Current as of: March 14, 2025 - 07:35
Current as of: March 14, 2025 - 07:35
2 out of 7 - Easy & Moderate
Experience the ultimate safari adventure in Kenya – a week dedicated to spotting Africa’s most iconic wildlife. This classic trip takes us to the grassy plains of the Masai Mara, onto the hippo-populated waters of the Lake Naivasha, and through Amboseli National Park, known as the home of the African elephant. Along the way, our expert tour leader brings the animals and landscapes to life, while our specially adapted 4x4s allow everyone to have a window seat – you don’t want to miss any of the action.
Highlights
This trip is graded Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate) and has a Wildlife Rating of Five. For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page or our Wildlife Holidays page for more on our Wildlife Ratings. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Journeys: There are some long drives over rough roads on this trip, which allow us to get into the wilds of Kenya.
Luggage: Your luggage should be packed into a soft bag and weigh no more than 26lb (12kg), due to the capacity of the vehicles.
The group will be between four and 14 people and led by our driver-guide.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 14
We begin at our hotel in Nairobi. There is a welcome briefing today, which provides more information about our wildlife-watching adventure. Additionally, the Nextgen shopping mall is next door, which has a money exchange store and ATMs should you wish to exchange or withdraw money.
Typically, our groups enjoy dinner together tonight, a chance to get to know each other.
Accommodation: Eka Hotel (or similar)
After breakfast, we transfer (4hr 30min) to Amboseli National Park with comfort stops along the way. Our journey takes us via the Athi-Kapiti plains. At the town of Sultan Hamud, we leave the paved road and turn south towards Amboseli. If the weather is clear, we should get good views of the Chyulu Hills to our left and Mount Kilimanjaro in front. We should also start to see many types of antelope, zebra and possibly giraffes. Also look out for the Maasai in their red shuka robes herding cattle and goats on the dusty plains.
We have lunch on arrival at the lodge, then a little time to relax and explore the grounds, before an afternoon game drive. Amboseli is known as the home of the African elephant, but is also populated by leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, lions and crocodiles, plus more than 600 bird species. The setting is spectacular too with several different habitats, including the dried-out Lake Amboseli and savannah, plus Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance.
After our exploration, we return to the lodge, where you can head to Hemingway’s Bar for uninterrupted views of the tallest mountain in Africa and a chance to reminisce on our first safari together.
Accommodation: Amboseli Sopa Lodge (or similar)
Our wildlife-watching adventure in Amboseli continues today with two game drives, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. A second day in the park gives us time to explore areas not visited yesterday. We have lunch at a special site called Rocky Hill, which is run exclusively for guests of Amboseli Sopa Lodge. A second day here also significantly increases your chances of seeing some of the iconic animals.
Accommodation: Amboseli Sopa Lodge (or similar)
Bid farewell to Amboseli after breakfast and transfer to Lake Naivasha. After four hours or so, we stop at the Carnivore Restaurant in Nairobi for lunch, where the chefs roast meats on traditional Maasai swords over a grand charcoal pit.
Once you’ve had your fill, we transfer (two hours) to Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge, arriving around 5pm. Enjoy an evening stroll along the lakeshore gardens before sundown and dinner.
Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort (or similar)
Rise early for breakfast, then transfer to the lake for a one-hour boat safari. If we’re lucky, we will spot the resident hippo population, plus the majestic African fish eagle swooping from the trees. The safari adventure continues after, as we transfer (1hr 30min) to Lake Nakuru National Park, where we embark on a game drive upon arrival. The wildlife here is plentiful, including rhinos, hippos, giraffes, buffalo and abundant birdlife. We have lunch at our lodge for tonight, followed by another game drive, allowing us to further explore this haven for wildlife.
Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge (or similar)
Transfer (four hours) to the Masai Mara National Reserve after breakfast, regarded by many as Africa’s finest game park.
After lunch at our lodge, we embark on our first game drive across the savannah, looking out for the abundant wildlife, which includes lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards and buffalo.
Accommodation: Masai Mara Sopa Lodge (or similar)
We head back into the Masai Mara today, enjoying two game drives, one in the morning and another in the afternoon. Our second day lets us explore different sections of the park.
On one game drive, we also visit a Maasai village for a glimpse into the life of this famous tribe. During the experience, we meet a village elder and are introduced to the rest of the villagers. We can also see traditional dwellings, watch cultural demonstrations and participate in an adumu, where dancers jump several feet high. You can also purchase traditional crafts.
In the evening, we gather for one final dinner, an excellent chance to reminisce about our adventures together.
Accommodation: Masai Mara Sopa Lodge (or similar)
Bid the Masai Mara farewell after breakfast. We then transfer (4hr 45min) to the airport for your onward flight, enjoying good views of the Rift Valley Escarpment on the way back. If you’d like to stay in Nairobi a little longer, speak to your sales representative to book extra nights.
The places we stay on this safari adventure in Kenya are all well-located, with plenty of welcome amenities, including swimming pools.
