12 Days
Kenya
Kenya Ultimate Safari
12 days across 6 of Kenya's best landscapes — Samburu's dry north, the rhino conservancies of Laikipia and Nakuru, the Mara, Lake Naivasha, and Amboseli.
From $4,720 · per person
6 Days · Kenya · Private Guided
Classic Big 5 Safari
Duration
6 days / 5 nights
Best time
Year-round
Group
2 - 6 Guests
Guide
Dexter
Style
Private Guided
Overview
6 days after Africa's Iconic Wildlife, the Big Five
This classic Big 5 safari is designed for travellers seeking the essential experience of Kenya without a two-week commitment. It lasts six days and covers three regions, with a route specifically planned to help you see all of the Big Five: the dry north of Samburu, the rhino sanctuary at Lake Nakuru, and the plains of the Masai Mara. Every aspect of this itinerary is purposefully crafted to make the most of your time.
The itinerary is thoughtfully designed rather than random. Samburu is known for its easy sightings of elephants, lions, and leopards, but it lacks a wild rhino population. For that reason, we include Nakuru, a fenced sanctuary that is home to both black and white rhinos, to ensure these animals are part of the experience. The trip concludes in the Maasai Mara, renowned for its high density of predators and vast buffalo herds, making it Kenya’s most famous reserve. Though this is a shorter journey, it is crafted with the same purpose as longer trips, ensuring there are no wasted days.
Six days is still enough time to appreciate who is guiding the journey. Dexter drives the entire route himself. The same person you meet on day one remains with you on day six, interpreting each park instead of relying on a fixed script. He is also available for direct communication via WhatsApp before, during, and after the trip.
“People assume the short safaris are the compromise. They're not, you just can't afford to waste a single day on one, so every stop on this route is there for a reason.”
Day by day
The itinerary
Day 1
Into the north
Drive up to Samburu National Reserve, where the Ewaso Ng’iro river cuts through dry, red-earth country that looks nothing like the postcard version of Kenya. First game drive in the afternoon once the heat breaks.
Day 2
Elephant, lion, and the Samburu specials
A full day in Samburu — strong numbers of elephant and good chances at lion and leopard, alongside the region’s own specials: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and gerenuk.
Day 3
Rhino country
South into the Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park, a fenced sanctuary that’s the most reliable place on this route to find both black and white rhino — plus Rothschild’s giraffe and buffalo along the lake shore.
Day 4
Into the Mara
On to the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s best-known reserve for good reason — open grassland and the country’s highest concentration of predators. Afternoon game drive on arrival.
Day 5
A full day on the plains
A full day given to the Mara, worked around whichever part of the reserve is producing the best sightings that week — usually the strongest chance on the whole trip at leopard, to round out the five.
Day 6
Back to Nairobi
Drive back to Nairobi for your onward flight — around five to six hours, timed to your departure. (Edward can arrange a scheduled flight out of the Mara instead if you’d rather skip the road time — ask and he’ll price it separately.)
Gallery
What it looks like
Included
- All park entrance fees
- 5 nights' accommodation as per the itinerary (lodges and tented camps, en suite)
- All meals during the safari
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof, fuel, and driving throughout
- Edward as your guide for the full six days — no hand-offs
- Drinking water in the vehicle each day
- Game drives as per the itinerary
- Airport transfers in Nairobi at the start and end of the trip
Not included
- International flights to and from Nairobi
- Kenya visa / eTA fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tips for Edward and camp staff
- Alcoholic drinks and items of a personal nature
- Optional extras (e.g. a scheduled flight out of the Mara on day 6, Mara hot air balloon safari)
You might also like
All safaris
Other safaris
12 Days
Begin a conversation
6 days chasing the African Big Five
Message Edward directly on WhatsApp and he'll confirm dates, room configuration, and group size with you before anything's booked.
It's in Nairobi Dexter replies usually within a day