12-Day Kenya Safari: Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara, Naivasha & Amboseli

This 12-day Kenya safari from Nairobi is designed for travelers who want to experience the remarkable diversity of Kenya's wildlife, landscapes, and conservation areas in one comprehensive journey.

Safari Overview

The safari combines Samburu National Reserve, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Lake Nakuru National Park, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Lake Naivasha, and Amboseli National Park. From the dry northern landscapes of Samburu to the wildlife-rich plains of the Maasai Mara and the elephant country of Amboseli, each destination offers a distinctly different safari experience.

Along the way, you will encounter Kenya’s famous wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and, depending on location and season, cheetahs and other predators.

The itinerary is particularly suited to travelers looking for a 12-day Kenya wildlife safari, a Kenya safari from Nairobi, or a longer private safari combining Kenya’s northern and southern circuits.

Safari Highlights

  • Discover the unique wildlife of Samburu National Reserve
  • Look for Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe and gerenuk in northern Kenya
  • Experience conservation at Ol Pejeta Conservancy
  • See black and white rhinos at Ol Pejeta and Lake Nakuru
  • Explore the wildlife-rich Lake Nakuru National Park
  • Enjoy extended game viewing in the Maasai Mara
  • Relax beside the scenic waters of Lake Naivasha
  • Photograph elephants against Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli
  • Experience several of Kenya’s major ecosystems in one safari
  • Travel in a private 4×4 safari vehicle with an experienced driver-guide

Safari Route

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

 

Detailed 12-Day Kenya Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Airport Transfer & Safari Briefing

Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, where you will be met by your safari representative and transferred to your hotel.After check-in, you will receive a safari briefing covering the itinerary, daily game drives, transportation arrangements, and what to expect during your journey.If your international flight arrives early, optional Nairobi experiences can be arranged, including Nairobi National Park, the Giraffe Centre, or the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.The remainder of the day is free to relax before your safari begins.Overnight: Nairobi Meals: Bed & Breakfast Transport: Airport transfer

Day 2: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve

After breakfast, depart Nairobi and travel north toward Samburu National Reserve.The journey takes you through changing landscapes as Nairobi's highlands gradually give way to the drier scenery of northern Kenya.Arrive in the Samburu region in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive.Samburu is famous for its distinctive semi-arid landscape and wildlife species that are rarely seen together in Kenya's southern parks.Your first game drive may reveal:Grevy's zebra Reticulated giraffe Gerenuk Beisa oryx Somali ostrich Elephants Lions Leopards BuffaloOvernight: Samburu Meals: Full Board

Day 3: Full-Day Samburu Safari

Spend the entire day exploring Samburu National Reserve with morning and afternoon game drives.The reserve is one of the best places in Kenya to search for the Samburu Special Five: Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Somali ostrich, and Beisa oryx.The Ewaso Ng'iro River provides an important source of water through this otherwise dry environment, attracting elephants, giraffes, predators, and numerous bird species.Your guide will select the best areas for wildlife viewing according to seasonal conditions and recent sightings.Overnight: Samburu Meals: Full Board

Day 4: Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy

After breakfast, leave Samburu and travel south toward Ol Pejeta Conservancy in the Laikipia region.After lunch, enjoy an afternoon game drive or conservation experience.Ol Pejeta is particularly significant for its rhino conservation, while also supporting elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and other wildlife.The conservancy provides an excellent contrast to Samburu, combining wildlife tourism with important conservation work.Overnight: Ol Pejeta / Laikipia Meals: Full Board

Day 5: Full-Day Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Enjoy a full day exploring Ol Pejeta.Morning and afternoon activities provide opportunities to observe wildlife while learning more about conservation initiatives within the conservancy.Depending on your selected package, optional experiences may include conservation-focused visits and other activities available at the conservancy.Wildlife viewing may include:Black rhinos White rhinos Lions Elephants Buffalo Giraffes Zebras LeopardsOl Pejeta adds an important conservation dimension to this Kenya safari and is particularly appealing to travelers interested in wildlife protection.Overnight: Ol Pejeta / Laikipia Meals: Full Board

Day 6: Ol Pejeta to Lake Nakuru National Park

After breakfast, depart Ol Pejeta and travel through the central Kenyan highlands toward the Great Rift Valley.Continue to Lake Nakuru National Park, arriving in time for an afternoon game drive.Lake Nakuru is one of Kenya's important rhino habitats and offers a different environment from the dry landscapes of Samburu and the open plains of the Maasai Mara.Wildlife sightings may include:Black and white rhinos Rothschild's giraffes Lions Buffalo Zebras Waterbuck BaboonsThe park also supports abundant birdlife, particularly around the lake and surrounding wetlands.Overnight: Lake Nakuru Meals: Full Board

