Kenya Wildlife Safari with Victoria Falls
Nairobi, then 9 game drives in Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara; Stay in superior Nairobi hotels & safari lodges. All this, plus the majestic Victoria Falls.
Overview
| Style | Small Group TourTravel with a small, intimate group of no more than 16 likeminded travelers (and often much fewer), escorted by an English speaking guide and/or tour manager for some or all of your journey. (Some exceptions, including special promotional packages, may accommodate up to 30.) More of these packages
Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout |
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| Departures | May – December 2025 | Group Size | 16 travelers max |
| Activity Level | Moderate | ||
| What to Expect | This fast-paced, partially escorted tour includes a reasonable amount of walking or hiking and requires an average level of physical fitness. This tour also includes long scenic drives between destinations, sometimes on bumpy unpaved roads and may have limited rest stops. | ||
| Already booked? | Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more. | ||
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Savvy travelers and novices alike include Kenya on their list of dream destinations, and for very good reason. Kenya is blessed with an abundance of spectacular wildlife and lavishly gorgeous, incredibly photogenic landscapes. Everywhere you go, from the teeming cities to the plains of the Masai Mara, the people are friendly and welcoming. Tourist infrastructure is amazing, often offering white glove service where the basics of running water and electricity appear impossible to find. Game reserves are magnificent, filled with all manner of wildlife, beautiful lakes and beaches, and sweeping vistas that seem to go on forever. But first, begin your tour with a visit to the majestic Victoria Falls!
With more than 50 parks to choose from in Kenya alone, it's hard to decide where to go. But everyone agrees that the Masai Mara and Samburu parks are must-visit sites. Our Kenya Wildlife Safari with Victoria Falls includes them both plus a lot more! And like all Friendly Planet tours, you'll enjoy the best of Kenya at prices that are as amazing as the country itself.
Package includes
- Flights
- Coach
- Transfers
- Hotel
- Meals
- Guides
- Round trip airfare from New York to Nairobi, including taxes & fees
- All intra-Africa land transportation and transfers
- 12 nights' accommodations at superior hotels and safari lodges
- 27 meals: 12 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 7 dinners, including a welcome dinner at the famous Carnivore Restaurant
- Comprehensive sightseeing tours and game-viewing drives by local English-speaking guides
- All-wheel drive (4x4) safari vehicles with guaranteed window seat and access to roof hatch, maximum 6 guests per vehicle
- Experienced driver/guide
Optional add-ons
- Masai Mara Hot Air Balloon Safari with champagne breakfast
- Full Day Chobe National Park tour
Why you'll love it
- Set out on nine incredible game drives in search of the “Big 5” and more.
- Witness the coffee-making process and taste samples at the Fairview Estate.
- Fall in love with the orphaned elephant babies of Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphans' Nursery and learn how these adorable creatures are cared for before being released back into the wild.
- Learn about the production of handmade beads at the Kazuri Bead Factory, which employs local women and single mothers.
- Tour the Karen Blixen Museum, previously home to the author whose memoir inspired the Oscar-winning film, Out of Africa.
- Help in reforestation by seed bombing, a technique of introducing vegetation to land by throwing or dropping seedballs.
- Hand-feed endangered giraffes at the Langata Giraffe Center.
- See the efforts to save chimpanzees from extinction at the Jane Goodall Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
- Indulge in an array of exotic meats at the famous Carnivore Restaurant.
- Witness the thunderous roar of the powerful water and the constant rising mist of the majestic Victoria Falls.
- Cruise along the Zambezi River and admire the stunning African sunset.
Itinerary at a Glance
- 1 Depart USA
- 2 Arrive Nairobi, Kenya
- 3 Nairobi & Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
- 4 Victoria Falls
- 5 Victoria Falls
- Optional Excursion: Chobe National Park, Botswana, $215
- 6 Victoria Falls & Nairobi, Kenya
- 7 Nairobi
- 8 Samburu Game Reserve
- 9 Samburu Game Reserve
- 10 Ol Pejeta Conservancy
- 11 Lake Nakuru National Park
- 12 Masai Mara National Reserve
- 13 Masai Mara National Reserve
- Optional Excursion: Masai Mara Hot Air Balloon Safari with champagne breakfast, $470
- 14 Masai Mara & Nairobi/Depart Kenya
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Dates & Prices
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Depart USA
- Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Nairobi, Kenya
Day 2 Arrive Nairobi, Kenya
- Upon arrival in Nairobi, following customs and immigration formalities, meet our representative and enjoy lunch at the airport hotel
- Enjoy an immersive coffee tour at the Fairview Estate
- This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at the famous Carnivore Restaurant
Tamarind Tree Hotel or similar Lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryArrive today in Nairobi, the bustling capital of Kenya. Following customs and immigration formalities, meet our representative who will assist with your transfer to the airport hotel for a leisurely lunch.
