12-Day Kenya Luxury Safari – Wild Elegance

 

14‑Day “Best of Kenya – Luxury & Wilderness 

Day 1 – Arrival in Nairobi

Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and be transferred to your city hotel to relax and recover from travel. Take the evening to settle in, enjoy fine dining or a relaxed dinner, and prepare for the journey ahead.

Suggested accommodation: Hemingways Nairobi or Giraffe Manor.

Day 2 – Nairobi to Highland 

After breakfast, depart Nairobi and drive or fly toward the cool highland or Laikipia / Mount Kenya region. This area gives you a gentle transition from city bustle to wilderness — ideal for acclimatizing and also seeing a different side of Kenya. In the afternoon enjoy a relaxed nature walk or light game drive, followed by dinner in tranquil surroundings.

Suggested accommodation: Solio Lodge (in central Laikipia near Mt Kenya foothills) or a boutique lodge near Mount Kenya.

Day 3 – Transfer to Northern Kenya: Samburu / Laikipia / Dry‑Country Safari

Fly or drive to northern Kenya — a region of semi‑arid bush, dramatic landscapes, and unique northern species. Settle into a top-tier lodge and enjoy your first glimpse of the dry-country wilderness. Late afternoon, head out for your first northern game drive, where the environment and species contrast sharply with southern savannahs.

Suggested accommodation: Sasaab Lodge (Samburu) or Segera Retreat (Laikipia).

Day 4 – Full Day in Samburu / Laikipia — Unique Wildlife & Wilderness

Spend a full day exploring the northern wilderness with guided game drives. In this region expect wildlife different from the southern parks — rare giraffe subspecies, desert‑adapted antelope, and other arid-land specialists. Return for a relaxed evening in luxury, with a plunge pool or veranda to unwind.

Suggested accommodation: Sasaab Lodge or Segera Retreat.

Day 5 – Transition South: Rift‑Valley Lakes or Scenic Highlands

Depart the north and head toward Kenya’s Rift‑Valley lakes or highland regions for a change of scenery. This area offers fresh landscapes — lakes, wetlands, or cool highlands depending on your chosen route. Enjoy a lakeside or highland lodge, with opportunities for bird watching, boat rides (if lakeside), or restful walks as a breather between safari zones.

Suggested accommodation: A comfortable lodge by a Rift Valley lake (e.g., Lake Naivasha Country Club) or a high‑altitude retreat near the Great Rift Valley.

Day 6 – Explore Rift Valley Lakes 

Use this day to soak in the lake or highland environment: boat rides (if at a lake), bird watching, gentle nature walks, or simply enjoying the surroundings. For those choosing a highland lodge, perhaps hikes or forest walks. This day balances wildlife, nature, and serenity — a restful interlude before more intense safari days.

Suggested accommodation: Lake Naivasha Country Club style lodge, or a highland retreat, depending on your route.

Day 7 – Fly / Drive to  Amboseli — Elephants & Kilimanjaro Views

After breakfast, transfer towards southern Kenya’s famous wildlife zone: Amboseli National Park. Here, with clear views of Mount Kilimanjaro (weather permitting), you’ll begin a classic African safari experience. Afternoon or evening game drive presents your first chance to see elephants in their natural habitat, often with the dramatic backdrop of the mountain.

Suggested accommodation: A luxury lodge/camp in Amboseli such as a top-tier lodge with good views of Kilimanjaro (e.g. Tortilis / or similar premium lodge).

Day 8 – Full Day in Amboseli — Big Game, Elephants, and Scenic Savanna

Enjoy a full day of game drives and wildlife viewing in Amboseli. The park is renowned for its elephants, big herds, and the chance for stunning photographs with Kilimanjaro in the background. Between drives enjoy lodge comfort, scenic views, and relaxed meals under African skies.

Suggested accommodation: Same lodge as previous night for comfort and continuity.

Day 9 – Transfer to Rift‑Valley Lakes / Wetlands / Highlands or Relaxed Safari Zone

After an early breakfast and last game drive, depart Amboseli and head toward another zone — could be Rift‑Valley lakes, wetlands, or a quieter highland area. This transition day offers a slower pace, allowing you to reflect on your safari and prepare for the dramatic finish.

Suggested accommodation: Comfortable mid‑luxury lodge near a Rift Valley lake, wetland, or valley region — offering calm and nature.

Day 10 – Depart for the Iconic Maasai Mara National Reserve – Savannah, Big Five & Plains

Today you head to Maasai Mara — Kenya’s most iconic wildlife reserve, offering classic savannah landscapes and abundant wildlife. Arriving by road or light flight, you settle into your luxury camp or lodge. As dusk approaches, embark on your first Mara game drive, where the drama of African wilderness comes alive: lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and more roam freely across golden plains.

Suggested accommodation: A high‑end lodge like Angama Mara or a similar luxury camp with sweeping views, comfort, and premium safari services.

Day 11 – Full Day in Maasai Mara — Big Five, Photography, Plains & Culture

Rise before dawn for a sunrise game drive, when wildlife is most active. Spend the day exploring the Mara in search of the Big Five, observing predators, plains game, and savannah landscapes. In between drives enjoy comfortable lodge amenities, gourmet meals, and perhaps a cultural Maasai encounter.

Suggested accommodation: Angama Mara or another luxury tented camp offering comfort and safari immersion.

Day 12 – Optional Hot-Air Balloon Safari + Mara Drives or Relaxation

Begin with an optional hot-air balloon ride at sunrise — a bucket‑list experience drifting over endless plains, seeing wildlife from above, followed by a champagne breakfast on the savannah. Later, choose between more game drives, a nature walk, or a relaxed afternoon at the lodge enjoying the view and luxury.

Suggested accommodation: Continue at your Mara luxury camp (e.g., Angama Mara) for continuity and indulgence.

Day 13 – Final Day in Mara — Last Safari Drives & Farewell Evening

Spend your last full day in the Mara revisiting favorite spots, tracking el­egant big cats, elephants, or other wildlife. As the sun sets, return for a special farewell dinner under the stars — savannah wind, lantern light, and a sense of closure to a memorable journey.

Suggested accommodation: Same luxury lodge — perfect for a restful final night in the wild.

Day 14 – Return to Nairobi/Departure

After a relaxed breakfast, depart Maasai Mara and make your way back to Nairobi. Depending on your onward flight, either head directly to the airport or enjoy a final comfortable evening at a hotel near the airport. Reflect on the unforgettable journey through Kenya’s diverse landscapes, wildlife, and cultures.

Suggested accommodation (optional dayroom or overnight): A convenient hotel near the airport or in Nairobi for your departure — for example a comfortable airport-side hotel or a boutique city lodge.

Safari Booking

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