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Day 1–2: Arrival in Nairobi – Transfer to Masai Mara National Reserve

Your adventure begins with a warm welcome in Nairobi. After a briefing, embark on a scenic drive to the Masai Mara Game Reserve, journeying through the dramatic Rift Valley escarpment and rolling hills. Upon arrival, check in, enjoy lunch, and later head out for a relaxed evening game drive. Expect to see giraffes, zebras, elephants, and antelopes.

The following day, dedicate a full day to wildlife viewing. Begin with a sunrise game drive when predators are most active. Explore the savannah in search of lions, leopards, hyenas, cheetahs, and wildebeests. Enjoy a bush breakfast and packed lunch as you proceed to the Mara River to observe hippos and massive crocodiles. Sunset in the Mara is magical—perfect for photos and reflection.

Overnight: Mtiti Mara Camp or equivalent
Meals: Full Board

Day 3: Masai Mara – Lake Nakuru National Park

After breakfast, depart Masai Mara and drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, famously known as a sanctuary for black and white rhinos. Upon arrival, have lunch and embark on a thrilling afternoon game drive. Keep your eyes peeled for buffaloes, lions, waterbucks, pythons hanging from acacia trees, and elusive serval cats. Admire the Makalia Waterfalls and large flocks of pink flamingos along the shores.

Overnight: Lake Nakuru Lodge
Meals: Full Board

Day 4–5: Lake Nakuru – Amboseli National Park

Drive south toward Amboseli, known for its majestic views of Mount Kilimanjaro and iconic tuskers. En route, observe Maasai homesteads and expansive plains. Arrive in time for lunch, rest briefly, then head out for an evening game drive. Capture incredible images of elephants, giraffes, zebras, and the snow-capped mountain backdrop.

On day 5, start early for the best views of Kilimanjaro before clouds gather. Spend the day exploring Amboseli’s marshlands, where elephants bathe, buffaloes graze, and hundreds of bird species reside.

Overnight: A A Lodge
Meals: Full Board

Day 6: Amboseli – Nairobi – Entebbe (Uganda)

After an early breakfast, depart Amboseli and return to Nairobi. Board your flight to Uganda, where our driver-guide will pick you up at Entebbe International Airport. Transfer to your accommodation for relaxation and overnight rest.

Overnight: Hotel in Entebbe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7: Entebbe – Transfer to Kibale National Park

After breakfast, embark on a scenic 6.5-hour drive westward to Kibale Forest. The journey offers stunning views of tea plantations, lush forests, and crater lakes. Make stopovers for photography, lunch, and restroom breaks along the way. On arrival, check in to your lodge and relax or enjoy a nature walk in the forest.

Overnight: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
Meals: Full Board

Day 8: Chimpanzee Trekking – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Start the day early with a hearty breakfast before heading to the ranger station for a briefing. Carry essentials like water, snacks, hiking boots, a rain jacket, and a camera. Trek through Kibale’s rainforest to find a habituated troop of chimpanzees, an exhilarating and educational experience.

After your trek and lunch, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park via scenic crater lakes. Watch the terrain shift from rainforest to savannah as you approach the park.

Overnight: Elephant Hab Lodge
Meals: Full Board

Day 9: Kazinga Channel Boat Safari – Transfer to Bwindi via Ishasha

Start the morning with a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel. Watch hippos yawning, crocodiles basking, elephants drinking, and colorful birdlife soaring above. This 40-km channel connects Lake George and Lake Edward and is rich in biodiversity.

Later, drive south through the Ishasha sector, home to rare tree-climbing lions and herds of topis and buffaloes, before arriving in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Overnight: Lodge in Bwindi
Meals: Full Board

Day 10: Gorilla Trekking – Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Today is the highlight of your safari—gorilla trekking! After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing. With packed water, snacks, and gear, trek through dense forest to find a gorilla family. Once found, spend an awe-inspiring hour in their presence—watching them play, feed, and interact.

After your trek, you’ll receive a certificate and continue to Lake Bunyonyi for a peaceful evening on the shores.

Overnight: BirdNest Resort
Meals: Full Board

Day 11: Lake Bunyonyi – Boat Tour – Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

After breakfast, take a boat tour on Lake Bunyonyi. Learn the history of its 29 islands, including the famous Punishment Island and Upside-Down Island. Later, transfer to Lake Mburo National Park, one of Uganda’s smallest yet richest parks in terms of biodiversity.

