Day 1: Tsavo West’s Wilderness Welcome

Nairobi Departure Adventure Begin your classic Kenya safari with departure from Nairobi in a comfortable 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser, your home for the next seven days. Watch the urban landscape transform into rolling hills and open grasslands as you journey toward one of Kenya’s largest and most diverse national parks.

Journey to Tsavo West Experience the dramatic transition from city to wilderness as skyscrapers give way to acacia woodlands and vast open spaces. The anticipation builds as you approach Tsavo West National Park, covering over 9,000 square kilometers of pristine African wilderness.

First Game Drive Magic Arrive at Tsavo West in perfect time for your inaugural afternoon game drive. Despite being your first day, prepare to be amazed by the abundance of wildlife encounters waiting in this legendary park. The late afternoon golden light creates perfect conditions for photography and wildlife observation.

Tsavo West Wildlife Wonders This magnificent park hosts an incredible array of species:

• The Big Five: All five legendary species roam these vast landscapes
• Over 600 Bird Species: From tiny sunbirds to massive ostriches
• Rare Hunter’s Hartebeest: One of Kenya’s most endangered antelope species
• Red Elephants: Tsavo’s famous dust-covered elephants with distinctive reddish coloration
• Diverse Predators: Lions, leopards, cheetahs, and wild dogs patrol the savanna

Severin Safari Camp Welcome Settle into Severin Safari Camp, your comfortable base strategically located near the famous Mzima Springs. This unfenced camp provides authentic bush experiences while maintaining essential comforts after exciting game drives.

Evening Bush Experience Gather around the campfire for your first taste of traditional safari evenings. Listen to the sounds of nocturnal Africa awakening while enjoying hearty cuisine and sharing the day’s exciting wildlife encounters with fellow travelers.

Day 2: Tsavo West to Amboseli’s Elephant Paradise

Dawn at Mzima Springs Rise early for a magical morning game drive around the renowned Mzima Springs, where crystal-clear freshwater creates a lush oasis in otherwise arid landscape. This natural phenomenon attracts incredible wildlife concentrations, especially during dry seasons.

Underground Springs Marvel Witness the remarkable sight of hippos and crocodiles thriving in these pristine spring-fed pools. The underwater observation chamber provides unique opportunities to observe hippo behavior beneath the surface – a truly extraordinary experience.

Journey to Amboseli Depart Tsavo West for the scenic drive north to Amboseli National Park. Watch landscapes evolve from volcanic terrain to open grasslands as you approach the Tanzanian border and Kenya’s most famous elephant sanctuary.

Amboseli Arrival Spectacle Enter Amboseli National Park with Mount Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak dominating the horizon. This iconic backdrop creates some of Africa’s most photographed wildlife scenes, particularly during clear morning and evening hours.

Afternoon Game Drive Excellence Explore Amboseli’s diverse habitats during your first game drive in this relatively compact but incredibly wildlife-rich park. The combination of swamplands, open plains, and acacia woodlands supports remarkable animal diversity.

Ol Tukai Lodge Comfort Check into Ol Tukai Lodge, your comfortable accommodation for the next two nights. This well-positioned lodge offers excellent views across Amboseli’s wetlands with Mount Kilimanjaro providing a dramatic backdrop to your safari experience.

Evening Kilimanjaro Views Enjoy sundowner cocktails while watching Kilimanjaro’s peak glow in the evening light. This magical hour often provides the clearest mountain views, creating perfect photography opportunities and unforgettable memories.

Day 3: Amboseli’s Elephant Kingdom

Dawn Elephant Encounters Wake to one of Africa’s most spectacular sights – massive elephant herds silhouetted against Mount Kilimanjaro at sunrise. Amboseli hosts over 1,600 elephants, making it one of the best places on Earth for elephant observation and photography.

Full-Day Wildlife Immersion Spend the entire day exploring Amboseli’s diverse ecosystems with morning and afternoon game drives separated by midday rest at the lodge. This intensive wildlife viewing maximizes your chances of incredible animal encounters.

Elephant Behavior Studies Learn about elephant social structures, communication methods, and family dynamics from your expert guide. Amboseli’s elephants are among the most studied in Africa, providing fascinating insights into these intelligent giants’ complex lives.

Diverse Wildlife Encounters Beyond elephants, Amboseli hosts impressive wildlife diversity:

• Lions: Multiple prides patrol the open grasslands
• Cheetahs: The world’s fastest cats hunt across the plains
• Wildebeest & Zebras: Large herds graze the nutritious grasslands
• Waterbuck: Elegant antelopes frequent the permanent swamplands
• Buffalo: Massive herds create dramatic scenes across the landscape

Birdwatching Paradise With over 400 bird species recorded, Amboseli offers exceptional birdwatching opportunities. The diverse habitats from wetlands to dry acacia country support everything from tiny bee-eaters to massive ground hornbills.

