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Kenya Classic Small Group Safari from Nairobi

Kenya Classic Small Group Safari

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Duration

7 Days

Starts In

Nairobi

Route

Masai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Nairobi

This classic seven-day safari links three of Kenya's best-loved wildlife areas in one well-paced circuit by road. From the capital, Nairobi, descend into the Great Rift Valley and continue to the Masai Mara for two nights among big cats, elephants and endless herds of plains game, with a visit to a Masai village along the way. Next comes Lake Nakuru National Park, a sanctuary for black and white rhinos and a magnet for flamingoes and other waterbirds. The journey ends with two nights in Amboseli National Park, where great herds of elephant wander beneath the snows of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak. Travelling in a shared safari vehicle with an experienced driver-guide, this is an excellent-value introduction to Kenya, covering savannah, lake and mountain scenery in a single, memorable week.

SAFARI JOURNEY - Days / 6 Nights featuring Kenya’s Masai Mara, Rift Valley and Amboseli. Includes private airport transfers, daily safari ranger - guided excursions, and wildlife encounters as indicated in the itinerary. This itinerary is fully flexible and can be amended to suit your activity level and interests.

Itinerary

Day
1

Day 1: Nairobi — Where the Journey Begins

On arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you are met by your local representative and driven to your hotel in Nairobi, the lively capital that serves as the gateway to Kenya's great parks. Check-in is from approximately 14:00, leaving the rest of the day free to unwind after your journey. For those arriving on an early morning flight, a choice of optional excursions is available (additional cost). Visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to meet its rescued baby elephants, follow in the footsteps of Karen Blixen on the Out of Africa Excursion, or join the Nai Nami Cultural Walking Tour for a storyteller's view of the city streets. This evening, relax at your hotel before the safari begins in earnest tomorrow.

Day
2

Day 2: Nairobi to Masai Mara — Into the Great Rift Valley

Set off after breakfast on the drive west to the Masai Mara. The route climbs through Kenya's fertile highlands before reaching the edge of the Great Rift Valley, where the land falls away in a dramatic sweep to the valley floor far below. On the descent, pass the little roadside chapel built by Italian prisoners of war, followed by the Longonot Earth Satellite Station. Continue through Narok, the main town of the Masai, and on across golden wheat and barley fields to the world-renowned Masai Mara. Lunch is waiting when you arrive, and there is time to settle in before your first game drive this afternoon. Return as dusk falls, with dinner and the sounds of the bush to follow.

Day
3

Day 3: Masai Mara — Tracking the Big Five

Spend today exploring the Masai Mara, whose open, rolling grasslands, scattered acacias and winding rivers are home to an extraordinary wealth of wildlife. After breakfast, set out on a morning game drive in search of the Mara's famous big cats, together with elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and countless antelope. Return mid-morning for some time to relax before lunch. In the afternoon, a second game drive is combined with a visit to a local Masai village, offering an insight into the daily life, dress and traditions of Kenya's best-known pastoral people. You are back at your accommodation by sunset. For a different perspective on the plains, an optional hot-air balloon safari at sunrise can be pre-booked for this morning (additional cost).

Day
4

Day 4: Masai Mara to the Rift Valley — Lakes and Wide Horizons

This morning, leave the Mara behind and drive through Narok and Kenya's agricultural heartland to the floor of the Great Rift Valley. Today's destination is Lake Nakuru National Park, a compact reserve wrapped around a shallow alkaline lake and fringed with yellow-barked acacia forest. Lunch is provided, and your game drive explores the lakeshore and surrounding grassland in search of the park's most celebrated residents. Both black and white rhinos are protected here, along with the rare Rothschild giraffe, and the birdlife is outstanding, from flamingoes and pelicans to fish eagles. Lion and leopard are also occasionally seen. As the sun goes down, arrive at your accommodation in the Lake Nakuru and Lake Elmenteita area in good time for dinner.

