Highlights
- Go on birding adventures to spot exotic secretary birds and vulturine guineafowl
- Embark on safari game drives in scenic Tsavo and Amboseli National Parks
- Spot giraffes, red elephant herds, and more on the plains of Tsavo East
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Nairobi, Transfer to Amboseli, Safari Activities | Amboseli National Park |
| Day 2 | Sunrise & Afternoon Game Drives in Amboseli, Cultural Activities | Amboseli National Park |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Tsavo West National Park, Afternoon Game Drive | Tsavo West National Park |
| Day 4 | Tsavo West Morning Game Drive & Safari Activities | Tsavo West National Park |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Taita Wildlife Conservancy, Afternoon Safari Activities | Taita Taveta |
| Day 6 | Transfer to Tsavo East National Park, Afternoon Game Drive | Tsavo East National Park |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Nairobi, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Nairobi, Transfer to Amboseli, Safari Activities
Welcome to Kenya! As one of the most popular safari destinations in the world, you couldn't do better than this East African nation for a quick wildlife holiday. And with only seven days on this itinerary, there's no time to waste. As such, the adventure starts immediately, beginning with your arrival in Kenya's capital, Nairobi. A driver will meet you at the airport for the three-hour drive south toward the border with Tanzania.
Your destination is Amboseli National Park, which encompasses the foothills of mighty Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa (19,340 ft/ 5,895 m). Besides views of Kilimanjaro's snowcapped table, this 151-square-mile (392 sq km) park features abundant wildlife. Upon arrival, check into the luxury Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge with views of Kilimanjaro. After settling in, enjoy a late lunch and then embark on an afternoon safari, where you'll likely spot at least a few of Africa's famous Big Five and the odd baboon or two by the roadside.
Day 2: Sunrise & Afternoon Game Drives in Amboseli, Cultural Activities
You've got a full day of safari fun in store as you set off at dawn in an open-topped 4WD vehicle for a sunrise game drive. Traverse wetland landscapes with dried lake beds and sulfur springs, where you'll find large herds of elephants and other wildlife roaming the open plains. In between viewing the park's mammals, keep your eyes peeled for the diverse birdlife on show. Marabou storks, kingfishers, African fish eagles, Lanner falcons, and the endemic golden weaver are just a few of the 400 avian species that thrive in Amboseli's diverse ecosystems.
You can also visit a nearby Maasai community for a cultural exchange. Don't be surprised if Maasai warriors invite you to join in a ceremonial jumping dance. Return to the lodge for lunch, then leave on an afternoon game drive. As you explore the savanna, you'll see plenty of animals up close, including leopards, cheetahs, mongooses, and even wild dogs. A little while after sunset, you'll return to the lodge.
Days 3: Transfer to Tsavo West National Park, Afternoon Game Drive
Rise and shine for another gorgeous day on the African plains. The morning kicks off with breakfast, followed by a pickup from your driver. Then, head south for two hours to Tsavo West National Park, where you'll check into the Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge, an atmospheric refuge framed by Mount Kilimanjaro. One of the most evocative destinations in the country, this massive protected area (it spans 3,500 sq mi/ 9,065 sq km) is known for its almost mythical landscapes and creatures.
After lunch, you'll venture out on an afternoon game drive across the vast plains to spot zebras, leopards, giraffes, and elephants tinged red from the volcanic soil. Return to the lodge in the early evening for dinner and a sundowner on your veranda.
Day 4: Tsavo West Morning Game Drive & Safari Activities
On this morning's game drive, you'll discover the park's ancient lava flows, natural springs, and peculiar rock formations as your driver takes you to key panoramic lookout points. Spot the large animal herds below amid the rolling grasslands and rocky ridges.
There's plenty to see above ground, too, with diverse bird species like the threatened corncrake and Basra reed warbler, as well as colorful vulturine guineafowl and iridescent Tsavo sunbirds. Keep an eye out for the Verreaux's eagle-owl, which hunts the park's dry savannas, and the many flocks of flamingoes that frequent the riverbanks and swamps. In the afternoon, book a nature safari around the acacia woodlands, where you'll spot wildlife ranging from mighty hippos to the skittish lesser kudu.
Day 5: Transfer to Taita Wildlife Conservancy, Afternoon Safari Activities
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
It's a brisk one-hour drive today from Tsavo West to the Taita Wildlife Conservancy. This 42-square-mile (110 sq km) protected area is nestled in the lush Taita Hills amid riverine forest and savanna grassland and features expansive views out to Mount Kilimanjaro. Upon arrival, you'll check into the Salt Lick, a luxury safari lodge on the vast Tsavo plains. Its name derives from the on-site watering hole and salt lick, which draws exotic wildlife, like elephants and zebras, right to the lodge. You can view these majestic creatures from the terrace of your elevated bungalow.
Upon arrival, take a break for a leisurely lunch, then get right back into the swing of things with a safari activity like a game drive, guided walk, or birding excursion. Exotic avian species you can glimpse on such tours include thrushes, sunbirds, the Taita falcon, and the African crowned eagle. Dinner will be served back at the lodge.
Day 6: Transfer to Tsavo East National Park, Afternoon Game Drive
Leave early on a two-hour drive north across the Tsavo plains to Tsavo East National Park. Bordering the country of Tanzania, this massive park (it covers 5,308 sq mi/ 13,747 sq km) is part of the even larger Tsavo Conservation Area, which also includes the protected areas Tsavo East and Chyulu Hills National Park. Tsavo East is known for its raw and untamed wilderness of diverse habitats ranging from open plains and semi-arid savannas to scrublands and acacia woodlands.
This area supports a great variety of exotic wildlife, which you'll see after checking into the Ashnil Aruba Lodge in a superb location on the banks of Aruba Dam. Tsavo East is famous for its large elephant herds (some of the largest in Africa), so expect to see these magnificent animals roaming the vast plains and congregating around watering holes on this afternoon's game drive. Big cats—like lions, leopards, and cheetahs—are also abundant, as are giraffes, antelope, and lesser kudu.
Moreover, the park is home to over 500 species of birds. On this afternoon's game drive, you'll maximize your chances of spotting the most exotic specimens. These include raptors, waterfowl, hornbills, and the vulturine guineafowl. As you travel around water sources, be sure to also keep an eye out for hippos and crocodiles.
Day 7: Transfer to Nairobi, Depart
Your whirlwind safari tour of Kenya has reached its conclusion. Hopefully, the experience has stoked your interest in a possible return trip to other parts of this dazzling continent. Enjoy one last breakfast at the safari lodge, after which you'll depart Tsavo East and transfer to the airport in Nairobi, where you'll catch your flight home. Until next time!
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