9 Days Kenya Safari Package Luxury Tour
9 Days 8 Nights
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Country
Kenya
Best Season
Jun-Oct/ Dec-Feb
Duration
9D/8N
Group Size
10-15 travelers
Highlights
Key Experiences of the Tour
- Triple Ecosystem Experience
- Mount Kilimanjaro Backdrop
- Big Cat Territory Safari
- Bird Lovers’ Paradise
- Cultural Immersion
- Expertly Balanced Itinerary
Maps
Navigate Your Journey
Itinerary
Your Journey, Step by Step
Arrival in Nairobi
Experience a warm welcome at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport with a transfer to your standard hotel in Nairobi. Enjoy a brief orientation meeting and restful overnight stay as you prepare for your safari adventure.
Experience highlights:
- Personal airport greeting by our representative
- Scenic transfer through Nairobi city
- Welcome briefing with safari orientation
- Free time to rest after your international flight
- Optional city restaurant recommendations for dinner
Overnight: Standard hotel in Nairobi
Nairobi City Tour
After breakfast, embark on a comprehensive tour of Nairobi city. Visit the famous Giraffe Center where you can feed and interact with endangered Rothschild giraffes. Continue to a Nairobi coffee farm for a drive-through experience and learn about Kenya’s renowned coffee production. Spend the rest of the day exploring the vibrant city of Nairobi.
Experience highlights:
- Up-close encounters with giraffes at the Giraffe Center
- Scenic coffee farm drive-through experience
- Exploration of Nairobi’s urban highlights
- Shopping opportunities for local crafts and souvenirs
- Taste of local Kenyan cuisine
Overnight: Standard hotel in Nairobi
Nairobi to Maasai Mara
Depart Nairobi after breakfast for the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve (approximately 5-6 hour drive). Travel through the dramatic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley with photo stops along the way. Arrive for a late lunch at your tented camp, followed by an afternoon game drive in one of Africa’s most renowned wildlife destinations.
Experience highlights:
- Scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley with stunning viewpoints
- Cross-country journey through changing Kenyan landscapes
- First views of the iconic Maasai Mara savanna
- En route game drive to spot wildlife
- Evening around the campfire with safari stories
Overnight: Standard tented camp in Maasai Mara
Full Day Maasai Mara Game Drive
Full day exploring the vast plains of the Maasai Mara with an extended game drive. Search for lions, cheetahs, elephants, and other iconic African wildlife. Enjoy a special bush lunch in the heart of the savanna, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African wilderness.
Experience highlights:
- Full-day immersion in Kenya’s premier wildlife destination
- Extensive exploration of different Mara regions
- Potential big cat sightings (lions, cheetahs, leopards)
- Observation of abundant plains game (zebras, giraffes, antelopes)
- Authentic bush lunch experience in the savanna
- Chance to witness river crossings during migration season (July-October)
Overnight: Standard tented camp in Maasai Mara
Maasai Mara to Lake Naivasha
After breakfast, bid farewell to the Maasai Mara and journey to Lake Naivasha (approximately 4-5 hour drive). Upon arrival, visit a local community forest to learn about conservation efforts and indigenous plants. In the afternoon, enjoy an exhilarating speed boat ride on Lake Naivasha, offering close encounters with hippos and spectacular birdlife.
Experience highlights:
- Scenic drive from savannah to lake environment
- Educational community forest visit with local guides
- Conservation insights and sustainable practices
- Thrilling speed boat adventure on Lake Naivasha
- Hippo sightings and rich birdwatching opportunities
- Beautiful sunset views over the lake
Overnight: Standard accommodation at Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha to Amboseli National Park
After breakfast, depart for Amboseli National Park (approximately 4-5 hour drive). This journey takes you through changing landscapes from lakes to plains. Arrive in time for lunch at your accommodation, followed by an afternoon game drive in Amboseli, famous for its large elephant herds and spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Experience highlights:
- Scenic drive through rural Kenya
- First glimpses of Mount Kilimanjaro (weather permitting)
- Afternoon game drive in Amboseli National Park
- Opportunities to photograph elephants against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro
- Rich diversity of plains game and predators
Overnight: Standard accommodation in Amboseli
Full Day Amboseli Game Drive
Spend a full day exploring Amboseli National Park with morning and afternoon game drives. Known for its large elephant herds and spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli offers incredible wildlife viewing and photographic opportunities. Optional visit to a traditional Maasai village to learn about their culture and way of life (additional cost).
