Kenya Classic Safari

Quick Facts

Days

9

Takes you to

Nairobi, Amboseli National Park, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru National Park, and Masai Mara National Park.

SAFARI OVERVIEW OF

Kenya Classic Safari

The 9-day Kenya Classic Safari provides an opportunity to explore some of Kenya’s most captivating parks and reserves. Kenya is famous for its diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. Explore its natural treasures like the Masai Mara, Amboseli National Park, Lake Nakuru, and Lake Naivasha. Each of these destinations offers unique experiences and spectacular scenery, ensuring unforgettable adventures.

The journey starts in Amboseli National Park, famous for its breathtaking views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and its large elephant populations. The next stop is Nakuru National Park, globally renowned for its birdlife and serving as an important rhino sanctuary in Kenya. The adventure ends in the Masai Mara Game Reserve, which is famous for hosting the remarkable wildebeest migration.

Join us on our exclusive 9-Day Kenya Classic Safari, where you’ll discover the breathtaking beauty, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage of Kenya.

SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS

Explore Masai Mara: See the Big Five in the renowned Masai Mara National Reserve.
Visit Amboseli National Park: Enjoy stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and observe large herds of elephants up close.
Discover Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha: Experience amazing bird watching, with thousands of flamingos and other bird species and Rhinos.
Cultural Encounters: Interact with the Maasai people and gain insight into their traditional way of life and customs.
Eco-Friendly Accommodations that support Sustainable and Responsible Travel.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi Kenya

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met by our company representative and transferred to your place of overnight stay at the start of the Kenya Classic Safari.

Meal Plan: Dinner depending on time of arrival | Luxury Accommodation: Fairmont The Norfolk | Midrange Accommodation: Ibis Styles

Day 2: Nairobi – Amboseli National Park

Experience the timeless allure of the 7 Days Classic Kenya Safari, starting in Nairobi and journeying towards Amboseli National Park with a scenic 4-5 hour drive. Upon arrival, enjoy a delicious lunch before an afternoon of relaxation. At 4:00 pm, embark on an exciting game drive through the park's expansive terrain.

Amboseli National Park is Located in southern Kenya, Amboseli National Park is renowned for its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. Spanning 392 square kilometers, the park is famous for its large herds of elephants. The Park is famed for breathtaking views and photography opportunities of Africa’s tallest mountain- Kilimanjaro and its large herds of Elephants. Explore varied landscapes, including savannah, wetlands, and woodlands, teeming with wildlife.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Luxury Accommodation: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge | Midrange Accommodation: Amboseli Sopa Lodge

Day 3: Amboseli - Game Drives

On this day of the Kenya Classic Safari, embark on thrilling game drives through Amboseli National Park, set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro—Africa's highest peak. In the early morning, catch the breathtaking sight of Kilimanjaro's snow-capped summit floating above the clouds, a view that leaves a lasting impression. We will also stop at Observation Hill for the sprawling, breathtaking view of Amboseli.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Luxury Accommodation: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge | Midrange Accommodation: Amboseli Sopa Lodge

Day 4: Amboseli – Lake Naivasha National Park

Breakfast and then check out embarking on the 5-6 hours to Lake Naivasha, a freshwater Rift Valley lake famed for its bird life, particularly fish eagles, lovebirds, and pelicans. There are also many hippos and we take an evening boat trip to see some of them.

Alternatively, the boat ride can be done on Lake Oloiden in the southern part of Lake Naivasha. Unlike Lake Naivasha whose waters are fresh, Lake Oloiden is salty and home to several families of Hippos and both the lesser and the greater flamingos are in plenty here.

Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake in the Great Rift Valley, offering a serene escape with its picturesque scenery and abundant wildlife. The lake spans approximately 139 square kilometers and is surrounded by swamps and grassy plains. The lake is home to over 400 bird species, making it a bird-watcher’s paradise.

