Embark on an unparalleled 9 day Kenya luxury safari, a meticulously curated journey designed for discerning Canadian travellers seeking to explore the breathtaking diversity of Kenya's most iconic landscapes and wildlife havens. This comprehensive Kenya safari circuit offers an unforgettable immersion, journeying from the unique arid landscapes of Samburu, through vital conservation havens and the stunning Rift Valley lakes, culminating on the legendary plains of the Maasai Mara. As Kenyan-based experts, Bubble Tours & Travel crafts this adventure with seamless logistics, premium comfort, and authentic local insight, ensuring a truly bespoke Kenya itinerary tailored just for you.

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 Lake Naivasha
• Day 7: Lake Naivasha to Maasai Mara National Reserve
• Day 8: Full Day Game Drives in Maasai Mara
• Day 9: Maasai Mara to Nairobi

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 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)
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, and the shimmering waters of Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha; and the vast plains, rolling hills, and acacia-dotted savannahs of the Maasai Mara.

Included Activities & Highlights

• Multiple game drives in Samburu, Aberdare, Lake Nakuru, and Maasai Mara National Parks
• Visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Ol Pejeta
• Boat safari on Lake Naivasha
• Nature walk on Crescent Island

Optional Activities & Experiences

• Cultural visits to Samburu villages
• Camel rides
• Bird watching
• Hiking
• Visiting a Maasai village
• Night game drives
• 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.

Crafting Your Bespoke Kenyan Journey

This 9-day itinerary represents a suggestion, a framework built on classic highlights and diverse experiences. As specialists in bespoke Kenya itinerary design, we excel at tailoring journeys. Want to adjust the duration? Spend more time focusing on photography in the Mara? Incorporate specific family activities? Add a beach extension? We collaborate closely with you to create your perfect Kenyan adventure, specifically suited for you as Canadian travellers.

Best Time for This Safari Circuit

While Kenya offers excellent wildlife viewing year-round, the optimal time for this diverse circuit can depend on your priorities: July to October offers the best chance for witnessing the Great Migration in the Mara, while January to March provides pleasant weather and excellent general game viewing. We provide tailored advice during the planning stage.

Why Choose This Comprehensive Journey?

• Unmatched Diversity: Experience a remarkable cross-section of Kenya's ecosystems and wildlife.
• Unique Wildlife Encounters: Opportunities range from the Samburu Special Five to rhinos, chimps, flamingos, and the Big Five.
• Conservation Focus: Includes meaningful time in leading conservation areas.

Ready to Plan Your Kenyan Adventure?

The detailed day-by-day itinerary, including specific accommodation suggestions and further insights, follows below. If you have immediate questions or wish to discuss customizing this journey, please reach out to our specialists.

 

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Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi & Transfer to Samburu National Reserve (Approx. 5-6 hours drive)

• Morning (Arrival): Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), Nairobi, you will be met by your dedicated driver/guide. After a brief introduction and welcome briefing, you will depart for Samburu National Reserve.
• Mid-morning: The drive to Samburu takes you north through scenic landscapes, passing by coffee and pineapple plantations. A brief stop for lunch will be arranged en route at a local restaurant.
• Afternoon: Arrive at your chosen accommodation within or near Samburu National Reserve. Check in and freshen up.
• Late Afternoon: Embark on your first game drive in Samburu. This reserve is known for its unique wildlife, including Grevy's zebras, reticulated giraffes, Beisa oryx, and Somali ostriches.
• Evening: Return to your lodge/camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation Suggestion: Samburu Sopa Lodge, Ashnil Samburu Camp, or similar.