Enjoy a late afternoon game drive in search of zebras, giraffes, impalas, elands, and leopards.

Overnight: Rwakobo Rock
Meals: Full Board

Day 12: Nature Walk – Transfer to Entebbe for Departure

Start your final day with a guided morning nature walk. This close encounter allows you to track wildlife on foot and learn about plants, insects, and animal tracks from your ranger guide. After the walk, return for breakfast, check out, and drive to Entebbe via the Equator line for souvenirs and photos.

End your journey with drop-off at the airport or your preferred location.

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – City Tour & Transfer to Masai Mara

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or pick-up from your hotel, your adventure begins with an optional Nairobi city tour. You may visit the Nairobi National Museum and the Giraffe Centre to get a glimpse of Kenya’s natural and cultural heritage. Later, drive through the scenic Great Rift Valley to the Masai Mara Game Reserve. En route, enjoy dramatic landscapes and spot wildlife along the way. In the evening, relax at your lodge or optionally visit a local Masai Boma for cultural interaction and traditional dances.

Meals & Accommodation:
Jambo Mara Lodge or similar

Day 2–3: Full Days of Wildebeest Migration Safari in Masai Mara

Spend two full days immersed in the heart of the Masai Mara ecosystem. Rise early and head out on extended game drives along the Mara River, the main stage for the famed wildebeest migration. Watch in awe as herds of wildebeest and zebra attempt to cross the crocodile-infested waters, closely followed by predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The plains are alive with elephants, giraffes, hyenas, and a myriad of birdlife that makes for spectacular photography and storytelling.

Meals & Accommodation:
Jambo Mara Lodge or similar

Day 4: Cross Border into Tanzania – Transfer to Mugumu

Start your day early with a scenic drive through the Mara Triangle, exiting via Ololoolo Gate. Journey toward the Isebania border, stopping briefly at Migori for lunch. After clearing immigration, continue your drive through rural Tanzania to Mugumu town for overnight stay and a chance to rest before entering the Serengeti.

Meals & Accommodation:
La’tonna Safari Hotel or similar

Day 5–6: Serengeti National Park – Big Cats & Wildlife Encounters

Depart Mugumu and head into the Serengeti via Ikoma Gate. This journey itself offers fantastic wildlife viewing and birding opportunities. Spend the next two days exploring the central Serengeti’s vast savannahs in search of lions, elephants, cheetahs, buffaloes, and more. Enjoy both morning and afternoon game drives and embrace the serenity and magnificence of the African wilderness.

Meals & Accommodation:
Into the Wild Tented Lodge or similar

Day 7: Descend into Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, depart the Serengeti with picnic meals and stop at the iconic Naabi Hill Gate. Later, descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater—a true Eden of wildlife. The crater is a haven for black rhinos, hippos, zebras, flamingos, and predators. Spend the day inside the caldera with game drives and a packed lunch near a scenic picnic site before ascending by evening to the crater rim.

Meals & Accommodation:
Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge or similar

Day 8: Community Tour & Wildlife in Tarangire National Park

Drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for its ancient baobab trees and dense elephant population. En route, stop at Mto wa Mbu village for a rewarding cultural tour. Participate in traditional cooking, local art, dance, and storytelling with community members. Proceed to Tarangire for an optional evening game drive or relaxation at your lodge.

Meals & Accommodation:
Simba Lodge Tarangire or Burunge Tented Lodge

Day 9: Morning Safari & Transfer to Arusha

Begin your day with a final game drive in Tarangire National Park, taking in early morning wildlife activity. Spot birds, monkeys, and predators in action before heading to Arusha. Here, unwind and prepare for the Kilimanjaro trekking adventure ahead.

Meals & Accommodation:
Green Mountain Lodge – Arusha or similar

Day 10–16: Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Expedition

Your Kilimanjaro trek begins! A separate detailed itinerary will be shared based on your chosen route (e.g., Machame, Marangu, Lemosho). Over seven days, trek through different ecological zones—from rainforest to alpine desert—culminating at the summit, Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Professional guides, porters, and support staff will accompany you every step of the way. This is both a physical and spiritual journey that will leave lasting memories.

