8 Days Kenya Classic Wildlife Safari

Overview

The 8-Day Kenya Classic Wildlife Safari is a comprehensive journey through Kenya’s most celebrated wildlife destinations, offering an unforgettable introduction to East Africa’s spectacular landscapes and diverse ecosystems. From the elephant-filled plains of Amboseli to the freshwater beauty of Lake Naivasha, the rhino sanctuary of Lake Nakuru, and the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, this safari showcases the very best of Kenya’s remarkable natural heritage.

Designed for first-time visitors and seasoned safari enthusiasts alike, this itinerary combines exceptional game viewing with scenic drives through the Great Rift Valley and opportunities to experience Kenya’s rich cultural traditions. Traveling in a custom-built 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with an experienced professional guide, guests enjoy outstanding wildlife encounters while staying in carefully selected luxury or midrange lodges and tented camps.

Whether watching elephants roam beneath Mount Kilimanjaro, searching for endangered black rhinos, cruising across Lake Naivasha, or witnessing lions hunting on the Maasai Mara plains, every day presents new adventures and unforgettable memories.

Tour Highlights

Explore four of Kenya’s premier wildlife destinations.
Experience exceptional Big Five game viewing.
Enjoy spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli National Park.
Take a scenic boat safari on Lake Naivasha.
Search for black and white rhinos in Lake Nakuru National Park.
Spend two full days exploring the legendary Maasai Mara.
Visit a traditional Maasai village.
Travel in a comfortable 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with an experienced guide.
Stay in carefully selected luxury or midrange safari lodges and camps.
Discover the diverse landscapes of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your safari representative and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, the rest of the day is free to relax or enjoy optional sightseeing around Nairobi before your safari begins.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Hemingways Nairobi / Fairmont The Norfolk
Midrange: Eka Hotel / Tamarind Tree Hotel

Day 2: Nairobi to Amboseli National Park

After breakfast, depart Nairobi for Amboseli National Park. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch before embarking on an afternoon game drive through one of Kenya’s most scenic parks. Amboseli is renowned for its large elephant herds, abundant wildlife, and magnificent views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Tortilis Camp / Tawi Lodge
Midrange: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge / Kibo Safari Camp

Day 3: Amboseli to Lake Naivasha

Enjoy an early morning game drive before breakfast, offering excellent opportunities to observe wildlife during their most active hours. Afterwards, depart for Lake Naivasha through the breathtaking landscapes of the Great Rift Valley. Arrive in the afternoon and enjoy a relaxing boat excursion across the lake, home to hippos and hundreds of bird species.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Enashipai Resort & Spa / Chui Lodge
Midrange: Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort / Sawela Lodge

Day 4: Lake Naivasha to Lake Nakuru National Park

After breakfast, drive to Lake Nakuru National Park for a rewarding day of wildlife viewing. The park is internationally recognized for its thriving populations of black and white rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, lions, buffaloes, leopards, and diverse birdlife that inhabit the lake and surrounding woodlands.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: The Cliff Nakuru / Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge
Midrange: Lake Nakuru Lodge / Flamingo Hill Camp

Day 5: Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara National Reserve

Depart after breakfast and continue your journey to the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve. Arrive in time for lunch before enjoying an afternoon game drive through one of Africa’s richest wildlife ecosystems, home to the Big Five and countless other species.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Angama Mara / Mara Bushtops
Midrange: Zebra Plains Mara Camp / Mara Sopa Lodge

Day 6: Full-Day Maasai Mara Safari

Spend a full day exploring the vast plains of the Maasai Mara with morning and afternoon game drives. Depending on the season, witness the spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration or enjoy outstanding year-round wildlife viewing featuring lions, elephants, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, and numerous antelope species.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Angama Mara / Mara Bushtops
Midrange: Ashnil Mara Camp / Basecamp Explorer

Day 7: Maasai Mara Game Drive & Return to Nairobi

Begin with an early morning game drive before breakfast, capturing the beauty of the reserve at sunrise when predators are often active. After breakfast, visit a traditional Maasai village to learn about their customs and traditions before departing for Nairobi. Arrive in the late afternoon and check into your hotel.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Hemingways Nairobi / Fairmont The Norfolk
Midrange: Eka Hotel / Tamarind Tree Hotel

Day 8: Departure

After breakfast, enjoy some leisure time depending on your flight schedule before being transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your Kenya Classic Wildlife Safari.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: N/A (Departure Day)
Midrange: N/A (Departure Day)

Inclusions

Airport arrival and departure transfers
Accommodation in luxury or midrange safari lodges and camps
Transportation in a custom-built 4×4 safari Land Cruiser
Professional English-speaking safari driver-guide
All park entrance fees
Scheduled game drives as per the itinerary
Full-board accommodation during the safari
Breakfast while in Nairobi
Boat safari on Lake Naivasha
Maasai cultural village visit
Bottled drinking water during game drives
Government taxes and statutory levies

Exclusions

International flights
Kenya visa fees
Travel insurance
Optional hot air balloon safari
Alcoholic and premium beverages
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Laundry services
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Telephone calls
Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
Meals not specified in the itinerary
Any services not expressly mentioned under the inclusions section