Overview
Experience the very best of Kenya on this classic safari through the renowned Sopa Lodges circuit. Journey from the rugged landscapes of Samburu National Reserve to the flamingo-fringed shores of Lake Nakuru National Park, and onward to the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve. Along the way, enjoy comfortable lodge stays, expertly guided game drives, and incredible opportunities to spot the African Big Five in their natural habitat.
Highlights
- Experience the unique wildlife of northern Kenya.
- Encounter rare species such as Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe.
- Search for the Big Five and other iconic African wildlife.
- Experience authentic Maasai culture and traditional ways of life.
- Cross the Equator during your journey through the country.
- Walk among giraffes, zebras and antelopes at Crescent Island.
- Enjoy a relaxing boat ride surrounded by hippos and abundant birdlife.
- Enjoy spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Witness large herds of elephants in their natural habitat.
- Capture incredible wildlife and landscape photography throughout the safari.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your safari representative. Depart Nairobi and travel north through the fertile central highlands, passing coffee and tea plantations before ascending towards the dramatic landscapes of northern Kenya. As you cross the equator, the scenery gradually changes to semi-arid bushland, home to unique wildlife species.
Arrive at Samburu National Reserve in time for lunch at Samburu Sopa Lodge. In the afternoon, embark on your first game drive along the Ewaso Nyiro River, a lifeline for wildlife in this region. Look out for elephants, lions, and rare species such as Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Morning
- Arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
- Meet and greet with your safari representative.
- Depart Nairobi and travel north through the central highlands.
Afternoon
- Cross the Equator and continue towards Samburu.
- Arrive at Samburu Sopa Lodge for lunch.
- Enjoy your first afternoon game drive along the Ewaso Nyiro River.
Evening
- Search for elephants, lions and Samburu’s unique wildlife.
- Return to the lodge after the game drive.
- Dinner and overnight at Samburu Sopa Lodge.
Spend a full day exploring Samburu with morning and afternoon game drives. The reserve’s remote setting offers an authentic and less crowded safari experience. The river attracts a wide variety of animals, making wildlife sightings frequent and rewarding.
You may also have the opportunity to encounter local Samburu communities and learn about their traditional way of life, closely tied to the land and livestock. Return to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
Morning
- Enjoy an early breakfast at the lodge.
- Head out for a morning game drive.
- Search for Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe and other wildlife.
Afternoon
- Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.
- Enjoy an afternoon game drive through the reserve.
- Explore the wildlife-rich areas around the Ewaso Nyiro River.
Evening
- Return to the lodge after your game drive.
- Relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
- Dinner and overnight at Samburu Sopa Lodge.
After breakfast, begin your journey south towards the Great Rift Valley, enjoying scenic views along the way. Descend into the valley floor and continue to Lake Nakuru National Park, one of Kenya’s most renowned wildlife sanctuaries.
Arrive for lunch at Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge. In the afternoon, head out on a game drive in search of both black and white rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, buffalo, and a variety of birdlife. The lake itself often hosts large flocks of flamingos, creating a spectacular pink shoreline when conditions are right. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Morning
- Enjoy breakfast before departing Samburu.
- Drive south towards the Great Rift Valley.
- Enjoy scenic landscapes and countryside views along the way.
Afternoon
- Arrive at Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge for lunch.
- Relax briefly before heading into the park.
- Enjoy an afternoon game drive around the lake and surrounding woodlands.
Evening
- Search for black and white rhinos, giraffes and buffaloes.
- Look out for flamingos and other birdlife around the lake.
- Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
After breakfast, depart for the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, traveling through the scenic Rift Valley and rural Maasai lands. Arrive at Masai Mara Sopa Lodge in time for lunch.
In the afternoon, enjoy your first game drive across the vast savannah plains of the Mara, known for its exceptional concentration of wildlife. Predators such as lions and cheetahs are frequently spotted here. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Morning
- Enjoy breakfast at the lodge.
- Depart Lake Nakuru and travel towards the Maasai Mara.
- Pass through the scenic Rift Valley and rural landscapes.
Afternoon
- Arrive at Masai Mara Sopa Lodge for lunch.
- Relax briefly before your afternoon safari.
- Explore the open plains in search of lions, elephants and cheetahs.
Evening
- Continue wildlife viewing as the sun begins to set.
- Enjoy the beautiful Mara scenery and photography opportunities.
- Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Today is dedicated to exploring the Maasai Mara in depth. Set out on morning and afternoon game drives across the rolling plains and acacia-dotted landscapes. The reserve is home to the African Big Five, as well as countless other species.
