning photographs and a growing appreciation for Kenya’s ecological richness.

• Accommodation: Ol Tukai Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast

Amboseli to Sweetwaters Wildlife Conservancy

Following breakfast, the journey continues northwards to Sweetwaters Wildlife Conservancy, a private reserve located in the Laikipia region. The road trip traverses Kenya’s highlands, farmland, and scenic escarpments, offering ample photographic opportunities along the way. Sweetwaters is part of the Ol Pejeta Conservancy ecosystem, renowned for rhino conservation and Big Five sightings in a more secluded setting.

Upon arrival at Maisha Sweetwaters Camp, guests settle into luxury tents or cottages designed for comfort and immersion in nature. After lunch, embark on an afternoon game drive, exploring the conservancy’s diverse habitats, from open savannahs to riverine forests. Wildlife in Sweetwaters is abundant, with elephants, rhinos, lions, and antelope species often encountered. The camp’s knowledgeable 10-Day Mid-Range Best of Kenya Safari guides provide in-depth information on animal behavior, conservation efforts, and photography tips.

Evening relaxation at the camp allows travelers to absorb the sounds of the wild and enjoy a gourmet dinner under the African sky. Sweetwaters offers a unique opportunity to experience intimate and private 10-Day Mid-Range Best of Kenya Safari adventures, ideal for those seeking a mid-range safari with a touch of exclusivity and comfort.

• Accommodation: Maisha Sweetwaters Camp
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast

Sweetwaters to Samburu National Reserve

After an early breakfast, depart Sweetwaters for Samburu National Reserve, an arid and stunning ecosystem situated along the Ewaso Ng’iro River. Samburu is home to several species unique to northern Kenya, including Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, and beisa oryx, often referred to as the “Samburu Special Five.”

Upon arrival at Samburu Sopa Lodge, enjoy lunch before your first afternoon game drive. The landscape here contrasts sharply with the lush highlands of Sweetwaters, featuring dry plains, rocky outcrops, and riverine forests. Wildlife sightings are abundant, with lions, elephants, and leopards often spotted near the riverbanks. Evening photography sessions provide golden light over the rugged terrain, ideal for capturing unique wildlife behavior. Dinner at the lodge concludes a full day of adventure, highlighting Kenya’s ecological diversity from central highlands to northern arid landscapes.

• Accommodation: Samburu Sopa Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast

Samburu National Reserve Guided Game Drives and Nature Walks

Day five is dedicated to exploring Samburu’s unique wildlife and landscapes. Begin with an early morning game drive, ideal for spotting elusive predators and photographing dramatic scenery. The 10-Day Mid-Range Best of Kenya Safari guides share detailed knowledge about local species, behavioral patterns, and conservation challenges. Samburu is renowned for predator sightings, and careful tracking often leads to close encounters with lions, cheetahs, and leopards.

Midday activities may include a guided nature walk, emphasizing smaller wildlife, birds, and plants, as well as traditional survival skills practiced by the local communities. Afternoon drives continue wildlife observation and photography, with the golden sunset casting stunning hues over the arid landscape. Evening dinner at the lodge allows guests to reflect on a day rich in immersive wildlife experiences, cultural insight, and photographic opportunities.

• Accommodation: Samburu Sopa Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast

Samburu to Lake Naivasha – Sunset Boat Cruise

After breakfast, depart Samburu for Lake Naivasha, traveling through central Kenya’s fertile farmlands and scenic escarpments. Upon arrival at Crater Lake Camp, enjoy lunch before an afternoon boat cruise on Lake Naivasha. This freshwater lake is home to a wealth of birdlife, hippos, and scenic wetlands. Guests can photograph waterbirds, hippos, and the surrounding lush landscapes.

The combination of boat-based wildlife observation and tranquil scenery provides a change of pace from previous safari days, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Kenya’s Rift Valley lakes. Return to camp for dinner and evening reflection.

• Accommodation: Crater Lake Camp
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast

Lake Naivasha to Masai Mara National Reserve

Morning game drives in Lake Naivasha National Park provide additional wildlife observation before traveling to Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s premier safari destination. Upon arrival at Jambo Mara Safari Lodge, guests embark on an evening game drive, exploring vast savannahs and riverine areas, spotting lions, elephants, giraffes, and zebras. The Mara’s dramatic landscapes provide endless photography opportunities.

• Accommodation: Jambo Mara Safari Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast

Masai Mara Game Drives, Maasai Visit, and Photography

Day eight is dedicated to Masai Mara exploration, featuring guided game drives, photography, and a cultural Maasai village visit. Morning drives highlight predator-prey dynamics, while afternoon drives provide opportunities to capture the iconic landscapes and abundant wildlife. The Maasai village visit offers insight into traditional life, customs, and beadwork, emphasizing the connection between local communities and wildlife conservation.

• Accommodation: Jambo Mara Safari Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast

Masai Mara Game Drives and Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari

Today offers a combination of morning and afternoon game drives and an optional hot air balloon safari, providing a unique aerial perspective of the Mara’s wildlife and landscape. Guests can witness herds of wildebeest and zebra moving across the plains, photograph predators in action, and enjoy the serene beauty of the African sunrise. Dinner at the lodge concludes a final evening in the Mara.

• Accommodation: Jambo Mara Safari Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast

 Masai Mara to Nairobi – Departure

After an early breakfast, enjoy a scenic road transfer from Masai Mara to Nairobi, reflecting on ten days of immersive wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and photography. Upon arrival in Nairobi, guests are transferred to the airport for their international departure, concluding an unforgettable Kenyan adventure.

• Accommodation: None
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast