Trip Facts
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Landcruiser, Minivans
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5-50
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Hotels, lodges, tented camps
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Moderate
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June-October
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Fully Guided
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Instant Booking
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15-99 yrs
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Private & Group
Overview
Embark on a 12-day safari journey through the heart of Kenya, immersing yourself in the stunning landscapes and rich wildlife of this beautiful country. Begin your adventure in Nairobi, where you’ll be welcomed with warm hospitality and a taste of Kenyan culture. From there, journey to Amboseli National Park, known for its breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and abundant wildlife. Explore the park on game drives, encountering elephants, lions, and giraffes against the backdrop of the majestic mountain.
Continue your expedition to Aberdare National Park, a lush paradise of forests and rare wildlife. Discover the park’s diverse flora and fauna on guided walks and game drives, and enjoy the tranquility of the African wilderness. Next, venture to Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its flamingos and rhinos. Explore the shores of the lake on game drives, spotting a variety of wildlife and birdlife.
The highlight of your journey awaits in Maasai Mara National Reserve, renowned for its incredible wildlife sightings and stunning landscapes. Spend several days exploring the reserve on game drives, witnessing the drama of predator-prey interactions and the Great Migration. Marvel at the vast savannahs dotted with acacia trees and the abundance of wildlife that calls this reserve home.
Throughout your journey, you’ll stay in comfortable lodges and tented camps, enjoying delicious meals and traditional hospitality. Your experienced safari guide will lead you on unforgettable adventures, sharing their knowledge of the local wildlife and ecosystems. This 12-day expedition promises an unforgettable safari experience, filled with adventure, wildlife encounters, and the natural beauty of Kenya.
Trip Highlights
- Witness the stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro from Amboseli National Park
- Encounter elephants, lions, and giraffes in their natural habitats
- Explore the lush forests and rare wildlife of Aberdare National Park
- Spot flamingos and rhinos at Lake Nakuru National Park
- Experience the drama of predator-prey interactions in Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Witness the Great Migration (seasonal) in Maasai Mara
- Enjoy traditional Kenyan cuisine and hospitality
- Learn about the local wildlife and ecosystems from experienced safari guides
- Capture stunning photographs of Kenya's landscapes and wildlife
Itinerary
Morning: Your expedition begins with your arrival in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city. Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your safari guide and transferred to your hotel.
Afternoon: After settling in, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors of Kenyan cuisine. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to explore Nairobi’s attractions, such as the Karen Blixen Museum or the Giraffe Centre.
Evening: Gather for a welcome dinner at the hotel, where you’ll meet your fellow travelers and receive a briefing on the upcoming safari journey. After dinner, relax and prepare for the adventures ahead.
Morning: After breakfast, depart Nairobi and journey south to Amboseli National Park, known for its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Midday: Stop for lunch en route, enjoying a picnic surrounded by Kenya’s scenic landscapes.
Afternoon: Arrive at Amboseli and embark on your first game drive, exploring the park’s diverse habitats and searching for wildlife.
Evening: Check in to your lodge or tented camp and unwind with dinner under the starry African sky.
Morning to Evening: Spend two full days exploring Amboseli National Park on game drives, with opportunities to spot elephants, lions, giraffes, and more. Marvel at the majestic sight of Mount Kilimanjaro towering over the savannah as you immerse yourself in the beauty of this iconic landscape.
Midday: Enjoy picnic lunches in the bush or return to your accommodation for meals and relaxation.
Evening: Reflect on your wildlife encounters and enjoy evenings filled with traditional cuisine and tales of the bush.
Morning: Depart Amboseli after breakfast and travel to Aberdare National Park, renowned for its lush forests and diverse wildlife.
Midday: Enjoy lunch en route to Aberdare, soaking in the scenery as you journey through the Kenyan countryside.
Afternoon: Arrive at Aberdare and check in to your lodge, situated in the heart of the national park. Spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps indulging in birdwatching or exploring the lodge’s surroundings.
Evening: Dinner at the lodge, followed by relaxation and stargazing amidst the tranquility of Aberdare.
Morning: Embark on a morning game drive or nature walk in Aberdare National Park, discovering its rich biodiversity and pristine landscapes.
Midday: Return to the lodge for lunch and leisure time, with optional activities such as fishing or visiting the nearby waterfalls.
Afternoon: Explore more of Aberdare on an afternoon game drive, keeping an eye out for elephants, buffaloes, and rare species such as the bongo antelope.