Nairobi: Eka Hotel (night 1)
Begin at the Eka Hotel, which is conveniently located within five minutes of the airport. Unwind after your flight with a dip in the hotel pool. There are also two restaurants, the Galaxy, which has an outdoor terrace overlooking the pool, and the Spur, which serves steaks, hamburgers and carveries. There’s also a bar and 24-hour café.
Amboseli: Amboseli Sopa Lodge (nights 2-3)
Set within mature gardens home to monkeys, mongooses and (every now and then) a curious leopard, Amboseli Sopa Lodge is a fine spot to relax. It has three bars, including Hemingways, which offers 360-degree panoramic views, plus two restaurants. It also has a pool with views over the flat-topped peak of Kilimanjaro.
Lake Naivasha: Naivasha Sopa Resort (night 4)
Get into the wild at Naivasha Sopa Resort, which plays host to giraffes, monkeys and, at night, hippos. There’s a swimming pool with a snack bar serving pizzas, toasted sandwiches and more. There’s also a bar in the main lounge area where the group can gather.
Lake Nakuru: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge (night 5)
On the edge of the Great Rift Valley, Laka Nakuru Sopa Lodge is the ideal spot to relax and gaze over the landscapes of Africa. It has a pool area with a bar and views over the lake. Additionally, the lounge, bar and dining room have sheltered outdoor terraces where you can sit and enjoy the peace.
Masai Mara: Masai Mara Sopa Lodge (nights 6-7)
Our final accommodation was one of the first safari lodges constructed in the Masai Mara Game Reserve. It enjoys an ideal spot on the Oloolaimutia Hills with buildings designed in the traditional African round house style. There’s a swimming pool in the middle, plus the Ol Murrani Bar which is next to an open-air campfire spot. From its deck, you can see hyenas, mongooses and honey badgers, which feed on the meat put out for them each night.
All breakfasts, six lunches and six dinners are included. The provided meals are buffets, with a variety of continental, Indian and Kenyan dishes. Vegetarian and vegan diets can be catered for − please let us know in advance.
Purified water is provided by the tour leader throughout your trip from large drums carried in the vehicles. A metal flask, which you can keep, is provided; alternatively, you can bring your own reusable water bottle.
We use a seven-seater 4×4 Toyota Landcruiser. These have one seat up front with the driver and six seats in the main cabin. All passengers have access to a pop-up roof as well as window seats.
Kenya straddles the equator, so showers can occur at any time of year; however, the wettest period is April and May. Due to the altitude of both Nakuru (5,250ft/1,600m) and the Masai Mara (5,085ft/1,550m), the night-time temperature is beautiful, cool yet not cold. Daytime temperatures can get as high as 30C (86F) but with low humidity. There can be light rains at the end of the year, which cuts down the dust and brings out the colours. In the wet, the roads can become difficult, and a little patience may be required. Please be aware, in recent years weather patterns have changed and are now somewhat unpredictable.
Start hotel: Eka Hotel, Along Mombasa Road (Southern Bypass Interchange), Nairobi, Kenya
Phone: +254 719 045 000
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Nairobi Airport (NBO)
The start hotel is approximately a five-minute drive from the airport. We provide free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the arrival transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and on the date the tour starts; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
The last night of the trip is spent in the Masai Mara and the tour finishes in Nairobi. The group transfer back to Nairobi is scheduled to align with a chosen flight to London, UK; therefore, you should not book flights leaving before then. Please contact your sales representative for the timings of this flight.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Nairobi
Location end: Nairobi
Your luggage should be packed into a soft bag and weigh no more than 26lb (12kg), due to the capacity of the vehicles.
Please note: Kenya has taken the lead in banning the use of plastic carrier bags and certain other plastic bags. Included in the ban are the following items that travellers might carry:
Travellers arriving into Kenya via airports, sea ports or land borders are required to leave any bags deemed to be on the banned list at the point of entry. Travellers will not be fined so long as they surrender any prohibited bags.
Travellers from the UK, US and EU need an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) to enter Kenya. Please note, requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required eTAs/visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on entry requirements for their citizens. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
You can apply for your eTA, which costs US$30, on the official website for the Kenyan government. You will need the following before you make your application:
There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A, polio, tetanus, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis B, meningococcal disease, rabies, tuberculosis and yellow fever. You will also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Malaria prophylaxis is essential and we suggest you seek advice from your doctor or travel clinic about which to take. Additionally, dengue fever, a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes, is a known risk in places visited. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, so take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Kenya's time zone: Africa/Nairobi (UTC +03:00)
Kenya's electricity: Plug types G (three rectangular pins) – 240V, 50Hz
Kenya's currency: Kenyan shilling (KES)
There are ATMs in Nairobi; however, charges can be high and the conversion rate poor. You may prefer to bring US dollars (notes issued after 2006 only), which are widely accepted in Kenya. Small bills are useful for tips.
Alternatively, bring British pounds or US dollars to exchange into Kenyan shillings.
Optional excursions (prices are approximate and subject to change)
If you feel your tour leader has performed well, you may want to show your appreciation of their services. The sum you choose to give is entirely personal, but as a guide we suggest US$40-US$80 per person for the tour leader. For porters/waiters, US$0.50 to US$1 is the standard rate.
As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.
We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.
This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony though practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.