Conservation excellence meets Rift Valley beauty and Mara’s untamed drama – a seamless journey across Kenya’s most iconic wildlife landscapes.
Overview
Carefully structured for both comfort and depth, this itinerary blends conservation-focused experiences with classic safari landscapes across Kenya’s central highlands and the Great Rift Valley. From the protected ecosystems of Ol Pejeta Conservancy to the wildlife-rich plains of Maasai Mara National Reserve, the journey balances scenic travel with immersive game viewing.
Lake Nakuru National Park adds concentrated wildlife encounters within a compact setting, while Lake Naivasha introduces a softer, interactive lakeside experience. The progression from highland conservancies to open savannah ensures a dynamic and rewarding safari throughout.
Trip Highlights
- Rhino conservation and chimpanzee sanctuary at Ol Pejeta
- High chances of Big Five sightings across multiple ecosystems
- Rhino sanctuary and birdlife at Lake Nakuru
- Boat safari and walking safari at Lake Naivasha
- Cycling and gorge exploration in Hell’s Gate National Park
- Three days of immersive safari in Maasai Mara
- Scenic journey through central highlands and the Great Rift Valley
Itinerary
This eight-day safari delivers a refined exploration of Kenya’s diverse ecosystems, beginning in the central highlands with conservation-driven wildlife experiences before descending into the Great Rift Valley and culminating in the expansive savannahs of the Maasai Mara.
The journey opens at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, renowned for its rhino protection efforts and unique chimpanzee sanctuary. It then transitions into Lake Nakuru’s compact but wildlife-rich environment, followed by the tranquil, activity-filled setting of Lake Naivasha.
The safari concludes with an extended stay in the Maasai Mara, where exceptional wildlife density, dramatic predator-prey interactions and sweeping landscapes provide a powerful and memorable finale.
Distance: Approx. 220 km
Drive Time: Approx. 4 - 5 hours
07:00 - 08:00 | Departure - Nairobi to Central Highlands
Depart Nairobi and journey north through Kenya’s fertile highlands, passing coffee plantations, tea farms and small rural towns with Mount Kenya often visible in the distance.
08:30 - 12:30 | Scenic Transfer - Equator Crossing and Laikipia Plains
Continue towards Laikipia County, crossing the equator and transitioning into expansive ranchlands and wildlife conservancies.
01:00 - 02:00 | Arrival and Lunch - Conservancy Setting
Arrive at Ol Pejeta Conservancy and enjoy lunch overlooking the plains, where wildlife is often visible within the conservancy grounds.
03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Drive - Conservation and Big Game Introduction
Set out on your first game drive, encountering rhinos, elephants, buffalo and various antelope species. Ol Pejeta is one of Kenya’s strongest conservation success stories, offering excellent wildlife visibility.
07:30 - 09:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in a private conservancy setting, where the quiet wilderness and distant wildlife sounds create a refined and immersive safari 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):
-Visit to chimpanzee sanctuary
-Night game drive
-Guided bush walk
06:30 - 08:30 | Early Morning Game Drive - Predator and Grazing Activity
Begin the day at sunrise, when wildlife is at its most active. Predators such as lions may still be moving after night hunts, while herbivores graze in the cool morning light.
08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast - Lodge Experience
Return to the lodge for breakfast surrounded by open plains and distant wildlife activity.
10:00 - 01:00 | Extended Exploration - Conservation Highlights
Explore deeper into the conservancy, including the chimpanzee sanctuary and rhino protection areas. This provides a unique insight into conservation efforts alongside wildlife viewing.
01:00 - 02:00 | Lunch - Relaxed Midday Break
Enjoy lunch at the lodge followed by time to relax and absorb the surroundings.
03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Drive - Big Game Tracking
Continue exploring the conservancy, with strong chances of encountering elephants, buffalo and possibly lions or leopards.
07:30 - 09:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in the tranquil conservancy environment 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):
-Sundowner experience
-Private guided game drive
-Birdwatching excursion
Distance: Approx. 200 km
Drive Time: Approx. 4 - 5 hours
06:30 - 07:30 | Breakfast - Highland Morning Ambience
Enjoy breakfast as the morning light spreads across the conservancy.
08:00 - 12:30 | Scenic Transfer - Into the Great Rift Valley
Depart Ol Pejeta and travel south through Nyahururu, descending into the dramatic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley.
01:00 - 02:00 | Arrival and Lunch - Nakuru Region
Arrive at your lodge and enjoy lunch overlooking the Rift Valley scenery.
03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Drive - Rhino Sanctuary Experience
Explore Lake Nakuru National Park, known for its high concentration of rhinos. Flamingos may line the lake, while giraffes, lions and leopards roam the surrounding woodland and grasslands.