Evening: Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African wilderness.
Morning: After breakfast, depart Aberdare and journey to Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its flamingos and rhinos.
Midday: Stop for lunch en route, enjoying a picnic or restaurant meal as you travel towards Lake Nakuru.
Afternoon: Arrive at Lake Nakuru and embark on an afternoon game drive, exploring the shores of the lake and its surrounding woodlands.
Evening: Check in to your lodge or tented camp overlooking Lake Nakuru, where dinner will be served amidst the scenic beauty of the park.
Morning: Rise early for a sunrise game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, with opportunities to spot rhinos, lions, and other wildlife during the golden hours of dawn.
Midday: Return to the lodge for breakfast and some leisure time to relax or enjoy optional activities such as guided walks or birdwatching.
Afternoon: Continue your exploration of Lake Nakuru on an afternoon game drive, searching for the park’s resident predators and birdlife.
Evening: Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge, with time to recount the day’s sightings and experiences.
Morning: After breakfast, depart Lake Nakuru and journey to Maasai Mara National Reserve, the jewel of Kenya’s safari destinations.
Midday: Enjoy a scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley, with lunch en route to Maasai Mara.
Afternoon: Arrive at Maasai Mara and embark on your first game drive in search of the Big Five and other iconic African species.
Evening: Check in to your lodge or tented camp in Maasai Mara, where dinner will be served overlooking the savannah.
Morning to Evening: Spend two full days exploring Maasai Mara on game drives, witnessing the drama of predator-prey interactions and the spectacle of the Great Migration (seasonal).
Midday: Enjoy bush picnics or return to your accommodation for meals and relaxation during the heat of the day.
Afternoon: Continue your safari adventures, with opportunities for close encounters with wildlife and stunning photographic opportunities.
Evening: Share stories of the day’s sightings around the campfire or enjoy dinner under the stars, soaking in the magic of Maasai Mara.
Morning: Embark on a final early morning game drive in Maasai Mara, bidding farewell to the reserve’s inhabitants as the sun rises.
Midday: Return to your accommodation for breakfast and check-out. Depart Maasai Mara and journey back to Nairobi.
Afternoon: Arrive in Nairobi and transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your unforgettable Heart of Kenya Expedition.
Cost
INCLUDES
- Accommodation: Hotels, lodge or tented camp, (depending on package)
- All Meals as per Itinerary
- Transportation: Airport transfers, transfers between destinations
- Professional safari driver/tour guide
- Bottled water during activities
- All park entrance fees and taxes
EXCLUDES
- International airfare
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Additional meals and drinks not specified (available to purchase)
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary (available to purchase)
FAQs
The currency in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KES). While credit cards are accepted in major cities and tourist areas, it’s advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases and in case you encounter places that do not accept cards.
The best time to visit Kenya for this safari is during the dry seasons, from late June to October and from late December to March. These months offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities as animals gather around water sources.
The trip includes comfortable lodges and tented camps, providing a mix of modern amenities and a close-to-nature experience.
You can expect to see a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, rhinos, flamingos, and various bird species. The Maasai Mara is particularly famous for its high concentration of predators and the Great Migration (seasonal) of wildebeests and zebras.
Yes, traveling to Kenya for a safari is generally safe, especially when booking through reputable tour operators like Likana Safaris. It’s important to follow the advice of your guide and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
It’s recommended to pack comfortable clothing suitable for both warm days and cool nights, including long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect against mosquitoes. A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and sturdy walking shoes are also essential. Binoculars and a camera with extra batteries are recommended for wildlife viewing.
Yes, there are optional activities available at certain locations, such as guided nature walks, cultural visits to Maasai villages, hot air balloon safaris and boat rides on Lake Naivasha. These activities can enhance your safari experience but are not included in the standard itinerary but come at an additional cost.
The food on this safari is typically a mix of international and local cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and traditional Kenyan flavors. Vegetarian and other dietary requirements can usually be accommodated with advance notice.
Game drives are typically conducted in 4×4 safari vehicles, which are designed for off-road travel and offer excellent visibility for wildlife viewing. The vehicles are equipped with pop-up roofs, allowing for unobstructed views and great photo opportunities.
Yes, you can extend your stay in Kenya before or after the safari. There are many attractions to explore, including Nairobi’s cultural sites, the beaches of Mombasa, or the beautiful landscapes of the Great Rift Valley. Our customer support team can help arrange any additional trips or activities.
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