Kenya 🇰🇪

shellyvix
Mar 8
6 min read

8 Days: Nairobi, Amboseli, Lake Naivasha & Masai Mara

ITINERARY SUMMARY

Begin your incredible safari adventure as you explore the most captivating landscapes in Kenya!

🏙️ Start in Nairobi – Kenya’s vibrant capital and your gateway to the wild.

🐘 Venture through Amboseli – Marvel at herds of elephants with the stunning Mt. Kilimanjaro in the background.

🌅 Soak up views at Lake Naivasha – Admire the Great Rift Valley and watch hippos lounging by the lake.

🦁 Explore Maasai Mara – Spot the iconic Big 5 and witness the magic of the African savannah.

DAY 1: NAIROBI

Welcome to Nairobi – Your Safari Adventure Begins!

🤝 Meet your guide – Arrive at the airport and enjoy a smooth transfer to your hotel*.

🧘 Relax or explore – Depending on your arrival time, unwind at the hotel or venture out to experience the city.

🌿 Discover Nairobi – Known as the ‘Green City in the Sun’, Nairobi is a lively hub of culture, cuisine, and local charm.

🛏️ Overnight stay in Nairobi – Rest up for tomorrow’s journey into the wild!

HOTEL (1 night)

Novotel Nairobi Westlands - nestled in Westlands, steps away from the popular Sarit Mall, this new hotel is easily accessible in 20 mins from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport via the new expressway. Unwind by the rooftop pool, offering panoramic views of the city skyline while savoring handcrafted cocktails.

DAY 2: AMBOSELI

Day in Amboseli – From City to Savannah

🍽️ Early breakfast – Fuel up at the hotel before your journey begins.

🚐 Head south from Nairobi – Watch the scenery transform from bustling city to open wilderness.

🏞️ Scenic drive – Pass by Maasai communities and local homesteads as you spot the distant silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro.

🏕️ Arrive at your lodge – Check in and enjoy a delicious lunch on arrival.

🛋️ Afternoon at leisure – Relax at the lodge and soak in the stunning surroundings.

🐘 Optional game drive* – Explore Amboseli National Park and look out for elephants, lions, cheetahs, and vibrant birdlife in the magical afternoon light.

🍽️ Dinner and overnight stay in Amboseli

📍 Estimated transfer time & distance: 4 hours | 161 miles (260 km)📸 Perfect photo ops in golden hour lighting await on the game drive!

HOTEL (2 nights)

Amboseli Sopa Lodge - experience eco-friendly hospitality in the wilds of Amboseli! Set on 200 acres of private land, nestled in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa’s highest and most iconic snowcapped mountain (nearly 6,000m). This lodge exudes a unique, rustic atmosphere with Wifi in public areas and wildlife roaming freely. Just a 20-minute drive to Amboseli National Park. Ernest Hemingway built a home in the resort (which has since been turned into a bar) and the region inspired his classic novels, The Snows of Kilimanjaro and The Short, Happy Life of Francis Macomber.

DAY 3: AMBOSELI

Adventure & Wildlife in Amboseli

🍽️ Breakfast at the lodge – Start your day with a hearty meal.

🚙 Full-day safari – Explore the park in the morning and afternoon, with a relaxing break back at camp.

🧘 Afternoon at leisure – Unwind and take in the beauty of the landscape.

🍽️ Dinner and overnight stay – Enjoy your evening at the lodge in Amboseli.

Get ready for unforgettable moments in the heart of the wild!

DAY 4: LAKE NAIVASHA

Journey to Lake Naivasha – A Wild Encounter Awaits

🍽️ Breakfast at the lodge – Start your day with a hearty meal before hitting the road.

🚐 Travel to Lake Naivasha – Enjoy the scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley, arriving in time for lunch.

🧘 Afternoon at leisure – Relax or explore the area on your own.

🦓 Optional: Walk among wildlife on Crescent Island* – Take a boat safari across the lake and enjoy a unique opportunity to walk safely among zebras, giraffes, hippos, and wildebeest in a predator-free sanctuary!