07:30 - 09:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in a cool highland setting with scenic views 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 nature walk
-Birdwatching experience
Distance: Approx. 80 km
Drive Time: Approx. 2 - 3 hours
06:30 - 07:30 | Breakfast - Rift Valley Morning Calm
Begin the day with breakfast in the cool highland air, where soft morning light filters through acacia woodland and birdlife becomes increasingly active along the lodge surroundings.
08:00 - 10:30 | Scenic Transfer - Rift Valley Floor Transition
Depart Lake Nakuru and travel south along the Rift Valley floor towards Lake Naivasha. The short journey offers scenic views of open farmland, volcanic formations and distant escarpments that define this geological corridor.
11:00 - 12:30 | Arrival and Check-in - Lakeside Setting
Arrive at your lodge or camp set along the shores of Lake Naivasha. The environment immediately shifts to a tranquil lakeside atmosphere, often with resident wildlife such as giraffes, zebras and waterbucks grazing freely within the grounds.
12:30 - 01:30 | Lunch - Relaxed Lakeside Experience
Enjoy lunch overlooking the lake, where hippos may occasionally be seen surfacing near the shoreline and fish eagles call overhead.
02:30 - 04:00 | Boat Safari - Close-Range Wildlife and Birdlife Viewing
Embark on a guided boat safari across the calm waters of Lake Naivasha. This experience offers close encounters with hippos resting in pods, as well as an impressive variety of bird species including pelicans, cormorants and African fish eagles.
04:30 - 06:30 | Crescent Island Walking Safari - Up-Close Encounters
Continue to Crescent Island for a guided walking safari. With no large predators present, this allows for safe, close-range interaction with giraffes, zebras, antelopes and other herbivores in an open and natural setting.
07:30 - 09:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in a tranquil lakeside setting, where the cool evening air, gentle water movements and distant hippo calls create a calm and immersive 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):
-Cycling safari in Hell’s Gate National Park
-Guided gorge walk in Hell’s Gate
-Horse riding safari
-Birdwatching excursion
Distance: Approx. 230 km
Drive Time: Approx. 5 - 6 hours
06:30 - 07:30 | Breakfast - Lakeside Morning Serenity
Begin the day with breakfast overlooking the calm waters of Lake Naivasha, where early morning light reflects off the lake surface and birdlife becomes increasingly active. Fish eagles call from treetops while grazing animals move quietly within the lodge grounds.
08:00 - 01:30 | Scenic Transfer - Rift Valley to Maasai Plains
Depart Lake Naivasha and travel south-west towards Maasai Mara National Reserve. The journey passes through rolling highland farms before gradually opening into expansive savannah plains. Maasai homesteads and livestock herds dot the landscape, offering insight into the region’s cultural heritage.
01:30 - 02:30 | Arrival and Lunch - Mara Plains Setting
Arrive at your camp or lodge and enjoy lunch overlooking the vast plains. Wildlife sightings often begin immediately, with zebras, gazelles and giraffes commonly visible in the surrounding areas.
03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Drive - First Mara Exploration
Set out for your first game drive in the Maasai Mara, one of Africa’s most wildlife-rich ecosystems. Herds of wildebeests, zebras and antelope move across the plains, while elephants roam steadily through the savannah.
Predators are a defining feature of the Mara - lions are often seen resting in prides, while cheetahs scan the plains from elevated vantage points. Hyenas patrol in organised clans, contributing to the dynamic balance of the ecosystem.
07:30 - 09:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in the heart of the savannah, where the vast open landscape and distant wildlife calls create a deeply immersive safari atmosphere at the accommodation of your choice rom 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
-Sundowner experience
-Private guided game drive
06:30 - 08:30 | Early Morning Game Drive - Predator Activity at Sunrise
Begin the day at sunrise, when the Mara is at its most active. The golden light spreads across endless plains as predators complete their nocturnal hunts. Lions may be observed feeding or resting near tall grass, while cheetahs position themselves on termite mounds scanning for prey. Hyenas move in coordinated groups, and large herbivore herds begin grazing in the cool morning air.
08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast - Bush or Lodge Experience
Return to the lodge for breakfast or enjoy a bush breakfast within the reserve. The surrounding ecosystem remains alive with bird calls and distant wildlife movement, creating a fully immersive experience.
10:00 - 01:00 | Extended Game Viewing - River Systems and Open Plains
Venture deeper into the reserve, including areas around the Mara River where hippos gather in large pods and crocodiles lie along the banks.
During migration season, vast herds of wildebeests and zebras dominate the plains. Outside migration periods, the high density of resident wildlife ensures continuous and rewarding sightings.
01:00 - 02:00 | Picnic Lunch - Within the Reserve
Enjoy a picnic lunch under a shaded tree, remaining fully immersed in the natural environment.
