Kenya's Wild Heart Journey

9 Days | 8 Nights | Scheduled and Guided Tour

A Journey Through Kenya’s Wild Heart

Step into a world of vibrant landscapes, legendary wildlife and cultural elegance on this 9-day safari through Kenya’s most spectacular regions. From the cosmopolitan charm of Nairobi to the untamed beauty of Samburu, the mysterious forests of Aberdare, the serene Lake Elementaita and the iconic plains of the Maasai Mara, this experience is carefully curated to blend adventure, comfort and discovery. Whether you’re marveling at elephants bathing in a river, watching lions on the hunt or dining under a starlit African sky, this journey promises unforgettable moments and soul-stirring encounters with nature in its purest form.

Tour Highlights

🌿 Welcome to Nairobi – Culture, History & Fine Dining
Begin your adventure with a warm Kenyan welcome, a memorable lunch at Tamambo Karen Blixen, and a visit to the historic home of the Out of Africa author herself.

🦓 Wild Frontiers of Samburu
Venture into Kenya’s arid north for sightings of the rare “Samburu Special Five” — Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx, and Somali ostrich — along the lifeblood Ewaso Nyiro River.

🌲 Forest Magic in the Aberdares
Spend the night in a treetop lodge overlooking a floodlit waterhole, where elephants, leopards, and even bongos may visit under the cover of darkness.

🦩 Lake Elementaita Serenity
Unwind by the tranquil flamingo-lined shores of Lake Elementaita and explore the private Soysambu Conservancy or Hell’s Gate’s dramatic landscapes for a family-friendly nature experience.

🦁 Maasai Mara – Big Cats & Endless Plains
Delve into the legendary Maasai Mara on thrilling full-day safaris in search of Africa’s Big Five and more. Stay at a stunning cliffside lodge with sweeping views over the savannah.

📸 Two Full Days in the Mara – Wildlife at Its Best
Enjoy back-to-back days of extensive game drives and bush picnics in one of Africa’s richest wildlife habitats, with chances to witness dramatic predator-prey encounters and the Great Migration (seasonal).

🍽️ Farewell Feast at Carnivore Restaurant
Wrap up your journey with a celebratory lunch at Nairobi’s iconic Carnivore Restaurant before catching your flight home — with your heart full and camera roll even fuller.

Day 1: Welcome to Nairobi – The Green City Under the Sun

Your adventure begins as you touch down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by your safari host. After a smooth meet and greet, head to Tamambo Karen Blixen for a delightful lunch in one of Nairobi’s most historic settings. Following your meal, you’ll visit the Karen Blixen Museum, the former home of the renowned author of Out of Africa, offering a glimpse into colonial Kenya. You’ll then be transferred to your hotel — Eka, Movenpick or Tamarind Tree — where you can relax and enjoy dinner, settling in for your first night in Kenya.

Day 02: Into the Northern Frontier – Samburu National Reserve

After breakfast, you’ll depart Nairobi and head north into Kenya’s wild frontier — the dramatic landscapes of Samburu. Arrive in time for lunch at the Samburu Game Lodge, nestled along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River. In the afternoon, venture out for your first game drive, where you may spot rare northern species such as the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, oryx and gerenuk. The region’s arid beauty and unique wildlife set it apart from the more typical savannahs, making it a photographer’s dream. Return to the lodge for a hearty dinner and a night surrounded by nature’s calls.

Day 03: Wild Encounters in Samburu

The day is devoted to immersive morning and afternoon game drives within Samburu National Reserve, offering a chance to see predators like leopards and lions, as well as herds of elephants and various birdlife along the river. Between game drives, enjoy meals and relaxation time at the lodge, with scenic river views and perhaps a dip in the pool. Samburu’s raw beauty and the wildlife’s accessibility make every game drive an exciting and rewarding experience.

Day 04: Forest Mysteries – The Aberdare Highlands

After breakfast, you’ll drive south into the lush, mist-covered highlands of Aberdare National Park. Upon arrival, you’ll transfer to either The Ark or Treetops Lodge, both famed for their elevated vantage points and floodlit waterholes. These unique tree lodges allow for overnight game viewing right from the comfort of your room. Watch silently as elephants, buffalo and perhaps elusive forest animals like the bongo or leopard emerge from the trees to drink. Dinner and overnight will be spent listening to the sounds of the forest from your tree-top hideaway.

Day 05: Serenity by the Lake – Elementaita

Following a morning breakfast in the forest, you’ll continue your journey to the picturesque Lake Elementaita, a lesser-known gem within the Great Rift Valley. You’ll check in at Lake Elementaita Serena Camp, where you’ll enjoy lunch and some rest before setting out for an afternoon game drive in the nearby Soysambu Conservancy or around the lake shores, home to flamingos and pelicans. If you’re traveling with children under 3, accommodation will be at Lake Naivasha Sopa or Simba Lodge, with a game drive in Hell’s Gate National Park, known for its dramatic gorges and geothermal activity. Return for dinner and an evening of lakeside tranquility.

Day 06: Into the Wild – Maasai Mara

After breakfast, depart Lake Elementaita and journey southwest through the Rift Valley, heading for the legendary Maasai Mara Game Reserve. Enjoy en-route game viewing as you enter the Mara, which teems with wildlife year-round. Arrive at Mara Engai Wilderness Lodge, perched on the Oloololo Escarpment and check in for lunch. In the afternoon, take in the stunning views and prepare for the action-packed days ahead. Dinner will be served at the lodge, surrounded by breathtaking wilderness.

Day 07: Full-Day Safari in the Mara

Spend the entire day exploring the Maasai Mara, one of the most iconic wildlife destinations in Africa. Embark on a full-day game drive with a picnic lunch in the bush, maximizing your chances of witnessing the Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino — along with cheetahs, giraffes and vast herds of antelope and wildebeest. The sweeping plains and acacia-dotted landscapes provide endless photographic opportunities. As the sun sets, return to the lodge for a delicious dinner and restful evening.

Day 8: Another Day in the Wild

Continue your full-day exploration of the Mara with another extended game drive and bush picnic lunch. The reserve’s rich biodiversity ensures that every safari outing offers something new, whether it’s a pride of lions on the move, a lone elephant bull feeding under a tree or a dramatic predator-prey chase. Immerse yourself in the rhythm of the wild and soak in the natural beauty all around before retiring for the night at your lodge.

Day 9: Farewell Kenya – Return to Nairobi

After an early breakfast, you’ll begin the scenic return journey to Nairobi. Upon arrival, enjoy a farewell lunch at the Carnivore Restaurant, famed for its open-air barbeque and exotic meat offerings — a delicious end to your Kenyan adventure. Afterward, you’ll be transferred to JKIA for your international departure flight, carrying with you memories of unforgettable wildlife encounters, breathtaking scenery, and the spirit of Kenya.