Best 9 Day Kenya Safari - Ultimate 2025 Adventure

Ultimate 9 Day Kenya Safari Overview

Embark on the ultimate 9-day Kenya safari, a carefully curated wildlife journey through Kenya’s most iconic national parks and reserves. This all-encompassing safari takes you from the arid plains of Samburu, the home to rare species like the reticulated giraffe and Grevy’s zebra to the flamingo filled shores of Lake Nakuru.

Additionally, you’ll see the geothermal wonders of Lake Bogoria, the legendary Masai Mara (the crown jewel of African safaris), and finally to Amboseli, where elephants roam against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Designed for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and adventure seekers, this 9-day Kenya safari itinerary balances game drives, cultural encounters, and scenic landscapes while offering flexible luxury and midrange accommodation options.

Whether you’re tracking the Big Five, witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration (July-October), or relaxing by Lake Baringo’s tranquil waters, this safari delivers unforgettable moments at every turn.

Safari Highlights (What to Expect)

• Big Five & Samburu Special Five
• Great Wildebeest Migration (July-Oct)
• Flamingo Spectacle at Lake Nakuru
• Lake Bogoria’s Geysers & Hot Springs
• Amboseli’s Elephants & Kilimanjaro Views
• Boat Ride & Cultural Visits

Brief Itinerary

• Day 1: Nairobi to Samburu 
• Day 2: Samburu
• Day 3: Samburu to Lake Nakuru
• Day 4: Lake Nakuru to Baringo & Bogoria
• Day 5: Lake Baringo to Masai Mara
• Day 6: Masai Mara
• Day 7: Masai Mara to Amboseli
• Day 8: Amboseli
• Day 9: Amboseli to Nairobi

Detailled Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve

Your 9-day Kenya safari adventure begins with an early morning pick-up from your Nairobi hotel or the airport. The journey north takes you through picturesque highlands, with a stop at the Equator line in Nanyuki for a amazing views. As you arrive at Samburu’s semi-arid wilderness, keep an eye out for grevy’s zebras and beisa oryx—species unique to this region.

Arrive at your lodge or camp in time for lunch, then set out on your first thrilling game drive in search of Samburu National Reserve’s Special 5, the reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, Somali ostrich, and beisa oryx. As the sun sets over the Ewaso Ng’iro River, return to your accommodation for dinner under the stars.

Accommodation: Samburu Sopa Lodge (luxury), Umoja Camp (midrange)

Day 2: Samburu

Wake before dawn for a sunrise game drive, when predators like lions and leopards are most active. The golden light illuminates the acacia-dotted savanna, offering perfect photography opportunities. Return to camp for a hearty breakfast, then spend the midday hours relaxing by the pool or enjoying a guided bush walk with Samburu warriors.

In the late afternoon, venture back into the reserve to track elephant herds and elusive wild dogs. As dusk falls, gather around the campfire for stories of the day’s sightings before retiring to your tent or lodge.

Day 3: Samburu to Lake Nakuru National Park

After a final early morning game drive in Samburu, depart for Lake Nakuru National Park, a birdwatcher’s paradise. The scenic drive includes a stop at Thomson’s Falls, where the 74-meter cascade plunges into a misty gorge.

Arrive at Lake Nakuru National Park by early afternoon and check into your lodge before heading out for a game drive along the lakeshore. Thousands of flamingos create a pink haze over the water, while white and black rhinos, tree-climbing lions, and buffalo roam the surrounding woodlands. As the sun dips below the horizon, return for a delicious dinner at your lakeside lodge.

Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Lodge (luxury), Buraha Zenoni Hotel (midrange)

Day 4: Lake Nakuru to Lake Baringo/ Bogoria

Today’s journey takes you off the beaten path to Lake Bogoria, a geothermal wonderland of steaming geysers and hot springs. Watch as flamingos wade through the mineral-rich waters, and scan the acacia thickets for rare lesser kudus.

After a picnic lunch, continue to Lake Baringo, where an optional boat cruise offers close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and over 450 bird species. Visit a local Njemps village to learn about traditional fishing techniques before settling into your lakeside lodge for the night.

Day 5: Lake Baringo to Masai Mara

Depart the Lake Baringo area after breakfast and drive to Masai Mara via Nakuru and Mau summit. Arrive at Miti Mingi Eco Camp in time for hot lunch, check-in, and a little siesta. Our safari is scheduled for a late afternoon game drive in the best Kenya Game reserve all year round for wildlife viewing.

Transverse Masai Mara game reserve in search of the wildlife till you witness the sunset. Exit Masai Mara Game with awesome safari memories and drive to the campsite for dinner, bonfire, and overnight.

Accommodation: Mara Serena Safari Lodge (luxury), Miti Mingi Eco Camp (midrand)

Day 6: Masai Mara

Our day is scheduled for a full-day Masai Mara safari experience to explore and discover its beauty. Early breakfast at the campsite then with packed picnic lunch boxes depart for the safari experience. Enjoy several up-close encounters with wild animals.

Sightseeing of the day elephants, buffalo, leopard, cheetah, elands, zebras, giraffes, rhino, hyena, waterbuck among others. Masai Mara has also recorded a great number of birds that you will also find during the day.

Game drive to Mara River which is the point of the crossing during the annual great wildebeest migration from Serengeti National Park. Migration takes place between July and October and during other months tourists enjoy the view of hippos and crocodiles at the river. Late Evening exit Masai Mara and drive to the camp for an optional activity, dinner, bonfire, and overnight.

Day 7: Masai Mara to Amboseli National Park

Early morning enjoy a short game drive in Masai Mara or opt for a visit to the Masai village to interact with the locals. Later return to the campsite for breakfast, check our and leave the Masai mara region via Narok Town and the Great Rift Valley viewpoint.

We will have a long drive from Masai Mara to Amboseli National Park, Therefore we make two stopovers, a lunch break, and a viewpoint. Drive further via Nairobi to arrive at Amboseli before sunset. With great views and a change of the environment check-in at Amboseli Kimana Camp or choose to upgrade the accommodation so as to end the safari in style. Dinner will be served, bonfire and overnight.

Accommodation: Amboseli Serena Lodge (luxury), Amboseli Kimana Camp (midrange)

Day 8: Full Day in Amboseli – Kilimanjaro’s Kingdom

Early breakfast at the campsite with the views of Mount Kilimanjaro if the weather permits. Leave with packed picnic lunches for a full day safari experience. Transverse the Amboseli plains with a great game drive. Visit Amboseli viewpoint for thrilling views, lunch break at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. Late afternoon enjoy a game search en route to the swampy area.

Here elephants bathe in abundance as well graze on the swampy. Other animals approach the area in search of drinking water as this is the only source of water during the dry season. Late evening exit Amboseli to the campsite for an optional activity, dinner, bonfire, and overnight.

Day 9: Amboseli to Nairobi

A final sunrise game drive offers last chances to spot Amboseli’s wildlife with Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak glowing in morning light. After breakfast, we begin our return to Nairobi, arriving by early afternoon. En route, we’ll stop for lunch and souvenir shopping. You’ll be transferred to your hotel or airport with unforgettable memories of your 9-day Kenya safari adventure.

Accommodation is booked in accordance with your preferences and depending on your budget and availability.

Why Choose This 9-Day Kenya Safari?

• Comprehensive wildlife experience covering Kenya’s top parks
• Flexible accommodation options for all budgets
• Expert guides with exceptional wildlife tracking skills
• Small group sizes for personalized attention
• Year-round wildlife viewing with migration focus (July-Oct)
• Cultural interactions with Maasai communities
• Photography opportunities at every turn

Book This Safari Now!