The Ultimate Kenya Grand Circuit
Twelve days of untamed landscapes, rare wildlife, and iconic safari moments
Overview
Itinerary
Begin your safari with an early morning pick-up from your Nairobi hotel or the airport and drive south toward Tsavo West National Park. Renowned for its dramatic landscapes, volcanic hills, and lush springs, Tsavo West offers a striking introduction to Kenya’s wilderness. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch before heading out for an afternoon game drive. Explore rugged terrain and wildlife-rich valleys in search of elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and predators. Return to your lodge at sunset for dinner and an overnight stay immersed in nature.
Highlights:
- Scenic drive from Nairobi to Tsavo West.
- Afternoon game drive in Tsavo West National Park.
- Volcanic landscapes and diverse wildlife.
- Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge / camp.
Optional Activities:
- Night Game Drive in Tsavo West — USD 90 / person
After breakfast, depart Tsavo West and continue your journey toward Amboseli National Park. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive. Amboseli is famous for its expansive plains, large elephant herds, and spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro. As the afternoon unfolds, enjoy excellent wildlife viewing and photographic opportunities before returning to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Highlights:
- Drive to Amboseli National Park.
- Afternoon game drive with Mount Kilimanjaro backdrop.
- Excellent elephant sightings.
- Overnight stay in Amboseli National Park.
Spend the day exploring Amboseli National Park with morning and afternoon game drives. Early mornings often offer the clearest views of Mount Kilimanjaro, along with active wildlife encounters. The park’s open terrain makes it ideal for spotting elephants, lions, cheetahs, and plains game. Return to your lodge for lunch and leisure before heading out again later in the day. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Highlights:
- Full-day safari in Amboseli National Park.
- Morning Kilimanjaro views
- Large elephant herds and predator sightings.
- Overnight stay in Amboseli.
After breakfast, depart Amboseli and travel north into the Great Rift Valley toward Lake Naivasha. Arrive at your lakeside lodge in time for lunch. The afternoon is at leisure, with the option to enjoy a boat ride on the lake, spotting hippos and birdlife, or simply relax in the serene surroundings. Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge.
Highlights:
- Scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley.
- Private boat ride at Lake Naivasha.
- Overnight stay at your lodge.
Optional Activities:
- Walking Safari at Crescent Island — USD 36 / person
- Horseback Safari at Sanctuary Farms — USD 50 / person
- Cycling at Hell's Gate National Park — USD 60 / person
After breakfast, depart Lake Naivasha and drive north toward Ol Pejeta Conservancy, one of Kenya’s leading conservation success stories. Arrive at your lodge/camp in time for lunch before heading out for an afternoon game drive. Ol Pejeta is renowned for its rhino conservation efforts and diverse wildlife, including lions, elephants, and chimpanzees.
Highlights:
- Drive to Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
- Afternoon game drive.
- Rhino conservation and diverse wildlife.
- Overnight stay at Ol Pejeta.
Optional Activities:
- Meet the last two Northern White Rhinos — USD 80 / person
After breakfast, continue north to Samburu National Reserve, entering Kenya’s rugged northern frontier. Arrive at your lodge or camp in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive. Samburu is known for its arid beauty, dramatic landscapes, and unique wildlife species found only in the north.
Highlights:
- Journey into Kenya’s northern wilderness.
- Afternoon game drive in Samburu.
- Unique northern wildlife species.
- Overnight stay in Samburu National Reserve.
Optional Activities:
- Samburu Cultural Visit — USD 30 / person
Enjoy a full day exploring Samburu with morning and afternoon game drives. Wildlife activity is often concentrated along the Ewaso Nyiro River, providing excellent opportunities to spot Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Somali ostrich, elephants, and predators. Return to your lodge for meals and relaxation between drives.
Highlights:
- Full-day safari in Samburu National Reserve.
- Rare and unique wildlife sightings.
- Riverine landscapes and rugged terrain.
- Overnight stay in Samburu.
After breakfast, depart Samburu and journey south to Lake Nakuru National Park. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch before heading out for an afternoon game drive. The park is famous for its birdlife and serves as a sanctuary for both black and white rhinos. Explore lakeshore habitats and acacia woodlands before returning to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Highlights:
- Scenic drive through the Rift Valley.
- Afternoon game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park.
- Rhino sightings and birdlife.
