12 Days Kenya Safari | Samburu, Maasai Mara & Amboseli

Explore Kenya in 12 days from Nairobi, visiting Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha and Amboseli with private game drives and expert guides.

 

Safari Overview

This 12 days Kenya safari from Nairobi is a comprehensive wildlife journey connecting Kenya’s northern, central and southern safari regions in one carefully planned itinerary.

The journey begins in Samburu National Reserve, known for its rugged landscapes and distinctive northern wildlife, before continuing to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, an important conservation destination with excellent rhino and Big Five viewing opportunities.

From Ol Pejeta, the safari heads south to the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve, where extensive game drives provide opportunities to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo and large herds of plains game.

The journey then continues through the Great Rift Valley and Lake Naivasha before reaching Amboseli National Park, famous for its large elephant herds and spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

This route is ideal for travelers who want to experience different Kenyan ecosystems in one safari, combining northern Kenya’s unique wildlife with the Mara’s predator-rich savannah and Amboseli’s iconic elephant landscapes.

Safari Highlights

  • Discover the unique wildlife of Samburu National Reserve
  • Experience rhino conservation at Ol Pejeta Conservancy
  • Enjoy two full days of game viewing in Maasai Mara
  • Visit scenic Lake Naivasha in the Great Rift Valley
  • Search for elephants beneath Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli
  • Experience northern, central and southern Kenya
  • Travel through changing landscapes and ecosystems
  • Enjoy private game drives with an experienced safari guide
  • Optional domestic flights to reduce selected road transfers

Safari Route

Nairobi → Samburu → Ol Pejeta → Maasai Mara → Lake Naivasha → Amboseli → Nairobi

12 Days Kenya Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi

Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where you will be met by your safari representative and transferred to your Nairobi hotel.Depending on your arrival time, the remainder of the day is available for relaxation or optional Nairobi activities.Overnight: Nairobi

Day 2: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve

After breakfast, depart Nairobi and travel north toward Samburu National Reserve.The scenery gradually changes as you leave Nairobi behind and enter the drier landscapes of northern Kenya.Arrive in time for lunch followed by an afternoon game drive.Overnight: Samburu

Day 3: Full-Day Samburu Safari

Spend the entire day exploring Samburu National Reserve.Samburu is particularly known for several wildlife species associated with northern Kenya, including:Grevy's zebra Reticulated giraffe Gerenuk Beisa oryx Somali ostrichYou may also encounter elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo and other plains wildlife.The Ewaso Ng'iro River provides an important water source and attracts wildlife throughout the year.Overnight: Samburu

Day 4: Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy

After breakfast, leave Samburu and travel south toward Ol Pejeta Conservancy in the Laikipia region.Arrive for lunch before an afternoon wildlife or conservation experience.Ol Pejeta is particularly notable for its rhino conservation work and diverse wildlife population.Overnight: Ol Pejeta

Day 5: Full-Day Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Enjoy a full day exploring Ol Pejeta.Wildlife opportunities include:Black rhinos White rhinos Lions Elephants Buffalo Giraffes ZebrasDepending on availability, additional conservation experiences can be arranged.This day adds an important conservation dimension to the safari and provides excellent opportunities for wildlife photography.Overnight: Ol Pejeta

Day 6: Ol Pejeta to Maasai Mara

After breakfast, depart Ol Pejeta and travel toward the Maasai Mara National Reserve.The route takes you through central Kenya and the Great Rift Valley before reaching the Mara ecosystem.Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive, depending on road conditions and arrival time.Overnight: Maasai Mara

Day 7: Full-Day Maasai Mara Safari

Spend the day exploring the Maasai Mara.The reserve is one of Kenya's premier wildlife destinations and is particularly renowned for its high predator concentration and abundant plains game.Look for:Lions Leopards Cheetahs Elephants Buffalo Giraffes Zebras Wildebeest HipposDuring the migration season, large herds may move through the wider Mara-Serengeti ecosystem.Overnight: Maasai Mara

