9-Day Luxury Big Kenya Safari Holiday

Arrival in Nairobi and Road Transfer to Masai Mara

Your 9-Day Luxury Big Kenya Safari Holiday begins upon arrival in Nairobi, where a friendly driver-guide from Mooi Adventures will meet you for a scenic road transfer to Masai Mara National Reserve. The drive spans approximately 5-6 hours, taking you through central Kenya’s rolling hills, tea and coffee plantations, and small rural towns. Along the way, your guide introduces the country’s geography, wildlife, and cultural heritage, providing fascinating insights into Kenya’s ecological diversity and conservation initiatives.

Upon arrival at Jambo Mara Safari Lodge, located in a prime wildlife viewing area, you will be welcomed with refreshments and a briefing about the safari ahead. Following check-in, enjoy a delicious lunch while taking in panoramic views of the Mara’s sprawling savannah. The afternoon is reserved for your first game drive, offering the chance to spot lions resting under acacia trees, elephant herds roaming the plains, and grazing zebras and antelopes. Samburu’s unique landscapes differ from the southern reserves, providing an introduction to Kenya’s varied ecosystems.

As the sun sets, the golden hour casts dramatic shadows across the plains, perfect for photography. Returning to the lodge, dinner is served with the ambient sounds of the Mara in the background, from distant predators to the rustle of the grasslands. This first day balances travel, wildlife introduction, and relaxation, setting the tone for the immersive experiences to follow.

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

Masai Mara National Reserve Game Drives, Nature Walks, and Optional Hot Air Balloon

Day two is dedicated to a full day in Masai Mara, one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife reserves. Begin with an early morning game drive, a prime time to observe predators during their hunting activities and herbivores grazing at dawn. Masai Mara’s vast plains and riverine forests are home to the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino as well as cheetahs, hyenas, and a remarkable diversity of antelope species.

Photography enthusiasts will find the early morning light ideal for capturing dramatic landscapes and wildlife behavior. Later, enjoy a nature walk led by your 9-Day Luxury Big Kenya Safari Holiday guide, offering insights into smaller flora and fauna, animal tracking, and the ecosystem’s intricate interconnections. If desired, travelers can experience a hot air balloon safari, soaring above the Mara’s endless savannahs at sunrise. This optional adventure provides a unique vantage point for spotting wildlife and photographing the plains from the air.

After lunch at the lodge, embark on an afternoon game drive focusing on predator observation, birdwatching, and discovering Mara’s hidden corners. Guides use expert knowledge to locate elusive species and provide detailed commentary on animal behavior, ecological balance, and conservation challenges. Return to the lodge for dinner, reflecting on a day filled with unforgettable wildlife encounters, stunning landscapes, and immersive nature experiences.

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

Masai Mara Culture, Photography, and Game Drives

Day three continues exploration of the Mara, focusing on photography, culture, and in-depth wildlife observation. Early morning, embark on a game drive, capturing images of lions, cheetahs, and elephant families. The Mara’s rolling plains, acacia trees, and meandering rivers provide breathtaking backdrops for both photography and immersive wildlife observation.

Midday offers the opportunity to visit a local Maasai community, where travelers engage with indigenous people, learn about traditional livelihoods, rituals, and beadwork crafts, and gain insights into their pivotal role in conservation. This cultural encounter adds depth to the 9-Day Luxury Big Kenya Safari Holiday experience, illustrating the interconnectedness of wildlife preservation and local communities.

The afternoon is reserved for another game drive, focusing on different Mara regions to increase wildlife diversity observation. Photographers can experiment with lighting and perspectives, while nature enthusiasts’ study ecological interactions and species behavior. The day concludes at Jambo Mara Safari Lodge, with dinner and optional night viewing of nocturnal wildlife sounds, providing a holistic immersion into the Mara ecosystem.

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

 Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park

After an early breakfast, depart for Lake Nakuru National Park, located in Kenya’s scenic Rift Valley. The drive provides panoramic views of the highlands, farmlands, and rolling hills, highlighting Kenya’s diverse landscapes. Upon arrival at Ziwa Bush Lodge, enjoy lunch before embarking on an evening game drive in Lake Nakuru, renowned for its flamingo population and rhino sanctuary.

The park’s ecosystem supports lions, leopards, giraffes, and numerous antelope species. Game drives are conducted with an emphasis on photography, ecological education, and wildlife behavior observation. Sunset in Lake Nakuru is spectacular, with pink-hued flamingos reflecting on the lake’s surface, creating dramatic visual opportunities. Returning to the lodge, dinner is served, and guests may relax while listening to the sounds of the Rift Valley’s wilderness.

• Accommodation: Ziwa Bush Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water

Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha with Sunset Boat Cruise

Begin with a sunrise game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, spotting predators and early-morning bird activity. Depart for Lake Naivasha, arriving at Crater Lake Camp by midday. After lunch, embark on a sunset boat cruise, observing hippos, giraffes, and diverse birdlife while enjoying serene waterscapes.

Your 9-Day Luxury Big Kenya Safari Holiday guide explains the lake’s ecology, bird species, and conservation efforts. Photography opportunities abound, with calm waters reflecting surrounding hills and wildlife. Dinner at the camp concludes a day combining aquatic scenery with wildlife adventure.

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

Lake Naivasha to Amboseli National Park

After breakfast, travel to Amboseli National Park, famous for its large elephant herds and views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Afternoon game drive allows observation of elephants, lions, zebras, and birdlife across varied landscapes. Guides share knowledge on Amboseli’s ecosystem, elephant behavior, and conservation challenges. Dinner at Ol Tukai Lodge provides relaxation and scenic views.

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

Amboseli National Park – Game Drives and Maasai Community Visit

Full-day exploration of Amboseli includes morning and afternoon game drives capturing wildlife in photogenic landscapes. Midday visit to a Maasai village provides cultural immersion, demonstrating local lifestyles, traditions, and conservation efforts. Photography, wildlife observation, and cultural learning dominate the day.

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

Tsavo West National Park Game Drives and Nature Walks

Depart Amboseli for Tsavo West National Park, a vast wilderness of hills, rivers, and volcanic formations. Afternoon game drives and nature walks reveal elephants, lions, leopards, and exotic bird species. The park’s dramatic landscapes offer unparalleled photography and immersive wildlife experiences. Dinner at Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge completes the day.

• Accommodation: Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water

Tsavo West to Nairobi for Departure

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic road transfer back to Nairobi, concluding your safari journey. Reflect on encounters with Kenya’s Big Five, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural interactions as you are transferred to the airport for your departure flight.

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