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

• Morning: Early morning game drive to witness the sunrise and observe wildlife during their most active hours.
• Mid-morning: Return to the lodge for breakfast.
• Late Morning: Relax by the pool or enjoy the lodge facilities.
• Afternoon: Depart for another game drive, exploring different areas of the reserve and searching for wildlife.
• Evening: Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3: Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Approx. 3-4 hours drive)

• Morning: Enjoy a final game drive in Samburu, focusing on any species you may have missed.
• Mid-morning: After breakfast, depart for Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a renowned wildlife conservancy known for its rhino conservation efforts.
• Afternoon: Check in to your accommodation near Ol Pejeta.
• Late Afternoon: Visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, a haven for rescued chimpanzees. Afterwards, enjoy a game drive within the conservancy, with opportunities to see the "Big Five" and other wildlife.
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge/camp.

Accommodation Suggestion: Sweetwaters Serena Camp, Ol Pejeta Bush Camp, or similar.

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

• Morning: Early morning game drive in Ol Pejeta, with a focus on rhino tracking (if available and pre-arranged).
• Mid-morning: After breakfast, drive to Aberdare National Park, a mountainous region with unique flora and fauna.
• Afternoon: Check in to your unique "tree hotel" accommodation, such as The Ark or Treetops. These lodges offer exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities from their elevated platforms, overlooking floodlit waterholes.
• Evening: Enjoy wildlife viewing from the lodge throughout the night.

Accommodation Suggestion: The Ark, Treetops, or similar.

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

• Morning: Enjoy a final morning of wildlife viewing from your tree hotel.
• Mid-morning: After breakfast, descend from the Aberdares and drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its large flocks of flamingos.
• Afternoon: Check in to your accommodation near Lake Nakuru.
• Late Afternoon: Game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, focusing on birdwatching and searching for other wildlife, including rhinos, Rothschild giraffes, and various antelope species.
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation Suggestion: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge, or similar.

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

• Morning: Enjoy a final game drive in Lake Nakuru.
• Mid-morning: Drive to Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake known for its scenic beauty and diverse birdlife.
• Afternoon: Check in to your lakeside accommodation.
• Late Afternoon: Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Naivasha, offering excellent opportunities for birdwatching and viewing hippos. You can also visit Crescent Island for a walking safari.
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation Suggestion: Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge, Enashipai Resort & Spa, or similar.

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

• Morning: After breakfast, 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: Embark on your first game drive in the Maasai Mara, known for its abundant wildlife and the Great Migration (seasonal).
• Evening: Return to your lodge/camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation Suggestion: Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Mara Intrepids Camp, 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 for extensive exploration of the reserve and maximizes your chances of seeing the "Big Five" and other wildlife. You can also opt for a hot air balloon safari (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. Alternatively, you can be transferred to a hotel in Nairobi if you have further travel plans.

Important Notes:

• This is a sample itinerary and can be customized to suit your preferences and budget.
• The driving times are estimates and can vary depending on road conditions and traffic.
• It is recommended to book your safari well in advance, especially during peak season.
• Pack appropriate clothing for varying weather conditions, including warm layers for the evenings and early mornings.
• Bring binoculars, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What makes this 9 day Kenya itinerary unique? Its uniqueness lies in the exceptional diversity of landscapes and wildlife encountered across six distinct regions. Unlike itineraries focused solely on one or two parks, this route showcases arid specialists in Samburu, conservation success in Ol Pejeta, forest life in Aberdare, Rift Valley lakes, and the iconic Mara plains, offering a truly comprehensive Kenyan experience, detailed further above.

2. What level of accommodation is detailed in this itinerary? The detailed section above provides specific suggestions for premium lodges and intimate tented camps known for high standards of comfort, service, location, and sustainable practices. These can be discussed and tailored during the bespoke planning process to perfectly match your preferences.

3. Can this 9 day Kenya safari be customized? Absolutely. While the detailed itinerary above provides a well-crafted plan, we specialize in bespoke travel. We can tailor the duration, pace, accommodation choices, activities like adding hot air ballooning or cultural visits, and focus entirely on your preferences.

4. How is travel handled between the different parks on this route? The detailed itinerary above outlines the planned mode of transport, often a mix of comfortable private 4x4 vehicle drives and potentially time-saving internal flights. We ensure transfers are seamless and efficient, and options like the light aircraft upgrade can be discussed.