Gemfinders Safaris

Begin your safari adventure with a visit to Nairobi National Park, located just a short distance from the city center. This unique park offers the rare sight of wildlife with the city skyline as a backdrop. Spot lions, giraffes, zebras, and rhinos as you explore the park’s expansive grasslands. It’s a perfect introduction to Kenya’s wildlife.

After breakfast, head to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, renowned for its rhino sanctuary, which houses both black and white rhinos, and the Chimpsanzee Sanctuary, one of the few places in Kenya where you can see chimpanzees. This afternoon, enjoy an exciting game drive through the conservancy and observe a variety of wildlife, including giraffes, elephants, and the elusive leopard.

Today, journey to Samburu National Reserve in the northern part of Kenya. This reserve is home to unique wildlife species such as Grevy’s zebras, Somali ostriches, and the reticulated giraffe. The arid landscapes are contrasted by the Uaso Nyiro River, which supports a rich diversity of animals. Your afternoon game drive will introduce you to Samburu’s varied wildlife.

Enjoy a full day of game drives in Samburu National Reserve. The morning and afternoon drives will give you plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife such as elephants, lions, cheetahs, and the rare Beisa oryx. As you explore, you may also encounter some of the indigenous Samburu people, known for their vibrant culture and unique traditions.

Today, drive south to Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its flamingos, which can often be seen lining the shores, especially during migration seasons. The park is also home to a rhino sanctuary, providing an excellent opportunity to see both black and white rhinos in their natural habitat. Enjoy a scenic game drive along the lake’s shore.

Embark on a full day of game drives and birdwatching in Lake Nakuru National Park. In addition to flamingos, you might spot leopards, lions, rhinos, and various bird species, including the endangered white-backed vulture. Take your time to appreciate the park’s scenic beauty and diverse wildlife.

Head to Lake Bogoria, a stunning alkaline lake known for its hot springs and large concentrations of flamingos. It’s a peaceful and less-visited destination, offering beautiful views and a chance to relax in the serene environment. Enjoy an afternoon visit to the lake’s hot springs, and marvel at the birdlife.

Drive to Lake Baringo, a freshwater lake famous for its rich birdlife and tranquil atmosphere. A boat ride on the lake will provide opportunities to spot hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of waterbirds such as pelicans, herons, and kingfishers.

Travel to Saiwa Swamp, a hidden gem that’s home to the rare and elusive sitatunga antelope. The swamp is perfect for a walking safari or birdwatching excursion, allowing you to explore its peaceful, lush environment. Keep an eye out for various birds, including the African Jacana.

Drive to Kakamega Forest, the last remaining tropical rainforest in Kenya. This rich ecosystem is home to various species of monkeys, birds, and other wildlife. Spend the day birdwatching and exploring the forest’s lush trails, with the chance to spot rare species such as the blue-headed bee-eater and black-and-white colobus monkeys.

Travel towards Lake Victoria, the largest freshwater lake in Africa. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the lake and the chance to participate in water-based activities like boat trips or fishing. The surrounding area is home to unique cultures, which you can explore through local visits to villages along the lake.

Start your day early with a pick-up from your accommodation in Kisumu. The drive to Masai Mara takes around 5-6 hours, depending on the road conditions, with picturesque views of the Kenyan countryside along the way. Enjoy lunch at a scenic stop en route. Upon arrival at Masai Mara in the afternoon, check in at your lodge or camp and relax before heading out for your first game drive. The game drive offers a chance to spot some of the Big Five, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, and perhaps even leopards.

Begin your day early with breakfast, then head out for a full-day game drive across the Masai Mara. The morning hours are ideal for spotting predators like lions and leopards on the hunt. As you journey through open plains and woodlands, watch for elephants, giraffes, zebras, and countless bird species. Around midday, enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush before continuing your exploration into the afternoon. Return in the evening with a camera full of memories and stories of the day’s wildlife encounters.

Set off once again at sunrise for another full-day adventure through a different region of the Masai Mara. With new terrain comes new sightings—perhaps a pride of lions, a cheetah sprint, or a herd of buffalo in motion. Visit the Mara River, a hotspot for crocodiles, hippos, and dramatic wildlife action during migration season. Enjoy another bush picnic and take in the sweeping views as the savannah unfolds around you. Wrap up the day with a final drive back, filled with unforgettable sights and sounds from the heart of the wild.

