Safari overview
10 Days · 9 Nights · From USD 4,142
Discover the living heart of Kenya on this immersive 10-day cultural safari, where ancient traditions and iconic wildlife come together across the country's most storied landscapes. Your journey begins in Nairobi with an introduction to Kenya's rich heritage at the National Museum and the Bomas of Kenya, where vibrant cultural dances from across the nation's tribes bring history to life. Traveling north into Samburu National Reserve, you'll encounter the proud, nomadic Samburu people, whose deep spiritual bond with the Ewaso N'giro River and reverence for wildlife have endured for centuries, with an optional village visit offering genuine insight into their traditional way of life. The route continues through the fertile Kikuyu highlands of the Aberdares, a region steeped in Kikuyu mythology and the folklore of Mount Kenya, before crossing the Great Rift Valley toward Lake Nakuru.
The safari's cultural heart beats strongest in the legendary Masai Mara, where a visit to an authentic Manyatta homestead and a guided foot safari reveal the customs, warrior traditions, and sacred cattle-herding beliefs that define Maasai identity, one of the most iconic cultures in the world. Woven throughout are sunrise and sunset game drives across spectacular wilderness, ensuring this journey honors both Kenya's people and its wildlife in equal measure. The tour concludes with a celebratory farewell feast at Nairobi's famed Carnivore Restaurant, a fitting final taste of Kenyan hospitality before departure. Fully customizable for families, couples, or solo travelers, this is a rare opportunity to experience Kenya not just as a destination, but as a living embroidery of tradition, community, and heritage.
Day by day itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Nairobi
Upon arrival in Nairobi at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you'll be met by our Customer service officer and transferred to the Hotel. Balance the day at leisure for relaxation.
Overnight at your City Hotel.
Day 2: Nairobi
Today, you enjoy a leisurely tour of Nairobi. You visit the National Museum, Snake Park, and the Giraffe Center Sanctuary, to feed the Giraffes. Lunch will be at the Mamba Village, where you also get to see the resident Crocodiles and Ostrich. In the afternoon, visit Nairobi Animal Orphanage and the famous Bomas of Kenya, to learn a lot about different cultures, and get entertained by cultural dances. Return to the hotel in the evening.
Overnight at your City Hotel.
Day 3: Nairobi - Samburu National Reserve
After breakfast at the Hotel, begin your safari drive to the Northern frontier district via Isiolo to Samburu National Reserve. Lunch at a lodge/ Camp. Enjoy a late afternoon game viewing drive.
Dinner and overnight at your Lodge/ Camp.
Day 4: Samburu
Enjoy morning & late afternoon game viewing drives in this Reserve with open wilderness in the northern frontier & its diverse wildlife. Experience a visit to one of the nearby communities' villages such as the Teso & Pokot, which can be an excellent way to experience and learn more about the local cultures.
Samburu takes its name from the nomadic tribe who live throughout this area. Shaba and Buffalo springs are also Samburu land. The Samburu have long used the Ewaso Ng'iro as a water source for their herds of goats, sheep, and camels. In dry periods, they dig wells into the dry river bed or take advantage of ready-made wells dug by elephants. Traditionally, the Samburu hold great respect for the wild animals with whom they share this area.
Dinner and overnight at your Lodge/ Camp.
Day 5: Samburu - Aberdare National Park
After breakfast at the lodge/ camp, commence your drive back through the fertile Kikuyu highlands to Aberdares.
Kikuyu mythology believes all of creation began at the summit of Mount Kenya. It was believed the mountain was God's resting place, and it was from here that He called forth Gikuyu, the father of the Kikuyu people. The Kikuyu culture has always remained bound by strict and robust ties of clan loyalty and an even stronger sense of tribal unity - still devoted to the original Nyumba ya Mumbi. The Kikuyu were widely affected by the coming of European settlers, as the British found the highlands of Kenya to be ideal for settlement and farming, thus the Kikuyu were widely displaced.
Dinner and overnight at your Lodge/ Camp.
Day 6: Aberdare - Lake Nakuru National Park
After breakfast at the Lodge/Camp, depart for the Rift Valley, passing via Nyahururu with a brief stopover to catch a glimpse of the Thompson Fall, the highest waterfall in Kenya. Arrive in Nakuru in time for lunch at a Lodge/ Camp in Lake Nakuru National Park. Enjoy a late afternoon game viewing and bird watching drive.
