10 Day Kenya Safari Exploration

Featured Hotels

(Hotels may vary based on departure day of the week)

Thursday Departure
Emara Ole Sereni		Nairobi
Ashnil Samburu Camp		Buffalo Springs Game Reserve
The Ark		Aberdare National Park
Great Rift Valley Lodge		Naivasha, Nakuru
Mara Intrepids Camp		Masai Mara National Reserve

Saturday Departure
Emara Ole Sereni		Nairobi
Samburu Simba Lodge		Buffalo Springs Game Reserve
The Ark		Aberdare National Park
Great Rift Valley Lodge		Naivasha, Nakuru
Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp		Lake Elmentaita, Nakuru
Mara Intrepids Camp		Masai Mara National Reserve

Click a Date to Book Online

2022 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $1200
Hotel	Dates	Embark	Tour Starts	Ship	Land Only	Air & Land
~~Thu, May 19~~ (Sold Out)	$2849	$3709*
~~Thu, May 26~~ (Sold Out)	$2849	$4639*
	$3299	$4829*
	$3149	$4739*
	$3349	$5319*
	$3149	$4829*
	$3799	$6039*
~~Thu, Jun 30~~ (Sold Out)	$4549	$6359*
~~Thu, Jul 14~~ (Sold Out)	$4499	$6189*
	$4599	$6389*
	$4549	$6369*
~~Thu, Aug 11~~ (Sold Out)	$4599	$5629*
Only 1 seat left!	$4599	$6159*
Only 1 seat left!	$4549	$5829*
	$4449	$5359*
	$4649	$5539*
	$4549	$5419*
	$4399	$5289*
	$4399	$5279*
	$4299	$5179*
	$4349	$5429*
	$3399	$4299*
Only 1 seat left!	$3549	$4439*
	$3299	$4209*
	$3349	$4439*
	$3199	$4189*
	$3199	$4609*

2023 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $1200
Hotel	Dates	Embark	Tour Starts	Ship	Land Only	Air & Land
	$3669	$4759*
Only 1 seat left!	$3819	$4829*
~~Thu, Jan 26~~ (Sold Out)	$3819	$4869*
~~Thu, Feb 02~~ (Sold Out)	$3819	$4719*
~~Thu, Feb 09~~ (Sold Out)	$3819	$4719*
	$3769	$4779*
	$3669	$4679*
	$3719	$4619*
	$3619	$4779*

Next Season Dates

Not Included:
Optional tours and gratuities.

Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival transfer, but does include departure transfer.

Passengers should select flights on Day 10 from Nairobi that depart no earlier than 6:30 PM.

A day-use room will be provided for clients with late evening flights. Passengers that would like to extend their stay, may do so in the provided airport hotel for an additional charge.

Due to limited space in safari vehicles, please pack your belongings in a soft-sided duffel bag. Traditional suitcases with rigid frames or hard plastic sides should not be used.

Please note, all passport holders should have three or more entirely blank (unstamped) visa pages in their passport when traveling to Kenya. Click here for more information.

Passengers traveling to Kenya must carry proof of yellow fever vaccination if traveling through or from a country with risk of yellow fever.

Accommodation Details:
Triple rooms at Radisson Blu Hotel, will be accommodated in a single room & twin room

Entry Requirements:
Passengers traveling abroad require a passport valid for six months beyond their travel dates. All travelers are responsible to check if a visa is required for all countries on their itinerary. For visa information, check our Visas page.

Is This Trip Right for You?

This is an active trip. Our small group covers a lot of ground each day. Expect to spend most of your time driving over roads that are often rough and bumpy in safari vehicles that cannot be air-conditioned. Only "bush toilets" are available during game drives. There are many early mornings. Electricity in the camps is provided by generator and may not be available 24 hours a day. Many of the accommodations are built in the traditional local style and have no air-conditioning. Visitors to Kenya are required to carry proof of Yellow Fever vaccination if traveling through or from a country with risk of yellow fever, and are encouraged to consult their health-care providers regarding malaria prophylaxis. We suggest you check with your health-care provider before signing up for this tour. Some of our tours require walking or stairs between tents. Safari vehicles have high ground clearance and require agility to embark and disembark. During this tour, you may come into proximity of wild animals whose actions can be unpredictable. Certain inherent risks are involved which should be considered at your own discretion. This is a Small Group program. For more information, click here.