After an early breakfast in Masai Mara, head to a nearby Maasai village for a cultural experience. The Maasai people, famous for their traditional attire and rich cultural heritage, will welcome you to their village. Here, you can learn about their customs, traditions, and way of life. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in a traditional dance and visit a Maasai homestead to understand how they live in harmony with nature.

After this enriching cultural visit, continue your journey to Lake Naivasha, approximately 5-6 hours away. En route, you’ll drive through the Great Rift Valley, stopping at scenic viewpoints to capture the landscape. Once you arrive at Lake Naivasha, enjoy a relaxing lunch before heading out for an afternoon boat ride on the lake, famous for its large hippo population and birdwatching opportunities.

In the late afternoon, visit Crescent Island, a private wildlife sanctuary located on Lake Naivasha. This island is home to a variety of animals, including giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest, and is a great spot for walking safaris. You’ll be able to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and observe wildlife in their natural habitat. Return to your accommodation in Lake Naivasha for dinner and an overnight stay.

After a morning breakfast at your accommodation near Lake Naivasha, enjoy a last stroll around the scenic lake or a final visit to Hell’s Gate National Park if you haven’t yet explored it in its entirety. Hell’s Gate is known for its impressive landscapes, including geothermal activity, dramatic cliffs, and gorges. Take a walk or ride a bike through the park, with opportunities to see wildlife like giraffes, zebras, and gazelles against the backdrop of rugged terrain.

After your visit to Hell’s Gate, begin your drive south towards Amboseli National Park, famous for its vast elephant herds and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. The journey takes around 5 to 6 hours, passing through beautiful landscapes and villages. Stop for scenic photos and a break along the way.

Upon arrival in Amboseli, check into your accommodation, and after a short rest, head out for an evening game drive in search of the park’s famous elephants and other wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and various bird species.

Spend this day in Amboseli, with game drives in the mornings and evenings. The park’s diverse wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, lions, and cheetahs, will make for fantastic viewing. The stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro add to the allure of the park, especially in the early morning light.

Start your day with a morning game drive in Tsavo West National Park, exploring its rugged landscapes, lava flows, and diverse wildlife. Keep an eye out for rhinos at the Ngulia Sanctuary, as well as elephants, zebras, and leopards moving through the bush.

After your morning adventure, continue on to the lush Taita Hills Forest Reserve for a peaceful midday break and a chance to experience its unique flora and cooler highland atmosphere.

Begin your day with a morning game drive in Tsavo East National Park, where vast plains and red-dusted landscapes are home to elephants, lions, giraffes, and a wealth of birdlife.

After soaking in the raw beauty and wildlife of one of Kenya’s largest parks, continue your journey to the Shimba Hills National Reserve. This coastal forest reserve offers a striking contrast with its lush greenery, rolling hills, and cooler climate. Here, you’ll have the chance to spot the rare sable antelope, along with forest elephants, bushy-tailed mongoose, and a variety of birds. Scenic viewpoints and forest trails make it a peaceful end to a day rich in wildlife and diverse landscapes.

Spend two days in Arabuko Sokoke Forest, East Africa’s largest coastal forest. This forest is home to a variety of wildlife and offers fantastic birdwatch

After a morning in Arabuko Sokoke Forest, one of East Africa’s largest and most biodiverse coastal forests, head towards Mida Creek, just a short drive away. Arabuko Sokoke is home to an array of rare wildlife, including the endemic Sokoke Scops Owl, and offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching and nature walks. Explore its diverse habitats, from tropical dry forest to mangrove swamps, where you can see monkeys, butterflies, and various bird species.

In the afternoon, journey to Mida Creek, known for its scenic beauty and rich ecosystem. This peaceful coastal wetland is a haven for birdwatchers, especially during migratory seasons. Upon arrival, you’ll have time to relax and take in the picturesque surroundings of the creek. Enjoy a boat ride through the mangrove forests, observing the unique ecosystem of this coastal gem.

As the day winds down, enjoy the tranquil environment and perhaps participate in a guided walk to learn about the area’s importance for conservation and the local community.

On the final day of your safari, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before departing Mida Creek and traveling to Malindi, a charming coastal town. In Malindi, you can explore the local markets, visit historical sites, or simply relax on the beach.

In the afternoon, drive to Nairobi (approximately 7-8 hours) for your flight back home or further adventures. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a brief stopover in Nairobi, where you can visit local attractions or enjoy a farewell dinner before heading to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.