A boat trip to this lake offers a good opportunity to see some of the numerous water birds and other creatures that thrive in this salty water habitat. Lake Oloiden was formerly part of Lake Naivasha but is now separated from its southwest shore by a stretch of elevated land and the two lakes are about 200 meters apart.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Luxury Accommodation: Enashipai Resort & Spa | Midrange Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge

Day 5: Lake Naivasha – Lake Nakuru - Lake Naivasha

Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park for a whole classic Kenya safari, the fourth day of game drives. Lake Nakuru is a world-famous bird and rhino sanctuary where thousands of flamingos congregate to feed on Spirulina platensis, a blue-green alga that grows naturally in the lake.

Start your day with an early morning game drive, a prime time for wildlife viewing. As you explore the park, Look out for a variety of animals including the endangered white rhino, elusive leopards, majestic lions, and graceful waterbucks. The park is also home to buffalo, impalas, and warthogs, providing ample opportunities for remarkable wildlife encounters.

Have a boat cruise on Lake Nakuru famed as a bird watcher’s paradise. Besides the iconic flamingos, you'll have the chance to spot pelicans, herons, and over 450 other bird species that inhabit the park. The sight of thousands of flamingos creating a pink-hued shoreline is truly a spectacle to behold. Lake Nakuru National Park is a haven for birdwatchers, famous for its flocks of flamingos that seasonally line the shores of Lake Nakuru. The park, covering 188 square kilometers, is also a sanctuary for endangered species.

In the evening, after an exhilarating day of game drives and wildlife sightings, drive back to the lodge reflecting on the day's adventures and preparing for the next leg of your safari journey.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Luxury Accommodation: Enashipai Resort & Spa | Midrange Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge

Day 6: Lake Naivasha – Maasai Mara National Park- Walking Safari

Head for a 5-6 hour drive to the Masai Mara, driving through the Great Rift Valley’s floors and western escarpments, created over the centuries due to the natural shifting of the earth’s tectonic plates. We will take the Classic Kenya Safari Adventure to the Masai Mara National Reserve, arriving in time for lunch and relaxation.

Optional Evening Activity - Walking Safari

Experience an up-close encounter with giraffes, zebras, impalas, and other plains wildlife. Take in the scents of the native vegetation, sample a few edible plants, and feel the texture of natural wildlife materials. Listen to the distinctive calls of impala rams, track footprints left by nocturnal predators like lions and leopards, and discover fascinating small creatures such as spiders, butterflies, dung beetles, and termites.

The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most famous wildlife reserves in Africa, known for its exceptional population of big cats and the annual Great Migration. Covering 1,510 square kilometers, it forms the northern continuation of Tanzania's Serengeti National Park. Beyond its natural wonders, the Masai Mara offers visitors a chance to engage with the local Maasai culture. The Maasai are known for their distinctive customs, dress, and traditional dances.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Luxury Accommodation: Zebra River Camp | Midrange Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge

Day 7: Maasai Mara- Game drives and Community Visit.

Experience the essence of Maasai Mara on our sixth-day safari, dedicated to exhilarating game drives amidst its breathtaking landscapes. Seek out Kenya's renowned "Big Five": lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos. Amidst this rich biodiversity, encounter an array of captivating wildlife including giraffes, zebras, hippos, baboons, and an abundance of bird species.

Witness the awe-inspiring annual migration of millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles from July to September, a spectacle unrivaled in its grandeur. The journey spans over 900 kilometers from the Serengeti plains to the Maasai Mara, culminating in the dramatic Mara River crossing, where herds face the perilous threat of hungry crocodiles.

The Mara River, a lifeline of the Masai Mara, hosts this captivating spectacle, offering a glimpse into the raw beauty of nature's drama. After an enriching day of exploration, we retreat to the comforts of the Camp relaxation.

In the evening, you'll have the chance to engage in authentic cultural exchanges, learning about Maasai traditions, customs, and rituals from community elders and local guides. You might participate in the captivating dances performed by warriors, and hear captivating stories passed down through generations. The Maasai guide will also lead you to the Maasai Huts and Kraals.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Luxury Accommodation: Zebra River Camp | Midrange Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge

Day 8: Maasai Mara- Nairobi

Today, enjoy a morning game drive to conclude your Kenya Classic safari. Afterward, you will be transferred back to Nairobi, where you will be dropped off at the airport or a location of your choice. Savor the memories of your extraordinary safari experience as you bid farewell to the captivating landscapes and wildlife of Kenya.

