8-day safari in Kenya's Rift Valley regions

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport - Acacia Tree Lodge

Day 1: Welcome to Kenya!

After your arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, in Nairobi, you will be met by our representative and proceed to your hotel, Acacia Tree Lodge. Nestled among the tree-lined streets of an exclusive neighborhood, the hotel is an oasis of tranquility.

Situated along the Nairobi River, Kenya's capital is East Africa's most cosmopolitan city. This metropolis serves as an excellent starting point for your African safari. The continent's 4th largest city, Nairobi is an exciting place, with a vibrant cafe culture, nightlife, and museums. Just 20 minutes from the city center, lions and buffalos roam in the world’s only urban game reserve. Make sure you pay a visit to the elephant orphanage operated by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

David Sheldrick - Giraffe Centre - Kazuri Beads

Day 2: Visit an Elephant Sanctuary

After breakfast, head to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Sanctuary. Founded in 1977 by Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick, in honor of her late husband, a naturalist and founding warden of Tsavo East National Park, David Leslie William Sheldrick. The sanctuary sprang from one family’s passion for Kenya and it's wilderness.

The sanctuary has successfully hand-raised over 150 infant elephants and has accomplished it's long-term conservation priority by effectively reintegrating orphans back into the wild herds of Tsavo.

In the afternoon, proceed to Giraffe Center, an exclusive boutique hotel, set on 12 acres of private land within 140 acres of indigenous forest in the Langata suburb of Nairobi. 

This elegant hotel is famous for its resident Rothschild giraffes who visit morning and evening, poking their long necks into the windows in the hope of a treat.

Later, visit the Kazuri Bead Factory.

Crescent Island - Hells Gate National Park - Fish Eagle Inn

Day 3: Observe the Wildlife at Crescent Island Game Park

This morning, we head towards the Great Rift Valley Region, home to the Crescent Island Game Park and Lake Naivasha, the highest of the Great Rift Valley Lakes. This beautiful lake is fringed by papyrus and acacia trees, and supports a vast array of over 450 bird species. It serves as the main watering hole for wildlife in the area such as zebra, hippo, waterbuck, buffalo and much more. Visitors can look forward to excellent game viewing, intriguing night safaris, boating excursions around the lake as well as to Crescent Island for spectacular bird watching opportunities.

Tonight, you will stay at Fish Eagle Inn, on the Southern Shores of Lake Naivasha in the Rift Valley of South West Kenya.

Lake Nakuru National Park - Hotel Waterbuck

Day 4: See the Pink Flamingos of Nakura National Park

Today, we will continue to Hotel Waterbuck in the Nakuru region of the Great Rift Valley.

After lunch at the hotel, set out for a game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. Surrounded by yellow acacia woodlands and bushy shrublands, the park was created to protect the lake and its large flocks of Lesser Flamingo, which are drawn to the algae that flourish in the saline waters of this soda lake.

The national park is inhabited by over 50 mammal species including hippo, black and white rhino, Rothschild giraffe, buffalo, and eland. Here, you can enjoy hikes through the scenic landscape, lakeside picnics, and game drives. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the beautiful Makalia Waterfall.

Lake Baringo National Park - Lake Bogoria National Park - Roberts Camp

Day 5: Go Bird Watching at Lake Baringo

This morning set off for your next destination, Robert's Camp, a beautiful lakeside campsite, which offers accommodations in bandas and family cottages.

After lunch, visit Lake Baringo National Park, which is home to a large freshwater lake and is considered Kenya’s most popular bird watching destination. Lake Baringo is home to at least 470 of Kenya's 1,200 avian species. Pelican, cormorants, fish eagles and flamingos are among the most common birds sighted on and around the lake, which also provides a habitat for crocodiles and hippos.

Later, visit Lake Bogoria National Park, where vast grasslands, acacia-ficus woodlands and papyrus swamps surround a stunning saltwater lake, where flamingos gather.

Masai Mara National Reserve - Castel Mara Camp

Day 6: Stay in Authentic Safari Tents at Wajee Mara

After breakfast today, the drive continues to the Masai Mara region, where lunch is served at your next accommodation, Wajee Mara Camp.

During your stay here, you will experience breathtaking wildlife sightings while pampering the senses with excellent service and cuisine. The camp consists of deluxe and standard tents, a dining area, a kitchen with a professional chef, showers with hot running water, and a host of other amenities.

In the evening, enjoy a raging camp fire as you reflect on the game sightings of the day.

Masai Mara National Reserve - Castel Mara Camp

Day 7: Drive Through the Stunning Masai Mara

Embark on a full-day safari today in the extraordinary Masai Mara National Reserve. Alongside Tanzania’s Serengeti, the Masai Mara is one of Africa’s most famous wildlife parks.

The highlight of this quintessential African safari landscape is the annual wildebeest migration, which traverses the vast plains of the Serengeti and the Masai Mara. This spectacular event is known as the largest mass movement of land mammals on the planet – with more than a million animals following the rains. 

Large prides of lions, elephants, giraffes, gazelles and eland can also be spotted in the reserve. Aside from horseback riding safaris and traditional vehicle safaris, visitors can also float above the majestic landscape in a hot-air balloon (additional fee).

Later, delve deeper into Africa's indigenous culture with an optional visit to the Masai village (additional fee).

Nairobi - Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

Day 8: So Long, Kenya!

Your African safari adventure comes to an end today. Enjoy one last breakfast at the Wajee Mara Camp before checking out.

You will be driven to the airport in Nairobi to catch your flight back home. 

We hope you have had a most extraordinary safari experience in Kenya and wish you pleasant travels.