Kenya Safari, National Geographic Journeys

8 days, Nairobi to Nairobi

Immerse yourself in Kenya’s jaw-dropping landscapes and spectacular fauna on an exploration of three of the country’s protected natural areas. Set out on safari in Masai Mara National Reserve, driving through acacia-dotted plains teeming with wildlife; learn about rhino conservation from a representative of the Kenya Wildlife Service; and spot wading hippos and hundreds of species of birds on the shores of Lake Nakuru.

Itinerary

Day 1 - nairobi

Arrive at any time. You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group tonight. Our trips throughout Kenya and Tanzania have a maximum group size of six travellers in addition to a CEO and a driver who are both trained safari guides. That means everyone gets a window seat and twice the insight about the astounding wildlife all around you.

Day 2 - nairobi / lake nakuru national park

Depart early for Lake Nakuru, known for harbouring flocks of pink flamingos and a rich variety of bird species.

Arrive at our safari lodge inside Lake Nakuru National Park in time for lunch, and seek out the resident rhinos on a late afternoon wildlife drive. The park is also rich in other bird life, including grebes, white winged black terns, stilts, avocets, pelicans, cormorants and ducks.

Day 3 - lake nakuru national park

Set out on morning and afternoon safaris through the picturesque park, searching for rhinos, buffalo, impalas, lions, and more; and drive along the salty shores of Lake Nakuru to discover a mind-boggling variety of birds.

Later, gain a deeper understanding of the issues surrounding poaching and rhino conservation during a lecture by an accredited speaker from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). The KWS strives to sustainably conserve and develop Kenya’s wildlife and its habitats, as well as create programs to enable communities living in wildlife areas to benefit from wildlife revenue. National Geographic has supported many research projects working jointly with KWS researchers in the field. The chairman of the KWS is renowned conservationist Richard Leakey, a long-time collaborator and multiple grantee of the National Geographic Society.

Day 4 - lake nakuru national park / lake naivasha

Head south through the Great Rift Valley to Lake Naivasha, a large freshwater lake surrounded by grassy banks and olive trees. Cruise the lake on a boat, watching for hippos, crocodiles, and buffalo; and peer through your binoculars to spot lovebirds, ibis, and the African fish eagle while listening to colobus monkeys call from the treetops.

Step ashore at Crescent Island—a peaceful wildlife sanctuary located in the middle of the lake— and enjoy a guided stroll in search of wildebeest, zebras, and giraffes.

Day 5 - lake naivasha / masai mara

After breakfast, we depart for the world famous Masai Mara National Reserve. No trip to Kenya would be complete without a visit here. In the afternoon, we will arrive in the area, and get settled at our safari camp, our base for our time here.

Then we’ll make our way into the reserve for an afternoon wildlife safari drive. Masai Mara is one of the world’s top safari destinations, known for its abundance of big cats – cheetahs, leopards, and lions – as well as the two million wildebeest, Thomson’s gazelles, and zebra that migrate annually across the vast grasslands in search of water. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for movement and memories. Watch elephants and giraffe grazing, photograph zebras and wildebeest, and with a little luck, you'll even spot animals feasting on a recent kill.

In the evening, relax at the camp and enjoy scenic views of the rolling plains. 

Day 6 - masai mara

Venture out on an early morning safari to track the animals that traversed the savanna during the night. View ungulates like Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles, topi and eland antelopes—as well as their stealthy predators—at one of their most active times of the day.

Continue your exploration on a late afternoon safari, discovering the timeless landscapes of Masai Mara.

Day 7 - masai mara / nairobi

Witness a breathtaking sunrise over the savanna during your final safari in Masai Mara, and head back to Nairobi for a final morning wildlife safari drive.

In the rural settlement of Maai Mahiu is the very special G Adventures for Good supported project, Ubuntu Café. A true social enterprise in the heart of Kenya, this initiative empowers the community, creating over 400 sustainable local jobs for mothers of children with disabilities, and supporting pediatric health and education programs in the region. Sit down to a delicious, organic farm-to-table lunch. Enjoy a guided tour of the centre and meet some of the mothers who work here creating handicrafts. Learn how the lives of these "mamas" have been impacted and, in turn, their communities empowered through this G Adventures-supported initiative.

Return to Nairobi in the late afternoon and opt to join the CEO in a farewell dinner.

Day 8 - nairobi

Depart at any time. Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.