10-Day Northern to Southern Kenya Grand Safari Circuit

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve

Depart Nairobi early and drive north through Central Kenya, crossing the equator and enjoying changing scenery from highlands to semi-arid landscapes. The journey is paced with comfort stops to keep the long drive relaxed. Arrive in Samburu in the afternoon, check in, and enjoy a gentle introductory game drive along the Ewaso Nyiro River. This area is known for unique northern species and dramatic terrain, setting the tone for the safari adventure ahead. Evening at leisure in camp.

Main Destination:

Samburu National Reserve

Best Time To Visit June to September and January to February

High Season December to March and July to October (Busy)

Best Weather June and December (Cool and fresh after rain)

Wildlife in Samburu NR

ElephantAbundant

GiraffeCommon

ZebraCommon

LionOccasional

LeopardOccasional

BuffaloOccasional

Show more

HippoOccasional

HyenaOccasional

CheetahRare

Wild DogRare

White RhinoNone

Black RhinoNone

WildebeestNone

Accommodation:

Samburu Sopa Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located inside Samburu NR

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Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Samburu National Reserve

Spend a full day exploring Samburu with morning and afternoon game drives. The reserve offers excellent sightings of Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx, species rarely seen elsewhere in Kenya. Wildlife concentrates along the river, especially during dry periods, making drives productive without excessive distance. Midday rest at the lodge allows time to absorb the remote atmosphere. The day balances exploration and relaxation while maximizing wildlife viewing within a compact area.

Main Destination:

Samburu National Reserve

Accommodation:

Samburu Sopa Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located inside Samburu NR

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy

After breakfast, drive south toward Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a shorter and smoother transfer compared to cross-country routes. Arrive in time for lunch and an afternoon game drive. Ol Pejeta is renowned for its rhino conservation efforts and diverse wildlife, including lion, elephant, and chimpanzees in a sanctuary setting. The conservancy’s well-maintained road network ensures efficient game viewing without long drives. Overnight within the conservancy for immersive bush experiences.

Main Destination:

Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Laikipia Plateau)

Best Time To Visit June to September (Dry season)

High Season June to October and December to March

Best Weather June to September and December to February (Less rain)

Wildlife in Ol Pejeta Conservancy

ElephantCommon

GiraffeCommon

White RhinoCommon

Black RhinoCommon

BuffaloCommon

ZebraCommon

Show more

HyenaCommon

LionOccasional

CheetahOccasional

WildebeestOccasional

HippoOccasional

LeopardRare

Wild DogRare

Accommodation:

Maisha Sweetwaters Camp

• Mid-range tented camp located just outside Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Laikipia Plateau)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Ol Pejeta to Lake Nakuru National Park

Enjoy a short morning activity or relaxed breakfast before driving toward the Rift Valley floor. The route descends gradually with scenic viewpoints en route. Arrive at Lake Nakuru National Park for an afternoon game drive around the alkaline lake and surrounding woodlands. The park is famous for black and white rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, and rich birdlife. Compact park size allows rewarding wildlife encounters without extensive driving. Evening inside or near the park.

Main Destination:

Lake Nakuru National Park

Best Time To Visit June to February (Best for wildlife viewing; little rain)

High Season July to February (The park gets very busy)

Best Weather June to February (Little rainfall)

Wildlife in Lake Nakuru NP

GiraffeCommon

White RhinoCommon

BuffaloCommon

ZebraCommon

HippoCommon

Black RhinoOccasional

Show more

LionOccasional

LeopardOccasional

HyenaOccasional

ElephantNone

CheetahNone

WildebeestNone

Wild DogNone

Accommodation:

Hillcourt Resort & Spa

• Mid-range hotel located less than 1hr drive from Lake Nakuru NP

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara National Reserve

Depart after breakfast and continue southwest through rolling farmlands and Masai settlements toward the Masai Mara. This is a longer but logical transfer day, linking the Rift Valley to Kenya’s premier savannah. Arrive in the Mara by mid to late afternoon, check in, and enjoy a first game drive on the open plains. Expect sightings of plains game and predators as the sun sets. Overnight in the reserve area.