Note:
Day 16 may be reserved as a rest day post-hike or used to transfer to the airport for your flight. Optionally, you can extend your trip to Zanzibar for beach relaxation.

Day 17: Departure / Optional Zanzibar Extension

Depending on your post-hike plans, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight. Alternatively, continue your journey to Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches and turquoise waters for a luxurious extension to your East African adventure.

Day 1–6: Into the Wild – Exploring the Masai Mara

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our professional safari team. After a short briefing, embark on a scenic drive across the Great Rift Valley to the Masai Mara National Reserve.

Over the next five full days, immerse yourself in early morning and late afternoon game drives, when the light is perfect and wildlife is most active. Your photography guide will share techniques and tips for composing compelling wildlife shots, including action sequences, portraits, and environmental scenes.

Whether it’s lions lounging under acacia trees, cheetahs sprinting through the savannah, or wildebeests crossing crocodile-infested rivers, the Mara delivers non-stop photographic drama. Return to camp in the evening for image reviews, photography discussions, and relaxation. Enjoy warm hospitality at Sarova Mara Game Camp or similar.

Meal Plan: Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Accommodation: Sarova Mara Game Camp or similar luxury tented lodge

Day 7: Transition to Nairobi – A City Interlude

After a final morning in the Mara, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and depart for Nairobi, the vibrant capital of Kenya. Arrive by late afternoon and check into your city hotel.

Depending on your interests, you may opt to rest, explore local dining, or take an evening city tour. Nairobi offers rich history, cuisine, and nightlife. We’ll assist with hotel selection and optional excursions.

Meal Plan: Half board or Full board (depending on package)
Accommodation: Comfortable city hotel (e.g., Four Points by Sheraton, Nairobi Serena, or similar)

Day 8–11: Amboseli National Park – Giants Beneath the Mountain

After breakfast, set off for Amboseli National Park, where Kenya’s largest elephants roam freely beneath the towering presence of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Spend the next four days on intensive photographic safaris, focused on capturing the unique character and grandeur of Amboseli. Track massive elephant herds, spot hippos wallowing in the swamps, and photograph buffalo, zebras, and a variety of antelope species.

Each day will feature full-day game drives with picnic lunches out in the bush, timed for the best lighting conditions. Your guide will ensure you’re in the right place at the right time to catch moments like elephant calves playing in dust, giraffes silhouetted at sunset, or lions emerging from the grasslands.

Evenings will be reserved for image curation, storytelling tips, and discussions on post-processing techniques for those interested.

Meal Plan: Full board
Accommodation: Ol Tukai Lodge, Amboseli Serena, or similar

Day 12: Farewell to the Wild – Departure

Enjoy a final sunrise drive through the park, savoring your last moments in the wild. If time permits and your flight schedule allows, you may visit the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage or enjoy a quick tour of Nairobi National Park, offering a final glimpse of Africa’s remarkable wildlife.

Afterward, you’ll be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight. Bid farewell to Kenya with a heart full of memories and a portfolio rich in once-in-a-lifetime images.

Meal Plan: Breakfast included

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Lake Nakuru National Park
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, meet your safari guide, and drive through the Great Rift Valley with a scenic stop for photos. Continue to Lake Nakuru.

  • Afternoon game drive in search of rhinos | both black and white, Rothschild’s giraffes, lions, and flamingos.
  • Overnight at a lodge inside or near the park.
    Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge (or similar)
    Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Lake Nakuru – Drive to Masai Mara
After breakfast, depart Lake Nakuru and journey across the breathtaking Great Rift Valley, passing rolling hills, patchwork farmland, and distant volcanic escarpments. This scenic drive offers plenty of photo opportunities and glimpses of rural Kenyan life.

Arrive at the Masai Mara, Kenya’s most famous wildlife reserve, known for its vast open plains, meandering rivers, and extraordinary concentration of predators.

  • After lunch, embark an afternoon game drive across the Mara’s golden savannahs, spotting zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, and herds of elephants grazing beneath iconic acacia trees.
  • Keep an eye out for elusive predators—lions lounging in the grass, cheetahs on the hunt, and leopards resting in tree branches.
  • Birdwatchers can marvel at colorful lilac-breasted rollers, kori bustards, and flocks of vultures circling the skies.
  • As the sun sets, enjoy the magical Mara light casting long shadows over the plains, a perfect introduction to the incredible wildlife adventures ahead.

Accommodation: PrideInn Mara (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 3 & 4: Full Safari Days in the Masai Mara
Immerse yourself in two full days of thrilling wildlife encounters across the Masai Mara’s endless golden plains.

  • Morning and afternoon game drives bring you close to the Big Five—watch lions lazing in the grass, elephants with their calves, stealthy leopards in tree branches, and rhinos and buffalo roaming the savannah.
  • From July to October, witness the Great Migration, as wildebeest and zebra surge across the Mara River in a dramatic struggle against crocodiles and predators.
  • Spot cheetahs sprinting after gazelles, giraffes browsing treetops, playful hyenas, hippos wallowing in pools, and more than 450 bird species including ostriches, secretary birds, and vibrant rollers.
  • Optional hot-air balloon safari at sunrise offers breathtaking aerial views, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush.
  • Bush picnics and sundowners add magical touches to your safari days, with glowing skies and the calls of the wild all around you.

Accommodation: PrideInn Mara (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Masai Mara – Cross into Serengeti via Isebania
Enjoy a final Mara game drive before crossing into Tanzania at the Isebania border. Continue into the northern Serengeti.

  • Enjoy a scenic drive with game viewing en route to your tented lodge.
    Accommodation: Into Wild Tented Lodge (or similar)
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 6 & 7: Full Safari Days in Serengeti National Park
Spend two unforgettable days exploring the boundless plains of the Serengeti, home to one of the greatest concentrations of wildlife on Earth.

  • Morning and afternoon game drives bring you face-to-face with the Serengeti’s renowned predators—watch lions on the hunt, cheetahs sprinting across the open grasslands, and leopards draped lazily in acacia trees.
  • Depending on the season, witness massive wildebeest and zebra herds during their migration, with dramatic river crossings and countless calves attracting predators.
  • Herds of elephants, towering giraffes, clans of hyenas, bat-eared foxes, and graceful gazelles roam the savannah, while hippos and crocodiles dominate the waterways.
  • Birdwatchers will be delighted by kori bustards, secretary birds, lilac-breasted rollers, and colorful flocks of bee-eaters.
  • Evenings bring serenity with sundowners in the bush as the horizon glows red and gold, and the sounds of the Serengeti echo into the night.

Accommodation: Into Wild Tented Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater – Karatu
After a morning Serengeti game drive, continue into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

  • Optional stop at Olduvai Gorge Museum, known as the “Cradle of Mankind.”
  • Descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day safari, spotting rhinos, lions, elephants, hippos, and flamingos.
  • Overnight in the lush highlands of Karatu.
    Accommodation: Ngorongoro Mountain View Lodge (or similar)
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Karatu – Mto wa Mbu – Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, set off for Mto wa Mbu, a bustling melting pot of cultures. Stroll through local farms, lively markets, and banana plantations while learning about Maasai traditions and the daily lives of the many communities that call this area home.

Continue to Tarangire National Park, a landscape dominated by ancient baobab trees and sweeping savannahs.

  • On your evening game drive, keep watch for the park’s famous large elephant herds, sometimes numbering in the hundreds.
  • Lions prowl the grasslands, while leopards lurk in the trees and cheetahs patrol the open plains.
  • The park is also rich in antelope species such as impalas, elands, and oryx, alongside buffalo and giraffes.
  • Bird enthusiasts will delight in spotting some of Tarangire’s over 550 bird species, from colorful lovebirds and bee-eaters to the striking martial eagle and the giant ostriches. 
  • During the dry season, Tarangire’s river draws wildlife from across the region, creating superb viewing opportunities.

Accommodation: Tarangire Simba Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Tarangire – Arusha – Kilimanjaro Departure
Spend your last morning on safari in Tarangire, home to elephants, baobabs, and over 550 bird species.

  • Return to Arusha, with stops for souvenir shopping.

Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Nairobi National Park

Arrive in Nairobi and transfer to your lodge. Enjoy an evening game drive spotting lions, giraffes, rhinos, and zebras. Optional visits include the Giraffe Centre or local shopping.
Accommodation: Nairobi Safari Club or similar

Days 2–5: Masai Mara National Reserve

Travel to the Masai Mara, Kenya’s premier wildlife reserve. Enjoy four days of game drives, spotting lions, elephants, cheetahs, zebras, and wildebeest. Optional hot air balloon rides provide panoramic views of the Mara plains. Participate in cultural experiences with Maasai warriors, sundowners, and bush picnics. Family-friendly lodge offers pools, spas, and babysitting for children.
Accommodation: Sarova Mara Camp or similar

 

Days 6–9: Mombasa Coast & Beach Relaxation

Fly to Mombasa and transfer to Sarova White Sands Beach Resort. Spend four days relaxing by the Indian Ocean, enjoying pools, kids’ activities, and spa treatments. Explore historic Mombasa, visit markets, take guided city tours, and enjoy beach games, coconut tasting, and swimming. Perfect downtime after an adventurous safari.
Accommodation: Sarova White Sands Beach Resort or similar

Day 10: Departure

Enjoy a final morning on the beach before flying back to Nairobi for your onward journey. Depart with lasting memories of your family safari adventure in Kenya.
Meals: Breakfast only | No accommodation

 

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1–2: Arrival in Nairobi – Urban Welcome & Local Culture

Arrive in Kenya’s bustling capital, Nairobi, and settle into your boutique hotel. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy optional visits to:

  • Giraffe Centre – Feed endangered Rothschild giraffes.
  • David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust – Visit orphaned baby elephants.
  • Karen Blixen Museum & Kazuri Beads – Explore colonial history and support local artisans.
    Dine at one of Nairobi’s top restaurants or unwind after your flight.
    Overnight: Nairobi

Day 3–4: Samburu National Reserve – Wild Beauty & Rare Wildlife

Head north to Samburu National Reserve, a remote wilderness along the Ewaso Ng’iro River. Discover the Samburu Special Five and admire dramatic landscapes where elephants gather at the riverbanks. Visit a Samburu village for an authentic cultural experience and enjoy spectacular morning and evening game drives.
Overnight: Safari lodge or tented camp in Samburu

Day 5–7: Masai Mara National Reserve – Big Cats & The Great Migration

Fly or drive to the Masai Mara, Kenya’s most iconic safari destination and part of the Serengeti ecosystem. Spend three days exploring its sweeping grasslands, where big cats rule and wildlife abounds.
During the Great Migration (July–October), witness thousands of wildebeest and zebra crossing the Mara River — one of nature’s most thrilling spectacles.
Overnight: Luxury tented camp or lodge in the Masai Mara

Day 8–10: Diani Beach – Coastal Paradise on the Indian Ocean

After your safari adventure, fly to the Kenyan coast and unwind at Diani Beach, often voted Africa’s best beach.
Spend your days relaxing on the sand or exploring optional activities such as:

  • Snorkeling or scuba diving in coral-rich marine parks
  • Sunset dhow cruises along the coast
  • Swahili cooking classes and spice market tours
  • Visiting the Colobus Monkey Sanctuary
    Whether it’s romance or relaxation you seek, Diani offers the perfect tropical finale.
    Overnight: Boutique beach resort or luxury beachfront hotel

Day 11: Departure – Farewell to Kenya

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and final stroll along the beach before your transfer to Ukunda Airstrip or Mombasa International Airport for your onward flight — leaving Kenya with memories of wild savannahs and ocean breezes.

Inclusions

Why Travel with Wild Compass Africa

  • Handpicked eco-conscious lodges in prime wildlife and coastal locations
  • Seamless logistics with expert local guides
  • Personalized service with flexible, customizable itineraries
  • Small group or private departures available
  • Add-ons available for Zanzibar, Amboseli, or Uganda Gorilla Trekking

 

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi, Kenya

Airport pickup and overnight at a boutique photography-friendly lodge

Welcome dinner & pre-trip photography briefing with your guide

 Accommodation: Emara Ole Sereni or similar

Focus: Street scenes, Nairobi skyline, sunset silhouettes

Day 2–4: Ol Pejeta Conservancy – Big Cats & Rhinos

Transfer to Laikipia and settle into a private tented camp in Ol Pejeta

Daily game drives focusing on black & white rhinos, lions, cheetahs, and elephants

Visit the last northern white rhinos under 24/7 armed guard

Optional low-angle rhino photography sessions from hides

 Accommodation: Kicheche Laikipia Camp

Focus: Endangered species, golden hour predators, black & white conversions

Day 5–7: Loisaba Conservancy – Wild Dogs & Walking Perspectives

Transfer to Loisaba, home of some of Kenya’s most successful wild dog populations