Optional Morning Activity

Seeing Mara and its great wildlife from above is just breathtaking. Balloon rides last for about 45 minutes to about 1 Hour 15 minutes before having the famous champagne breakfast before heading back to Nairobi for relaxation.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Luxury Accommodation: Fairmont The Norfolk | Midrange Accommodation: Ibis Styles

Day 9: Departure

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have a city tour in Nairobi before heading to the airport for your onward flight back home at the end of the Kenya Classic Safari.

Included in the Kenya Classic Safari

Ground transportation in a safari customized 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser with gasoline/fuel.
English-speaking Guides
Accommodation and Meals
All Park Entrance Fees
Game Safaris
Walking Safari
Maasai Community Visit
Boat Cruises Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha
Drinking water / refillable water bottle
English-speaking Guides
Accommodation and Meals
All Park Entrance Fees.

Excluded from the Kenya Classic Safari

International Airfares;
Visa Fees;
Drinks and Beverages
Tips and Gratuities for your Driver/guide and hotel staff
Optional activities unless specified as included
Any other services not expressly shown in the itinerary or indicated as included.

Magical Kenya

Experience a safari in Kenya, offering Big Five game viewing, stunning landscapes, and cultural encounters. Explore top attractions like the Masai Mara’s Great Migration, Amboseli’s Mount Kilimanjaro views, and Samburu’s leopards. Immerse in the rich Swahili culture with influences from Africa, India, and Europe.

Kenya’s highlight is the Great Migration, where mega-herds of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle move in search of fresh grass, offering dramatic moments such as the Mara River crossings and predator encounters.

Kenya also pairs well with Tanzania and Rwanda/ Uganda, allowing for gorilla trekking and safari-beach combinations to experience both wildlife and relaxation.

Entry Requirements

Visa on Arrival: Travelers from most countries can obtain a visa upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and other entry points. Ensure that your passport has at least two full blank pages for visas and stamps and is valid for more than six months from the date of entry.is valid for more than six months from the date of entry.

Visa Waivers: Citizens of African Union, Commonwealth, and La Francophonie member states are granted a visa upon arrival with a 90-day fee waiver. East African Community (EAC) member state citizens receive a six-month entry pass free of charge.

Visa Fees and Application: A single-entry visa costs US$50. Applications can be submitted online at eVisa portal Payment can be made online or upon arrival.

Visa Exemptions:

East African Countries: Tanzania, Kenya, South Sudan, Uganda, Burundi.
Commonwealth Member States: Short stays (up to 90 days) are visa-free for citizens of Commonwealth countries, including the UK, Canada, and Australia.
The following nationalities do not require a visa to enter Kenya: all nationalities from East African countries (Tanzania, Rwanda, Kenya, Burundi), all nationalities from COMESA countries (Angola, Eritrea, Malawi, Madagascar, Seychelles, Swaziland, Zambia, Comoros, Kenya, Mauritius, Zimbabwe), and passport holders from OTHERS (Antigua, Barbados, Fiji, Grenada, Lesotho, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, The Grenadines, Vanuatu, Cyprus, Bahamas, Belize, Gambia, Jamaica, Malta, Singapore, St. Vincent-Tonga and Ireland).

East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV)

The East Africa Tourist Visa allows travel between Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda with multiple entries within 90 days for US$100. Apply online at eVisa portal upon arrival, or at diplomatic missions. If applied for in advance, the first entry must be through the issuing country.

Money and Spending

Kenya’s currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES), but US Dollars (post-2006 bills only) or Euros are widely accepted. Exchange money in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu for the best rates. Credit cards (mainly MasterCard) are accepted at high-end hotels and restaurants in Nairobi but rarely outside the capital.

