A 10-day classic Kenya safari offers an immersive journey across Kenya’s most renowned national parks and game reserves, from the rolling plains of the Maasai Mara to the dramatic landscapes of Samburu, and Amboseli’s iconic views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Perfect for those looking to experience Kenya’s diverse wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and vibrant cultures, this itinerary provides ample time to explore multiple ecosystems, encounter the Big Five, and witness Kenya’s extraordinary natural beauty.
Overview of the 10-Day Kenya Safari
The 10-day Kenya safari itinerary takes you through a selection of Kenya’s most famous parks and reserves, each offering unique wildlife encounters and scenic landscapes. Starting in Nairobi, the journey includes visits to Amboseli National Park, Lake Nakuru, Samburu National Reserve, Lake Naivasha, and the Maasai Mara. With a mix of game drives, boat rides, and cultural experiences, this safari promises a comprehensive taste of Kenya’s wilderness and heritage.
Highlights:
- Multiple game drives across Kenya’s top national parks
- Iconic views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Rift Valley lakes, and the Maasai Mara
- Opportunities to spot the Big Five, witness the Great Migration (seasonal), and explore various ecosystems
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi and Safari Briefing
Your safari adventure begins with your arrival in Nairobi, Kenya’s vibrant capital city. After being welcomed at the airport, you’ll transfer to your hotel for check-in and a brief rest. Later in the day, you’ll meet your safari guide for a trip briefing, covering details of the itinerary, park highlights, and essential information for the upcoming journey.
If time permits, you may explore some of Nairobi’s popular sites, such as the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for baby elephants or the Giraffe Centre. This first evening is an opportunity to relax and prepare for the excitement of the days ahead.
Highlights of Day 1:
- Arrival and welcome in Nairobi
- Safari briefing with an overview of the itinerary
- Optional visit to Nairobi’s wildlife and cultural sites
Day 2: Nairobi to Amboseli National Park
On Day 2, you’ll depart Nairobi for Amboseli National Park, a 4-5 hour drive south toward the Tanzania border. Amboseli is famous for its large herds of elephants and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro. After checking into your lodge and having lunch, you’ll set out on an afternoon game drive to see Amboseli’s elephants, along with giraffes, zebras, and other wildlife against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak.
The day ends with dinner back at the lodge, where you can relax and take in the beautiful Amboseli landscape.
Highlights of Day 2:
- Scenic drive to Amboseli with views of Mount Kilimanjaro
- Afternoon game drive with excellent elephant sightings
- Dinner and overnight stay with views of Amboseli’s landscapes
Day 3: Full Day in Amboseli National Park
Day 3 is dedicated to exploring Amboseli National Park in depth. Starting with an early morning game drive, you’ll enjoy the best wildlife viewing as animals are active in the cool morning air. Amboseli’s swampy areas attract hippos, waterbucks, and numerous bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and photographers.
You’ll return to the lodge for lunch and a short rest before setting out for an evening game drive. With Kilimanjaro often clear in the late afternoon, this is an ideal time to capture iconic photos of Amboseli’s landscapes.
Highlights of Day 3:
- Morning and afternoon game drives for diverse wildlife viewing
- Birdwatching opportunities in Amboseli’s swamps and lakes
- Stunning sunset views of Kilimanjaro over the park’s plains
Day 4: Amboseli to Lake Naivasha
On Day 4, you’ll leave Amboseli and drive north to Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake in the Great Rift Valley. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your lodge and have lunch before enjoying a relaxing boat ride on Lake Naivasha. The boat ride provides close encounters with hippos and waterbirds, and you may spot fish eagles diving for fish.
After the boat ride, you have the option to visit Crescent Island for a walking safari, where you can walk among zebras, giraffes, and antelopes without the confines of a vehicle.
Highlights of Day 4:
- Scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley to Lake Naivasha
- Boat ride on Lake Naivasha with hippo and bird sightings
- Optional walking safari on Crescent Island
Day 5: Lake Naivasha to Lake Nakuru National Park
After breakfast, you’ll drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, known for its flamingos, rhinos, and scenic lake views. Upon arrival, you’ll embark on a game drive to explore the park’s landscapes, which include wooded grasslands and rocky cliffs.