During your stay, visit a traditional Maasai village where you will gain insight into the community’s customs, traditions, and daily life. This cultural experience offers a meaningful connection to the people who have coexisted with wildlife for generations. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Morning
- Enjoy an early breakfast at the lodge.
- Head out for a morning game drive across the reserve.
- Search for the Big Five and other abundant wildlife.
Afternoon
- Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.
- Continue with an afternoon game drive.
- Explore different wildlife areas across the Mara plains.
Evening
- Visit a traditional Maasai village for a cultural experience.
- Learn about local customs, traditions and daily life.
- Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
After breakfast, depart the Mara and journey back across the Rift Valley to Lake Naivasha. Arrive at Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort in time for lunch.
In the afternoon, you will take a boat ride on the lake, where you can observe hippos and a wide variety of birdlife up close. Also, enjoy a guided walk on nearby Crescent Island, offering a rare chance to walk among giraffes, zebras, and antelopes in a safe environment. Dinner and overnight at the resort.
Morning
- Enjoy breakfast before departing the Maasai Mara.
- Travel across the Great Rift Valley towards Lake Naivasha.
- Enjoy scenic views of the surrounding countryside.
Afternoon
- Arrive at Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort for lunch.
- Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Lake Naivasha.
- Spot hippos, fish eagles and other birdlife.
Evening
- Take a guided walk at Crescent Island.
- Walk among giraffes, zebras and antelopes.
- Return to the resort for dinner and overnight.
After breakfast, travel south through Nairobi and onward to Amboseli National Park, located at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Arrive at Amboseli Sopa Lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, head out on a game drive in search of the park’s famous elephant herds, often seen against the dramatic backdrop of Africa’s highest peak. The open plains and swampy areas attract a variety of wildlife, making for excellent viewing and photography. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Morning
- Enjoy breakfast at the resort.
- Depart Lake Naivasha and travel south through Nairobi.
- Continue towards Amboseli National Park.
Afternoon
- Arrive at Amboseli Sopa Lodge for lunch.
- Relax before heading out for an afternoon game drive.
- Search for elephants, lions, giraffes and zebras.
Evening
- Enjoy views of Mount Kilimanjaro as the day comes to an end.
- Continue wildlife viewing across the plains and wetlands.
- Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Spend a full day exploring Amboseli, famous for its large elephant herds and stunning scenery. Morning and afternoon game drives take you across open plains, wetlands, and acacia woodlands.
The park’s relatively sparse vegetation makes wildlife easy to spot, offering excellent photographic opportunities, especially with Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop. Return to the lodge for dinner and your final overnight on safari.
Morning
- Enjoy an early breakfast at the lodge.
- Head out for a morning game drive.
- Search for large elephant herds and other wildlife.
Afternoon
- Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.
- Continue with an afternoon game drive across Amboseli.
- Explore the open plains, swamps and acacia woodlands.
Evening
- Enjoy the beautiful sunset and Mount Kilimanjaro views.
- Return to the lodge after your game drive.
- Dinner and final overnight in Amboseli.
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning before departing for Nairobi. Arrive in the afternoon and transfer directly to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward flight.
Morning
- Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the lodge.
- Check out and prepare for your journey.
- Depart Amboseli and begin your drive back to Nairobi.
Afternoon
- Enjoy scenic views along the journey.
- Arrive in Nairobi in the afternoon.
- Transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Evening
- Connect with your onward flight.
- Reflect on your unforgettable Kenya safari experience.
- End of your 9-day safari adventure.
Includes/Excludes
- Accommodation for 8 nights in selected lodges and resorts.
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner as specified in the itinerary.
- All game drives mentioned in the itinerary.
- Transportation throughout the safari in a 4x4 safari vehicle.
- Services of a professional English-speaking safari driver-guide.
- All applicable national park and reserve entrance fees.
- Samburu National Reserve entry fees.
- Lake Nakuru National Park entry fees.
- Maasai Mara National Reserve entry fees.
- Amboseli National Park entry fees.
- Lake Naivasha boat ride.
- Crescent Island guided walking experience.
- Maasai village visit.
- Bottled drinking water during game drives.
- Nairobi airport pickup and departure transfer.
- All road transfers between destinations.
- Government taxes and applicable service charges.
- Airport transfer on the final day.
- International and domestic flights.
- Kenya visa/eTA fees.
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls and souvenirs.
- Alcoholic and soft drinks unless specifically included.
- Tips and gratuities for the driver-guide and lodge staff.
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Additional accommodation before or after the safari.
- Personal purchases and other shopping expenses.
- Any additional activities or excursions not specified in the itinerary.
- Any services not specifically listed under What's Included.