Day 7: Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara National Reserve

Enjoy breakfast before departing Lake Nakuru and continuing toward the Maasai Mara National Reserve.The journey takes you through the Great Rift Valley and into the rolling grasslands of southwestern Kenya.Arrive at your lodge or camp for lunch before an afternoon game drive.The Maasai Mara is one of Africa's premier wildlife destinations and forms the Kenyan section of the larger Mara-Serengeti ecosystem.Look out for:Lions Leopards Cheetahs Elephants Buffalo Giraffes Zebras Wildebeest HyenasOvernight: Maasai Mara Meals: Full Board

Day 8: Full-Day Maasai Mara Safari

Today is dedicated entirely to exploring the Maasai Mara National Reserve.Set out after breakfast for extended game viewing across the reserve.The Mara is renowned for its high predator density, abundant herbivores, and spectacular savannah scenery. During the Great Migration season, large herds of wildebeest and zebra may move through the ecosystem, with dramatic river crossings occurring when conditions are right.Outside migration periods, the Maasai Mara remains an excellent year-round destination for wildlife viewing.A typical full-day safari may include:Morning game drive Picnic lunch or lodge lunch Afternoon game viewing Predator tracking Photography opportunitiesOvernight: Maasai Mara Meals: Full Board

Day 9: Maasai Mara to Lake Naivasha

Enjoy an early morning game drive before breakfast or breakfast at the lodge, depending on your preferred safari schedule.Later, depart Maasai Mara and travel toward Lake Naivasha in the Great Rift Valley.Lake Naivasha provides a more relaxed experience after several intensive wildlife-viewing days.Depending on your interests and arrival time, optional activities may include:Boat safari on Lake Naivasha Birdwatching Crescent Island walking safari Nature walks Relaxation at the lodgeThe lake is surrounded by dramatic Rift Valley scenery and supports hippos and abundant birdlife.Overnight: Lake Naivasha Meals: Full Board

Day 10: Lake Naivasha to Amboseli National Park

After breakfast, depart Lake Naivasha and travel toward Amboseli National Park.The route passes through Nairobi and continues south toward the Kenya-Tanzania border region.Arrive in the Amboseli area later in the day, depending on road conditions and your chosen accommodation.Amboseli is famous for its large elephant herds and spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, which rises across the border in Tanzania.If time permits, enjoy an afternoon game drive.Overnight: Amboseli Meals: Full Board

Day 11: Full-Day Amboseli National Park Safari

Enjoy a full day of game drives in Amboseli National Park.Early morning is often the best time for photography because Mount Kilimanjaro can provide a spectacular backdrop when weather conditions are clear.Amboseli's wetlands attract elephants and other wildlife throughout the year.Wildlife may include:Large elephant herds Lions Cheetahs Buffalo Giraffes Zebras Wildebeest Hyenas HipposThe combination of elephants, open plains, wetlands, and Mount Kilimanjaro makes Amboseli one of Kenya's most recognizable safari landscapes.Overnight: Amboseli Meals: Full Board

Day 12: Amboseli to Nairobi & Departure

After breakfast, depart Amboseli and travel back to Nairobi.Depending on your international flight schedule, you may have time for lunch or an optional Nairobi activity before your airport transfer.You will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) for your onward flight.If you are extending your holiday, the safari can also be connected to a Kenya Coast beach holiday in Mombasa or Diani, or another East African destination.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
  •  

Why Choose This 12-Day Kenya Safari?

This itinerary is designed for travelers who want more than a standard Maasai Mara safari.

It combines:

Northern Kenya

Samburu provides a completely different landscape and wildlife experience, including several species associated with northern Kenya.

Central Kenya

Ol Pejeta adds conservation, rhino viewing, and diverse wildlife to the itinerary.

Great Rift Valley

Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha introduce dramatic escarpments, lakes, birdlife, and changing landscapes.

Southern Kenya

The Maasai Mara and Amboseli provide two of Kenya’s most iconic safari experiences, from predator-rich grasslands to elephant herds beneath Mount Kilimanjaro.

Best Time for This Kenya Safari

January to March

Generally offers good wildlife viewing, warm weather, and excellent conditions for photography. It can also be a rewarding period for predator activity and young wildlife in some regions.

June to October

The dry season generally provides good visibility and easier wildlife viewing around water sources. This period is also popular for visiting the Maasai Mara.

July to September

This is a popular period for travelers interested in the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara, although migration timing varies each year and river crossings cannot be guaranteed.

November to December

The short-rains period can bring greener landscapes, fewer visitors in some areas, and attractive photography conditions.

Plan Your 12-Day Kenya Safari

Ready to explore Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha, and Amboseli in one journey?

Tell us your travel dates, number of travelers, preferred accommodation level, and whether you prefer road or fly-in travel. We can then tailor the itinerary and provide a personalized quotation.

Your Kenya safari can be adjusted to suit your pace, interests, budget, and travel style.

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