A well-balanced Kenya safari combining conservation, Rift Valley lakes and iconic savannah wildlife, taking you from the foothills of Mount Kenya through rhino sanctuaries and freshwater ecosystems to the world-renowned plains of the Maasai Mara.
Overview
This seven-day safari is a carefully curated exploration of Kenya’s central highlands, the Great Rift Valley and the iconic Maasai Mara – combining rare wildlife conservation experiences with classic savannah game viewing.
Beginning in Nairobi, the journey ascends into the cooler highlands to explore Ol Pejeta Conservancy, one of East Africa’s most successful conservation areas and a sanctuary for endangered species. From here, the route descends into the Rift Valley, where Lake Nakuru offers exceptional rhino sightings and vibrant birdlife, followed by the tranquil freshwater setting of Lake Naivasha, known for its scenic beauty and intimate wildlife encounters.
The safari culminates in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s most celebrated wildlife destination, where vast open plains support one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. The itinerary is thoughtfully paced to balance scenic drives, immersive game drives and optional activities, delivering a rich, diverse and deeply engaging safari experience.
Trip Highlights
- Rhino and chimpanzee conservation at Ol Pejeta
- Scenic drive via the Equator and Mount Kenya region
- ig Five opportunities across multiple parks
- Birdlife and flamingo sightings at Lake Nakuru
- Boat safari and walking safari at Lake Naivasha
- Cycling and geothermal experiences
- Full day immersive game drives in Maasai Mara
- Predator sightings and seasonal wildebeest migration
Itinerary
This seven-day safari begins and ends in Nairobi, unfolding across Kenya’s most diverse and wildlife-rich regions. From the conservation-focused landscapes of Ol Pejeta to the birdlife-rich Lake Nakuru, the serene waters of Lake Naivasha and the legendary plains of the Maasai Mara, each destination introduces a new ecological dimension.
Designed for travellers seeking both depth and variety, the journey blends conservation, scenery and high-impact wildlife encounters into a seamless and memorable safari experience.
Highland Escapes, Equator Crossing and First Wildlife Encounters
Distance: Approx. 220 km
Drive Time: Approx. 4 - 5 hours
07:30 - 08:30 | Departure from Nairobi - Journey into the Central Highlands
Depart Nairobi in the early morning and begin a scenic drive northwards into Kenya’s fertile central highlands. The urban skyline gradually fades into rolling green landscapes characterised by coffee plantations, tea estates and small rural settlements. The air becomes cooler and fresher as the journey progresses into higher altitudes.
10:30 - 11:00 | Equator Crossing Stopover - A Geographical Milestone
Pause at the equator crossing point for a brief photographic stop and demonstration of the Coriolis effect. This symbolic stop marks the transition into the northern hemisphere and provides a memorable introduction to the journey ahead.
01:00 - 02:00 | Arrival and Lunch - Ol Pejeta Conservancy Experience Begins
Arrive at Ol Pejeta Conservancy and enjoy lunch at your lodge or camp, overlooking expansive plains where wildlife movement is often visible even from the accommodation. The surrounding environment is calm, open and rich with wildlife presence.
03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Drive - Conservation Landscape and Endangered Species
Embark on your first game drive within Ol Pejeta Conservancy, one of East Africa’s most important conservation success stories.
The conservancy is home to a remarkable density of wildlife including elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes and extensive plains game.
Ol Pejeta is particularly renowned for its rhino conservation efforts, hosting both black and white rhinos in protected zones. It is also the last sanctuary of the northern white rhino, making sightings here globally significant.
Chimpanzees at the sanctuary offer a rare and educational wildlife experience unique to Kenya, while predators such as lions and hyenas are frequently observed across the open plains.
07:30 - 09:00 | Dinner and Overnight - Tranquil Highland Wilderness Retreat
Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in a tranquil setting, with cool highland air and distant wildlife sounds creating a calm and immersive atmosphere at the accommodation of your choice from the options below.