🍽️ Dinner and overnight stay – Unwind for the night at your lodge in Lake Naivasha.

📍 Estimated transfer time & distance: 7 hours | 205 miles (330 km)🚤 Boat safari + Crescent Island walk = an unforgettable wildlife experience!

HOTEL (1 night)

Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge - charming lakeside stay in Lake Naivasha! Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort is just 1.5 hours from Nairobi, along Moi South Lake Road with Wifi in public areas. A peaceful retreat by the lake, perfect for relaxation or adventure!

DAY 5: MAASAI MARA

Into the Wild – Journey to the Maasai Mara

🍽️ Breakfast at the lodge – Wake up to the sounds of nature and fuel up for the day ahead.

🚐 Depart for the iconic Maasai Mara – Travel along the Great Rift Valley floor, passing through the scenic towns of Mai Mahiu and Narok, the cultural heart of the Maasai people.

🏞️ Arrive at the lodge – Reach in time for lunch and take in the stunning views of the vast savannah.

🧘 Afternoon at leisure – Relax and enjoy the lodge’s facilities amidst nature.

🍽️ Dinner and overnight stay – Settle in for a peaceful evening in the Maasai Mara.

📍 Estimated transfer time & distance: 5.5 hours | 127 miles (204 km)🦓 The adventure deepens as you enter Kenya’s most legendary wildlife haven!

HOTEL (2 nights)

PrideInn Mara Camp & Cottages - discover PrideInn Mara! A premier luxury safari destination in the heart of the Masai Mara with modern amenities (Wifi available), fused with authentic African charm. Front-row seat to breathtaking wildlife and mesmerizing sunsets, spacious, beautifully furnished tents & cottages, and panoramic views of the untamed wilderness right outside your tent.

DAY 6: MAASAI MARA

Wildlife Adventure – Full-Day Game Drive in Maasai Mara

🍽️ Breakfast at the lodge – Start your day energized and ready for adventure.

🎈 Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari* – Soar over the Maasai Mara at dawn for breathtaking views and a magical sunrise.

🚙 Full-day game drive – Set off with a packed lunch to explore the vast Maasai Mara at your own pace.

🌄 Discover diverse landscapes – Experience sweeping savannahs, riverine forests, and rolling hills.

🦁 Spot the Big Five – Keep an eye out for lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo—nature’s ultimate wildlife icons!

🍽️ Dinner at the lodge – Return to relax and share your exciting safari stories over a delicious meal.

🛏️ Overnight stay – Rest well for another day in the wild.

📌 Please note:

Hot Air Balloon Safari is weather-dependent and confirmed the day before.
Refunds provided if balloon safari is canceled.

A truly authentic Kenyan safari experience awaits!

DAY 7: MAASAI VILLAGE to NAIROBI

Final Day in the Kenyan Wilderness!

🍽️ Early breakfast – Start your day with a tasty meal at the lodge.

🧘 Relax or explore – Spend your last morning at leisure, or choose an unforgettable adventure:

🏡 Optional Maasai Village Visit – Immerse yourself in local culture, admire artisan crafts, and meet the colorful Maasai community.

🚐 Mid-morning transfer – Travel back to Nairobi, arriving in the afternoon.

🛎️ Settle in at your hotel – Enjoy your final evening at leisure—shop for souvenirs or savor local cuisine in the city’s vibrant eateries.

🛏️ Overnight stay in Nairobi

Make your last day in Kenya truly unforgettable! 🇰🇪✨

HOTEL (1 night)

Novotel Nairobi Westlands - return to the same hotel in Nairobi for your last night in Kenya

DAY 8: NAIROBI

Final Morning in Kenya

🍳 Breakfast at the hotel – Enjoy your last meal in Kenya.

✈️ Transfer to the airport – At the designated time, head to the airport for your flight back to the U.S.

🌙 Overnight flight – Relax and rest on your journey home.

👋 Farewell Kenya — until next time! 🇰🇪✨

GETTING THERE

We start all trips off with a visit to the Priority Pass MSP Lounge where we receive $15 vouchers per person to be used on food and drink. Sign up for the Venture X card for free access.

PACKING SUGGESTIONS