Embark on a thrilling 9 day Kenya luxury safari through the iconic landscapes of Southern Kenya, designed by Kenyan based experts for discerning Canadian travellers. This immersive journey takes you from the vast plains of Tsavo, famed for its unique red elephants, to the foot of majestic Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli, continuing through the Rift Valley's lakes, and culminating in the legendary Maasai Mara. Experience Kenya's giants and stunning vistas with Bubble Tours & Travel, enjoying seamless logistics and a truly bespoke Kenya itinerary.

Brief Day by Day Itinerary Outline

Day 1: Nairobi to Tsavo East National Park
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drives in Tsavo East
Day 3: Tsavo East to Tsavo West National Park
Day 4: Tsavo West to Amboseli National Park
Day 5: Amboseli to Lake Naivasha
Day 6: Lake Naivasha to Lake Nakuru National Park
Day 7: Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara National Reserve
Day 8: Full-Day Game Drives in Maasai Mara
Day 9: Maasai Mara to Nairobi

Activities:

* Multiple game drives in Tsavo East, Tsavo West, Amboseli, and Maasai Mara National Parks
* Explore the unique landscapes and geological formations of each park
* Boat safari on Lake Naivasha.
* Nature walk on Crescent Island.
Optional activities: Visit the Mzima Springs, Shetani Lava Flow, Chaimu Crater, enjoy a bush walk, experience a Maasai village visit, or take a hot air balloon safari in the Maasai Mara (additional cost).

Optional Travel Upgrade:

Travel Between Parks with Light Aircraft: For a seamless and time-efficient experience, consider upgrading your transportation between parks with a scenic light aircraft flight. This option offers breathtaking aerial views of the Kenyan landscape and significantly reduces travel time, allowing you to maximize your time on safari.

Wildlife & Scenic Highlights:

Tsavo East National Park: Elephants (including the famous "red elephants"), lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, antelopes, and a diverse array of bird species, such as ostriches, eagles, and vultures.
Tsavo West National Park: Lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, zebras, black rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.
Amboseli National Park: Elephants, lions, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, and a plethora of bird species, including ostriches, eagles, and secretary birds.
Mount Kilimanjaro: The majestic backdrop of Africa's highest peak, offering stunning photo opportunities.
Lake Naivasha: Hippos, African fish eagles, cormorants, pelicans, herons, kingfishers, and a variety of other water birds.
Crescent Island: Zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, impalas, waterbucks, gazelles, and numerous bird species.
Lake Nakuru National Park: Flamingos, rhinos (both black and white), lions, leopards, Rothschild's giraffes, buffaloes, waterbucks, zebras, and a plethora of bird species, including pelicans, eagles, and storks.
Maasai Mara National Reserve: The Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes), cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, crocodiles, and a diverse array of bird species, including ostriches, eagles, and vultures.
The Great Wildebeest Migration: Witness the annual spectacle of millions of wildebeests, zebras, and other herbivores crossing the Mara River in search of fresh grazing lands. (Seasonal, typically July-October)
Scenic Landscapes: The Yatta Plateau (world's longest lava flow) in Tsavo East, the Mzima Springs, Shetani Lava Flow, and the Chaimu Crater in Tsavo West, the picturesque landscapes of the Rift Valley, acacia forests, the shimmering waters of Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha, the volcanic Mount Longonot, and the vast plains, rolling hills, and acacia-dotted savannahs of the Maasai Mara.

Tailored To Your Preferences

This 9 day Southern circuit provides an excellent foundation. As specialists in bespoke Kenya itinerary design, we encourage customization. Wish to spend more time seeking optimal Kilimanjaro views in Amboseli? Focus on specific birdlife around the lakes? Add a relaxing extension on the Kenyan coast? We work with you to refine the pace, activities, and accommodation choices to create your perfect safari.

Best Time for This Safari Circuit

Southern Kenya offers fantastic experiences year round. Key considerations include:

• Dry Seasons (June-October, January-February): Generally considered optimal for wildlife viewing as animals congregate near water sources. Clearer skies offer better chances for Kilimanjaro views from Amboseli. July-October overlaps with potential Migration viewing in the Mara.
• Wet Seasons (March-May, November-December): Greener landscapes, fewer visitors, potentially lower rates. Showers are typically short lived but can impact road travel in some areas. Newborn animals often seen.