Option 1: Budget | Riverside Villas Nanyuki | The Glacier Hotel
Option 2: Standard | Sarova Maiyan Hotel | Peaks Hotel Nanyuki | Esiankiki Resort | lifestyle Villas Nanyuki
Option 3: Luxury | Sweetwaters Serena Camp | Maisha Sweetwaters Camp | Ol Pejeta House
Option 4: Above Luxury | Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages | Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club | Kicheche Valley Camps | Tambarare Camp
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Guided bush walk within conservancy
-Visit to chimpanzee sanctuary
-Night game drive within conservancy
Rhino Territory, Predator Movements and Conservation Depth
06:30 - 08:30 | Early Morning Game Drive - Dawn Wildlife Activity
The conservancy comes alive as dawn breaks, revealing active predators returning from night hunts and herbivores grazing in soft morning light. Lions may still be active, while hyenas patrol territorial routes and elephants move slowly across open plains.
08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast - Camp or Scenic Bush Setting Experience
Enjoy breakfast in a serene environment surrounded by natural sounds of birds and distant wildlife movement, setting a calm tone for the day’s exploration.
10:00 - 01:00 | Mid-Morning Exploration - Rhino Tracking and Sanctuary Visits
Explore deeper conservation zones with focused rhino tracking opportunities. Visit chimpanzee sanctuary areas and learn about ongoing conservation efforts protecting endangered species.
01:00 - 02:00 | Lunch - Conservancy Wilderness Dining Experience
Enjoy lunch in a relaxed conservancy setting where wildlife may still be visible across nearby plains and watering points.
03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Drive - Predator Territory Exploration
Afternoon drives reveal increased predator movement. Lions, leopards and hyenas become more active as temperatures drop, offering excellent photographic and viewing opportunities.
07:30 - 09:00 | Dinner and Overnight - Peaceful Conservancy Night Experience
Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in a peaceful conservation environment where natural sounds of the wild create a deeply atmospheric safari experience at the accommodation of your choice from the options below.
Option 1: Budget | Riverside Villas Nanyuki | The Glacier Hotel
Option 2: Standard | Sarova Maiyan Hotel | Peaks Hotel Nanyuki | Esiankiki Resort | lifestyle Villas Nanyuki
Option 3: Luxury | Sweetwaters Serena Camp | Maisha Sweetwaters Camp | Ol Pejeta House
Option 4: Above Luxury | Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages | Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club | Kicheche Valley Camps | Tambarare Camp
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Guided nature walk with ranger
-Private photography safari drive
-Conservation education tour
Great Rift Valley Descent and Flamingo Shores
Distance: Approx. 250 km
Drive Time: Approx. 5 - 6 hours
06:30 - 07:30 | Breakfast - Highland Morning Wilderness Start
Enjoy breakfast in the cool highland air surrounded by early morning bird calls and soft wildlife movement across the conservancy plains.
08:00 - 01:30 | Scenic Transfer - Rift Valley Descent Journey
Travel south through dramatic highland scenery before descending into the Great Rift Valley. Landscapes shift from lush green hills to volcanic escarpments and expansive valley floors.
01:30 - 02:30 | Lunch En Route - Rift Valley Scenic Dining Stop
Enjoy lunch at a scenic stopover with panoramic views of the Rift Valley, offering a relaxing break amid one of Africa’s most iconic geological landscapes.
03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Drive - Lake Nakuru Wildlife Experience
Enter Lake Nakuru National Park, where flamingos line the alkaline shores and rhinos roam open grasslands. Lions rest in shaded areas, giraffes browse acacia trees, and leopards may be seen in forested zones.
07:30 - 09:00 | Dinner and Overnight - Rift Valley Evening Serenity
Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in a peaceful Rift Valley environment where cool evening breezes and distant wildlife sounds create a calm safari atmosphere at the accommodation of your choice from the options below.
