Overview
A classic 10-day lodge circuit that showcases Kenya’s wildlife and landscapes — from northern specials in Samburu to the conservation heartland of Ol Pejeta, the lakes and gorges of the Rift Valley, the iconic Maasai Mara plains and elephant country of Amboseli. Comfortable lodges, experienced guides and a paced itinerary make this an excellent all-round Kenya introduction.
Highlights
- Northern wildlife specialties in Samburu (Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk).
- Conservation visit to Ol Pejeta / Sweetwaters — black rhino area and chimp sanctuary.
- Lake Naivasha boat trip and optional Crescent Island walking safari.
- Walk or cycle through Hell’s Gate National Park gorges.
- Two full days in Maasai Mara for predator action and migration spectacle (seasonal).
- Amboseli elephant encounters with views of Mount Kilimanjaro (clear in dry months).
Itinerary
Arrival in Nairobi. Meet & greet with a MOUTI representative and transfer to your city hotel for the night. Accommodation example: Sarova Panafric or Nairobi Safari Park Hotel.
Early departure from Nairobi, travelling north across the Kenyan highlands to Samburu National Reserve. Arrive in time for lunch and an afternoon game drive. Samburu hosts unique northern species — Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe and gerenuk. Overnight at Samburu Lodge / Sopa Lodge.
Morning and afternoon game drives exploring Samburu’s riverine habitats and open plains. Between drives relax at your lodge or opt for a cultural visit to a Samburu village to learn about pastoral life. Dinner and overnight at your Samburu lodge.
Depart Samburu after breakfast with a game drive en route. Arrive at Ol Pejeta Conservancy around midday and check in to Sweetwaters Tented Camp (or stable-style accommodation). Afternoon game drive in Ol Pejeta — famed for rhino conservation and a chimpanzee sanctuary. Overnight at Sweetwaters.
After breakfast enjoy a short morning game activity at Ol Pejeta before driving to Lake Naivasha. Arrive for lunch and an afternoon of leisure or an optional boat ride to view hippos and waterbirds, plus a walking visit to Crescent Island (optional). Overnight at Naivasha lodge/hotel.
Early morning visit to Hell’s Gate National Park — the only Kenyan park permitting walking and cycling through dramatic gorges. After your guided walk/cycle depart for Narok (lunch en route) and continue to the Maasai Mara, arriving late afternoon for an introductory game drive. Overnight at a Mara lodge or tented camp.
Full-day game viewing across the Mara Plains with packed lunch (or return to lodge between drives). If visiting during the wildebeest migration (July–October), river crossing vantage points will be prioritised where possible. Dinner and overnight in the Mara.
Another full day in the Mara to maximise sightings and photographic opportunities — optional balloon safari available at sunrise (pre-book). Overnight at Mara lodge.
After breakfast depart the Mara for Amboseli. This is a long transfer with a lunch stop in Nairobi. Arrive in Amboseli in the evening; if time permits a short game activity before dinner. Overnight at an Amboseli lodge/camp.
Early morning game drive in Amboseli for sunrise animal activity and photography with Kilimanjaro views (weather permitting). Return to lodge for breakfast, check out and depart for Nairobi with arrival around mid-afternoon. Drop off at the airport or your Nairobi hotel — safari ends on arrival.
Cost
Cost Includes
- 9 nights’ accommodation (city hotel + lodges as per itinerary) on stated basis.
- All transfers and transport in a pop-top 4×4 safari vehicle with English-speaking driver/guide.
- Park entry and conservancy fees as listed in the itinerary.
- Meals as indicated (main meals while on safari), bottled water in vehicle.
- Hell’s Gate guided walk/cycle briefing and Lake Naivasha boat trip where included or listed as optional.
Cost Excludes
- International flights, Kenyan visa, travel insurance, laundry, gratuities and personal expenses.
- Optional activities (Maasai village donations, Crescent Island entry if chosen, hot-air balloon at Mara) unless specifically added.
- Any park/permit fee increases after booking.
FAQs
The Hell’s Gate walk/cycle is moderate — trails and gorges are accessible to most reasonably fit travellers. Guides tailor the route and difficulty.
Yes — balloon safaris are an optional add-on (weather dependent). Pre-booking is strongly recommended during peak season.
Yes — many lodges welcome families. Child policies differ by property — tell us ages and we’ll match family-friendly accommodation and pacing.
The dry season (June–October, and December–February) is generally best for road transfers and wildlife viewing. For the wildebeest migration target July–October.