We provide detailed advice based on your preferred travel dates.

Why Choose This Southern Circuit?

• Focus on Giants: Renowned for elephant viewing in Tsavo ("red elephants") and Amboseli (against Kilimanjaro backdrop).
• Iconic Scenery: Offers the unforgettable potential view of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak.
• Diverse Parks: Covers vast plains, volcanic hills (Tsavo West), Rift Valley lakes, and the world famous Mara savannah.
• Classic Route: A popular and rewarding circuit showcasing many of Kenya's southern highlights.

Ready to Plan Your Southern Kenyan Safari?

The detailed day by day itinerary, featuring specific accommodation suggestions and more insights, follows below. If you're ready to discuss customizing this journey or have questions, our specialists are here to help.

 

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Itinerary

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Day 1: Nairobi to Tsavo East National Park (Approx. 3-4 hours drive)

• Morning (Arrival): Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), Nairobi, you will be met by your professional driver/guide. After a brief welcome and safari briefing, you will depart for Tsavo East National Park.
• Mid-morning: The drive to Tsavo East takes you southeast, passing through changing landscapes, from bustling towns to rural areas.
• Afternoon: Arrive at your chosen lodge or camp inside or just outside Tsavo East. Check in and enjoy lunch.
• Late Afternoon: Embark on your first game drive in Tsavo East, renowned for its large herds of elephants, often referred to as "red elephants" due to the red soil they dust themselves with. Keep an eye out for other wildlife, including lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and various bird species.
• Evening: Return to your lodge/camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation Suggestions: Ashnil Aruba Lodge, Satao Elerai Camp, Man-Eaters Camp, or similar.

Day 2: Full-Day Game Drives in Tsavo East National Park

• Morning: Early morning game drive to witness the sunrise and observe wildlife during their most active hours. This is a prime time for predator sightings.
• Mid-morning: Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast.
• Late Morning/Afternoon: Continue exploring Tsavo East with extended game drives, focusing on different areas of the park. Consider visiting the Lugard Falls, where the Galana River plunges through a narrow gorge, or the Mudanda Rock, a long outcrop of rock that attracts many animals, especially during the dry season.
• Evening: Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3: Tsavo East to Tsavo West National Park (Approx. 2-3 hours drive)

• Morning: Enjoy a final game drive in Tsavo East, perhaps focusing on tracking specific animals or revisiting a favourite spot.
• Mid-morning: After breakfast, check out and drive to Tsavo West National Park. The journey itself offers scenic views as the landscape changes.
• Afternoon: Arrive and check in to your accommodation in or near Tsavo West. Have lunch.
• Late Afternoon: Explore Tsavo West, known for its dramatic landscapes, including volcanic hills, lava flows, and natural springs. Visit the Mzima Springs, a series of crystal-clear pools fed by underground streams, where you can observe hippos, crocodiles, and various fish species.
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation Suggestions: Finch Hattons Camp, Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge, Severin Safari Camp, or similar.

Day 4: Tsavo West to Amboseli National Park (Approx. 3-4 hours drive)

• Morning: Enjoy a final game drive in Tsavo West, perhaps visiting the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary (check availability and pre-booking requirements).
• Mid-morning: After breakfast, depart for Amboseli National Park, renowned for its breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak.
• Afternoon: Arrive and check in to your accommodation in or near Amboseli. Enjoy lunch.
• Late Afternoon: Begin your game drive in Amboseli, with fantastic photo opportunities of elephants against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro. The park is also home to lions, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, and a variety of birdlife.
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation Suggestions: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, Tortilis Camp Amboseli, Ol Tukai Lodge Amboseli, or similar.