Option 1 : Standard | Lake Nakuru Lodge | Flamingo Hill Camp
Option 2 : Luxury | Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge | Sarova Lion Hill
Option 3 : Above Luxury | The Cliff, Nakuru
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Guided birdwatching walk
-Nature trail exploration
Freshwater Ecosystems and Scenic Lake Exploration
Distance: Approx. 80 km
Drive Time: Approx. 2 - 3 hours
06:30 - 08:30 | Morning Game Drive - Final Nakuru Wildlife Viewing
Enjoy a final morning game drive with heightened wildlife activity as rhinos graze in open plains and birdlife fills the lake’s edges with movement and sound.
08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast - Sunrise Over Rift Valley Wildlife Scenery
Enjoy breakfast with sweeping views of the park as the sun rises over acacia woodlands and open grasslands.
10:00 - 12:30 | Transfer to Lake Naivasha - Scenic Rift Valley Drive
Travel through flower farms, volcanic hills and open plains as you approach the tranquil waters of Lake Naivasha.
01:00 - 02:00 | Arrival and Lunch - Lakeside Relaxation Experience
Enjoy lunch by the lakeside in a peaceful environment where hippos and birdlife may already be visible near the shoreline.
03:30 - 05:30 | Boat Safari - Hippos, Eagles and Aquatic Wildlife
Explore Lake Naivasha by boat, encountering hippos, fish eagles and rich birdlife across calm freshwater surroundings.
05:30 - 06:30 | Optional Crescent Island Walk - Walking Safari Experience
Take a guided walking safari among giraffes, zebras and antelopes in a safe island ecosystem surrounded by water.
07:30 - 09:00 | Dinner and Overnight - Lakeside Serenity Retreat
Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in a peaceful lakeside setting where soft water sounds and gentle breezes create a deeply relaxing safari atmosphere at the accommodation of your choice from the options below.
Options 1 : Budget | Hotel Chambai Safari
Options 2 : Standard | Panorama Hotel
Options 3 : Luxury | Naivasha Crescent Camp
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Hell’s Gate cycling safari
-Birdwatching excursions
-Guided walking safari
Transition to the Iconic Savannah Plains
Distance: Approx. 230 km
Drive Time: Approx. 5 - 6 hours
06:30 - 07:30 | Breakfast - Lakeside Morning Calm
Enjoy breakfast beside tranquil waters with early morning bird activity and hippos surfacing nearby.
08:00 - 01:30 | Scenic Transfer - Maasai Lands and Open Plains Journey
Travel through Maasai pastoral regions where traditional homesteads and grazing livestock define the cultural landscape.
01:30 - 02:30 | Arrival and Lunch - Maasai Mara Safari Introduction
Enjoy lunch overlooking vast plains where wildlife movement begins immediately upon arrival.
03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Drive - First Mara Wildlife Encounter
Enter the Maasai Mara and encounter large herds of wildebeest, zebras and elephants, alongside predators such as lions, cheetahs and hyenas.
07:30 - 09:00 | Dinner and Overnight - Savannah Wilderness Atmosphere
Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in a dramatic savannah setting where nocturnal sounds and open skies create a powerful safari experience at the accommodation of your choice from the options below.
Option 1: Budget | Rhino Tourist Camp | Lenchada Tourist Camp | Mara Ntulele Camp | Enchoro Wildlife Camp | Sunset Camp Masai Mara | Greenwood Safari Camp
Option 2: Standard | Jambo Mara Safari Lodge | Aruba Mara Camp | Osero Camp | Enkorok Mara Camp | Simba + Oryx Nature Camp
Option 3: Luxury | Mara Sopa Lodge | Sentrim Maasai Mara | AA Lodge | Sekenani Camp
Option 4: Above Luxury | Sarova Mara Game Camp | Ashnil Mara Camp | Muthu Keekorok Lodge | Mara Serena Safari Lodge | Mara Simba Lodge | Fig Tree Camp
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Maasai cultural village visit
-Private game drive
-Sundowner experience
Predator Action, River Systems and Endless Plains
06:30 - 08:30 | Early Morning Game Drive - Predator Activity at Sunrise
The Mara awakens with intense predator activity as lions return from hunts, cheetahs scan for prey, and hyenas patrol territorial routes across the plains.
