Arrive in Nairobi and transfer to the legendary Mara Triangle, the northern section of the Masai Mara ecosystem, for your first taste of African wilderness.
Morning
Arrival and transfer preparation
Land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and clear customs. Meet your driver for the scenic 5-6 hour journey westward toward the Mara Triangle. The drive takes you through the Great Rift Valley escarpment with stunning viewpoints along the way. Stop briefly to stretch and photograph the dramatic valley views before continuing through traditional Maasai villages and farmland.
5-6 hours including stops
$80-120 for private transfer or $40-60 for shared shuttle
Arrange airport pickup in advance through your accommodation or a reputable transfer company for smoother arrival
Lunch
A roadside restaurant at Narok town
Kenyan staples including nyama choma and ugali
Budget
Afternoon
Check-in and evening game drive in Mara Triangle
Arrive at your lodge or camp in the Mara Triangle and settle into your accommodation. After refreshments, head out for your first evening game drive in this wildlife-rich conservancy. The Mara Triangle offers excellent wildlife viewing with fewer vehicles than other areas. Watch for lions, elephants, giraffes, and countless antelope species as the golden afternoon light bathes the savanna.
3-4 hours
$60-80 conservancy fees included in accommodation
Book Mara Triangle accommodation well in advance, especially during migration season (July-October)
Evening
Dinner at your lodge with sundowner drinks
Enjoy traditional Kenyan cuisine while listening to the sounds of the African night. Most lodges offer outdoor dining experiences with campfires and stargazing opportunities
Where to Stay Tonight
Mara Triangle conservancy (Mid-range tented camp or lodge within the conservancy)
Staying inside the conservancy allows for early morning game drives and a more immersive safari experience with closer proximity to wildlife areas
The Mara Triangle is managed separately from the main Masai Mara Reserve and typically has fewer tourist vehicles, offering a more exclusive safari experience
Day 1 Budget: $200-280
Dedicate the entire day to exploring the Mara Triangle's diverse ecosystems, from riverine forests to open plains teeming with wildlife.
Morning
Early morning game drive in Mara Triangle
Depart before sunrise for prime wildlife viewing when predators are most active. The Mara Triangle is home to large prides of lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Drive through different habitats including the Mara River where hippos and crocodiles congregate. Your guide will track animal movements and position you for optimal viewing and photography. Return to camp mid-morning for a hearty breakfast and rest during the hottest hours.
4-5 hours
Included in conservancy fees
Lunch
Bush lunch at your camp or lodge
International and Kenyan fusion
Mid-range
Afternoon
Afternoon game drive and Mara River visit
Continue exploring the Mara Triangle with focus on the Mara River crossings (if visiting during migration season). Even outside migration, the river provides excellent wildlife viewing with resident hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife. Watch elephants bathing and various antelope species coming to drink. Your guide will seek out the Big Five and explain animal behaviors and ecosystem dynamics throughout the drive.
3-4 hours
Included in conservancy fees
Evening
Optional Maasai village visit or sundowner drinks
Many lodges arrange cultural visits to nearby Maasai communities where you can learn about traditional lifestyles, watch warrior dances, and visit local schools. Alternatively, enjoy drinks at a scenic viewpoint as the sun sets over the savanna
Where to Stay Tonight
Mara Triangle conservancy (Same accommodation as Day 1)
Two full days in the Mara Triangle maximizes wildlife viewing opportunities without the stress of changing locations
Ask your guide to position for the 'golden hour' light before sunset—the warm glow creates stunning photography conditions and animals become more active as temperatures cool
Day 2 Budget: $180-240
Journey through the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its flamingos, rhinos, and dramatic landscapes.
Morning
Morning game drive and transfer to Lake Nakuru
Enjoy one final early morning game drive in the Mara Triangle before breakfast and checkout. Begin the 5-6 hour journey eastward, stopping at The Great Rift Valley View Point for spectacular panoramic views of the escarpment and valley floor stretching into the distance. This geological wonder offers incredible photo opportunities and insight into East Africa's dramatic tectonic landscape. Continue through small towns and agricultural areas toward Nakuru.
6-7 hours including viewpoint stop
$80-120 for private transfer
Lunch
A local restaurant in Narok or Nakuru town
Kenyan comfort food and grilled meats
Budget
Afternoon
Afternoon game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park
Enter Lake Nakuru National Park, a compact but wildlife-rich sanctuary surrounding the alkaline lake. Drive along the lakeshore seeking the famous flamingo flocks that can number in the thousands, creating a pink haze across the water. The park is a rhino sanctuary with both black and white rhinos easily spotted. Look for Rothschild's giraffes, waterbucks, and tree-climbing lions in the acacia forests. The park's compact size makes it excellent for concentrated wildlife viewing.
