Kenya 8-Day Safari Highlights & Local Culture

Points of Interest : Nairobi

Upon arrival at Nairobi airport, a representative from the local team will be waiting to greet you and drive you directly to your guesthouse in Bul-Bul, in the Karen area. This is your chance to unwind after the flight, adjust to the new surroundings, and start getting excited for your upcoming safari through enchanting Kenya.

Enjoy the peaceful garden setting at Karen Little Paradise and rest up before you head out on safari the next day.

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Accommodation : Karen Little Paradise (Nairobi), double room with shower/WC

Points of Interest : Mount Kenya massif

Your first safari day takes you north towards the slopes of Mount Kenya. On the way you drive through the fertile central highlands, a patchwork of small farms and rural villages. After arriving at your lodge, you set off on a guided walk through the nearby rainforest with a lodge guide.

Along the trail, your guide explains the local plant and animal species, pointing out medicinal plants, birdlife, and, with a bit of luck, the shy forest elephants that live here. The dense green forest and the mountain backdrop create a wonderfully atmospheric start to your adventure.

Later, you visit a small local farm to learn more about the culture and daily life of the Kikuyu, Kenya’s largest ethnic group. Hear about their traditions, crops, and way of life in this fertile region around Mount Kenya.

Driving time: approx. 250 km, 3 hours

• Meals included : Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation : Castle Forest Lodge

Points of Interest : Lake Nakuru National Park

Today you travel to Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its scenic soda lake and rich wildlife. On game drives you can see large flocks of flamingos that tint the shoreline pink when conditions are right, as well as many other waterbirds and plains game.

A special highlight here is the chance to observe both black and white rhinos from relatively close range. Watching these powerful and endangered animals from only about 20 metres away is an unforgettable experience. As you explore, enjoy the varied landscapes of this compact park, from acacia forests to open savannah and lakeshore viewpoints.

Driving time: approx. 250 km, 4 hours 30 minutes

• Meals included : Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation : Punda Milias Nakuru Camp (Nakuru), 2-person Buffalo Cottage with shower/WC

Points of Interest : Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara

You continue your journey towards the legendary Masai Mara, one of Africa’s most wildlife-rich reserves. During your game drives you can encounter lions, elephants, giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, buffalo, leopards, cheetahs, antelopes, gazelles, hippos, crocodiles and many more species in remarkable numbers, all against the backdrop of rolling savannah and wide African skies.

Between July and October, the Masai Mara becomes the stage for the Great Migration, when nearly two million wildebeest and zebras move through the area and cross the Mara River – an awe-inspiring natural spectacle.

In addition to the wildlife, you will also get to know the culture of the Maasai. On a guided walk with a Maasai from your camp, you learn about local plants, animal tracks, and traditional bush knowledge. You are also invited to visit a nearby Maasai community, where you gain insight into their customs, homes, and daily life.

Driving time: approx. 250 km, 5 hours 30 minutes

• Meals included : Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation : Oldarpoi Mara Camp (Masai Mara), 2-person Superior tent with shower/WC

Points of Interest : Lake Naivasha, Masai Mara

Today you leave the Masai Mara and drive to Lake Naivasha in the Great Rift Valley. After arriving at the lake region, you set out on a cycling tour through Hell’s Gate National Park with a bicycle guide. The park, named for its dramatic cliffs and geothermal activity, is one of the few Kenyan parks that you can explore by bike, allowing you to ride among zebras, gazelles and other wildlife in a striking volcanic landscape.

On the following day, you tackle Mount Longonot on a half-day trekking tour. The climb is moderately challenging, but the panoramic views from the crater rim over the Rift Valley and Lake Naivasha make every step worthwhile. After descending and returning to the lakeshore, you enjoy a relaxing boat safari. From the water you can watch hippos, observe numerous bird species and take in the tranquil atmosphere of the lake.

To round off your safari, you visit Crescent Island, a private wildlife sanctuary on the lake. Here you take an unhurried nature walk among resident giraffes, zebras and other herbivores – a unique opportunity to see wildlife on foot in a safe setting.

Driving time: approx. 250 km, 5 hours 30 minutes

• Meals included : Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation : Crater Lake Camp, 2-person tent with shower/WC

Points of Interest : Lake Naivasha, Nairobi

Your safari comes to an end as you drive back to Kenya’s capital, Nairobi. From here, you either connect to your international flight back to Europe or continue on to the Indian Ocean coast for a relaxing beach extension. Your local agent can help arrange a seaside stay if you wish to extend your holiday.

Enjoy your last views of the Rift Valley landscapes as you return to the city and say goodbye to Kenya’s wildlife-rich highlands.

Driving time: approx. 200 km, 3 hours

• Meals included : Breakfast, lunch
• Last day : Transfer back to Nairobi and onward transfer to the airport or to the Indian Ocean coast