13-Day Fly-In Luxury Maasai Mara, Serengeti & Zanzibar Safari

Experience a 13-day luxury fly-in safari across Maasai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro, ending with a relaxing Zanzibar beach escape. Bush flights, private game drives and luxury stays included.

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Safari Overview

The 13 Day Kenya Safari – Mt. Kenya, Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru & Maasai Mara is a comprehensive journey through some of Kenya’s most diverse landscapes and wildlife destinations.

Starting in Nairobi, this safari travels north toward the foothills of Mount Kenya, continues into the remote landscapes of Samburu, and then visits Ol Pejeta Conservancy, one of Kenya’s leading wildlife conservation areas. From there, the route heads south through Lake Nakuru and the Great Rift Valley before spending three nights in the legendary Maasai Mara.

The result is a well-balanced Kenya safari combining wildlife, scenery, conservation and cultural landscapes. Rather than simply ticking off destinations, the itinerary allows enough time in the major wildlife areas to enjoy relaxed game drives and better opportunities for photography.

It is an excellent choice for travelers looking for a 13-day Kenya safari itinerary that combines northern Kenya with the country’s most famous safari destination.

Safari Highlights

Scenic Mt. Kenya highlands
Full-day safari in Samburu National Reserve
Samburu’s northern specialist wildlife
Ol Pejeta Conservancy and rhino conservation
Lake Nakuru National Park
Great Rift Valley scenery
Three nights in the Maasai Mara
Big Five wildlife opportunities
Excellent photography locations
Optional hot air balloon safari
Optional flight from Maasai Mara to Nairobi

Route Overview

Nairobi → Mt. Kenya → Samburu → Ol Pejeta → Lake Nakuru → Maasai Mara → Lake Naivasha → Nairobi

Detailed 13-Day Kenya Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi, Kenya

Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where you will be met by a representative and transferred to your Nairobi hotel.Depending on your arrival time, the rest of the day can be spent relaxing after your international journey.If you arrive early, optional activities can be arranged, including a visit to the Giraffe Centre, Nairobi National Museum or Nairobi National Park.Your guide will brief you about the safari and the journey ahead.Overnight: NairobiMeals: Bed and breakfast

Day 2: Nairobi to Mt. Kenya Region

After breakfast, leave Nairobi and drive north toward the slopes of Mount Kenya.The landscape gradually changes from Nairobi's urban surroundings to agricultural countryside and lush central Kenyan highlands.Mt. Kenya is Africa's second-highest mountain and provides a spectacular backdrop to this part of the journey.Depending on your accommodation and arrival time, the afternoon can be spent relaxing at the lodge or exploring the surrounding area.Optional activities may include nature walks, visits to local farms or guided experiences around the Mt. Kenya region.Overnight: Mt. Kenya regionMeals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3: Mt. Kenya Scenic Experience

Spend the day enjoying the highland environment around Mt. Kenya.This is intentionally a slower day, providing a contrast to the intensive game drives later in the safari.The region is known for its cool climate, forests, farms and dramatic mountain scenery.Depending on your interests, the day can include a guided nature walk, cultural experience or time at the lodge.Wildlife encounters are also possible in the surrounding forests and conservancies.Overnight: Mt. Kenya regionMeals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4: Mt. Kenya to Samburu National Reserve

After breakfast, continue north toward Samburu National Reserve.The scenery becomes progressively drier as you travel into northern Kenya.Upon arrival, check in at your safari lodge or tented camp and enjoy lunch.Later, head out for your first game drive in Samburu.Samburu is particularly interesting because it supports several wildlife species associated with Kenya's northern ecosystems.You may encounter:Grevy's zebra Reticulated giraffe Beisa oryx Gerenuk Somali ostrich Elephants Lions Leopards BuffaloOvernight: SamburuMeals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5: Full-Day Samburu Safari

Spend a full day exploring Samburu National Reserve.Early morning is an excellent time for wildlife viewing as temperatures are cooler and many animals are active.Your guide will search for wildlife around the Ewaso Ng'iro River, open plains and surrounding bushland.The river is an important source of water and attracts elephants, buffalo, giraffes and other wildlife.After a picnic lunch or lunch at the lodge, continue with an afternoon game drive.Samburu is also an excellent destination for photographers because of its distinctive landscapes and northern wildlife.Overnight: SamburuMeals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6: Samburu National Reserve – Full Day Wildlife Exploration

Enjoy another full day in Samburu.Having additional time in the reserve allows your guide to explore different areas rather than trying to cover everything in a single game drive.The focus can be adjusted according to wildlife activity, recent sightings and your interests.Photographers can concentrate on wildlife behavior and landscapes, while first-time safari travelers can focus on finding as many species as possible.Optional cultural visits to nearby Samburu communities can also be arranged where appropriate.Overnight: SamburuMeals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7: Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy

After breakfast, leave Samburu and travel toward Ol Pejeta Conservancy in the Laikipia region.The journey provides another change of scenery as the dry northern landscape gives way to the rolling grasslands and agricultural areas of central Kenya.Arrive at Ol Pejeta for lunch followed by an afternoon wildlife experience.Ol Pejeta is particularly important for conservation and is known for its rhino populations and wildlife protection programs.Depending on the day's schedule, you may have an opportunity to visit conservation areas or enjoy an afternoon game drive.Overnight: Ol PejetaMeals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8: Full-Day Ol Pejeta Conservancy Safari

Spend a full day exploring Ol Pejeta Conservancy.The conservancy supports a wide variety of wildlife, including:Black rhinos White rhinos Lions Elephants Buffalo Giraffes Zebras African wild dogs HipposOl Pejeta is also particularly well known for its conservation work.Your day can combine traditional game drives with selected conservation experiences, depending on availability and your interests.This makes Ol Pejeta different from a conventional national park safari because wildlife viewing can be combined with learning about conservation and community initiatives.Overnight: Ol PejetaMeals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9: Ol Pejeta to Lake Nakuru National Park

After breakfast, depart Ol Pejeta and travel south toward Lake Nakuru National Park.The journey takes you through Kenya's Great Rift Valley landscapes.After lunch, enjoy a game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park.The park is surrounded by dramatic escarpments and is known for its lake, woodland and open grassland habitats.Wildlife may include:Rhinos Lions Leopards Buffalo Giraffes Zebras Waterbuck Flamingos and other waterbirdsThe exact birdlife around the lake varies depending on water levels and seasonal conditions.Overnight: Lake NakuruMeals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 10: Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara

After breakfast, depart Lake Nakuru and continue toward the Maasai Mara National Reserve.The route passes through the Great Rift Valley and rural landscapes before reaching the Mara ecosystem.Arrive at your lodge or tented camp for lunch.Later, head out for an afternoon game drive.The Maasai Mara is one of Africa's most celebrated safari destinations, with extensive grasslands supporting large populations of herbivores and predators.Possible sightings include:Lions Leopards Cheetahs Elephants Buffalo Giraffes Zebras Wildebeest HyenasOvernight: Maasai MaraMeals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 11: Full-Day Maasai Mara Safari

Today is dedicated entirely to exploring the Maasai Mara.Leave early for a morning game drive when wildlife activity is often at its highest.Your guide will select the best areas according to current wildlife movements.The Mara is particularly famous for its predator populations and expansive savannah landscapes.Depending on the season, you may also encounter large concentrations of wildebeest and zebra associated with the Great Migration.Enjoy a picnic lunch in the reserve before continuing your afternoon game drive.Return to camp or lodge in the evening.Overnight: Maasai MaraMeals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 12: Maasai Mara – Full Day Wildlife Experience

Enjoy another full day in the Maasai Mara.A second full day gives you more time to explore different parts of the reserve and increases your opportunities for memorable wildlife encounters.Your guide can focus the day around your interests, whether that means predators, elephants, photography or the search for particular species.Optional experiences include a hot air balloon safari, followed by a bush breakfast, or a visit to a local Maasai community.Overnight: Maasai MaraMeals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 13: Maasai Mara to Nairobi via Lake Naivasha

After breakfast, depart the Maasai Mara and begin your journey back toward Nairobi.The route can include a stop around Lake Naivasha, one of the Great Rift Valley's freshwater lakes.Depending on your departure schedule, you may enjoy a boat ride or lunch around Lake Naivasha before continuing to Nairobi.Alternatively, travelers with evening flights can choose a direct return to Nairobi.For a faster and more convenient option, a scheduled flight from the Maasai Mara to Nairobi can be arranged at an additional cost.Transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward flight or to your Nairobi hotel.End of the 13-day Kenya safari.

What’s Included

Accommodation throughout the safari
Meals according to the selected accommodation plan
Private or shared 4×4 safari vehicle, depending on package
Professional English-speaking driver-guide
Park and conservancy entry fees
Game drives as described
Airport transfers
Bottled drinking water during game drives
Safari transportation
Government taxes and applicable service charges

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

Best Time for This Kenya Safari

June to October

Generally excellent for wildlife viewing, with relatively dry conditions and good opportunities for game drives.

July to October

A popular period for visiting the Maasai Mara, particularly for travelers hoping to see seasonal Great Migration activity.

January to March

Often a rewarding period for wildlife viewing, with generally good visibility and active predator behavior.

April to May

The long rains can bring greener landscapes and fewer visitors, although some roads and travel conditions can become more challenging.

Important: The Great Migration is a natural event and its timing varies from year to year. No safari operator can guarantee a particular sighting or river crossing.

Book Your 13 Day Kenya Safari

From the forests and highlands around Mt. Kenya to the dry landscapes of Samburu and the wildlife-rich plains of the Maasai Mara, this 13-day Kenya safari offers a deeper look at the country’s extraordinary natural diversity.

Whether your priority is seeing the Big Five, photographing northern Kenya’s specialist species, learning about rhino conservation at Ol Pejeta or spending more time in the Maasai Mara, the itinerary can be tailored around your travel style and budget.

Contact Horizon Explorer Africa Safaris to request a personalized quotation for your 13 Day Kenya Safari.