Mobile Payments

M-Pesa: Kenya is known for its mobile money services, and M-Pesa is widely used for both personal transactions and payments at businesses. Many hotels, shops, and even vendors accept payments via M-Pesa, and it’s convenient for sending and receiving money.

To use M-Pesa, you’ll need to register your phone with a local M-Pesa agent. If you’re a frequent traveler, consider getting a local SIM card with M-Pesa for easier transactions.

Health and Medical Information – Vaccinations:

Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory.
Recommended: Tetanus, Cholera, Hepatitis A & B, and Malaria prophylaxis.
Malaria: Precautions are essential. Use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, and consider antimalarial medication.
General Health Tips: Drink bottled or boiled water and carry a basic first aid kit. Consult with a healthcare professional before traveling.

Best Time to Visit Kenya: Month-by-Month Guide

January & February: Best for Game Viewing and Peak Adventure

January: Ideal for game viewing during the summer season, outside of the rain periods. Perfect for beach holidays on the Kenyan coast, though temperatures can be high.
February: Great for safaris, particularly in the Masai Mara where rainfall is minimal. Perfect for Mount Kenya expeditions, with low rainfall and high chances of spotting wildlife at watering holes.

March to May: Wet Season with Fewer Crowds

March: Transition from dry to wet conditions. Rain becomes more frequent, making some areas difficult to visit due to muddy roads. However, lower costs and fewer tourists make it a more peaceful time to visit.
April: One of the rainiest months in Kenya. Ideal for photographers, as the lush green landscape and moody skies create beautiful settings. However, game drives may be challenging due to muddy roads.
May: Long rains are in full swing, especially along the coast. Not a great time for beach holidays but perfect for photographers and those looking to explore less crowded parks.

June to October: Best Safari Season and Great Migration

June: Start of the long dry season, making it the best time for safaris. Wildlife gathers around waterholes, and the weather is perfect for game viewing.
July: The Great Migration begins, with mega-herds of wildebeest and zebras arriving in the Masai Mara. Temperatures are pleasant, and the river crossings are a major highlight.
August: Peak of the Great Migration. Witness dramatic river crossings and predator-prey action. The weather is dry, making it an ideal safari experience.
September: Dry conditions continue, and game viewing remains excellent, with wildlife concentrated around water sources.
October: The migratory herds begin to leave, but resident wildlife still provides plenty of exciting safari opportunities.

November & December: Short Rains and Fewer Tourists

November: The short rainy season begins, leading to fewer tourists and lower prices. Despite the rain, this is a great time for a more peaceful safari.
December: Hot weather with occasional rain. A great time for wildlife viewing, particularly for birdwatchers, as bird numbers increase during this time.

Banking and Currency:

US Dollars cash is widely accepted and, in most cases, preferred as the currency that travelers should use to EXCHANGE into UGX on arrival for spending money on the road, e.g., for drinks, curios, tips. Please note that USD bills older than 2009 are not accepted. Ensure your USD bills are 2009 or younger. Small USD bills are difficult to change – use Uganda shillings for small tips.

Credit Cards:

Credit cards can be used at some lodges and hotels, but a transaction fee of up to 5% may be charged. Ask first.

Travel, Transport, and Getting Around Flights:

Note that baggage allowance on all domestic flights is 15 kgs in soft bags

Health and Medical Information

Travelers require a Yellow Fever inoculation more than 10 days before your departure. The certificate will be checked on arrival in Uganda. If you have a history of liver disorders (hepatitis etc.), consult your physician first.

Tetanus and Cholera inoculations are recommended but not compulsory. Hepatitis inoculation is at the discretion of the traveler.

Malaria prophylactics are a must and can be purchased from your local pharmacy. Please consult your pharmacist/doctor.

Diarrhoea / Giardia – Bottled water is readily available throughout Uganda, however, it’s advisable to bring medicine just in case.

What to pack.

• Comfortable hiking boots and lightweight clothing.

• Rain jacket and a warm sweater for cooler evenings.

• Insect repellent and sunscreen.

• Reusable water bottle.

• Binoculars and a good camera.

• Personal medications and a small first-aid kit.

• Nature blending clothes