After, embark on an immersive coffee tour at Fairview Estate. Visit the coffee factory and delve into the fascinating world of coffee processing, learning about each stage from bean to brew. In the coffee lab, witness the roasting process firsthand and enjoy a tasting session featuring some of the estate's finest coffees. Have the opportunity to purchase your favorite coffee to take home! The experience culminates in the garden, where you'll savor your coffee alongside delicious cookies.
Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at the famous Carnivore Restaurant with your fellow travelers.
Day 3 Nairobi & Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
- Transfer to the airport for your flight to Victoria Falls
- Spend the remainder of the day at leisure
Shearwater Explorers Village or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryEarly this morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Victoria Falls. You'll soon discover why this UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered one of the greatest natural wonders—and the world's largest curtain of falling water! Located at the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, Victoria Falls consists of numerous falls separated by islands in the river below. The Zambezi River spills more than 2 million gallons per second over the Bakota Gorge, casting multiple rainbows and resulting in an awe-inspiring display of raw power unrivaled by other natural wonders. The tremendous roar of the water and the ever-present cloud of spray give the falls their local moniker, "Smoke that Thunders."
Check into your hotel, located near the banks of the Zambezi River within the Victoria Falls National Park. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure at the hotel overlooking the river, relaxing by the pool, or venture into the nearby town of Victoria Falls.
Day 4 Victoria Falls
- Embark on a guided tour of Victoria Falls
- Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River
Shearwater Explorers Village or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryYour exploration of the falls begins with a guided tour of the Zimbabwe side.
Later today, experience the glorious falls from an up-close vantage point as you set sail on a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. Be on the lookout for hippos, monkeys, elephants, and crocodiles that frequent the waters and the surrounding areas.
Day 5 Victoria Falls
- Spend the day at leisure or join an optional full-day excursion to Chobe National Park
Shearwater Explorers Village or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryEnjoy a full day at leisure to explore this magnificent natural wonder on your own. Wander the well-marked trails through the rainforest that wind up and around the falls. The trails allow for excellent picture-taking from various vantage points (be sure to protect your camera if it's not waterproof). A wide range of optional excursions are available locally, including game drives, walking safaris, bungee jumping, and more. We recommend the full-day tour of Chobe National Park in Botswana.
Optional Excursion: Chobe National Park, Botswana, $215Take advantage of an optional full-day excursion to the Chobe National Park in Botswana, renowned for its large elephant population. Begin the day with a safari boat cruise on the Chobe River. Afterward, enjoy lunch at the Chobe Game Lodge and end the day with an afternoon game drive in an open vehicle. This excursion requires a passport and a double-entry Zimbabwe visa.
Day 6 Victoria Falls & Nairobi, Kenya
- Spend the morning at leisure in Victoria Falls
- Transfer to the airport for your flight to Nairobi
Tamarind Tree Hotel or similar Breakfast
Day 7 Nairobi
- Drive to Nairobi National Park for game viewing
- Visit the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
- Tour the Karen Blixen Museum
- See the endangered Rothschild's giraffe at the Langata Giraffe Center
Tamarind Tree Hotel or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryAfter an early breakfast at the hotel, journey to Nairobi National Park, the only national park in the world within a capital city. Established in 1966, the park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and more! The park is also also known for its large population of black rhinos, which are endangered in the wild.
Continue to the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphans' Nursery, where young orphaned elephant babies are hand-raised until they are released back to their natural habitat in the Tsavo National Park. Here they can mingle freely with the wild community. After lunch, visit the Sandstrom factory, a family-owned business that specializes in designing and producing high-quality leather goods, including handbags, backpacks, wallets, and accessories. The materials used in these fine products are sourced from local suppliers and use traditional leather-crafting techniques; some products are made extra special with the addition of African fabrics and designs, giving them a distinct and authentic look.
Next, visit the Karen Blixen Museum. "Out of Africa" author Karen Blixen formally owned the house and surrounding 4500-acre farm from 1917 until 1931, before becoming a museum in 1991. Later, see the endangered Rothschild's giraffes at The Langata Giraffe Center, established to protect the species. Several warthogs roam freely with the giraffes. Guests may feed the giraffes from a raised feeding platform. Return to the hotel for the remainder of the day at leisure
Note: Visiting Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage requires advanced booking with limited tickets available per day and has become increasingly difficult to secure advanced tickets. A visit to Nairobi Animal Orphanage, located just outside the Nairobi National Park, will be substituted should Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage be unavailable.