08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast - Bush or Camp Experience
Enjoy breakfast in the wild or at camp surrounded by continuous wildlife activity and natural sounds of the savannah.
10:00 - 01:00 | Extended Game Drive - Mara River Exploration
Explore the Mara River ecosystem where hippos, crocodiles and abundant wildlife create a dynamic riverine environment.
01:00 - 02:00 | Lunch - Picnic in the Wilderness
Enjoy a picnic lunch under acacia shade surrounded by uninterrupted savannah views.
03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Drive - Big Five Territory Exploration
Continue exploring diverse habitats across the reserve, increasing chances of Big Five sightings.
07:30 - 09:00 | Dinner and Overnight - Final Mara Wilderness Experience
Enjoy dinner and overnight stay under the African night sky where distant wildlife calls create a deeply memorable final safari evening at the accommodation of your choice from the options below.
Option 1: Budget | Rhino Tourist Camp | Lenchada Tourist Camp | Mara Ntulele Camp | Enchoro Wildlife Camp | Sunset Camp Masai Mara | Greenwood Safari Camp
Option 2: Standard | Jambo Mara Safari Lodge | Aruba Mara Camp | Osero Camp | Enkorok Mara Camp | Simba + Oryx Nature Camp
Option 3: Luxury | Mara Sopa Lodge | Sentrim Maasai Mara | AA Lodge | Sekenani Camp
Option 4: Above Luxury | Sarova Mara Game Camp | Ashnil Mara Camp | Muthu Keekorok Lodge | Mara Serena Safari Lodge | Mara Simba Lodge | Fig Tree Camp
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Hot air balloon safari
-Sundowner experience
-Maasai cultural visit
Final Safari Moments and Scenic Farewell Journey
Distance: Approx. 270 km
Drive Time: Approx. 5 - 6 hours
06:30 - 07:30 | Breakfast - Final Morning in the Savannah
Enjoy breakfast in the wild with final views of grazing herds and awakening savannah landscapes.
08:00 - 01:00 | Morning Game Drive Exit Route - Final Wildlife Encounters
Enjoy a final game drive as you exit the Maasai Mara, capturing last wildlife sightings in golden morning light.
01:00 - 02:00 | Lunch En Route - Rift Valley Scenic Stop
Enjoy lunch with panoramic Rift Valley views during the return journey.
02:00 - 05:30 | Scenic Return to Nairobi - Highlands and Escarpment Views
Travel back through the Great Rift Valley with scenic stops and dramatic escarpment viewpoints.
05:30 - 06:30 | Arrival in Nairobi - Safari Conclusion
Arrive in Nairobi marking the end of your safari with drop-off at your hotel or airport.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Package includes
- Transport in a 4x4 Land Cruiser safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- All park entrance fees
- 6 nights accommodation
- Meals as per itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during game drives
- Government taxes and levies
Excludes
- nternational flights
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses
Frequently Asked Questions
Ol Pejeta is a leading conservation conservancy offering rare rhino encounters, chimpanzee sanctuary access and a high-density wildlife experience in a private setting.
Yes, it is one of Kenya’s best photographic locations due to its rhinos, flamingos and scenic lake-and-forest contrast.
A calm freshwater ecosystem featuring boat safaris, hippos, fish eagles and optional walking safaris among wildlife.
Yes, it offers exceptional wildlife viewing throughout the year with consistent predator and herbivore activity.
Chances are very high, particularly in Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru and Maasai Mara.
No, it involves comfortable vehicle-based game drives with short walking or optional activities.
Light neutral clothing, warm jacket, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, hat, insect repellent, binoculars and camera gear.
Yes, accommodation, pacing and activities can be fully tailored to preference.