Lake Nakuru is a designated rhino sanctuary, so you have a high chance of spotting both black and white rhinos, along with leopards, lions, and Rothschild giraffes. The day ends with dinner and an overnight stay at your lodge within the park.
Highlights of Day 5:
- Game drive with opportunities to see rhinos, flamingos, and other wildlife
- Scenic views of Lake Nakuru’s landscapes and lake shore
- Evening relaxation at a lodge with views of the park
Day 6: Lake Nakuru to Samburu National Reserve
On Day 6, you’ll leave Lake Nakuru and head north toward Samburu National Reserve, a unique park known for its arid landscapes and rare animal species, known as the “Special Five.” The drive takes you through changing landscapes, eventually arriving at Samburu in time for an afternoon game drive.
During the game drive, you’ll look for the Special Five: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx. You’ll return to your lodge in the evening, enjoying a relaxing dinner and the sounds of the African wilderness.
Highlights of Day 6:
- Scenic drive through diverse Kenyan landscapes to Samburu
- Afternoon game drive featuring the rare Special Five
- Overnight stay in a unique, arid environment
Day 7: Full Day in Samburu National Reserve
A full day in Samburu National Reserve allows you to explore this unique habitat thoroughly. The day begins with a morning game drive to catch Samburu’s wildlife at their most active. In addition to the Special Five, you may encounter large elephant herds, lions, and leopards near the Ewaso Ng’iro River.
An afternoon game drive provides further opportunities for wildlife sightings, while visits to a Samburu village offer insights into the local culture and customs of the Samburu people.
Highlights of Day 7:
- Morning and afternoon game drives with varied wildlife sightings
- Unique landscapes along the Ewaso Ng’iro River
- Optional cultural visit to a Samburu village
Day 8: Samburu to Maasai Mara National Reserve
On Day 8, you’ll depart from Samburu and travel to Kenya’s crown jewel, the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The drive takes most of the day, but you’ll arrive at the Maasai Mara in time for an evening game drive. This first game drive offers a chance to spot some of the Big Five and observe the vast herds that roam the Mara plains.
After the drive, you’ll return to your lodge or camp for dinner and a well-deserved rest in the heart of the Maasai Mara.
Highlights of Day 8:
- Scenic drive to the iconic Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Evening game drive with Big Five sightings
- Overnight stay in a camp or lodge within the Mara
Day 9: Full Day in the Maasai Mara
Day 9 is dedicated to exploring the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Starting with an early morning game drive, you’ll have a full day to search for lions, leopards, elephants, and, if visiting during the Great Migration season, witness millions of wildebeest and zebras crossing the Mara River.
A picnic lunch on the savannah lets you enjoy the Mara’s breathtaking views, and an optional hot air balloon safari offers a unique aerial perspective of the plains at sunrise.
Highlights of Day 9:
- Full-day game drive with potential Great Migration sightings (seasonal)
- Picnic lunch in the heart of the savannah
- Optional hot air balloon safari over the Maasai Mara
Day 10: Final Game Drive and Return to Nairobi
On your last day, enjoy a farewell morning game drive in the Maasai Mara, capturing final memories of Kenya’s wildlife and landscapes. After breakfast, you’ll begin the drive back to Nairobi, arriving in the afternoon. This marks the end of a spectacular 10-day safari adventure, leaving you with lasting memories of Kenya’s incredible wildlife and scenery.
Highlights of Day 10:
- Morning game drive for one last chance to see the Big Five
- Scenic return journey through the Great Rift Valley
- Arrival in Nairobi and end of the safari adventure
A 10-day classic Kenya safari offers a comprehensive and immersive experience, from Amboseli’s Kilimanjaro views to the unique wildlife of Samburu and the iconic landscapes of the Maasai Mara. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers, this journey through Kenya’s top wildlife destinations promises unforgettable encounters and stunning scenery, making it a dream safari adventure