Day 8 Samburu Game Reserve
- Travel north to the remote Samburu Reserve, arriving at the lodge for lunch
- Enjoy an afternoon game drive and dinner at the lodge
Samburu Simba Lodge, Samburu Intrepids Tented Camp or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryAfter an early breakfast, depart Nairobi heading north, traveling through some breathtaking scenery dotted with rushing mountain streams and fields of tea and coffee. After passing the town of Nanyuki, continue north, eventually reaching a dusty outpost known as Isiolo, the last major stop on the journey into the semiarid northern frontier district. Arrive at your lodge in Samburu in time for lunch.
In the afternoon, depart on your first game drive in Samburu Reserve, host to five notable species; the Grevy's zebra, gerenuk antelope, beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe, and Somali ostrich. Return to the camp as the sun sets.
Note: All departures in June 2024 and onward will stay at Samburu Intrepids Tented Camp.
Day 9 Samburu Game Reserve
- Enjoy a morning game drive
- Have lunch, followed by some free time to relax
- Embark on an early evening game drive
Samburu Simba Lodge, Samburu Intrepids Tented Camp or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryEnjoy another day of game viewing drives in the Samburu Game Reserve during two safari drives, one in the morning and another in the late afternoon, in a safari vehicle with roof hatch access for perfect game viewing and photography. Guided by your expert driver, search for animals native to this fascinating and beautiful area.
Note: All departures in June 2024 and onward will stay at Samburu Intrepids Tented Camp.
Day 10 Ol Pejeta Conservancy
- Depart for Ol Pejeta Conservancy
- Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at your camp
- In the afternoon, visit the Jane Goodall Chimpanzee Sanctuary followed by a game drive
- This evening, sit by the lit waterhole to view the animals
Sweetwaters Serena Camp, Sarova Maiyan Nanyuki or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryAfter breakfast, depart for the 90,000-acre Ol Pejeta Conservancy. The conservancy is situated on the equator, in Kenya’s Laikipia District, between the foothills of the Aberdares and the snow-capped Mount Kenya. The conservancy hosts many animals, including Grevy’s zebra, Jackson’s hartebeest, and cheetah. After lunch, visit the Jane Goodall Chimpanzee Sanctuary, followed by a game drive. In the evening, sit by the lit waterhole to view the animals.
Note: All departures in 2025 will stay at Sarova Maiyan Nanyuki
Day 11 Lake Nakuru National Park
- Early this morning, travel to Lake Nakuru National Park
- Once in the park, enjoy a game drive
- In the afternoon, enjoy another game drive prior to check-in and dinner
Sarova Lion Hill Lodge or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryToday, head west to Nyahururu, still known to many as Thomson's Falls for its 237-foot cascade. Continue south to your next destination, Lake Nakuru. This park is a rhino sanctuary, offering the opportunity to see these endangered animals. It's also home to rare Rothschild giraffes, buffalo, leopards, and lions. Once in the park, there will be a game drive. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. Then, continue to Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge, arriving as the sun sets.
Day 12 Masai Mara National Reserve
- After breakfast, head out for the Masai Mara National Reserve
- En route, enjoy lunch
- Take your first game drive in the Masai Mara on the way to your camp
Mara Intrepids Tented Camp Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryAfter breakfast, head to the Masai Mara National Reserve, which borders Tanzania's Serengeti National Park. Every year, between July and September, millions of wildebeests and zebras migrate into the Mara in search of water. The timing of this phenomenon varies, depending on the rains, but they usually start heading back to the Serengeti in October.
Whether you see the migration or not, the grassy plains and lush landscape offer a wide variety of game, including lions, cheetahs, buffalo, and abundant bird life, such as ostriches, cranes, and storks. Stop for lunch at a lodge, followed by an afternoon game drive through this haven of wildlife, arriving at the Mara Intrepids Camp as the sun sets.
Day 13 Masai Mara National Reserve
- Enjoy a morning game drive, or take an optional hot air balloon safari
- Have lunch at the lodge, followed by some free time to relax
- Embark on a late afternoon game drive
Mara Intrepids Tented Camp or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryToday, embark on two safari drives, one in the morning and another in the late afternoon, in a safari vehicle with roof hatch access for perfect game viewing and photography.