Main Destination:

Masai Mara National Reserve

Best Time To Visit June to October (For general wildlife viewing) and August to October (For wildebeest migration)

High Season June to October and December to March

Best Weather June to October (Sunny, but not too hot)

Wildlife in Masai Mara NR

ElephantCommon

GiraffeCommon

LionCommon

CheetahCommon

ZebraAbundant

WildebeestAbundant

Show more

BuffaloCommon

HippoCommon

HyenaCommon

LeopardOccasional

Black RhinoRare

Wild DogVery Rare

White RhinoNone

Accommodation:

Mara Chui Resort

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Masai Mara NR

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Masai Mara National Reserve

A full day in the Masai Mara maximizes wildlife viewing without changing location. Morning and afternoon game drives explore different sectors of the reserve, focusing on areas with high predator activity and river crossings if seasonal. The Mara’s vast plains allow flexible routing, reducing backtracking and unnecessary mileage. Picnic lunch or lodge break depending on preference. The day is dedicated to immersive safari experiences in one of Africa’s most iconic landscapes.

Main Destination:

Masai Mara National Reserve

Accommodation:

Mara Chui Resort

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Masai Mara NR

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Masai Mara to Lake Naivasha

After breakfast, drive east toward Lake Naivasha, climbing out of the Mara and re-entering the Rift Valley. The transition from savannah to lakeside scenery is refreshing and well-paced. Arrive by early afternoon and enjoy a relaxed afternoon with boat rides or nature walks around the lake. Naivasha offers a lighter safari day, ideal after intensive game drives, while keeping driving distances moderate. Overnight at a lakeside lodge.

Main Destination:

Lake Naivasha (Naivasha)

Accommodation:

Naivasha Kongoni Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located near Lake Naivasha (Naivasha)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Lake Naivasha to Amboseli National Park

Depart early and drive south via Nairobi, continuing toward Amboseli National Park. Though one of the longer transfers, this route is direct and avoids unnecessary detours. Arrive in Amboseli in the late afternoon with time for a short game drive. The park is known for large elephant herds and views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Evening at leisure, enjoying the open plains and dramatic mountain backdrop.

Main Destination:

Amboseli National Park

Best Time To Visit June to October and January to February

High Season December to March and July to October (Busy)

Best Weather June to September and January to February (Little rainfall)

Wildlife in Amboseli NP

ElephantAbundant

GiraffeCommon

BuffaloAbundant

ZebraAbundant

WildebeestAbundant

HippoCommon

Show more

HyenaCommon

LionOccasional

CheetahOccasional

White RhinoNone

Black RhinoNone

LeopardRare to None

Wild DogNone

Accommodation:

Penety Amboseli Resort

• Mid-range hotel located less than 1hr drive from Amboseli NP

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Amboseli National Park

Spend the full day in Amboseli with morning and afternoon game drives. The park’s flat terrain allows efficient wildlife tracking with minimal driving effort. Elephants, buffalo, lion, and abundant birdlife are commonly seen, especially around swamp areas. Clear weather often reveals Kilimanjaro, adding scenic value. The day is unhurried, combining photography, wildlife observation, and relaxation in camp between activities.

Main Destination:

Amboseli National Park

Accommodation:

Penety Amboseli Resort

• Mid-range hotel located less than 1hr drive from Amboseli NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Amboseli to Nairobi

After breakfast, enjoy a final short game drive as you exit Amboseli, then drive back to Nairobi via the main highway. The route is straightforward and completes the north-to-south circuit efficiently. Arrive in Nairobi in the afternoon, marking the end of a well-balanced safari that prioritizes smooth driving distances while covering Kenya’s most diverse ecosystems.

Main Destination:

Nairobi (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.