Photography Workshop Your professional guide provides informal photography instruction, helping you capture stunning wildlife images with Kilimanjaro backdrops. Learn about composition, lighting, and animal behavior for better wildlife photography.

Cultural Connections Optional visits to nearby Maasai communities provide insights into traditional pastoralist lifestyles that have coexisted with wildlife for centuries. These cultural exchanges enhance understanding of conservation challenges and community involvement.

Day 4: Amboseli to Lake Naivasha’s Tranquil Waters

Farewell Kilimanjaro Enjoy final morning views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s majestic peak before departing Amboseli. The early morning drive often provides the clearest mountain views, perfect for last-minute photography opportunities.

Scenic Drive North Journey north through changing landscapes as you enter Kenya’s Great Rift Valley region. The dramatic scenery includes escarpments, extinct volcanoes, and expansive valleys showcasing geological formations millions of years old.

Great Rift Valley Discovery Stop at scenic viewpoints overlooking the Great Rift Valley, one of the world’s most significant geological features. Your guide explains the fascinating geological processes that created this dramatic landscape spanning from Syria to Mozambique.

Lake Naivasha Arrival Arrive at Lake Naivasha, one of Kenya’s few freshwater lakes and an important stop on your Kenya safari package. This tranquil destination provides welcome respite from intensive game driving while offering unique wildlife experiences.

Naivasha’s Flower Capital Learn about Naivasha’s role as Kenya’s flower capital, with massive rose farms supplying European markets. These agricultural developments demonstrate how conservation and economic development can coexist successfully.

Relaxation Afternoon Your afternoon offers flexibility to choose from various activities or simply relax:

• Boat Safaris: Explore the lake searching for hippos and diverse waterbirds
• Walking Safaris: Guided walks around Hell’s Gate National Park
• Crescent Island: Walk among wildlife on this unique predator-free sanctuary
• Pool Relaxation: Simply unwind by the lodge pool recovering from safari adventures

Naivasha Sopa Lodge Comfort Settle into Naivasha Sopa Lodge, beautifully positioned with lake views and extensive gardens. This comfortable accommodation provides the perfect environment for midway safari relaxation and rejuvenation.

Day 5: Lake Naivasha to Masai Mara’s Wildlife Theater

Morning Departure After a relaxing evening and restorative sleep, prepare for the journey to Kenya’s most famous wildlife destination – the legendary Masai Mara Game Reserve. This drive takes you through diverse landscapes showcasing Kenya’s geographical variety.

Journey to the Mara Travel west toward the Masai Mara, watching landscapes transition from highland areas to rolling grasslands. The anticipation builds as you approach the northern extension of Tanzania’s Serengeti ecosystem – home to the Great Migration.

Masai Mara Arrival Enter the Masai Mara Game Reserve, where endless plains stretch to distant horizons. This 1,500-square-kilometer reserve represents the northern tip of the Serengeti ecosystem and hosts the world’s most spectacular wildlife concentrations.

First Mara Game Drive Embark on your inaugural Masai Mara game drive, immediately understanding why this reserve enjoys legendary status among wildlife enthusiasts worldwide. The abundance and variety of wildlife often exceeds even experienced travelers’ expectations.

Big Five Territory The Masai Mara offers exceptional Big Five viewing opportunities:

• Lions: Multiple prides with some of Africa’s largest populations
• Leopards: Riverine forests provide excellent habitat for these elusive cats
• Elephants: Large family herds traverse the reserve year-round
• Buffalo: Massive herds create dramatic scenes across open grasslands
• Rhinos: Though rare, both black and white rhinos inhabit the reserve

Tipilikwani Mara Camp Welcome Arrive at Tipilikwani Mara Camp, positioned along the scenic Talek River surrounded by indigenous trees. This comfortable camp provides authentic safari experiences while maintaining essential amenities for post-game drive relaxation.

Evening Wildlife Activity The Mara’s wildlife remains active during evening hours, often providing excellent game viewing opportunities as you settle into camp. Listen to the sounds of African night – lions roaring, hyenas calling, and countless other nocturnal sounds.

Day 6: Full Masai Mara Wildlife Immersion

Dawn Wildlife Symphony Wake to the incredible sounds of the African bush in the world’s greatest wildlife reserve. Early morning game drives provide optimal viewing conditions when predators are active and temperatures remain comfortable.

Full-Day Mara Exploration Dedicate the entire day to exploring different areas of the Masai Mara through morning and afternoon game drives. This intensive wildlife viewing maximizes your opportunities for extraordinary animal encounters and photography.

Great Migration Spectacle (July-October) If visiting during migration season, witness one of nature’s most incredible phenomena. Over 1.5 million wildebeest accompanied by zebras and gazelles create endless herds stretching beyond horizons.

