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9 Day Best of Kenya Safari

Overview

This 9 day Best of Kenya safari is ideal for those interested in observing the Big Five and big cats in Kenya. The journey includes visits to Amboseli National Park, Aberdare, Samburu National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park and Masai Mara National Reserve. Activities encompass game drives, cultural encounters and bird watching.

Safari Summary

Day 1: Pickup from Nairobi or the airport and transfer to Amboseli National Park (approx. 4 hours drive)
Day 2: Game drives in Amboseli National Park
Day 3: Transfer to Aberdare for an evening game drive (approx. 6-7 hours drive)
Day 4: Morning game drive and transfer to Samburu National Reserve
Day 5: Game drives in Samburu National Reserve, with opportunities to spot the unique “Samburu Specials”
Day 6: Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park
Day 7: Morning game drive and transfer to Masai Mara
Day 8: Morning and evening game drives in Masai Mara
Day 9: Transfer from Masai Mara to Nairobi or JKIA for your flight

TRIP ITINERARY

Tour Plan

Day 1

Pick Up from Nairobi /Hotel and Transfer to Amboseli National Park

Your guide will meet you at the hotel or the airport for the drive to Amboseli National Park, approximately 4 hours. Depending on your arrival time, you may have lunch en route or at the lodge before embarking on an evening game drive. Amboseli is renowned for its spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro and its rich wildlife, including elephants with impressive tusks.

Meal Plan: Full Board
Accommodation: Amboseli Sopa Lodge

Day 2

Game Drives in Amboseli National Park

Enjoy full-day game drives in Amboseli, both in the morning and afternoon. The park is home to diverse wildlife such as zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, and the Big Five, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and buffalo. Bird enthusiasts will appreciate the over 400 bird species. The park offers outstanding views of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru.

Meals: All Meals Included
Accommodation: Amboseli Sopa Lodge

Day 3

Transfer to Aberdare National Park for an Evening Game Drive

On this day, you will embark on a scenic drive to Aberdare National Park, stopping for lunch at Aberdare Country Club. Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon game drive in the park. Aberdare is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, black rhinos, leopards, spotted hyenas, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, buffalos, warthogs, and bushbucks. Rare sightings might include the Giant Forest Hog, bongo, golden cat, serval cat, African wild cat, African civet cat, and the blue duiker.

Meals: All Meals Included
Accommodation: Ark Lodge

Day 4

Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Samburu National Reserve

Start your day with breakfast and after go for a game drive in Aberdare. proceed to Samburu National Reserve, enjoying a scenic drive with an enroute lunch. Arrive in Samburu in the afternoon for an evening game drive.

Meals: All Meals Included
Accommodation: Samburu Sopa Lodge

Day 5

Game Drive in Samburu National Reserve

On this day, you will enjoy a full day of game drives in Samburu National Reserve. The reserve is known for its rich wildlife, including the rare northern species: Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx (collectively known as the Samburu Specials). The reserve is also home to over 900 elephants. Experience the local Samburu community with a visit for cultural insights.

Meals: All Meals Included
Accommodation: Samburu Sopa Lodge

Day 6

Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park

After an early breakfast, check out and drive from Samburu National Reserve to Lake Nakuru National Park, passing by Nyahururu Waterfalls. Enjoy lunch and then an afternoon game drive in Lake Nakuru. This park is renowned for its diverse bird species, including flamingos, and is one of the best places in Kenya to view the highly protected black and white rhinos. The park also hosts lions, leopards, waterbucks, giraffes, hyenas, buffaloes, baboons, vervet monkeys, and gazelles.

Meals: All Meals Included
Accommodation: Waterbuck Hotel

Day 7

Transfer from Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara National Reserve

After breakfast, check out and drive from Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara. Along the way, you will see Lake Elementaita, Lake Naivasha, and Mount Longonot. Enjoy lunch in Narok Town before continuing to the game reserve. Check in and embark on an afternoon game drive that lasts until sunset.

Meals: All Meals Included
Accommodation: Masai Mara Sopa Lodge

Day 8

Full Day Game Drives in Masai Mara National Reserve

Experience a full day of game drives in Masai Mara National Reserve, including both morning and evening excursions. The Masai Mara is famous for its abundant wildlife, particularly the Great Migration, which sees over 1.5 million wildebeests arrive from July to November. This reserve offers one of the best opportunities to view the Big Five: buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, and rhino.