Use of custom low-roof photography vehicles

Track carnivores with experienced scouts and get up-close perspectives on foot

Night drives for Astro, spotlight, and nocturnal wildlife photography

 Accommodation: Loisaba Lodo Springs

 Focus: Wild dogs in action, astrophotography, low-light big cats

Day 8–10: Lekurruki & Community Conservancy

Visit a Maasai-run conservancy that blends wildlife and cultural storytelling

Community photography sessions: portraits, daily life, and traditional ceremonies

Sunrise shoots in dramatic escarpments, acacia-studded backdrops, and river valleys

Option to fly drones (with permits) for aerial wildlife and landscape compositions

 Accommodation: Sarara Camp

 Focus: Cultural portraiture, landscape layers, community conservation visuals

Day 11–12: Private Hide & Conservation Storytelling

Use of exclusive waterhole hides for low-angle wildlife photography (elephants, buffalo, hyenas)

Photo storytelling workshop with Jaz Abaho: editing, composing for conservation, and building a visual narrative

One-on-one portfolio review sessions and creative feedback

 Accommodation: Elewana Loisaba Starbeds

 Focus: Behavioral photography, intimate angles, story composition

Day 13: Return to Nairobi – Departure or Extension

Optional photo walk in Nairobi (markets, wildlife-art community, street scenes)

End of tour with post-processing wrap-up and departure assistance

 Option to extend to:

 Masai Mara (Great Migration, river crossings, lion pride)

 Amboseli (elephants with Kilimanjaro, dust storms, flamingos

 Best Time to Go

January–March: Calving season, strong colors, fewer tourists

June–October: Dry season with best visibility, dramatic light, predator action

November: Post-rain greens, active wildlife, perfect for dramatic skies

 Book Your Spot

This is a limited-space, high-demand experience curated for those who want to come home with more than just snapshots. Come away with a world-class portfolio, unforgettable memories, and a deeper connection to African wildlife and communities

Day 1–2: Arrival in Nairobi – Welcome to East Africa

Your journey begins in Nairobi, Kenya’s buzzing capital. Depending on your arrival time, visit the Giraffe Centre, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, or relax at your boutique lodge.

Overnight: Nairobi

Optional: Nairobi National Park game drive or Karen Blixen Museum visit

Day 3–4: Amboseli National Park – Elephants & Kilimanjaro Views

Drive south to Amboseli, one of Kenya’s most photogenic parks, with sweeping savannahs and views of Mount Kilimanjaro as a dramatic backdrop. Amboseli is famed for its large elephant bulls with iconic tusks, as well as buffalo, lion, and cheetah.

Highlights:

  • Game drives with Kilimanjaro in the distance
  • Birdlife-rich swamps and seasonal lakes
  • Visit to a Maasai community (optional)
  • Overnight: Lodge or tented camp in Amboseli

Day 5–6: Ngorongoro Conservation Area – Crater of Wonders

After breakfast, drive to the Namanga border where you’ll complete immigration formalities and meet your Tanzanian safari guide on the other side. Enjoy a smooth transition as you journey south into Tanzania’s scenic northern circuit.

By late afternoon, ascend into the cool, green highlands of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its extraordinary landscapes and rich biodiversity.

On Day 6, rise early and descend 600 meters (2,000 feet) into the Ngorongoro Crater—a wildlife-packed caldera often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” This is one of the only places in East Africa where you might spot all Big Five in a single game drive, including elusive black rhinos, massive buffalo herds, and healthy lion prides.

Enjoy your crater exploration without the crowds typical of busier safari parks. The crater floor’s mix of grasslands, acacia forests, soda lakes, and marshes make it a haven for both predators and prey.

Highlights:

  • Guided crater floor game drive with scenic stops
  • Dramatic views from the crater rim lodges
  • Cross-border handover between Kenyan and Tanzanian safari teams
  • Optional visit to a Maasai boma for cultural insights into traditional life
  • Optional detour to Olduvai Gorge, a famed paleoanthropological site where early human fossils were discovered

Overnight: Cozy lodge in the Ngorongoro Highlands or elegant property perched on the crater rim, offering panoramic views of the caldera below.