3-4 hours
$60 park entry fee
Park fees are typically paid at the gate; carry cash or check if card payment is accepted
Evening
Dinner and relaxation at your lodge
Most lodges near Lake Nakuru offer elevated views over the park. Enjoy dinner while watching the sunset paint the lake and surrounding escarpments in golden hues
Where to Stay Tonight
Lake Nakuru National Park or nearby town (Mid-range lodge with park views)
Staying near the park allows for early entry the next morning and convenient access to this compact but wildlife-rich reserve
Flamingo numbers fluctuate based on water levels and algae availability—even if they're fewer than expected, the park's rhino population and diverse habitats make it worthwhile
Day 3 Budget: $190-250
Explore Lake Nakuru's morning wildlife before heading to Mount Longonot for an adventurous volcanic crater hike.
Morning
Early morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park
Rise early for prime wildlife viewing when animals are most active. Focus on areas you didn't cover yesterday, particularly Baboon Cliff for panoramic lake views and the southern acacia woodlands where leopards sometimes rest in trees. The park's varied habitats support over 450 bird species, making it a birdwatcher's paradise. Exit the park mid-morning and drive south toward Mount Longonot, approximately 2 hours away through scenic Rift Valley landscapes.
3 hours game drive plus 2 hours transfer
Park fees from previous day cover this morning
Lunch
Packed lunch or a restaurant near Naivasha town
Sandwiches, fresh fruit, and snacks
Budget
Afternoon
Hike Mount Longonot National Park crater rim
Mount Longonot is a dormant stratovolcano offering one of Kenya's most rewarding hikes. The trail ascends steeply through unique volcanic vegetation to the crater rim at 2,776 meters. Once at the rim, you can walk the circular trail around the crater edge (optional, adds 2-3 hours) for breathtaking 360-degree views of the Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha, and surrounding highlands. The hike is challenging but manageable for reasonably fit hikers, with incredible geological features and occasional wildlife sightings.
3-5 hours depending on whether you circle the crater
$26 park entry fee
Start the hike early afternoon to avoid the hottest midday sun and ensure you finish before the park closes at 6 PM
Evening
Sunset at Lake Naivasha and dinner
Head to nearby Lake Naivasha for a relaxing evening. Consider an optional boat ride to see hippos and waterbirds, or simply enjoy dinner at a lakeside restaurant while watching the sun set over the water
Where to Stay Tonight
Lake Naivasha area (Mid-range lodge or guesthouse near the lake)
Lake Naivasha offers peaceful accommodations with beautiful settings and is well-positioned for exploring nearby attractions
Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and wear sturdy hiking boots for Mount Longonot—the volcanic rock can be loose and the sun intense at altitude
Day 4 Budget: $160-220
Walk among wildlife on Crescent Island before journeying to the misty forests and moorlands of Aberdare National Park.
Morning
Walking safari on Crescent Island Game Sanctuary
Crescent Island Game Sanctuary offers a rare opportunity to walk freely among wildlife without vehicles or armed guards. This peaceful peninsula (an island when water levels are high) is home to giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, and numerous antelope species that are habituated to human presence. The flat terrain makes for easy walking while offering stunning lake views and close-up wildlife photography opportunities. Birdlife is exceptional with fish eagles, pelicans, and cormorants abundant along the shores.
2-3 hours
$25-30 entry fee plus boat transfer
Arrange boat transfer to the island through your accommodation or at the lake's main boat stations
Lunch
A lakeside restaurant in Naivasha
Fresh tilapia and international dishes
Mid-range
Afternoon
Transfer to Aberdare National Park and evening game drive
Drive approximately 3 hours northeast to Aberdare National Park, a dramatic highland park ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 meters elevation. The park encompasses dense montane forests, bamboo zones, and high-altitude moorlands with unique afro-alpine vegetation. Enter the park and explore the lower forest zones where elephants, buffalo, and the rare bongo antelope live. The park's waterfalls, including Chania Falls and Karuru Falls, are spectacular. The misty, cool climate creates an entirely different atmosphere from the savanna parks.
