Embark on the ultimate exploration of Kenya's diverse landscapes and legendary wildlife on this 12 day grand luxury safari. Meticulously designed for discerning Canadian travellers seeking a truly comprehensive "trip of a lifetime" experience, this itinerary traverses the country's most iconic destinations. Journey from the unique arid north of Samburu, through the Aberdare highlands and Rift Valley lakes, into the world renowned Maasai Mara, south to the plains of Amboseli under Kilimanjaro, and finally into the vast wilderness of Tsavo West. As Kenyan based experts, Bubble Tours & Travel masterfully coordinates the complex logistics of this extensive journey, ensuring seamless travel, premium comfort, and an unforgettable bespoke Kenya itinerary.

Brief Day by Day Itinerary Outline

Day 1: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drives in Samburu
Day 3: Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Day 4: Ol Pejeta to Aberdare National Park
Day 5: Aberdare to Lake Nakuru National Park
Day 6: Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara National Reserve
Day 7: Full-Day Game Drives in Maasai Mara
Day 8: Maasai Mara to Lake Naivasha
Day 9: Lake Naivasha to Amboseli
Day 10: Full-Day Game Drives in Amboseli
Day 11: Amboseli to Tsavo West National Park
Day 12: Tsavo West to Nairobi

Activities:

* Multiple game drives in Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara, Amboseli and Tsavo West National Parks
* Visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Ol Pejeta
* Boat safari on Lake Naivasha.
* Nature walk on Crescent Island.
Optional activities: Cultural visits to Samburu villages, camel rides, bird watching, hiking, visiting a Maasai village, night game drives, or taking 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:

Samburu National Reserve: The "Samburu Special Five" (Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx, and Somali ostrich), elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and a variety of bird species including the vulturine guineafowl and the Somali bee-eater.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy: The Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes), chimpanzees, giraffes, zebras, impalas, elands, oryx, and a variety of bird species including ostriches, eagles, and vultures.
Aberdare National Park: Bongo antelopes, elephants, leopards, black rhinos, buffaloes, giant forest hogs, Sykes' monkeys, colobus monkeys, and a variety of bird species, including the African fish eagle and the Jackson's francolin.
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.
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.
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)
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.
Tsavo West National Park: Lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, zebras, black rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.
Scenic Landscapes: The semi-arid landscapes of Samburu, the lush rainforest, cascading waterfalls, and moorlands of Aberdare, the picturesque landscapes of the Rift Valley, acacia forests, the shimmering waters of Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha; and the vast plains, rolling hills, and acacia-dotted savannahs of the Maasai Mara, the Mzima Springs, Shetani Lava Flow, and the Chaimu Crater in Tsavo West

Seamless Luxury Across Kenya

Bubble Tours & Travel ensures consistent quality throughout your grand tour:

• Premium Diverse Accommodations: Stay in a carefully curated selection of Kenya's finest lodges and camps across all regions visited, chosen for their quality, service, location, unique character (from forest lodges to savannah camps), and ethical standards.
• Expert Private Guiding Throughout: Benefit from the continuity and deep knowledge of professional Kenyan guides in your private 4x4 vehicle, providing insightful commentary and maximizing wildlife encounters across diverse ecosystems.
• Meticulous Logistical Coordination: As your Kenyan safari company, we flawlessly manage the complex ground arrangements, recommended flight coordination, park fees, activities, and transfers required for this multi location journey, ensuring a smooth experience for our Canadian travellers.

Tailoring Your Grand Kenyan Safari

While this 12 day itinerary is comprehensive, bespoke adjustments are always possible:

• Pacing: Add extra nights in favourite locations like the Maasai Mara or Samburu for deeper exploration.
• Focus: Emphasize specific interests like photography, birding, conservation, or cultural immersion within the framework.
• Accommodation Selection: Choose preferred styles or specific properties from our premium portfolio.
• Route Modification: While covering all these areas requires roughly this duration, specific stops could potentially be adjusted based on detailed consultation.

Best Time for This Comprehensive Safari

Travelling across Kenya's diverse regions means experiencing varied conditions:

• Dry Seasons (June October, January February): Generally offer the most popular conditions with easier wildlife spotting and clearer views (e.g., Kilimanjaro). July October aligns with the Mara Migration.
• 'Green' Seasons (March May, November December): Offer lush scenery, fewer crowds, excellent birding, and newborn animals. Some rain is expected, making flights potentially more advantageous for certain transfers.

Our specialists provide detailed advice considering conditions across all regions for your specific dates.