Accommodation Details

Select Number of Rooms

Room 1

Number of Adults

Number of Children

Preferred Bedding Configuration

Two separate beds

One bed
Requests are not guaranteed and are subject to each hotel's discretion and availability

Additional Nights

Number of pre-nights

Flight Details

Include Flight? Yes No

Departure City

Departure and Return Date

Preferred Airline

Class of Service

Nonstop Flights

Number of Adults

Number of Children

Package Includes

Small groups of maximum 22 travelers guaranteed
Round trip flights New York-Nairobi, Nairobi-New York
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices
Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
8 nights First Class accommodations
- 2 nights Nairobi
- 2 nights Samburu National Reserve
- 1 night Aberdare National Park
- 1 night Lake Naivasha
- 2 nights Masai Mara National Reserve
Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
Hotel porterage
All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
21 meals: 8 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
Sightseeing per itinerary in modern 4x4 vehicles
Services of English-speaking driver-guide throughout
National Park Fees

Tour Highlights

Thanks to our small group size, we can get to the heart of our destination, visit places that other tours miss, and get to know the locals.

Visit the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, the world’s most successful orphan elephant rescue center
At the Giraffe Centre, hand-feed elegant Rothschild giraffes from an elevated platform
Enjoy personal game drive experiences in safari vehicles that seat no more than seven
Explore Samburu National Park, known for its unique wildlife
Enjoy leisurely game viewing at one of Kenya’s iconic tree lodges
Travel to Lake Nakuru National Park, known for its superb birdlife
Test your luck and see how many of the "Big Five" you'll spot in the magical Masai Mara National Reserve

†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

Is This Trip Right for You?

Book Now!

Thursday Departure
Saturday Departure

Note: your itinerary will change depending upon the day of the week you depart. Click a day above to see what is included.

DAY 1, Thursday - Depart for Kenya
Depart for Kenya

DAY 2, Friday - Arrive in Nairobi
Arrive in Nairobi, gateway to your thrilling safari in Kenya; transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to rest, acclimate to your new time zone and prepare for the African adventure that awaits you
Overnight: Nairobi