Dinner and overnight at your Lodge/ Camp.
Day 7: Lake Nakuru - Masai Mara National Reserve
After breakfast, drive south via Narok to the Masai Mara National Reserve to arrive for lunch at the Lodge/ Camp. Enjoy a late afternoon game viewing drive.
Dinner and overnight at your Lodge/ Camp.
Day 8: Masai Mara
Early morning game viewing drive before breakfast. Visit the homesteads (Manyatta) for more knowledge about Maasai culture & everyday life. With a foot safari trek to experience the bush & the wildlife from a completely different perspective to your own. Enjoy a late Afternoon game drive.
The Maasai are undoubtedly one of the most famous traditional cultures on earth. To many people, the Maasai have come to represent Africa at its most primal, a fiercely independent tribe of legendary courage who sternly shun the modern world in favor of traditional rites and customs.
Cattle are vital to the Maasai and are the subject of mystical beliefs and reverence. Wildlife is also considered sacred, especially the herds of wildebeest that regenerate the precious grasslands. Lions are considered a threat to cattle, which are enclosed in protective bomas of thorn at night.
There is a definite prominence given to the skills of warriorhood in Maasai culture, explaining their expansion and dominance of a wide range of lands throughout Kenya.
Dinner and overnight at your Lodge/ Camp.
Day 9: Masai Mara
Early morning and late afternoon game viewing drives in this Reserve, with spectacular sceneries and diverse wildlife. Relax at the lodge or the pool in the mid-morning and early afternoon, with the option of a full day game drive with picnic lunch.
Dinner and overnight at your Lodge/ Camp.
Day 10: Departure
After breakfast at the Lodge/ Camp, embark on your journey back to Nairobi. On arrival in Nairobi, you will be transferred for a complimentary farewell lunch at the Carnivore Restaurant. Try the barbequed ostrich, crocodile amongst other varieties of meat, served at your table on spears. In the style of a Brazilian churrascaria, 6 kms from the city center, is a popular spot for meat lovers.
Later, you shall be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your scheduled international departure flight.
VISA & HEALTH INFORMATION
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Payment policy
- 30 percent at the time of booking
- Balance 60 days prior to your arrival
Standard cancellation policy
In the event of cancellation or variation of services for whatever reasons, the Company shall be entitled to charge cancellation fees as set out hereunder:
- Cancellations received between 60 days to 45 days prior to commencement of Services shall be charged at 30% of the total cost of Services;
- Cancellation received between 44 days to 8 days prior to commencement of Services shall be charged at 60% of the total cost of Services;
- Cancellations received within 7 days or after commencement of Services shall be charged at the full cost of Services;
- The liability to reimburse the Company for the cancellation fees, non-refundable booking fee, no show fees, administration fee and the like, shall in no way limit or restrict the general rights of the Company to collect damages for breach of contract.
Inclusions
- Arrival & Departure Airport transfers
- Bed & Breakfast accommodation in Nairobi
- Full Board Accommodation on safari
- Exclusive use on safari with custom made 08-seater safari van OR a 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser (07 window seats) fitted with Hi-Fi radio with a roof hatch for enhanced game viewing and photography
- Services of an English Speaking Driver Guide knowledgeable in flora and fauna
- All Safari Game drives in Parks and Reserves as per the itinerary
- Park Entrance / Reserve/ Conservancy & Community Fees
- Bottled water in the vehicle for use during game drives
- Temporary Membership Flying Doctors Emergency Rescue (AMREF) cover
- All Government taxes and levies
Exclusions
- Drinks
- Any international / Domestic flight
- Tips and Gratuities to Driver / Guide, porters, bar and waiters
- Visa fees as applicable
- Travel insurance (we highly recommend you get it to protect yourself against unforeseen risks)
- Optional activities, International airfares and departure taxes
- All items of personal nature such as laundry, tobacco, phone calls etc
- Any items not mentioned above
Pricing
From USD 4,142
Rates are multiplied by the number of travellers. Children are charged at 50% of the adult base rate. Final pricing remains subject to terms and conditions.
Ready to plan this safari?
Talk to our team to customise dates, stays, transport, and special experiences for this itinerary.