03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Drive - Big Five Tracking and Scenic Diversity
Continue exploring different sectors of the Mara, maximising opportunities to encounter the Big Five. The diversity of terrain - from open plains to riverine forests - supports a wide range of wildlife, ensuring each drive offers new perspectives.
07:30 - 09:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Enjoy dinner and overnight stay under the African night sky, where the stillness of the savannah and distant wildlife sounds create a powerful and memorable safari atmosphere at the accommodation of your choice rom 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 (pre-booking required)
-Maasai cultural village visit
-Private sundowner experience
-Photography-focused game drive
06:30 - 08:30 | Early Morning Game Drive - Expansive Savannah Exploration
Begin the day with a sunrise game drive across new sectors of the Mara. The golden light enhances the landscape, revealing large herds of herbivores and active predators.
Lions may be seen resting in prides after night hunts, while cheetahs scan the plains from elevated vantage points. Elephants move steadily across the savannah, and giraffes browse on acacia trees.
08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast - Bush or Lodge Experience
Enjoy breakfast either at the lodge or within the reserve, surrounded by uninterrupted wilderness.
10:00 - 01:00 | Extended Game Viewing - Habitat Diversity
Explore a variety of terrains including open plains, riverine forests and rolling hills, increasing chances of diverse wildlife encounters.
01:00 - 02:00 | Picnic Lunch - Within the Reserve
Enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated scenic picnic area.
03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Drive - Final Big Five Opportunities
Continue tracking wildlife, maximising your chances of encountering the Big Five across different habitats.
07:30 - 09:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Enjoy dinner and overnight stay under the African night sky, where the stillness of the savannah and distant wildlife sounds create a powerful and memorable safari atmosphere.
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Hot air balloon safari
-Sundowner experience
-Photography safari
Distance: Approx. 270 km
Drive Time: Approx. 5 - 6 hours
06:30 - 08:30 | Early Morning Game Drive - Final Wildlife Moments
Begin your final day with a sunrise game drive, offering one last opportunity to experience the Mara’s wildlife. The golden morning light enhances visibility, often revealing elephants, grazing herds and predators still active after the night.
This final drive provides a reflective and rewarding conclusion to your time in one of Africa’s most iconic reserves.
08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast - Farewell to the Mara
Return to camp for breakfast, where the calm surroundings and expansive views provide a peaceful farewell to the savannah.
10:00 - 03:30 | Scenic Return Journey - Rift Valley to Nairobi
Depart the Maasai Mara and travel back to Nairobi through the scenic Great Rift Valley. Elevated viewpoints, rolling hills and changing landscapes provide a final visual summary of Kenya’s natural diversity.
03:30 onwards | Arrival in Nairobi - End of Safari
Arrive in Nairobi and transfer to your hotel or airport, marking the end of your journey.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Package includes
- -Transport in a 4x4 Land Cruiser safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- -Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- -Park entrance fees
- -7 nights accommodation
- -All meals as per itinerary
- -Game drives as per itinerary
- -Bottled mineral water during game drives
- -Government taxes and levies
Excludes
- -International flights
- -Travel insurance
- -Optional activities
- -Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- -Tips and gratuities
- -Personal expenses
Frequently Asked Questions
This journey combines conservation at Ol Pejeta Conservancy with Rift Valley lakes and the wildlife-rich Maasai Mara National Reserve, offering a well-balanced mix of scenery, wildlife density and varied safari experiences.
Sightings are not guaranteed, but the itinerary offers strong chances. Lake Nakuru National Park is excellent for rhinos, while the Maasai Mara provides high chances for lions, elephants, buffalo and occasionally leopards.
The safari runs year-round. Dry seasons (June to October, January to February) are best for wildlife viewing, while green seasons offer lush scenery and excellent birdlife, especially around Lake Naivasha.
Options range from budget camps to luxury lodges, all chosen for comfort and proximity to wildlife areas, ensuring quick access to game drives.
Game drives are conducted in 4×4 Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs, typically split into morning and afternoon sessions with breaks for meals and relaxation.
What can I do at Lake Naivasha?
Activities include boat safaris, walking safaris, cycling and gorge walks in Hell’s Gate National Park, along with birdwatching and optional horse riding.
Yes, it is well paced and covers diverse landscapes, making it ideal for both first-time and experienced safari travellers.
Pack light clothing, a warm layer for mornings, comfortable shoes, sun protection, insect repellent, and camera gear with spare batteries.
Yes, all park fees, accommodation and meals as per the itinerary are included, with picnic lunches provided during extended game drives.
Yes, upgrades, private vehicles and additional experiences such as balloon safaris or extended stays can be arranged.