Day 7–9: Serengeti National Park – The Great Migration & Predator Action

Head into the legendary Serengeti, the beating heart of Africa’s wildlife. Explore vast plains teeming with wildlife — from thundering wildebeest herds to the stealth of big cats. Depending on the season, you may witness dramatic river crossings, calving scenes, or predator-prey interactions.

Highlights:

  • Prime game drives with expert trackers
  • Optional hot air balloon safari over the plains
  • Golden-hour photography and sundowners

Overnight: Tented camp or lodge in Central, Northern, or Southern Serengeti (depending on migration season)

Day 10–12: Masai Mara National Reserve – Ultimate Big Cat Country

Cross back into Kenya and continue to the world-famous Masai Mara, a vast extension of the Serengeti ecosystem. The Mara is renowned for its high concentration of lions, leopards, cheetahs, and scavengers, along with seasonal migration activity.

Highlights:

  • Morning and evening game drives
  • Optional hot air balloon ride with champagne breakfast
  • Visit to a Maasai village or guided nature walk (optional)
  • Overnight: Luxury tented camp or lodge in the Masai Mara

Day 13–14: Samburu National Reserve – Rare Wildlife & Cultural Richness

Fly or drive to Samburu, a scenic and less-traveled reserve in northern Kenya along the Ewaso Ng’iro River. Known for its “Samburu Special Five” (Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx, gerenuk, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich), Samburu is also culturally rich, with opportunities to engage with the Samburu people.

Highlights:

  • Unique wildlife only found in the north
  • Dramatic landscapes and quiet wilderness
  • Riverfront sundowners and star-filled skies
  • Overnight: Riverside camp or eco-lodge in Samburu

Day 15: Return to Nairobi – Farewell East Africa

After breakfast, return to Nairobi via road or domestic flight, depending on your travel preference. Enjoy a farewell lunch or day room before your international departure.

Optional: Add a few nights in Zanzibar or Diani Beach to relax after the safari!

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi, Kenya

Welcome to Kenya! Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you’ll be met by your Wild Compass Africa driver-guide and transferred to your hotel. After a safari briefing, enjoy a relaxing evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Mövenpick Hotel Nairobi
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Day 2: Nairobi – Masai Mara National Reserve (Kekorok–Sekanani Zone)

After an early breakfast, depart for the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve, driving through the scenic Great Rift Valley. On arrival, check in and enjoy lunch at your lodge before heading out for an afternoon game drive in search of lions, elephants, giraffes, and more.
Accommodation: Sentrim Mara Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 3: Masai Mara – Full Day Game Drive | Optional Balloon Safari

Rise early for a full-day safari in the Mara Triangle. Enjoy spectacular wildlife sightings — lions on the hunt, hippos in the Mara River, and herds of wildebeests grazing. Stop for a picnic lunch in the wild before continuing your adventure.
(Optional: Hot-air balloon safari at sunrise, followed by champagne breakfast in the bush.)
Accommodation: Sentrim Mara Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 4: Masai Mara – Sand River Area Exploration

After breakfast, head out for another day of game viewing in the lesser-explored Sand River area near the Tanzania border. This region offers a more secluded safari experience with excellent chances of spotting predators.
Accommodation: Sentrim Mara Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 5: Masai Mara | Optional Maasai Village Visit

Spend your final morning in the Mara with a game drive or an optional Maasai village visit to learn about traditional culture and lifestyle. Afternoon at leisure to relax and enjoy the lodge facilities.
Accommodation: Sentrim Mara Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 6: Masai Mara – Lake Nakuru National Park

After breakfast, drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its birdlife and rhino population. Enjoy an afternoon game drive around the lake’s shores to see pelicans, flamingos (seasonal), and other wildlife.
Accommodation: Sopa Resort Nakuru or Similar
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 7: Lake Nakuru – Amboseli National Park

Depart after breakfast for Amboseli National Park, known for its dramatic views of Mount Kilimanjaro. After check-in and lunch, head out for an evening game drive to watch elephants silhouetted against the sunset.
Accommodation: Sopa Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 8: Amboseli National Park – Full Day Safari

Spend the day exploring Amboseli’s vast plains and wetlands, home to elephants, lions, cheetahs, buffaloes, and numerous bird species. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park before returning to your lodge in the evening.
Accommodation: Sopa Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 9: Amboseli National Park – Leisure & Short Drives