DAY 3, Saturday - Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre
After an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager, depart for a visit to the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage to learn about how the orphan elephants, raised by the orphanage, are later released into the wild. Elephant calves are brought here from all over the country to receive specialized care from highly dedicated staff. Perhaps, you'll arrive there just in time to see them being exercised and bathed. Then, drive towards the Ngong Hills for a tour of the Karen Blixen Museum, once the farmhouse of the prominent author of Out of Africa. After lunch on your own, continue to Kazuri Beads Workshop, which started in 1975 as a tiny workshop making ceramic beads by hand. Today, this center produces fine examples of genuine African jewelry out of clay gathered from nearby Mt. Kenya. End the day at the Giraffe Centre where you hand-feed the Rothschild Giraffe, an endangered species, from an elevated feeding platform and learn more about their extensive conservation efforts. Dinner tonight is at a popular local restaurant
Overnight: Nairobi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 4, Sunday - Evening Game Drive in Samburu National Park
Travel north this morning towards Samburu National Park, a spectacular 60-square-mile reserve known for its unique wildlife, rarely found in other Kenyan parks. Here, view different species of giraffe, zebra, beisa oryx and the long necked gerenuk, along with lion, cheetah, and leopard. Besides the numerous varieties of wildlife found in this game reserve, the park is also a bird haven. En route, stop for lunch at the Trout Tree Restaurant, built in an enormous fig tree below Mount Kenya. Arrive in Samburu, with its arid hills leading to the lush forested ravine of the Ewaso Nyiro River. Along these river banks, the majority of the animals gather for the promise of water. This evening, set out on your first game drive and watch the colorful African sunset before returning to the camp in time for dinner
Overnight: Samburu National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5, Monday - Morning & Afternoon Game Drives in Samburu National Park
Morning game drive today in the midst of this rugged and beautiful semi-arid desert of northern Kenya. Perhaps you'll see a lion, ostrich, or even a family of elephants wandering the hills. After lunch at the lodge, an afternoon drive takes you to a different area of the park. Return to the lodge for leisure time. Tonight, after dinner, an interesting lecture and discussion with a Samburu naturalist. You'll learn more about the principles and tribal traditions of the villagers living in the northern foothills of Mount Kenya
Overnight: Samburu National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6, Tuesday - Game Viewing in Aberdare National Park
Today, travel southwest to the heart of Aberdare National Park. Arrive at The Ark, one of Kenya's iconic tree lodges. The Ark is designed with layers of decks overlooking a floodlit watering hole and salt lick that attracts a huge amount of wildlife all day and night. The many different balconies and lounges provide superb vantage points for game viewing. A ground level bunker provides excellent photographic opportunities and takes you up-close to the animals; see elephant, buffalo, bushbuck and occasionally a rhino
Overnight: Aberdare National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7, Wednesday - Game Drive in Lake Nakuru National Park
Today, explore Lake Nakuru National Park, dominated by the shallow waters of the lake at its center, best known for its pink flamingos, white rhino, lion, and the elusive leopard. The birdlife here is absolutely superb, with over 450 species recorded - at certain times of year there are over a million flamingos. Drive to the edge of the lake to view thousands of birds feeding in the alkaline water, see the sweeping view from the top of Baboon Rocks, then look for warthogs and waterbucks. Nakuru is also one of the best places in Kenya to see black and white rhino, and for making daytime leopard sightings. Afterward, continue to your lodge where you will spend the remainder of the evening at leisure
Overnight: Lake Naivasha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8, Thursday - Afternoon Game Drive in the Masai Mara National Reserve
Early drive to the magical Masai Mara National Reserve in the southwest corner of Kenya, renowned for its spectacular game viewing. The breathtaking savannahs of the park are a stunning backdrop to a diverse and abundant wildlife population throughout the entire year. Lunch at the camp, before going out on the afternoon game drive
Overnight: Masai Mara National Reserve
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9, Friday - Morning & Afternoon Game Drives in the Masai Mara National Reserve
A fabulous sunrise experience! Arise before dawn to participate in today's optional Hot Air Balloon Safari. Take off in a hot air balloon as you watch the breathtaking sunrise over the Masai Mara. Drift above the beautiful landscape, watching wild game roam the vast plains below. The finale is a sumptuous champagne breakfast before returning back to camp. Today's game drives through the spectacular Masai Mara reserve focus on the "Big Five" (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino), as well as antelopes, gazelles, hippos and a variety of birdlife. A lovely dinner tonight celebrates your final night in the Mara
Optional: Sunrise Balloon Safari & Breakfast (AM)
Overnight: Masai Mara National Reserve
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10, Saturday - Travel to Nairobi, Depart Kenya
Bid farewell to the Mara this morning and return to bustling Nairobi. Passengers with early evening flights will then be transferred directly to the airport. Passengers with late evening flights will have a day-use hotel room and be transferred to the airport later in the evening. Please select flights that depart no earlier than 6:30 PM
Day Use: Nairobi
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 1, Saturday - Depart for Kenya
Depart for Kenya

DAY 2, Sunday - Arrive in Nairobi
Arrive in Nairobi, gateway to your thrilling safari in Kenya; transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to rest, acclimate to your new time zone and prepare for the African adventure that awaits you
Overnight: Nairobi

