9 Days Southern Kenya Highlights
9 days · Flamingos and rhinos at Lake Nakuru
About this safari
This nine-day route covers the Kenya most first-time visitors have in mind. You visit Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, the Maasai Mara and Amboseli, then end in Tsavo East.
It is the trip we suggest most often to people who have never been on safari. It suits couples, families and photographers, and it is always private: just your group and your guide.
Day by day
Day 1: Arrive in Nairobi
Your driver meets you at the airport and drives you to your hotel in Nairobi.
Day 2: Lake Naivasha
Take a boat out on the lake to see hippos and birdlife. After that, walk across Crescent Island on foot.
Day 3: Lake Nakuru
Spend the day looking for rhinos and the flamingos that gather on the lake. You sleep close to the park.
Day 4: To the Maasai Mara
The drive to the Mara is scenic. You head out on your first game drive in the afternoon.
Day 5: A full day in the Mara
Long game drives give you the best chance of lions, leopards, cheetahs and elephants.
Day 6: Morning safari, then Nairobi
You start with a last morning safari in the Mara, then return to Nairobi.
Day 7: To Amboseli
You drive to Amboseli and stop for a game drive on the way.
Day 8: Amboseli, then Tsavo East
Spend the day with Amboseli's elephants and the view of Kilimanjaro. Later you transfer to Tsavo East.
Day 9: Tsavo East, then the coast
Begin with a morning game drive. Afterwards we take you to Mombasa airport or on to your beach hotel.
Where you stay
These are the lodges and camps we usually use on this route. If one is full on your dates, we book a similar property.
- Tamarind Tree Hotel (Nairobi)
- Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort
- Lake Nakuru Lodge
- Zebra Plains Mara Camp
- Amboseli Sentrim Lodge
- Ashnil Aruba Lodge (Tsavo East)
More on these themes
Other trips
14 days
Kenya Safari and Beach Escape (14 days)
Ten days on safari through Naivasha, Nakuru, the Maasai Mara, Amboseli and Tsavo East, then four days on Diani Beach to rest before you fly home.
12 days · Luxury
Luxury Kenya Safari and Beach (12 days)
Kenya's classic safari route in carefully chosen lodges and camps, on full board, ending at a boutique hotel on Diani Beach.
9 days
Northern Kenya: Meru, Samburu and the Aberdares (9 days)
A second trip to Kenya in the quieter north: Meru, Samburu, Solio rhino sanctuary and the Aberdares, with a chance at Samburu's Special Five.
Ready to plan your safari?
Tell us your dates, group and what you want to see
You’ll get a route and a price back, not a template. Planned by the team in Kampala before you land in Entebbe.