Why Choose This Ultimate Kenya Journey?

• Unmatched Breadth: Experience the full spectrum of Kenya's major safari highlights, from north to south.
• Incredible Diversity: Encounter unique wildlife and landscapes in Samburu, Aberdare, Rift Valley, Mara, Amboseli, and Tsavo.
• Trip of a Lifetime: The ideal itinerary for travellers wanting a truly comprehensive and in depth Kenyan luxury safari experience.
• Expertly Managed: A complex route made seamless through meticulous planning by Kenyan based specialists.

Plan Your Grand Kenyan Adventure

The detailed day by day itinerary, featuring specific accommodation suggestions and logistical recommendations, follows below. If this ultimate exploration of Kenya captures your imagination, contact our specialists.

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Itinerary

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Day 1: JKIA (Nairobi) to Samburu National Reserve (Approx. 5-6 hours drive)

• Morning (7:00 AM - 8:00 AM): Arrival and Departure from JKIA: 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, depart for Samburu National Reserve.
• Mid-morning (8:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Scenic Drive North: The drive takes you north through diverse landscapes, passing through agricultural areas and gradually transitioning into more arid terrain.
• Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch En Route: A stop for lunch will be arranged en route, typically in a town like Nanyuki or Isiolo.
• Afternoon (2:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Arrival and Afternoon Game Drive: Arrive at your chosen lodge or camp in or near Samburu National Reserve. Check-in and have some time to freshen up before embarking on your first game drive. Samburu is known for its unique wildlife adapted to the arid environment, including Grevy's zebras, reticulated giraffes, Beisa oryx, Somali ostriches, and gerenuk.
• Evening (6:00 PM Onwards): Dinner and Overnight: Return to your lodge/camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2: Full-Day Game Drives in Samburu National Reserve

• Full Day (6:30 AM - 6:00 PM): Full-Day Game Drives: Enjoy full-day game drives in Samburu with packed lunches. Explore different areas of the reserve, focusing on the Ewaso Ng'iro River and searching for wildlife.
• Evening (6:00 PM Onwards): Dinner and Overnight: Return to your lodge/camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3: Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Approx. 2-3 hours drive)

• Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Morning Game Drive & Breakfast: Enjoy a final game drive in Samburu, followed by breakfast at the lodge.
• Late Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Drive to Ol Pejeta: Drive south to Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
• Afternoon (12:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Arrival, Lunch, and Afternoon Activities: Arrive at your accommodation in or near Ol Pejeta. Check in and have lunch. In the afternoon, explore Ol Pejeta, known for its rhino and chimpanzee conservation efforts. Activities can include game drives, a visit to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, or a visit to the endangered species boma.
• Evening (6:00 PM Onwards): Dinner and Overnight: Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4: Ol Pejeta Conservancy to Aberdare National Park (Approx. 2-3 hours drive)

• Morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Morning Activities & Breakfast: Enjoy a final activity in Ol Pejeta, followed by breakfast.
• Late Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Drive to Aberdare: Drive to Aberdare National Park.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Arrival, Lunch and Transfer to Tree Hotel: Arrive at the Aberdare Country Club for lunch (often the base for transfers into the park). Transfer into Aberdare National Park and check in to your chosen tree hotel (The Ark or Treetops).
• Evening (6:00 PM Onwards): Night Wildlife Viewing: Enjoy night wildlife viewing from the lodge overlooking the floodlit waterhole.

Day 5: Aberdare National Park to Lake Nakuru National Park (Approx. 3-4 hours drive)

• Morning (6:30 AM - 9:00 AM): Morning Viewing & Breakfast: Enjoy final viewing from the lodge followed by breakfast.
• Late Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Descend and Drive to Nakuru: Descend from the Aberdares and drive to Lake Nakuru National Park.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Arrival, Lunch, and Game Drive: Arrive at Lake Nakuru, check-in, have lunch, and enjoy an afternoon game drive. Lake Nakuru is known for its birdlife (though flamingo numbers vary) and rhino sanctuary.
• Evening (6:00 PM Onwards): Dinner and Overnight: Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 6: Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara National Reserve (Approx. 4-5 hours drive)

• Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Morning Game Drive & Breakfast: Enjoy a final game drive in Lake Nakuru, followed by breakfast.
• Late Morning (9:00 AM - 2:00 PM): Drive to Maasai Mara: Drive to the Maasai Mara, with a stop for lunch en route.
• Afternoon (2:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Arrival and Afternoon Game Drive: Arrive at your chosen accommodation in or near the Maasai Mara and begin your first game drive.
• Evening (6:00 PM Onwards): Dinner and Overnight: Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 7: Full-Day Game Drives in Maasai Mara National Reserve