Experience highlights:
- Extended wildlife viewing in diverse Amboseli ecosystems
- Excellent elephant encounters and photography opportunities
- Spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro (weather permitting)
- Rich birdlife including flamingos and pelicans at the seasonal lakes
- Optional cultural visit to authentic Maasai village
Wide variety of wildlife including lions, buffalo, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest
Overnight: Standard accommodation in Amboseli
Amboseli to Nairobi
After a final morning game drive in Amboseli, enjoy breakfast before departing for Nairobi (approximately 4-5 hour drive). Arrive in Nairobi in the afternoon with time for relaxation, shopping, or optional activities. This evening, you might choose to enjoy a farewell dinner at one of Nairobi’s famous restaurants (optional, at additional cost).
Experience highlights:
- Final morning game drive in Amboseli
- Last chance for Mount Kilimanjaro views
- Scenic drive back to Nairobi
- Free time for shopping and relaxation
- Optional farewell dinner at a renowned Nairobi restaurant (not included)
Overnight: Standard hotel in Nairobi
Departure Day
After breakfast, enjoy some free time depending on your flight schedule. Transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight. End of services.
Experience highlights:
- Breakfast at the hotel
Flexible morning depending on flight times - Last-minute shopping (time permitting)
- Airport transfer for international departure
- Assistance with check-in procedures
Services
What’s Covered in Your Adventure
Includes
- 8 nights' accommodation (3 nights in Nairobi, 2 nights in Maasai Mara, 1 night in Lake Naivasha, 2 nights in Amboseli)
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner during safari days (half-board in Nairobi)
- Transportation in shared safari vehicle with pop-up roof for game viewing
- Airport transfers
- Services of professional English-speaking safari guide
- All park entrance fees
- Game drives as specified in the itinerary
- Boat ride on Lake Naivasha
- Community forest visit
- Giraffe Center entrance fees
- Government taxes and levies
Excludes
- International flights to/from Nairobi
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Maasai village visits (approximately USD 25 per person)
- Gratuities for guides and camp staff
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Any items of personal nature
Good to Know
Your Journey, Step by Step
Fascinating Natural Phenomena & Wildlife Facts
Maasai Mara Marvels: During the annual migration (July-October), the Mara River becomes the stage for dramatic crossings where up to 10,000 wildebeest may cross in a single event. The Mara also hosts approximately 95 species of mammals and over 570 recorded bird species among Africa’s highest biodiversity concentrations.
Feline Facts: The Maasai Mara is one of few places where you might spot all three big cats (lion, leopard, cheetah) in a single day. Cheetahs can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3 seconds, making them the fastest land animals, while leopards can hoist prey twice their body weight into trees.
Amboseli Elephant Society: Amboseli’s elephants are among the most studied in the world, with research spanning over 40 years. These elephants live in complex matriarchal societies with multi-generational family units, and some matriarchs can recognize over 100 other elephants individually.
Kilimanjaro Weather Patterns: The mountain creates its own weather system that affects Amboseli’s ecology. Morning hours (6-9 AM) offer approximately 70% chance of clear mountain views, declining throughout the day as clouds form.
Lake Naivasha Geology: Formed in a volcanic caldera, this freshwater lake sits within the Great Rift Valley, a 6,000 km crack in the Earth’s crust that will eventually split Africa into two separate continents over millions of years.
Nairobi’s Unique Geography: As the only major city bordered by a natural game reserve, Nairobi began as a railway depot in 1899, selected for its cool climate and abundant water. The name comes from the Maasai phrase “Enkare Nairobi” meaning “place of cool waters.”
Giraffe Adaptations: At the Giraffe Center, observe how these animals’ hearts (weighing up to 11kg) generate twice the blood pressure of humans to pump blood up their long necks, and how their blue-black tongues (up to 45cm long) are darkly pigmented to prevent sunburn.