DAY 3, Monday - Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre
After an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager, depart for a visit to the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage to learn about how the orphan elephants, raised by the orphanage, are later released into the wild. Elephant calves are brought here from all over the country to receive specialized care from highly dedicated staff. Perhaps, you'll arrive there just in time to see them being exercised and bathed. Then, drive towards the Ngong Hills for a tour of the Karen Blixen Museum, once the farmhouse of the prominent author of Out of Africa. After lunch on your own, continue to Kazuri Beads Workshop, which started in 1975 as a tiny workshop making ceramic beads by hand. Today, this center produces fine examples of genuine African jewelry out of clay gathered from nearby Mt. Kenya. End the day at the Giraffe Centre where you hand-feed the Rothschild Giraffe, an endangered species, from an elevated feeding platform and learn more about their extensive conservation efforts. Dinner tonight is at a popular local restaurant
Overnight: Nairobi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 4, Tuesday - Evening Game Drive in Samburu National Park
Travel north this morning towards Samburu National Park, a spectacular 60-square-mile reserve known for its unique wildlife, rarely found in other Kenyan parks. Here, view different species of giraffe, zebra, beisa oryx and the long necked gerenuk, along with lion, cheetah, and leopard. Besides the numerous varieties of wildlife found in this game reserve, the park is also a bird haven. En route, stop for lunch at the Trout Tree Restaurant, built in an enormous fig tree below Mount Kenya. Arrive in Samburu, with its arid hills leading to the lush forested ravine of the Ewaso Nyiro River. Along these river banks, the majority of the animals gather for the promise of water. This evening, set out on your first game drive and watch the colorful African sunset before returning to the camp in time for dinner
Overnight: Samburu National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5, Wednesday - Morning & Afternoon Game Drives in Samburu National Park
Morning game drive today in the midst of this rugged and beautiful semi-arid desert of northern Kenya. Perhaps you'll see a lion, ostrich, or even a family of elephants wandering the hills. After lunch at the lodge, an afternoon drive takes you to a different area of the park. Return to the lodge for leisure time. Tonight, after dinner, an interesting lecture and discussion with a Samburu naturalist. You'll learn more about the principles and tribal traditions of the villagers living in the northern foothills of Mount Kenya
Overnight: Samburu National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6, Thursday - Game Viewing in Aberdare National Park
Today, travel southwest to the heart of Aberdare National Park. Arrive at The Ark, one of Kenya's iconic tree lodges. The Ark is designed with layers of decks overlooking a floodlit watering hole and salt lick that attracts a huge amount of wildlife all day and night. The many different balconies and lounges provide superb vantage points for game viewing. A ground level bunker provides excellent photographic opportunities and takes you up-close to the animals; see elephant, buffalo, bushbuck and occasionally a rhino
Overnight: Aberdare National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7, Friday - Game Drive in Lake Nakuru National Park
Today, explore Lake Nakuru National Park, dominated by the shallow waters of the lake at its center, best known for its pink flamingos, white rhino, lion, and the elusive leopard. The birdlife here is absolutely superb, with over 450 species recorded - at certain times of year there are over a million flamingos. Drive to the edge of the lake to view thousands of birds feeding in the alkaline water, see the sweeping view from the top of Baboon Rocks, then look for warthogs and waterbucks. Nakuru is also one of the best places in Kenya to see black and white rhino, and for making daytime leopard sightings. Afterward, continue to your lodge where you will spend the remainder of the evening at leisure
Overnight: Lake Naivasha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8, Saturday - Afternoon Game Drive in the Masai Mara National Reserve
Early drive to the magical Masai Mara National Reserve in the southwest corner of Kenya, renowned for its spectacular game viewing. The breathtaking savannahs of the park are a stunning backdrop to a diverse and abundant wildlife population throughout the entire year. Lunch at the camp, before going out on the afternoon game drive
Overnight: Masai Mara National Reserve
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9, Sunday - Morning & Afternoon Game Drives in the Masai Mara National Reserve
A fabulous sunrise experience! Arise before dawn to participate in today's optional Hot Air Balloon Safari. Take off in a hot air balloon as you watch the breathtaking sunrise over the Masai Mara. Drift above the beautiful landscape, watching wild game roam the vast plains below. The finale is a sumptuous champagne breakfast before returning back to camp. Today's game drives through the spectacular Masai Mara reserve focus on the "Big Five" (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino), as well as antelopes, gazelles, hippos and a variety of birdlife. A lovely dinner tonight celebrates your final night in the Mara
Optional: Sunrise Balloon Safari & Breakfast (AM)
Overnight: Masai Mara National Reserve
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10, Monday - Travel to Nairobi, Depart Kenya
Bid farewell to the Mara this morning and return to bustling Nairobi. Passengers with early evening flights will then be transferred directly to the airport. Passengers with late evening flights will have a day-use hotel room and be transferred to the airport later in the evening. Please select flights that depart no earlier than 6:30 PM
Day Use: Nairobi
Meals: Breakfast