Day 5: Amboseli to Lake Naivasha (Approx. 4-5 hours drive)

• Morning: Early morning game drive in Amboseli for the best chance to see Kilimanjaro clearly and observe wildlife activity in the cool morning air.
• Mid-morning: After breakfast, depart for Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake in the Great Rift Valley.
• Afternoon: Arrive and check in to your lakeside accommodation.
• Late Afternoon: Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Naivasha, offering excellent birdwatching opportunities and close encounters with hippos. Consider a visit to Crescent Island, a peninsula where you can enjoy a walking safari among zebras, giraffes, and other plains game.
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation Suggestions: Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge, Enashipai Resort & Spa, Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort, or similar.

Day 6: Lake Naivasha to Lake Nakuru National Park (Approx. 1-2 hours drive)

• Morning: Enjoy a relaxed morning at Lake Naivasha, perhaps with a nature walk or more birdwatching.
• Mid-morning: Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park.
• Afternoon: Arrive and check in to your accommodation near Lake Nakuru.
• Late Afternoon: Enjoy a game drive in Lake Nakuru, famous for its large flocks of flamingos (seasonal). The park is also a sanctuary for rhinos (both black and white), Rothschild giraffes, lions, leopards, and various antelope species.
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation Suggestions: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge, The Cliff Nakuru, or similar.

Day 7: Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara National Reserve (Approx. 4-5 hours drive)

• Morning: Enjoy a final game drive in Lake Nakuru.
• Mid-morning: Depart for the world-renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve.
• Afternoon: Arrive at your chosen accommodation in or near the Maasai Mara. Check in and have lunch.
• Late Afternoon: Begin your first game drive in the Maasai Mara, famous for its incredible wildlife concentrations and the Great Migration (seasonal).
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation Suggestions: Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Mara Intrepids Camp, Angama Mara, or similar.

Day 8: Full-Day Game Drives in Maasai Mara National Reserve

• Full Day: Enjoy full-day game drives in the Maasai Mara, with packed lunches provided. This allows you to explore different areas of the reserve and maximize your chances of seeing the "Big Five" (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) and other wildlife. You can also opt for a hot air balloon safari over the Mara plains (pre-booking essential).
• Evening: Return to your lodge/camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 9: Maasai Mara to Nairobi & Departure (Approx. 5-6 hours drive)

• Morning: Enjoy a final early morning game drive in the Maasai Mara.
• Mid-morning: After breakfast, depart for Nairobi.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Nairobi and transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) for your departure flight or to a hotel for onward travel.

Important Notes:

• This is a sample itinerary and can be customized to suit your preferences, budget, and travel dates.
• Driving times are estimates and can vary depending on road conditions and traffic.
• It is highly recommended to book your safari well in advance, especially during peak season (July-October for the Great Migration).
• Pack appropriate clothing for varying weather conditions, including warm layers for the evenings and early mornings, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and binoculars.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How does this Tsavo Amboseli route compare to a Northern Kenya safari? This Southern Circuit focuses on vast plains, iconic elephant populations (Tsavo, Amboseli), the potential Kilimanjaro backdrop, and finishes in the Mara. A Northern Circuit (like Samburu/Ol Pejeta) often highlights unique arid adapted species and different conservation stories. Both are fantastic; the choice depends on your specific interests, detailed further in the itinerary above.

2. Is 9 days enough to cover these parks comfortably? Nine days allows for a good exploration of these six areas. However, travel times between parks, especially driving through Tsavo, can be considerable. Opting for the light aircraft upgrade between certain points significantly enhances comfort and maximizes time spent on safari versus travelling. The detailed itinerary provides more context on travel times.

3. What are the chances of seeing Mount Kilimanjaro from Amboseli? Visibility of Kilimanjaro is weather dependent, with early mornings often offering the clearest views before clouds gather. The dry seasons (June-Oct, Jan-Feb) typically provide better chances, but it's never guaranteed. The experience in Amboseli remains spectacular even if the peak is obscured.

4. Can this safari be combined with a beach holiday? Yes, this Southern Kenya circuit combines very well with a beach extension on the Kenyan Coast (like Diani Beach). There are convenient flight connections typically available from Nairobi or even directly from Amboseli or the Maasai Mara to the coastal airstrips. We can easily arrange this combination.