Cheetah Safari 

Discover the very best of Kenya on our most popular wildlife itinerary. Covering a wide area you’ll experience spectacular and diverse scenery, from bushy grasslands and shimmering lakes to acacia trees and endless savannahs. The wildlife itself is equally varied with the opportunity for rich birdlife sightings on Lake Nakuru, as well as Samburu’s lesser-known ‘Special Five’. You can end your adventure on a high, quite literally, viewing wildlife from a hot-air balloon at sunrise across the Maasai Mara – home to The Great Migration.

Read more
Escorted Tours
8 nights
Safari, Safari 4x4

£3,575 - £4,725pp including international flights. Also available on a private basis, see guide pricing below.

Recommended itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Nairobi

Welcome to Kenya. Upon arrival in Nairobi, a local representative will be waiting at the airport to transfer you to your comfortable hotel. The rest of the day is free to meet your group and relax ahead of your safari adventure. Overnight at Sarova Stanley (or similar).

Day 2

Nairobi & Samburu

After breakfast, begin the 7-hour drive to Samburu. Stop for lunch en route at the Trout Tree Restaurant, a unique dining venue set inside and around a giant fig tree. Enjoy an afternoon game drive around Buffalo Springs National Reserve en route to your accommodation for tonight. Overnight at Samburu Intrepids Camp (or similar).

Day 3

Samburu

Today is the real start of your African wildlife experience, with two group game drives into the Samburu reserve. These will take place in the morning and afternoon, leaving the hot middle of the day free for relaxation. Lesser visited than its more southerly neighbours, this relatively small reserve’s arid landscape is home to ‘dry country’ animals rarely found outside the park. Samburu is famous for its own rare species known as the 'special five’, namely the gerenuk, reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, and Beisa Oryx. Spotting one of these highly unusual creatures is a truly memorable experience. Overnight at Samburu Intrepids Camp (or similar).

Day 4

Samburu & Laikipia

After breakfast, depart for Lake Nakuru, one of the vast Great Rift Valley lakes. After lunch at Sarova Lion Hill Lodge, head out on an afternoon game drive into the Lake Nakuru National Park, a haven for bird lovers with over 400 species. The park's habitat also offers a fantastic opportunity of spotting lion, leopard, Rothschild giraffe, and herds of rare white rhino. Overnight at Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge (or similar).

Day 5

Laikipia & Lake Nakuru

After breakfast, depart for Lake Nakuru, one of the vast Great Rift Valley lakes. After lunch at Sarova Lion Hill Lodge, head out on an afternoon game drive into the Lake Nakuru National Park, a haven for bird lovers with over 400 species. The park's habitat also offers a fantastic opportunity of spotting lion, leopard, Rothschild giraffe, and herds of rare white rhino. Overnight at Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge (or similar).

Day 6

Lake Nakuru & Maasai Mara

Depart early today for a 6-hour drive to the Maasai Mara, a spectacular region of rolling plains and open savannah that boasts quintessential African scenery and wildlife viewing. After enjoying lunch at your lodge, head out on an afternoon game drive in search of the Big Five, big cats, and a whole host of other wildlife. You’ll return to camp in time for an excellent dinner, then spend the evening relaxing around the roaring camp fire with your fellow group members. With splendid views across the Mara plains, Sarova Mara Game Camp offers the classic safari experience with the comfort of a hotel-style residence. Overnight at Sarova Mara Game Camp (or similar).

Day 7

Maasai Mara

Today there’s the opportunity to take a thrilling optional hot-air balloon safari to gain a whole new perspective of the Maasai Mara. Wake early and watch as the balloon is prepared, then take flight and drift upwards as the sun rises. The bright pink-orange haze is visible for miles across the vast savannah, as wildlife roam below you. The memorable flight is followed by an impressive Champagne breakfast that will be set up as your balloon comes in to land. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this is our most highly recommended optional experience in Kenya. The rest of the day is spent on morning and afternoon game drives into the heart of this wildlife-rich reserve – a fitting end to an exciting safari. Overnight at Sarova Mara Game Camp (or similar).

Day 8

Maasai Mara & Departure

Leave the Mara after breakfast and drive for 6-hours to Nairobi, arriving in time for lunch. Alternatively, if you’re travelling on to Kenya’s coast, you can fly directly from the Mara to Mombasa in the afternoon.