From the vibrant streets of Nairobi, your journey unfolds across a tapestry of Kenya's most captivating landscapes, traveling north into the rugged beauty of Samburu National Reserve. Here, along the life-giving Ewaso Nyiro River, encounter a fascinating array of wildlife uniquely adapted to this arid environment, including the rare “Special Five.” Continue south to the conservation haven of Ol Pejeta Conservancy, where groundbreaking efforts to protect rhino populations offer a deeper connection to Kenya's conservation efforts. The journey carries on into the dramatic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley, arriving at Lake Nakuru National Park, where shimmering waters and acacia woodlands provide a stunning backdrop for birdlife and big game alike.
Your adventure culminates in the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve, where sweeping savannas and abundant wildlife create one of Africa's most iconic safari experiences. Over several days, set out on expertly guided game drives in search of lions, elephants, and cheetahs, while also connecting with local Maasai communities for a meaningful cultural perspective. Optional experiences, such as a sunrise hot air balloon safari, offer a breathtaking view of the plains below. Thoughtfully paced and rich in variety, this journey captures the essence of Kenya—its wildlife, landscapes, and traditions—leaving you with a profound sense of place and lasting memories of the African bush.
Arrive in Kenya's vibrant capital and settle into your hotel for a mid-afternoon check-in. Depending on your arrival time, relax after your journey or take a stroll through the lush hotel gardens and do a town tour. Nairobi's energy is a perfect introduction to the adventure ahead.
After breakfast, leave the city behind as you drive north through changing landscapes — from fertile highlands to the arid beauty of northern Kenya. Arrive in Samburu National Reserve in time for lunch and your first afternoon game drive, where elephants and graceful giraffes wander against the dramatic backdrop of the Ewaso Nyiro River.
Spend the day exploring Samburu, home to the famed “Special Five” — the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, beisa oryx, and the long-necked gerenuk. The reserve’s dry riverbeds and doum palm groves provide stunning contrast to the wildlife-rich plains. Return to camp for a hot lunch and dinner under a starlit sky.
Journey south toward the foothills of Mount Kenya to the renowned Ol Pejeta Conservancy. This private sanctuary is known for its rhino conservation efforts and offers the chance to see both black and white rhinos, as well as chimpanzees at the Sweetwaters Sanctuary. Enjoy a game drive and sunset views across the Laikipia plains.
After breakfast, continue west toward the Great Rift Valley, descending to the shores of Lake Nakuru. Along the way, enjoy views of rolling hills and volcanic escarpments. Arrive in time for a late afternoon game drive in this birdwatcher’s paradise, famous for its flamingos and healthy populations of rhino and leopard.
Continuing deeper into the savanna, make your way into the endless plains of Ndutu in the mighty Serengeti. En route, visit Olduvai Gorge, one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world, known for its immense significance as the "Cradle of Mankind," where you will see evidence of early human ancestors, learn about human evolution, and explore a landscape rich with fossils and stone tools. You’ll also visit a Maasai village where you’ll learn more about their culture and way of life.
As we enter the Serengeti, you'll see you first glimpses of the "endless plains" and begin seeing endless amounts of animals that call this one of a kind ecosystem, home.
Depart after breakfast and travel southwest to Kenya's most iconic wildlife destination — the Masai Mara. Arrive at your lodge or tented camp in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive across the golden plains, where lions and herds of wildebeest roam freely.
A full day to experience the magic of the Mara. Head out at dawn to watch the savanna come alive with activity, then spend the day tracking big cats, elephants, and perhaps a cheetah on the hunt. In the afternoon, visit a Maasai village to learn about the community’s traditions and way of life.
Enjoy another full day exploring different corners of the reserve, with the flexibility to follow the wildlife wherever it leads. Opt for a sunrise hot air balloon flight for a breathtaking perspective of the plains (optional, additional cost). Return to camp for a farewell dinner surrounded by the sounds of the bush.
Boundless Journeys' trips are designed for active individuals who have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. Our provider rates this trip as a 2, easy, on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the most strenuous). We combine deluxe camps and lodges as the base for our primary activity - game-viewing drives by 4WD vehicle. Depending on current conditions, there may be opportunities for optional guided bush walks, which can be enjoyed by anyone who is in reasonably good health.
