Itineraries · Africa
Classic Kenya Safari
Samburu’s rare northern species. Nakuru’s flamingo shores. The big cats of the Maasai Mara. Kenya’s full breadth, in one unforgettable journey.
The Journey
Kenya in Full
This itinerary covers Kenya from north to south — three wildly different ecosystems, three completely different wildlife experiences, all connected seamlessly in ten days.
You begin in Samburu, one of Kenya’s most distinctive reserves, where a cast of species found nowhere else in the country roams semi-arid thornbush country. Then south to Lake Nakuru — flamingos, rhino, and a landscape unlike any other in Africa. You finish in the Maasai Mara, Kenya’s crown jewel, where the big cats are extraordinary year-round.
This is the itinerary for travellers who want to understand Kenya — not just see one corner of it. Debashri handles every detail personally.
Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Destination
Kenya
Best Time
Year-round
Ideal For
First-timers · All ages
Style
Private, fully guided
Pace
Moderate · 3 destinations
Pricing
Custom quote
Day by Day
How Your Journey Unfolds
A rough guide to the rhythm of the trip. Every itinerary is adjusted around your travel dates, group, and preferences.
Day 1
Nairobi
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Transfer to your Nairobi hotel. Evening briefing with your guide and an introduction to what lies ahead.
- Arrival
- Dinner
Days 2–4
Samburu
Fly north to Samburu National Reserve — Kenya’s most distinctive ecosystem. Three days among species found nowhere else in the country: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Somali ostrich, and Beisa oryx. Morning and afternoon game drives along the Ewaso Nyiro river.
- Grevy’s Zebra
- Reticulated Giraffe
- Gerenuk
- All Meals
Days 5–6
Lake Nakuru
Fly south to Lake Nakuru National Park. Two days exploring this compact but wildlife-rich reserve — flamingos congregating on the lake’s shores, endangered black and white rhino, Rothschild giraffe, and resident lion and leopard.
- Flamingos
- Black & White Rhino
- Rothschild Giraffe
- All Meals
Days 7–9
Maasai Mara
Drive or fly to the Maasai Mara — Kenya’s crown jewel. Three full days of game drives across the open plains, tracking lion prides, leopards, and cheetahs. Year-round big cat sightings here are exceptional. Optional Maasai village visit.
- Lion
- Leopard
- Cheetah
- All Meals
Day 10
Departure
Morning game drive, then transfer to Nairobi for onward international connections. Or extend — ask Debashri about adding Amboseli or Ol Pejeta.
- Breakfast
- International Departure
What to Expect
Moments That Stay With You
Samburu’s Rare Northern Species
Samburu is the only place in Kenya where you’ll find Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx, and Somali ostrich all in one reserve. A completely different cast from the Mara.
Flamingos & Rhino at Nakuru
Lake Nakuru’s soda shores draw vast congregations of flamingos, while the surrounding park shelters both black and white rhino — among the most endangered animals on Earth.
Big Cats of the Mara
The Maasai Mara has one of the highest concentrations of lion, leopard, and cheetah on Earth. Year-round sightings are exceptional — this is where the Mara earns its reputation.
When to Go
Timing Your Kenya Safari
The Classic Kenya Safari runs year-round. Here’s how the experience changes with the seasons.
Dry Season
Jan–Mar & Jun–Oct
Two dry windows bookend the year. June–October is peak safari season — the Great Migration river crossings peak July–September. January–March brings the Serengeti calving season, with lion, cheetah, and hyena in extraordinary numbers around the newborn herds.
Migration Season
July–September
The Mara River crossings — wildebeest and zebra making the dramatic leap into crocodile-filled waters. The most iconic wildlife spectacle on Earth. Book well in advance for the best camps.
Green Season
April–Mid-May
Lush and photogenic. Newborn animals draw predators. Fewer tourists, lower prices, and extraordinary bird life. Some roads may be challenging after heavy rain — but the landscapes are breathtaking.
Shoulder Season
Mid-May–June
The rains are easing, the bush is still green and beautiful, visitor numbers are low, and game viewing is excellent as vegetation begins to thin. One of the most underrated times to visit.
💡 Debashri’s tip: Most people fixate on the migration — but the green season (April to mid-May) offers extraordinary game viewing with fewer vehicles, lush landscapes, and lower prices. And since this itinerary covers Samburu and Nakuru too, whose wildlife doesn’t follow the migration, any time of year delivers something special.
What’s Covered
Included & Excluded
Typically Included
- All accommodation as specified
- All meals at camp and lodge
- Morning and afternoon game drives
- Park and conservancy fees
- Internal flights between destinations
- Airport transfers within Kenya
- Expert local guides throughout
Typically Excluded
- International flights to and from Kenya
- Kenyan visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Gratuities for guides and camp staff
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Optional activities not specified
Pricing is tailored to your group, dates, and lodge preferences. Safari costs vary significantly depending on season, camp choice, and group size. Get in touch and Debashri will put together a custom quote for you.
Free · No obligation
Let’s Start Planning
Tell us about your dream journey — wherever it takes you. Debashri will be in touch personally within 48 hours.