Wildlife Encounters
Big Five Potential: The Maasai Mara and Amboseli offer chances to see lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and occasionally rhino
Bird Watching: Over 500 bird species can be spotted throughout the journey
Seasonal Variations: Wildlife concentrations vary by season, with dry seasons (January-February and June-September) generally offering better viewing
Wildebeest Migration: For those traveling July-October, possibility of witnessing river crossings in the Maasai Mara
Wildlife Etiquette: Always maintain safe distances and follow guide instructions during wildlife encounters
Required Documents
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity from return date
- Kenya e-visa (can be obtained online before travel)
- Travel insurance covering medical evacuation
- 2 passport-size photographs for visa application
Visa Processing Times
Standard Processing: 3-5 working days
Express Processing: 1-2 working days (additional fee)
Application Method: Online through the official Kenya e-visa portal
Visa Fee: Approximately USD 50 (subject to change)
Assistance: We provide complete visa assistance for all travelers
Climate and Packing
Weather Patterns: Warm days (25-30°C) and cooler evenings (10-15°C)
Rainy Seasons: March-May (long rains) and November-December (short rains)
Essential Clothing: Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing, sun hat, light jacket for mornings
Equipment: Binoculars, camera with zoom lens, sunscreen, insect repellent
Luggage Limitations: Soft-sided bags recommended due to limited space in safari vehicles
Health Precautions
Water Safety: Drink only bottled or purified water
Medical Kit: Basic first aid supplies and personal medications
Travel Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage including evacuation strongly recommended
FAQs
Your queries are answered.
What is the best time to visit Kenya for this safari?
The dry seasons (January-February and June-September) offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities with less vegetation and animals gathering around water sources. For the wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara, July to October is ideal.
How much spending money should I bring for a 9-day safari?
We recommend approximately USD 500-700 for souvenirs, gratuities, optional activities, and personal expenses.
Is Kenya safe for international travelers?
Yes, Kenya’s tourist areas are generally safe. Follow your guide’s instructions and exercise the same precautions you would in any destination.
What type of vehicles are used for the safari?
We use 7-seater safari vehicles with pop-up roofs for optimal game viewing, typically shared with other travelers.
Will I see the "Big Five" during this safari?
While sightings can never be guaranteed, this itinerary covers parks where many of the Big Five can be found, especially in the Maasai Mara and Amboseli, giving you excellent chances.
Is there internet and mobile connectivity during the safari?
Most lodges and camps offer Wi-Fi in common areas, though it may be slower than you’re used to. Mobile coverage is generally good in Nairobi and spotty in wildlife reserves.
What makes Amboseli special compared to other parks?
Amboseli is famous for its large elephant herds and spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. The combination of wildlife and mountain backdrop creates unparalleled photography opportunities.
When is Mount Kilimanjaro most visible from Amboseli?
Early mornings and late afternoons typically offer the clearest views, as clouds tend to gather around the mountain during the day. The dry seasons generally provide better visibility.
How long are the game drives each day?
Typically, game drives last 6-8 hours during a full day, with a break for bush lunch. Morning game drives usually start around 6:30 AM. In Amboseli and Maasai Mara, full-day game drives allow for more extensive exploration.
Are the roads good in Kenya?
Main highways are paved, but roads within parks are often unpaved and can be bumpy, especially during rainy seasons.
Can I charge my electronics during the safari?
Yes, all accommodations have electricity for charging cameras and phones, though power adapters (UK-style) are needed.
What language do Kenyans speak?
The official languages are English and Kiswahili. Your guides and hotel staff will speak English.
Is tipping expected?
Yes, tipping is customary. Recommended: USD 10-15 per day for your guide and USD 5-10 per day for lodge/camp staff.
What is the food like on safari?
Meals are typically international cuisine with some local Kenyan dishes. Special diets can be accommodated with advance notice.
Is this safari suitable for children?
This standard package is best for children 8 and older who can handle the driving times and wildlife viewing patience required.
What's the difference between the standard package and premium packages?
Standard packages include shared vehicles, moderate accommodations, and essential experiences, while premium packages offer private vehicles, luxury lodges, and additional activities.
Can I see the wildebeest migration on this safari?
If you visit during July-October, you have good chances of witnessing parts of the migration in the Maasai Mara.
What's the typical group size?
Safari vehicles accommodate 6-7 guests, ensuring everyone has a window seat for optimal wildlife viewing.
Is altitude sickness a concern in Kenya?
No, most safari areas are at moderate elevations, so altitude sickness is rarely an issue.
How far in advance should I book this safari?
For the best availability, especially during peak season (July-September), booking 3-6 months in advance is recommended.
What happens if it rains during the safari?
Game drives proceed in light rain, with vehicles providing some cover. Heavy downpours may cause schedule adjustments.
Is laundry service available during the safari?
Most lodges and camps offer laundry service for an additional fee, though drying times depend on weather conditions.
What sets this 9-day safari apart from shorter itineraries?
The 9-day safari allows you to explore more diverse ecosystems, including Amboseli National Park with its iconic Mount Kilimanjaro views and famous elephant herds. The extended duration also provides a more relaxed pace and increases your chances of exceptional wildlife sightings.
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