3 hours transfer plus 2-3 hours in park
$60 park entry fee plus $80-100 transfer
Aberdare weather can be cold and wet; bring warm, waterproof clothing
Evening
Dinner and possible night game viewing
Some Aberdare lodges feature floodlit waterholes where nocturnal animals come to drink. Enjoy dinner while watching for elephants, buffalo, and the occasional leopard or hyena from the comfort of your lodge
Where to Stay Tonight
Aberdare National Park (Mountain lodge within or near the park)
Staying in the park allows for unique nighttime wildlife viewing and easy access to the park's highland ecosystems
Aberdare's high elevation means temperatures drop significantly at night—pack warm layers even if the rest of your Kenya trip is hot
Day 5 Budget: $200-270
Discover Aberdare's spectacular waterfalls before heading to Africa's second-highest mountain for alpine adventures.
Morning
Chania Falls and forest exploration in Aberdare National Park
Start with a visit to Chania Falls, one of Aberdare's most accessible and beautiful waterfalls, plunging dramatically through the forest. The surrounding area offers excellent forest walks where you might spot black and white colobus monkeys, various forest birds, and unique highland vegetation. The park's network of tracks takes you through different vegetation zones, from dense cedar and bamboo forests to more open moorland areas with giant heather and lobelias creating an otherworldly landscape.
3-4 hours
Included in previous day's park fees if staying overnight
Lunch
Packed lunch or lunch at your Aberdare lodge
International and Kenyan dishes
Mid-range
Afternoon
Transfer to Mount Kenya National Park and acclimatization walk
Journey approximately 2-3 hours to Mount Kenya National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site protecting Africa's second-highest peak. Enter the park and drive through different vegetation zones from montane forest to bamboo groves. Check into your accommodation and take a short acclimatization walk through the surrounding area. The park offers incredible biodiversity with unique high-altitude species. Enjoy views of Mount Kenya's dramatic peaks, including Batian and Nelion, weather permitting.
2-3 hours transfer plus 1-2 hours walking
$52 park entry fee plus $60-80 transfer
Book Mount Kenya accommodation in advance, especially during peak seasons
Evening
Dinner with mountain views and stargazing
Mount Kenya's high altitude and clear air make for spectacular stargazing. Many lodges have outdoor areas perfect for viewing the southern hemisphere's night sky after dinner
Where to Stay Tonight
Mount Kenya National Park (Mountain lodge or bandas within the park)
Staying in the park provides the best access to hiking trails and allows you to experience the mountain's changing moods and weather
Mount Kenya's weather is highly variable—be prepared for sunshine, rain, and cold temperatures all in one day. Layer your clothing and always carry rain gear
Day 6 Budget: $190-260
Explore Mount Kenya's unique alpine ecosystems before returning to Nairobi for departure or extended stay.
Morning
Morning hike in Mount Kenya National Park
Wake early for a guided hike through Mount Kenya's spectacular landscapes. Trails range from easy forest walks to more challenging routes toward the alpine zone. Walk through giant groundsel and lobelia forests unique to East African mountains. The park supports diverse wildlife including elephants, buffalo, various antelope species, and numerous birds. Even if you're not climbing to the summit (which requires multiple days and technical skills), lower elevation hikes offer stunning scenery, waterfalls, and pristine mountain streams.
3-4 hours
Included in park fees; optional guide $20-30
Hire a local guide through your lodge for the best wildlife spotting and trail knowledge
Lunch
Early lunch at your Mount Kenya lodge
Hearty mountain fare
Mid-range
Afternoon
Transfer to Nairobi with optional stops
Begin the 3-4 hour journey back to Nairobi, descending from the highlands through agricultural areas growing coffee, tea, and vegetables. Consider stopping at a coffee plantation for a tour and tasting, or visit a local market to experience everyday Kenyan life. Arrive in Nairobi by late afternoon with time to visit Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary, an urban forest sanctuary perfect for a peaceful final nature walk, or head directly to your hotel or the airport depending on your flight schedule.
3-4 hours plus optional stops
$80-120 for transfer; $10 for Ngong Road Forest if visiting
Coordinate transfer timing with your departure flight, allowing extra time for Nairobi traffic
Evening
Farewell dinner in Nairobi or departure
If time permits before your flight, enjoy a farewell dinner at a Nairobi restaurant featuring Kenyan cuisine and live music. Many restaurants offer rooftop dining with city views. Otherwise, head to the airport for your departure flight with incredible safari memories
Where to Stay Tonight
Nairobi or airport hotel if needed (Hotel near airport for early morning flights)
An airport hotel eliminates stress for early departures and provides comfortable rest after your journey from Mount Kenya
Nairobi traffic can be unpredictable—allow at least 3 hours before international flight departures, more during rush hours (7-9 AM and 5-7 PM)
Day 7 Budget: $150-200