• Full Day (6:30 AM - 6:00 PM): Full-Day Game Drives: Enjoy full-day game drives in the Maasai Mara with packed lunches. This maximizes your chances of seeing the "Big Five" and other iconic wildlife.
• Evening (6:00 PM Onwards): Dinner and Overnight: Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 8: Maasai Mara to Lake Naivasha (Approx. 4-5 hours drive)

• Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Morning Game Drive & Breakfast: Enjoy a final game drive in the Mara and then have breakfast.
• Late Morning (9:00 AM - 2:00 PM): Drive to Naivasha: Drive to Lake Naivasha, with a stop for lunch.
• Afternoon (2:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Arrival and Boat Ride: Arrive at Lake Naivasha, check-in, and enjoy a boat ride on the lake for birdwatching and hippo viewing.
• Evening (6:00 PM Onwards): Dinner and Overnight: Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 9: Lake Naivasha to Amboseli National Park (Approx. 5-6 hours drive)

• Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Morning Activities & Breakfast: Enjoy a morning activity at Naivasha (e.g., visit Crescent Island) followed by breakfast.
• Late Morning (9:00 AM - 3:00 PM): Drive to Amboseli: Drive to Amboseli, with a stop for lunch en route. This is a longer driving day.
• Afternoon (3:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Arrival and Afternoon Game Drive: Arrive at your accommodation in Amboseli and enjoy an afternoon game drive.
• Evening (6:00 PM Onwards): Dinner and Overnight: Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 10: Full-Day Game Drives in Amboseli National Park

• Full Day (6:30 AM - 6:00 PM): Full-Day Game Drives: Enjoy full-day game drives in Amboseli with packed lunches, focusing on elephant viewing with the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.
• Evening (6:00 PM Onwards): Dinner and Overnight: Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 11: Amboseli to Tsavo West National Park (Approx. 3-4 hours drive)

• Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Morning Game Drive & Breakfast: Enjoy a final game drive in Amboseli and then have breakfast.
• Late Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Drive to Tsavo West: Drive to Tsavo West.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Arrival, Lunch and Game Drive: Arrive at your accommodation in Tsavo West, have lunch, and enjoy an afternoon game drive. Visit Mzima Springs.
• Evening (6:00 PM Onwards): Dinner and Overnight: Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 12: Tsavo West to JKIA (Nairobi) (Approx. 4-5 hours drive)

• Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Morning Game Drive & Breakfast: Enjoy a final early morning game drive in Tsavo West, perhaps focusing on areas you haven't yet explored or revisiting a favourite spot. Return to the lodge for breakfast.
• Late Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Drive to Nairobi/JKIA: Check out of your accommodation and begin the drive back to Nairobi. Depending on your flight schedule, you can either be transferred directly to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) or to a hotel in Nairobi for a day room or overnight stay before your departure.
• Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Lunch En Route (Optional): If time allows, a brief stop for lunch can be arranged en route. Otherwise, you can have a meal at the airport or your Nairobi hotel.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM/Depending on traffic): Arrival at JKIA/Nairobi: Arrive at JKIA for your departure flight or at your chosen location in Nairobi.

Important Notes:

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does this 12 day itinerary feel rushed despite the length? While 12 days allows for significant exploration, visiting this many diverse locations does involve regular travel days (roughly every 1 to 2 days involves moving to a new park/area). It's an active itinerary focused on breadth. Using the optional light aircraft flights for longer transfers greatly enhances comfort and reduces travel fatigue.

2. Are internal flights necessary for this long itinerary? While the entire route could technically be driven, incorporating flights for key long distance sectors (e.g., Samburu region south, connecting Rift Valley/Mara to Amboseli/Tsavo regions) is highly recommended for a luxury standard. It saves entire days of driving, allowing more quality time on safari.

3. Is this comprehensive itinerary suitable for first time safari visitors? It can be fantastic for first timers who want to see as much as possible and have the time/budget. However, some first timers might prefer a slightly slower pace focusing on fewer key areas initially. We can discuss the best fit during consultation.

4. How much customization is possible on such a long trip? There is significant scope for customization in terms of accommodation choices, specific activities within each park, adding rest days, or focusing more time in preferred locations by adjusting the overall duration. We design it bespoke based on your interests.