Day
5

Day 5: Rift Valley to Amboseli — Toward Kilimanjaro

Today is a travelling day, crossing from the lakes of the Rift Valley to the plains beneath Mount Kilimanjaro. After an early breakfast, head south towards Nairobi, climbing out of the valley through cool highland farmland. Lunch is taken along the way, either as a hot meal in the city or as a picnic, depending on travel conditions. Beyond the capital, the road runs across the wide, open Athi Plains, where Masai herdsmen graze their cattle and the landscape grows steadily drier. Reach Amboseli National Park by late afternoon and, if the clouds have lifted, enjoy your first view of Kilimanjaro's snow-capped summit rising above the savannah. Settle into your lodge and unwind over dinner after the long day's drive.

Day
6

Day 6: Amboseli National Park — Elephants and Kilimanjaro Views

Amboseli is one of Kenya's most rewarding parks, and today's morning and afternoon game drives show why. The park is renowned for its elephants, among the most studied in Africa, and large herds are often seen crossing the dusty plains on their way to the swamps, where they feed and bathe alongside hippo, buffalo and a wealth of waterbirds. These wetlands, fed by underground springs from Kilimanjaro, draw wildlife throughout the year, with zebra, wildebeest, giraffe and gazelle on the surrounding grassland and lion and hyena never far away. Above it all stands the mountain, Africa's highest, clearest in the early morning and again towards sunset. Between drives, there is time to relax at your lodge and enjoy the views.

Day
7

Day 7: Amboseli to Nairobi — Departure

Rise early for breakfast and, weather permitting, a final look at Mount Kilimanjaro as the first light catches its summit. Then begin the drive back to Nairobi, retracing your route across the Athi Plains with a last chance to spot giraffe or zebra from the road. You arrive in the capital in the early afternoon, where your seven-day safari comes to an end. Guests are dropped at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for onward flights, or at a designated Nairobi hotel. Over seven days you have followed a classic circuit through the Masai Mara, the Rift Valley lakes and Amboseli, three contrasting landscapes that together show Kenya at its best. Safe travels, or as they say here in Swahili, safari njema.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Kenya Classic Safari package include?

The Kenya Classic Safari package includes several essential services for a seamless travel experience: - Private airport transfers - Daily guided safari ranger excursions - Wildlife encounters as indicated in the itinerary - Accommodation for 6 nights in various lodges and camps - Meals as specified in the itinerary This package is fully flexible, allowing for customization based on your interests and activity level.

How do travelers move between destinations in this itinerary?

In the Kenya Classic Safari itinerary, travelers move between destinations via private vehicle transfers. This includes journeys from Nairobi to Masai Mara, from Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park, and from Lake Nakuru to Amboseli National Park. Each segment of the journey is designed to provide scenic views of Kenya's diverse landscapes, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience.

Can I customize the Kenya Classic Safari itinerary to include additional activities?

Yes, this itinerary is fully customizable. Travelers can choose to add optional activities such as a hot air balloon safari over the Masai Mara, a boat ride on one of the Rift Valley lakes, or cultural visits to local Maasai villages. Keytours Vacations can help tailor your experience to match your interests, ensuring you get the most out of your safari adventure.

What types of accommodations are included in this tour?

The Kenya Classic Safari package includes a mix of lodges and camps, offering a range of comfort levels and unique experiences. Accommodations are strategically located to enhance your wildlife viewing opportunities, with options varying based on your selected package. Each night is spent in a setting that allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Kenya.

Is there independent time for exploration in this itinerary?

Yes, this itinerary provides some independent time for exploration. For instance, on Day 1 in Nairobi, travelers have the afternoon free to explore the city at their leisure or participate in optional excursions. Additionally, there are opportunities to relax between guided activities, allowing you to soak in the surroundings and enjoy the unique landscapes of Kenya.

What should travelers know about the physical activity level of this safari?

The Kenya Classic Safari involves a moderate level of physical activity, including daily game drives and optional excursions that may require walking or hiking. While the itinerary is designed to be accessible, travelers should be prepared for some walking during village visits and nature walks. Keytours Vacations can provide further details to ensure the itinerary matches your comfort level.

What happens if there are changes to transportation schedules during the trip?

If transportation schedules change during your trip, Keytours Vacations will provide support to adjust your itinerary accordingly. The team is dedicated to ensuring a smooth travel experience, and they will communicate any necessary changes promptly. Travelers are encouraged to review their final itinerary and confirmation documents for the latest details before departure.

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Yes

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