Book Now!

Discovery Tours itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.

Thursday Departure
Saturday Departure

Emara Ole Sereni, Nairobi

This deluxe hotel is located near Nairobi National Park.

Hotel Details

Ashnil Samburu Camp, Buffalo Springs Game Reserve

This first class camp is located within the Buffalo Springs Game Reserve and overlooks the plains and Ewaso Nyiro River.

Hotel Details

The Ark, Aberdare National Park

This first class hotel is located in Aberdare National Park.

Hotel Details

Great Rift Valley Lodge, Naivasha, Nakuru

This first class hotel overlooks Lake Naivasha.

Hotel Details

Mara Intrepids Camp, Masai Mara National Reserve

This first class hotel is located in a lovely location overlooking the Talek River.

Hotel Details

Emara Ole Sereni, Nairobi

This deluxe hotel is located near Nairobi National Park.

Hotel Details

Samburu Simba Lodge, Buffalo Springs Game Reserve

This first class hotel is located in the Buffalo Springs Game Reserve, overlooking the Uaso Nyiro River.

Hotel Details

The Ark, Aberdare National Park

This first class hotel is located in Aberdare National Park.

Hotel Details

Great Rift Valley Lodge, Naivasha, Nakuru

This first class hotel overlooks Lake Naivasha.

Hotel Details

Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp, Lake Elmentaita, Nakuru

This first class camp overlooks Lake Elmenteita.

Hotel Details

Mara Intrepids Camp, Masai Mara National Reserve

This first class hotel is located in a lovely location overlooking the Talek River.

Hotel Details

Book your Optional Tours before you travel. See more, save time, save money.

Tours purchased while travelling may cost an extra 10% or more
Tours often sell out. Avoid disappointment
Save your cash. Credit card processing may not be possible locally

Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure
Book Online or call to book these tours up to 1 week before your departure
The day the optionals operate varies by the day of the week

Masai Mara Sunrise Balloon Safari & Breakfast

Arise before dawn, and take off in a hot air balloon as you watch the breathtaking sunrise over the Masai Mara. Drift above the beautiful landscape, watching wild game roam the vast plains below. The finale is a sumptuous champagne breakfast before beginning today’s game drive.*

*Please note that departure time for this excursion is very early in the morning, 5 AM or earlier. Agility is required to embark and disembark the balloon basket. Wildlife viewing, quantity and species of animals seen is dependent upon local conditions including weather, wind and seasonal migration patterns. The take-off time and the duration of the flight and tour may vary due to weather conditions. Balloon rides vary but are usually 45 minutes to an hour.

Approximate tour duration is 2 hours.

*Please note that the group’s morning game drive will begin while en route to pick you up, and may see other wildlife before you’ve rejoined the group.