- Overnight stay in Lake Nakuru.
After breakfast, depart for the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve. Travel through scenic highlands and rural landscapes before arriving at your lodge or camp in time for lunch. Head out for an afternoon game drive in the Mara, known for its abundant wildlife, vast savannahs, and iconic predator sightings.
Highlights:
- Journey to the Masai Mara.
- Afternoon game drive.
- Predator-rich landscapes.
- Overnight stay in the Masai Mara National Reserve.
Spend a full day exploring the Masai Mara, beginning with an early morning game drive when predators and plains game are at their most active. Traverse rolling savannahs and shaded riverine galleries, following wild herds of elephants, buffalo, zebra, and topi, and enjoy a picnic lunch in the heart of the reserve. In the afternoon, continue game viewing with your expert guide as you search for lion prides, elusive leopards, cheetahs sprinting across the grass, and other remarkable wildlife. Return to your lodge or camp at sunset for dinner and a restful night.
Highlights:
- Early morning and afternoon game drives.
- Excellent chances of Big Five sightings.
- Picnic lunch inside the reserve.
- Overnight stay at Masai Mara National Reserve.
Start your day with an optional hot air balloon safari (available at an additional cost) and drift silently above the endless savannah as the first light of dawn bathes the landscape in gold. From this breathtaking vantage point, watch as the Masai Mara awakens beneath you — herds of elephants moving gracefully through the mist, giraffes grazing on acacia trees, and predators beginning their morning patrols. It’s a serene yet exhilarating experience that captures the true essence of Africa. After landing, enjoy a champagne-style bush breakfast in the open plains before heading back to your lodge. Later, embark on another full day of exploration through the Mara, covering different habitats and regions that reveal the reserve’s incredible diversity. Your expert guide will help you track elusive wildlife such as leopards resting in trees, cheetahs scanning the horizon, or herds of buffalo grazing lazily in the grasslands. As the day unfolds, the changing light paints the plains in warm amber tones — perfect for photography and reflection.
Highlights:
- Optional hot air balloon safari at sunrise.
- Champagne-style bush breakfast after landing
- Seasonal viewing of the Great Migration (July to October).
- Chance to spot elusive leopards, cheetahs, and large herds.
- Evening relaxation around the campfire under starlit skies.
Optional Activities:
- Hot Air Balloon Safari — USD 480 / person
After an early breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to the majestic Masai Mara, a place that has offered unforgettable moments of wildlife, scenery, and serenity. As you pack up and prepare to leave, take one last look at the sweeping savannah — a reminder of the natural beauty and adventure you’ve experienced over the past few days. You’ll depart from your lodge and begin the scenic drive back to Nairobi, retracing your route through the Great Rift Valley. If you wish, you may stop at a traditional Maasai village just outside the reserve to experience their vibrant culture and way of life. Along the way, enjoy the changing landscapes — from the open grasslands of the Mara to rolling highlands dotted with farms and villages. Depending on timing, you may stop briefly for panoramic photos or to pick up a few handcrafted souvenirs from local markets. Arrive in Nairobi by early to mid-afternoon, marking the end of an incredible safari adventure. You’ll be dropped off at your hotel or at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in time for your onward journey, carrying memories of Kenya’s wild beauty and warm hospitality.
Highlights:
- Optional visit to a Maasai Village.
- Scenic return drive to Nairobi.
- End of safari adventure.
- Drop off at hotel or airport.
Optional Activities:
- Maasai Village Visit — USD 30 / person
- Flight from Masai Mara to Nairobi — USD 200 / person*
Camps & Lodges
Expected Sightings
The Predators
HighThe vast plains of Kenya reveal nature’s untamed power. Stealth and speed rule here, where every hunt becomes a display of instinct and survival. The balance of life is written in every chase, every moment of stillness, and every heartbeat of the wild.
Best time: All round the year
The Giants
HighAcross the savannah, nature’s titans move with grace and power. Towering shapes march across open fields and riverbanks, reshaping the land as they go. Their presence defines the rhythm of the wilderness — timeless, majestic, and eternal.
Best time: All round the year
The Nomads
SeasonalEndless herds travel the ancient migration routes, driven by rain and renewal. Their journey across plains and rivers is one of courage and instinct — a breathtaking cycle that sustains life and tells the story of Africa’s eternal migration.
