12-Day Kenya Safari: Ol Pejeta, Maasai Mara, Amboseli & Tsavo

Explore Kenya on a 12-day safari from Nairobi covering Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli and Tsavo West.

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Safari Overview

This 12-day Kenya safari is designed for travelers who want to experience several of Kenya’s most important wildlife destinations in one carefully planned journey. Starting and ending in Nairobi, the route combines Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Lake Nakuru National Park, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli National Park, and Tsavo West National Park.

The itinerary brings together very different Kenyan landscapes, from the cool central highlands and Great Rift Valley lakes to the open savannah of the Maasai Mara and the volcanic scenery of southern Kenya.

Wildlife is a major focus throughout the journey, with opportunities to see rhinos at Ol Pejeta, lions and other predators in the Maasai Mara, elephants beneath Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli, and diverse wildlife in Tsavo West.

With a private 4×4 safari vehicle, professional driver-guide and flexible accommodation options, this itinerary works well for first-time visitors, families, couples, photographers and travelers looking for a comprehensive Kenya safari.

Safari Highlights

Big Five wildlife viewing opportunities in the Maasai Mara
Rhino conservation experiences at Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Wildlife viewing in Lake Nakuru National Park
Scenic Great Rift Valley landscapes
Relaxation and optional activities at Lake Naivasha
Large elephant herds and Mount Kilimanjaro views in Amboseli
Diverse landscapes and wildlife in Tsavo West
Private 4×4 safari with professional driver-guide
Flexible accommodation and transport options

Safari Route

Nairobi → Ol Pejeta → Lake Nakuru → Maasai Mara → Lake Naivasha → Amboseli → Tsavo West → Nairobi

12-Day 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, you can relax at the hotel or arrange an optional Nairobi experience.Overnight: Nairobi

Day 2: Nairobi to Ol Pejeta Conservancy

After breakfast, depart Nairobi and travel north toward Ol Pejeta Conservancy.Arrive in time for lunch followed by an afternoon game drive.Ol Pejeta is particularly known for its rhino conservation work and diverse wildlife.Overnight: Ol Pejeta

Day 3: Full Day Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Spend a full day exploring Ol Pejeta.The conservancy provides opportunities to see:Black and white rhinos Lions Elephants Buffalo Giraffes Zebras Jackson's hartebeestDepending on your selected package, conservation-focused experiences may also be available.Overnight: Ol Pejeta

Day 4: Ol Pejeta to Lake Nakuru

Leave Ol Pejeta after breakfast and travel through Kenya's central highlands toward Lake Nakuru National Park.Enjoy an afternoon game drive after arrival.Lake Nakuru is particularly known for rhinos, Rothschild's giraffes and diverse birdlife.Overnight: Lake Nakuru

Day 5: Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara

Enjoy morning wildlife viewing before continuing toward the Maasai Mara National Reserve.The journey passes through scenic sections of the Great Rift Valley and western Kenya.Arrive in the Mara in time for an afternoon or evening game drive, depending on your accommodation and arrival time.Overnight: Maasai Mara

Day 6: Full-Day Maasai Mara Safari

Spend the entire day exploring the Maasai Mara.The reserve is one of Kenya's premier wildlife destinations and offers excellent opportunities for viewing:Lions Leopards Cheetahs Elephants Buffalo Giraffes Zebras Wildebeest HipposThe Great Migration passes through the wider Mara-Serengeti ecosystem seasonally, with exact timing and location varying each year.Overnight: Maasai Mara

Day 7: Maasai Mara to Lake Naivasha

Enjoy an optional early morning game drive before departing the Mara for Lake Naivasha.After arrival, the afternoon can be used for relaxation or an optional activity such as a boat excursion, depending on your chosen package.Lake Naivasha provides a welcome change of scenery from the savannah and offers opportunities to see hippos and a wide variety of birdlife.Overnight: Lake Naivasha

Day 8: Lake Naivasha to Amboseli National Park

After breakfast, travel toward Amboseli National Park, passing through Nairobi and continuing south.Arrive in Amboseli for an afternoon game drive if time allows.The park is famous for its elephant herds and spectacular views toward Mount Kilimanjaro.Overnight: Amboseli

Day 9: Full-Day Amboseli Safari

Spend a full day exploring Amboseli.Early morning is particularly rewarding when weather conditions provide clear views of Mount Kilimanjaro.Wildlife may include:Elephants Lions Buffalo Giraffes Zebras Wildebeest Hyenas HipposThe combination of wildlife, wetlands and mountain scenery makes Amboseli particularly attractive to photographers.Overnight: Amboseli

Day 10: Amboseli to Tsavo West National Park

After breakfast, drive toward Tsavo West National Park.Enjoy an afternoon game drive after arrival.Tsavo West offers a contrasting landscape of volcanic hills, lava formations, woodland and open areas.Overnight: Tsavo West

Day 11: Full-Day Tsavo West Safari

Spend the day exploring Tsavo West.Wildlife viewing may include elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, hippos and a variety of bird species.Depending on the route and park conditions, you may also visit scenic areas and natural springs.Overnight: Tsavo West

Day 12: Tsavo West to Nairobi & Departure

Enjoy a final morning activity or game drive before beginning your journey back to Nairobi.Transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward flight, or extend your stay in Nairobi or continue to the Kenya Coast.End of safari.

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

Why Choose This 12-Day Kenya Safari?

This itinerary is different from a standard Maasai Mara safari because it combines conservation, lakes, savannah, mountains and southern Kenya’s volcanic landscapes.

1. Conservation at Ol Pejeta

Start your safari with one of Kenya’s leading wildlife conservation destinations, including opportunities to learn about rhino protection.

2. Great Rift Valley Experience

Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha introduce a different side of Kenya, combining wildlife, birdlife and dramatic Rift Valley scenery.

3. Maasai Mara Wildlife

The Mara provides the itinerary’s major predator and Big Five experience, with excellent opportunities for extended game drives.

4. Amboseli Elephants

Amboseli adds one of Kenya’s most recognizable safari landscapes: elephants moving across open plains with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background when visibility permits.

5. Tsavo West

Tsavo West completes the southern circuit with a more rugged landscape and a different wildlife environment from the Mara and Amboseli.

Best Time for This Kenya Safari

June to October

The dry season generally provides good wildlife visibility and favorable conditions for game drives.

January to March

A good period for wildlife viewing, photography and generally drier conditions in many parts of the country.

July to October

Popular with travelers interested in the wider Maasai Mara Great Migration experience, although migration timing varies annually.

November to December

The landscape can become greener during the short-rains period, creating attractive conditions for photography and fewer-crowd experiences in some areas.

Plan Your 12-Day Kenya Safari