Day 8: Full-Day Maasai Mara Safari

Enjoy another full day in the Mara, allowing your guide to explore different areas of the reserve and respond to wildlife activity.An additional full day is particularly valuable for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts because it provides more time for predator tracking, behavioral sightings and extended game-viewing sessions.Overnight: Maasai Mara

Day 9: Maasai Mara to Lake Naivasha

Enjoy a morning game drive before departing the Mara for Lake Naivasha.Travel through the Great Rift Valley toward this freshwater lake surrounded by dramatic escarpments and agricultural landscapes.Depending on your arrival time, you can enjoy a boat excursion, nature walk or relaxed afternoon at your lodge.Overnight: Lake Naivasha

Day 10: Lake Naivasha to Amboseli National Park

After breakfast, depart Lake Naivasha and travel toward Amboseli National Park.The journey takes you through Nairobi and onward toward southern Kenya.Arrive in Amboseli for an afternoon game drive, with opportunities to see elephants and other wildlife against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.Overnight: Amboseli

Day 11: Full-Day Amboseli Safari

Spend the day exploring Amboseli National Park.Amboseli is famous for its large elephant herds and spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro.Wildlife may include:Elephants Lions Buffalo Giraffes Zebras Hyenas Hippos Numerous bird speciesEarly morning is often especially rewarding for photography when visibility around Mount Kilimanjaro is favorable.Overnight: Amboseli

Day 12: Amboseli to Nairobi & Departure

Enjoy a final morning game drive or breakfast at the lodge before departing Amboseli.Continue to Nairobi, arriving in time for your onward flight depending on your international flight schedule.The safari ends in Nairobi.

What’s Included

  • Private 4×4 safari vehicle
  • Professional driver-guide
  • Accommodation
  • Meals according to the selected accommodation plan
  • Park and conservancy entry fees
  • Game drives
  • Bottled drinking water
  • Nairobi airport/hotel transfers
  • Pick-up and drop-off in Nairobi

What’s Not Included

  • International flights
  • Kenya visa or entry requirements
  • Travel insurance
  • Domestic flights unless included in your quotation
  • Optional activities
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips and gratuities
  •  

What Makes This 12-Day Kenya Safari Different?

Northern Kenya + Southern Kenya

Instead of concentrating on one region, this itinerary connects Samburu in northern Kenya with Maasai Mara and Amboseli in southern Kenya.

Unique Wildlife in Samburu

Samburu adds species and landscapes that are different from those found in the Mara and Amboseli.

Conservation at Ol Pejeta

Ol Pejeta introduces travelers to one of Kenya’s important wildlife conservation landscapes while offering excellent game viewing.

Two Full Days in Maasai Mara

Two dedicated days in the Mara provide sufficient time for extensive game drives and predator tracking.

Lake Naivasha Break

Lake Naivasha provides a scenic transition between the Mara and Amboseli and creates a more varied safari experience.

Iconic Amboseli Finale

Ending in Amboseli provides an opportunity to photograph elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop.

Best Time for This Kenya Safari

June to October

The dry season generally offers good wildlife visibility and comfortable conditions for game drives. The Maasai Mara may also experience increased wildlife activity associated with the seasonal migration.

January to March

Generally favorable conditions for wildlife viewing, with green landscapes in some areas and good photography opportunities.

November to December

The short rains can transform parts of the landscape into greener environments and produce dramatic skies, although rain can affect road conditions.

Wildlife sightings and migration timing are naturally influenced by weather and local conditions.

Plan Your 12-Day Kenya Safari

Ready to explore Kenya beyond the standard safari circuit?

This 12-day Kenya safari from Nairobi combines Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha and Amboseli into one diverse wildlife journey.

Send us your travel dates, number of travelers and preferred accommodation level for a personalized Kenya safari quotation.

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