**Due to limited capacity, advanced booking is recommended for this tour. Please be advised that this is not an exclusive tour

Day #9	01 Jan 2022 - 30 Apr 2024	$480.00

Masai Mara Sunrise Balloon Safari & Breakfast

Day #9	01 Jan 2022 - 30 Apr 2024	$480.00

Professional Photos

19 Day Kenya & Tanzania Safari Exploration, January 2022

I know you're swamped with travel challenges, but I just want to share my excellent experience in Kenya and Tanzania and thank you for another great Gate 1 trip! We've had many incredible tour managers with Gate 1 and Wolfugan in Tanzania has now taken top spot. He was attentive to our every need, but so much more. He was a wealth of information which he shared in such interesting ways, providing us with great insight into the country, the culture, and the amazing wildlife. He didn't always just answer a question, he sometimes encouraged us to think by asking a question back and truly engaging us in learning. We are avid birders, so we asked him to point out birds along the way that he might not otherwise. His knowledge of all the local birds was beyond my imagination and his ability to spot an interesting bird while driving a game vehicle blew us away. The other two people in our game drive vehicle soon became birders too! His knowledge of the wildlife was superb as expected and his ability to maneuver the vehicle into just the right spot for viewing and even considered the lighting for great photographs allowed me to get the most amazing photographs and memories for a life time. Wolfugan truly went the extra mile to ensure we were having the best experience on drives, in our lodging, and at our meals. He made us comfortable with all of the Covid requirements being managed. He was friendly, personable, obviously very intelligent, and a delight to be around. I've been back home for a week, but my heart is still in Africa. Thank you Gate 1 for another amazing adventure!

Joyce T.

Kenya Safari Exploration , August 2017

Wonderful! Daniel was an excellent guide. He worked at providing animals and birds for all to see. His expertise in the area was apparent from the beginning to the end. Daniel took excellent care of us the whole trip. He was patient and catered to the needs of his group. Thank you for a lifetime experience!

Charlene R. Lake View, NY

Kenya Safari Exploration , June 2017

We had a fantastic time. Our guides were extraordinary and they were very knowledgeable. Daniel was our guide and we enjoyed every minute of him. We so many animals. It was beyond our expectations. Seeing so many lions, eight cheetahs, and two leopards is beyond our dreams. The hotels were very appreciated. We will definitely consider Gate 1 again.

Barbara M. Bend, OR

Kenya Safari Exploration, April 2017

The trip was wonderful and far exceeded my expectations.............from the different towns we visited, to the wide variety of animals the first class accommodations, and especially our guides/drivers- Jeff and James. These 2 were wonderful and very accommodating......and that's not always easy with multiple people and personalities. They were great and I would recommend them to anyone who goes to Kenya. Overall, the Gate 1 experience was remarkable. I will definitely use Gate 1 again and I'm already considering my next adventure. I've also recommended Gate 1 to several of my friends since I've been back. Thank you for helping make my experience so wonderful...........you will definitely hear from me again!

Amanda H. Spring, TX

Kenya Safari Exploration, September 2016

Just wanted to thank the entire staff that was involved in anyway with this tour. This vacation has been a dream of mine for as long as I could remember. Starting from the first person who helped me arrange this booking, to the hotel staff, guides/drivers, and all other staff members, they made this an awesome vacation! The birthday celebration was also a sweet and unexpected surprise! You guys just rock! Thank you so much!

Joyce Y. Aloha, OR

Kenya Safari Exploration, May 2016

OMG!!!!How can I find the words to express the most incredible experience ever!!! This was my 4th safari and this exceeded my expectations. Our host Mungai aka James was fantastic. His wisdom and knowledge were tremendous. We saw every animal with the exception of a Leopard. The accommodations were great along with the food and staff at the facilities .Our vehicle was very comfortable and we had a blast 4 wheeling through the Mara.I am a loyal traveler now...nothing compares to Gate 1 ...I plan on traveling the world and can afford to live my dreams because of your wonderful company.THANK YOU for giving me a trip of a LIFETIME.

Nancy A. Panama City, FL