Have the chance to join an optional early morning hot air balloon safari, which provides an exciting opportunity to soar high over the plains for animal viewing from above. Whether you go by air or land, you will enjoy searching for animals native to this fascinating and beautiful area accompanied by your expert guide, who will amaze you with his ability to spot game hidden in the bush.
Optional Excursion: Masai Mara Hot Air Balloon Safari with champagne breakfast, $470Take to the sky over herds of wildlife in the Masai Mara game reserve, flying in a hot air balloon. The balloon can soar over the most inaccessible and undisturbed parts of the reserve and offers a bird's eye view of the plains below. After an hour in the air, your safari finishes with a champagne breakfast in the bush. This is certain to become a once-in-a-lifetime experience you will remember long after returning from Kenya! Flight may not operate if weather conditions are not suitable.
Note: Rates are higher in July and August.
Day 14 Masai Mara & Nairobi/Depart Kenya
- Depart the Masai Mara for Nairobi
- Enjoy a farewell lunch at a local restaurant
- Transfer to the airport for your overnight return flight back to the USA
Hilton Garden Inn or similar Breakfast & lunch
Full Day ItineraryAfter breakfast, depart the Masai Mara for Nairobi and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Then, transfer to your day-use room to relax and freshen up before your return flight. Finally, bid farewell to Kenya as you transfer to the airport for your return flight.
Hotels
Tamarind Tree Hotel is ideally located just 5 kms to the southwest of Nairobi near iconic Carnivore Restaurant. The hotel offers easy access to all parts of the city, its national park, as well as to the country’s many diverse attractions via the neighboring Wilson Airport and Southern Bypass. The nearby Langata and Karen suburbs are among the liveliest and most popular in Nairobi with world-class shopping malls and excellent restaurants.Tamarind Tree Hotel's outstanding leisure facilities and genuine service ensures that all our guests experience the very best of Tamarind hospitality.
Shearwater Explorers Village enjoys a wonderful location, situated just 400 meters from the mighty Victoria Falls and a mere 100 meters from Victoria Falls town with its craft markets and restaurants. The property is surrounded by by indigenous flora and fauna, offering a relaxing, elegant, and inviting atmosphere.
Samburu Simba lodge is located 300 km north of Nairobi, in Buffalo Springs Game Reserve, overlooking the Uaso Nyiro River. From your room you have a fantastic view over the stunning plains, where elephants are grazing. Reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Beisa orynx and long-necked gerunuk can be seen nearby.
Located 345 kilometers north of Nairobi, this tented lodge offers 28 modern and newly refurbished tents with a private view over the wildlife-rich riverbanks. All the tents are large and spacious under palm-thatched roofs with netted screens. This allows for the river breeze to keep them cool and give you stunning views of Samburu.Behind the bar, surrounded by a shady sunbathing area, is our freeform swimming pool - a soothing drop of blue in this otherwise arid land
The exclusive Sweetwaters Serena Camp is a tented camp located in a private conservancy with a higher wildlife-to-area ration than any of Kenya's national parks. The camp lies in the center of the Ol Pejeta Conservancy which is host to elephants, rhinos, lions, buffalo, and leopard.
Sarova Maiyan Nanyuki is a luxurious hotel nestled in the heart of Nanyuki, Kenya, offering a serene escape amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Mount Kenya and Lolldaiga Hills. This idyllic retreat boasts a perfect blend of modern comfort and natural beauty. The hotel's highlights include stunning views of Mount Kenya, lush gardens, a rooftop pool lounge, horseback riding, and a rejuvenating wellness spa.
Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge is nestled along the Lion Hill overlooking the spectacular flamingo pink rimmed Lake Nakuru. Its location affords panoramic views of the lake and the picturesque Lake Nakuru National Park. A short two-hour drive from Nairobi, it is cleverly laid out in such a way that most rooms and sitting areas afford stunning views of the lake and the park. The Lodge incorporates natural landscaping with tall acacia trees, winding walkways and greens dotted with bird feeds.
Mara Intrepids Camp is located in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The camp is a short drive to the Mara River, home of the iconic wildebeest migration. The camp’s outdoor pool is surrounded by sun-loungers. There is a library with board games and a playground for children. Hot air balloon rides can be organised at Mara Camp.
The Hilton Garden Inn Nairobi Airport is a 175 room hotel with a convenient location close to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The hotel features complimentary Wi-Fi, a 24 hour business center, a heated rooftop swimming pool, fitness center, complimentary self-operated laundry.
In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.
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