Meals: All Meals Included
Accommodation: Masai Mara Sopa Lodge

Day 9

Return to Nairobi

On your final day, enjoy a morning game drive before traveling back to Nairobi or JKIA for your international flight.

INCLUDES & EXCLUDES

Includes

Airport transfers on the first and last day
Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle
Services of an English-speaking driver/guide
Fuel for the entire trip
Accommodation and meal plan as per the itinerary
All Park entrance fees
Drinking water while in the vehicle

Excludes

International airfares
All expenses of personal nature such as drinks and tips

TOUR MAP

GENERAL FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the safari package include?

Our safari packages are designed to cover the key services needed for a comfortable and hassle-free trip. Depending on the itinerary, this may include accommodation, transportation, park entrance fees, professional guide services, meals and scheduled activities. A detailed list of inclusions will always be provided before you confirm your booking.

How do I book a safari with Trek Africa Gorillas?

Booking your safari is simple. Contact us with your preferred travel dates, number of travelers and the safari package you are interested in. Once availability is confirmed, we will send you a quotation and payment details. Your booking is secured once the required deposit has been received.

Can I customize my safari itinerary?

Yes. Every traveler has different interests, budgets and travel styles. Whether you would like to upgrade your accommodation, spend additional nights in a destination or add activities such as chimpanzee tracking, cultural visits or wildlife safaris, we can tailor the itinerary to suit your needs.

Are gorilla trekking permits included in the safari price?

Most of our gorilla trekking safaris include the cost of the gorilla permit. The permit is one of the most important parts of your trip and will be clearly listed in your quotation. If a permit is not included, we will explain this before you make your booking.

How far in advance should I book gorilla trekking permits?

We recommend booking gorilla permits at least 3 to 6 months in advance, especially if you plan to travel during the peak seasons from June to September or December to February. Permits are limited and can sell out quickly, particularly in popular trekking sectors.

What is the best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda?

Gorilla trekking is available throughout the year in Uganda. Many travelers prefer the dry seasons from June to September and December to February because the trails are generally easier to navigate. However, the rainy seasons can also be rewarding, with fewer visitors and lush green scenery in the forest.

How difficult is gorilla trekking?

The difficulty of gorilla trekking varies depending on the location of the gorilla family being visited. Some treks may take less than an hour while others can last several hours through steep and forested terrain. A moderate level of fitness is recommended, but people of different ages and fitness levels successfully complete gorilla treks every day.

What should I pack for gorilla trekking?

For gorilla trekking, we recommend bringing sturdy hiking boots, long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, a lightweight rain jacket, gardening gloves, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, drinking water and a camera. Comfortable outdoor clothing is highly recommended as conditions in the forest can change quickly.

Do I need a visa to visit Uganda?

Most international travelers require a visa to enter Uganda. Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality, and our team will be happy to provide guidance on the application process and entry requirements before your trip.

What type of accommodation can I expect during my safari?

We offer carefully selected budget, mid-range and luxury accommodation options across Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania. Our lodges and camps are chosen for their comfort, quality service, excellent locations and easy access to major safari attractions.

Are airport transfers included in the safari package?

Airport transfers are included in many of our safari packages. If they are not included, we can arrange private transfers for you. We will clearly explain all transportation arrangements before your arrival.

Is travel insurance required for a safari?

While travel insurance is not always mandatory, it is strongly recommended for all travelers. Comprehensive coverage can help protect you against unexpected events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, travel delays and lost luggage.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellation terms vary depending on the safari package, accommodation providers and permits involved. If you need to cancel your trip, please contact us as soon as possible and we will explain the options available based on our booking terms and conditions.

Can children join a safari in Uganda?

Many of our wildlife safaris are suitable for families traveling with children. However, some activities have age restrictions. For example, participants must be at least 15 years old to take part in gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda.

Can solo travelers book a safari?

Yes. We welcome solo travelers and can arrange both private and group safari experiences. Whether you are planning a gorilla trekking tour, wildlife safari or multi-country adventure, we can create an itinerary that matches your travel preferences.

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