Mara River Drama Visit the famous Mara River, site of dramatic migration river crossings. Even outside migration season, this permanent water source attracts incredible wildlife concentrations and provides excellent year-round game viewing.

Predator Paradise The Mara’s exceptional prey concentrations support impressive predator populations:

• Lion Pride Dynamics: Observe complex social structures and hunting strategies
• Cheetah Families: Watch the world’s fastest cats teaching cubs essential survival skills
• Leopard Behavior: Patient observation often rewards with sightings of these elusive cats
• Hyena Clans: Learn about these misunderstood but highly intelligent predators

Photography Masterclass The Mara’s open plains, dramatic skies, and abundant wildlife create world-class photography opportunities. Your guide provides positioning advice and animal behavior insights for capturing exceptional wildlife images.

Cultural Encounters Optional visits to traditional Maasai villages provide insights into pastoralist lifestyles maintaining harmony with wildlife. These cultural experiences enhance understanding of conservation challenges and community-based solutions.

Bush Dining Experience Enjoy a special bush lunch served in scenic wilderness locations. Professional chefs prepare gourmet meals while you observe wildlife behavior and absorb the incredible atmosphere of Africa’s greatest wildlife reserve.

Day 7: Farewell to Safari Paradise

Final Morning Magic Rise early for your last game drive in the Masai Mara, maximizing final opportunities for wildlife photography and observations. Morning drives often provide the most active wildlife viewing as animals take advantage of cooler temperatures.

Last Wildlife Encounters Make the most of your final hours in this wildlife paradise, perhaps seeking species missed during previous days or returning to areas that provided exceptional viewing experiences.

Departure Journey Begin the drive back to Nairobi, watching landscapes gradually transition from endless wildlife plains back to agricultural areas and finally urban environments. This reverse journey provides time for reflection on your incredible safari experiences.

Memory Processing The return journey offers opportunities to process and discuss the amazing wildlife encounters, photographic successes, and memorable moments that define exceptional safari experiences. Share highlights with fellow travelers and your professional guide.

Nairobi Arrival Arrive in Nairobi in the afternoon, completing your classic Kenya safari circuit. The contrast between urban and wilderness environments highlights the incredible diversity and natural wealth that makes Kenya special.

Departure Services Choose between hotel transfer for extended Nairobi stays or direct airport transfer for international departures. Our professional team ensures smooth departure coordination and assistance with any last-minute requirements.

Forever Memories Depart Kenya with incredible memories spanning diverse ecosystems, spectacular wildlife encounters, and authentic African experiences. Many guests describe this classic Kenya safari experience as life-changing, already planning return visits.

Comfortable Safari Accommodations

Severin Safari Camp – Tsavo West

Strategically located near Mzima Springs with comfortable tented accommodation. Unfenced camp provides authentic bush experiences while maintaining essential amenities and safety standards.

Ol Tukai Lodge – Amboseli

Well-positioned lodge with spectacular Mount Kilimanjaro views. Comfortable rooms, excellent dining, and prime location for elephant viewing make this an ideal Amboseli base.

Naivasha Sopa Lodge – Lake Naivasha

Lakefront lodge offering beautiful views and extensive gardens. Comfortable accommodation with recreational facilities provides perfect midway safari relaxation.

Tipilikwani Mara Camp – Masai Mara

Riverside location along the Talek River surrounded by indigenous trees. Comfortable tented accommodation with authentic safari atmosphere and convenient Mara access.

Complete Classic Safari Package Inclusions

Accommodation Excellence

• 1 night Severin Safari Camp, Tsavo West (comfortable tented accommodation)
• 2 nights Ol Tukai Lodge, Amboseli (lodge rooms with Kilimanjaro views)
• 1 night Naivasha Sopa Lodge, Lake Naivasha (lakefront accommodation)
• 2 nights Tipilikwani Mara Camp, Masai Mara (riverside tented camp)

Transportation & Guiding

• 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser safari vehicle for entire journey
• Professional English-speaking safari guide with extensive local knowledge
• All fuel, vehicle maintenance, and driver expenses
• Comfortable seating with individual window seats for optimal viewing

Comprehensive Meal Plans

• All meals according to detailed itinerary
• Fresh mineral water throughout the safari
• Bush lunches during full-day game drives
• Variety of international and local cuisine options

Activities & Park Access

• Daily game drives in custom-built safari vehicles
• All national park entrance fees and conservation charges
• Professional guiding services and wildlife education
• Optional cultural visits and community interactions

Safety & Support

• AMREF Flying Doctors insurance coverage throughout safari
• 24/7 emergency support and communication
• Professional guide trained in first aid and emergency procedures
• Comprehensive safety briefings and wildlife encounter protocols