Nairobi, Kenya
Most Convenient Airports:Arrival: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi, Kenya (airport code NBO)
Departure:Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi, Kenya (airport code NBO)
Meeting Time and Place:Upon arrival of your international flight to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi on Day 1 of the trip.
Departure Time and Place:Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in time to check in for your departing flight. To accommodate our return from the Masai Mara, please schedule your departing flight after 6 p.m.
Unforgettable full and half-day game drives are the primary activity of Boundless Journeys' Kenya safari. On most days, we will depart our lodge or camp early and spend the morning tracking various animals in our custom-built, 4WD safari vehicles. Each day is unique and unpredictable - which is why our guides say never put away your camera!
Drives may last from a few morning hours to a full day. Sometimes we will take a picnic lunch, and other days we will return to the lodge or camp for lunch. As we come upon groups of animals, we allow plenty of time to simply observe and also take photographs. Our guides are experienced naturalists and will add greatly to your understanding of the wildlife. We keep a respectful distance - although the same cannot always be said about the animals; it is not unusual to come nose-to-car with baboons, zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, and elephants.
The weather in Nairobi and the national parks is generally pleasant though the equatorial sun is strong. It can rain at any time, but chances are higher during the months of April, May, June, November, and December. Early morning game drives can be chilly, and dressing in layers is a good strategy, so that you can shed or add layers as the day heats and cools.
You may obtain more detailed weather information on www.weatherbase.com.
East Africa
High: 82 Low: 62
High: 75 Low: 55
Our safaris coincide with important times in the annual migrations, as well as take advantage of other significant animal activities and weather patterns.
December-March: Calving SeasonThe migrating herds have typically left and are in the short grass plains of the southern Serengeti by now. A Kenya safari at this time of year will not encounter the migration, but will allow exploration of the Mara with fewer others around, and plenty of resident wildlife.
June-July: Migration moving NorthLarge herds are on their way north, migrating through the Western Corridor and into the Masai Mara. If you are lucky, we may witness herds crossing the Mara, as well as plenty of resident wildlife.
August-October: Migration in the NorthThe large herds are generally in the north and have scattered around the Mara and northern Serengeti, crossing back and forth over the Mara River. A safari at this time is most likley to witness herds crossing one of the large northern rivers - truly a sight to behold.
Other times: We suggest avoiding November and April through the first half of May, as those months comprise the rainy seasons in Kenya. Outside of those months, there are great reasons to visit Kenya at any time, and no matter when you choose to go, you will see more elephants, giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, buffaloes, hippos, ostriches, baboons, and lions than you can keep track of. If you are interested in organizing a private safari for your own group of family or friends on the dates that work for you, please contact our office at 800-941-8010 to discuss the options.
All on-safari ground transportation is provided in safari vehicles with a maximum of 6 guests per vehicle. Charter flights are in 8 - 12 seater Cessna Grand Caravans.
Boundless Journeys has created dozens of pre-planned trips that make trip planning simple.
By: Liz Smith
One day, you’ll see a picture that stops your scroll. Not just because the scenery is beautiful, but because something about it feels different from your daily life. The space seems unimaginably…
Read This Article
By: Boundless Journeys
Guests of Boundless Journeys trips often rave about how our guides really set our trips apart from our competitors. This interview is part of a series designed to showcase the…
By: Jane Agran
Everything you can imagine about being on the Dalmatian Coast in Croatia is true. The shimmering, turquoise Adriatic, which looks just like the pictures you see in a travel magazine.…
Our dedicated team of travel experts are here to help.
1-800-941-8010
Multi-year Recipient
50 Tours Of A LifetimeMulti-year Recipient
Best Adventure Travel Company Winner
We've noticed your browsing from a country in the European Economic Area. Unfortunately, due to privacy guidelines in your area, our website cannot support traffic from your location. If you'd like to contact us directly, please call +1-802-253-1840. Apologies for any inconvenience. Click here to exit the site.