Enjoy a relaxed morning with optional short game drives or time at the lodge soaking in Kilimanjaro views.
Accommodation: Sopa Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 10: Amboseli – Cross Border to Tanzania (Arusha)

After breakfast, drive to the Namanga Border, complete immigration formalities, and continue to Arusha. The afternoon is free to rest and prepare for your Tanzanian adventure.
Accommodation: Planet Lodge Arusha
Meal Plan: Half Board

Day 11: Arusha – Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, drive to Tarangire National Park for a full-day safari. Known for its iconic baobab trees and large elephant herds, Tarangire also offers sightings of lions, zebras, and oryx.
Accommodation: Tarangire Simba Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 12: Tarangire – Serengeti National Park

Depart for the legendary Serengeti National Park, driving through scenic landscapes. Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive in the endless plains teeming with wildlife.
Accommodation: Into Wild Africa Tented Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

Days 13–14: Serengeti (Central – Seronera Region)

Spend two full days exploring the central Seronera area, home to some of Africa’s highest concentrations of predators. Game drives reveal lions, leopards, elephants, and wildebeests in their natural setting.
Accommodation: Into Wild Africa Tented Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

Days 15–16: Southern Serengeti (Ndutu Plains)

Travel to Ndutu, part of the Southern Serengeti ecosystem, where the Great Migration congregates between December and March. Watch herds of wildebeests and zebras alongside predators such as cheetahs and hyenas. Excellent birdwatching too!
Accommodation: Ndutu Wilderness Camp (or similar)
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 17: Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Spot black rhinos, lions, elephants, hippos, and flamingos along the lake shore. Enjoy a picnic lunch before returning to your lodge.
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge – Karatu
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 18: Maasai Boma Visit | Return to Arusha / Departure

After breakfast, visit a Maasai Boma for a cultural encounter before returning to Arusha. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for souvenir shopping before transfer to the airport.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Optional Add-On

 Extend your adventure with a Zanzibar Beach Extension for relaxation on the Indian Ocean coast after your safari.

 

Day 1: Journey to the Masai Mara – Scenic Drive through the Rift Valley

After a hearty breakfast in Nairobi, your journey begins as you depart the bustling city and head westward. Drive through the Great Rift Valley, where scenic viewpoints allow you to marvel at the vast escarpments and volcanic hills. Along the way, you’ll pass through Narok, a vibrant Maasai town, before entering the majestic Masai Mara National Reserve by early afternoon.

Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and enjoy a delicious lunch. After some rest, head out for your first afternoon game drive, offering a taste of what awaits over the next few days—lion prides lazing under trees, herds of elephants roaming, and giraffes nibbling on treetops. Return to the lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening in the African wilderness.

Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge / Sarova Mara
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner (Full Board)

Day 2: Full Day Game Drives in the Masai Mara

Today is dedicated to exploring the wonders of the Masai Mara. Set out early for a morning game drive, when animals are most active. Traverse the vast savannah in search of Africa’s Big Five and many other species that thrive here.

Return to the lodge for breakfast and enjoy some time at leisure. In the afternoon, embark on another game drive to explore a different section of the reserve. If visiting between July and October, you may witness the awe-inspiring wildebeest migration as they cross the Mara River in dramatic scenes often targeted by crocodiles and big cats.

The diversity and density of wildlife in the Masai Mara is unmatched—keep your camera ready! After sunset, return to the lodge for dinner and storytelling under the stars.

Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge / Sarova Mara
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 3: Sunrise Game Drive, Bush Breakfast & Maasai Cultural Visit

Begin your day with a sunrise game drive, a magical time when the bush comes alive. As the golden rays light up the savannah, observe predators returning from a night hunt and herbivores beginning their day. After an exciting morning drive, enjoy a bush breakfast served in a scenic spot within the reserve—an unforgettable moment in the wild.

Later, return to the lodge to relax. In the afternoon, choose between an optional visit to a Maasai village, where you’ll interact with locals, see traditional homes, and learn about their customs, or enjoy another short game drive to catch any animals you may have missed.

Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge / Sarova Mara
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 4: Return to Nairobi – Safari Farewell

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to the Masai Mara. Enjoy your final views of the wilderness as you depart the reserve and drive back to Nairobi. You’ll arrive in the city by late afternoon, in time for your evening flight or further travel plans.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch