9 days · From $3650 per person · Moderate pace · 2-8 guests

Overview

For anyone with nine days and one Kenya trip to make it count: the Mara for density and big cats, Lake Nakuru for the Rift Valley lakes and rhino sanctuary, Amboseli for elephant herds under Kilimanjaro, and Tsavo to close it out toward the coast. Every stop is a proper lodge stay, never a one-night dash, and we build in a genuine rest day partway through so nine days doesn’t wear you down before it’s over. This is the most complete single itinerary in the catalogue, and the one we’d point a first-time Kenya visitor toward if they’re only making one long trip of it.

Highlights

• Four of Kenya’s defining landscapes in a single continuous circuit
• A full rest day built in between the Mara and Rift Valley legs
• Covers savanna, Rift Valley lake, and red-earth plains ecosystems in one trip
• Every stop a proper lodge stay, no one-night transit stands
• Our most-booked itinerary for first-time Kenya visitors doing one long trip

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Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi to the Mara

Transfer and afternoon game drive, evening at the lodge.

Day 2: Full day, Mara Triangle

Extended drive through the reserve’s core predator ground.

Day 3: Second Mara day

Talek and Rhino Ridge circuit, afternoon at leisure.

Day 4: Mara to Lake Nakuru

Transfer day with a stop en route, evening drive in the rhino sanctuary.

Day 5: Naivasha rest day

Short transfer to Naivasha for an easy boat cruise and Crescent Island walk, a deliberately lighter day partway through the trip.

Day 6: Naivasha to Amboseli

Longer transfer day (approx. 6-7 hrs, or a connecting flight), evening arrival and easy game drive.

Day 7: Full day, Amboseli

Dawn drive for Kilimanjaro visibility, rest through midday, evening drive.

Day 8: Amboseli to Tsavo

Transfer to Tsavo East, afternoon game drive on the red plains.

Day 9: Departure

Final morning drive, breakfast, transfer to Nairobi or onward to the coast.

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What’s Included

• 8 nights across four lodges, full board throughout
• All game drives and the Naivasha boat cruise
• All park and reserve entry fees on the itinerary
• All transfers between parks

What’s Not Included

• Flights to/from Kenya
• Visa fees and travel insurance
• Drinks beyond each lodge’s included house selection
• Hot-air balloon safari add-on in the Mara
• Gratuities for guide and lodge staff

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is nine days too much time on safari?

The Naivasha stop partway through is deliberately built as a lighter day for exactly this reason, and transfer days are lower-intensity than full game-drive days. Guests consistently describe the pacing as full but not exhausting.

Can this be shortened?

Yes, this itinerary is a template we adjust often, dropping Tsavo for a 7-day version or swapping in Samburu instead of Nakuru are both common requests. Tell us your priorities when you enquire.

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Interested in the Grand Kenya Plains Safari? Get in touch and we’ll help you plan it.