Best time: July to October
The Skyfolk
HighAbove the plains, the skies come alive with motion and song. From silent gliders to swift hunters, they command the air with freedom and purpose. Each flight writes its own story against the endless horizon.
Best time: All round the year
The Plainsfolk
HighLife thrives across the golden grasslands. Agile and alert, these grazers embody the pulse of the savannah — harmony in motion, survival in numbers, and grace in every stride beneath the open sky.
Best time: All round the year
The Waterfolk
MediumWhere rivers flow and lakes shimmer, life gathers in abundance. The waters nurture both calm and chaos — a realm of reflection, movement, and grace that sustains the heart of the wild.
Best time: June to October
What's Included
Essentials
- All National Park Entry Fees — access to Tsavo West, Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Ol Pejeta, Samburu, Lake Nakuru, and Masai Mara.
- All Transfers — airport, inter-park, and lodge transfers as scheduled.
- Professional KPSGA-Certified Safari Guide cum driver — expert wildlife interpretation and personal attention.
- Safari Accessories — binoculars, cooler box with sodas and unlimited drinking water in the Land Cruiser.
- Travel Consultation — free guidance on visas, packing, and travel requirements.
- All Government Taxes & Levies — no hidden costs.
Experience
- Exclusive & Unlimited Safari Experiences — enjoy twice-daily game drives or full-day expeditions, with exceptional opportunities to encounter the Big Five and more.
- Lake Naivasha Experience — private boat safari.
- Signature Sundowner Experience — enjoy drinks against an African sunset.
- Curated Safari Lodges & Camps — premium stays with full-board dining throughout your safari journey.
- Exclusive Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop up roof — comfortable, all-window seats, ideal for photography.
What's Not Included
- International and Domestic Flights.
- Personal Expenses — laundry, shopping and beverages.
- Gratuities — suggested USD 10 - 15 per adult per day for your guide.
- Electronic Travel Authorisation (Kenya eTA / Visa).
Safari Gallery
Guest Reviews
“Firstly, this trip felt surreal, out of a movie. All credit to Marvels of Africa for organising it so well taking into consideration our needs and requirements.”
Renee Ronald
Frequently Asked Questions
The Ultimate Kenya Grand Circuit safari can be enjoyed throughout the year, but the best time to travel is during Kenya’s dry seasons from June to October and January to February. These months offer excellent wildlife viewing, pleasant weather, and easier game drives across Tsavo West, Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Ol Pejeta, Samburu, Lake Nakuru and the Masai Mara. Traveling between July and September also increases the chances of witnessing the Great Migration in the Masai Mara, one of Africa’s most spectacular natural events.
For this safari, we recommend packing light, neutral-colored clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and a warm layer for early mornings and evenings. Essentials include sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and an insect repellent. As this itinerary covers diverse landscapes over 11 nights, layering is key to staying comfortable across varying climates and altitudes.
Throughout The Ultimate Kenya Grand Circuit safari, you can expect a delightful blend of local African flavours and international cuisine. Most lodges and camps offer buffet-style meals, though some may serve set menus depending on occupancy. Breakfasts are hearty, featuring fruits, cereals, eggs, and baked goods, while lunches and dinners range from flavourful regional dishes to international favourites. On full-day game drives, packed lunches are often provided. Special dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, Indian, halal, or gluten-free can usually be accommodated with advance notice. Dining quality generally reflects lodge category, with higher-end properties offering more refined presentations and personalised service.
Yes, The Ultimate Kenya Grand Circuit Safari is suitable for families with children. The varied itinerary, comfortable lodges, and engaging wildlife experiences make it rewarding for families, and private safari options can be arranged to offer flexibility, shorter game drives, and a more relaxed pace for traveling with children.
That’s one of the most common questions — and a very valid one! While on game drives inside Tsavo West, Amboseli, Ol Pejeta, Samburu, Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara, there are no permanent restroom facilities in most parts of the reserves, as it’s a protected wilderness area. However, your guide will plan comfort breaks at designated safe spots, often behind the vehicle or at ranger stations and picnic sites where possible. Morning and afternoon drives are usually timed around lodge stops, so you can use restrooms before and after. On full-day safaris, your guide will advise where to stop for lunch and restroom use. If you’re ever unsure, just let your guide know — they’re very experienced in managing these situations discreetly and safely.
For questions or booking inquiries:
Call +254 769 024321