- See the prolific wildlife of the Masai Mara, including lions, elephants, hippos and giraffes
- Discover Lake Nakuru, home to black and white rhinos
- Enjoy game drives, short nature walks, and optional cultural village and walking excursions
- Well located accommodation for post-safari relaxation
Classic Kenya 4WD Safari
7 Days
Excluding Flights
8 Days
from
Wildlife
Activity Level
Easy & Moderate
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.
Comfort Level
Classic
Itinerary
Nairobi Nairobi
Depart London
Start Nairobi; to Lake Naivasha; optional afternoon nature walk
The adventure begins at our partner hotel in Nairobi (see the Joining Instructions for more information). With the group gathered together, we drive north to the edge of the escarpment over the Rift Valley before descending into the valley and to Lake Naivasha, where we enjoy a morning boat ride. We continue for a further 1hr 30min to Lake Elementaita, where we check into our lodge and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, there is an optional (additional cost) guided nature walk available.
Accommodation: Sentrim Elementaita Lodge (or similar)
Arrive Nairobi; to Lake Naivasha; optional afternoon nature walk
On arrival, we meet with those not travelling on the group flight at our partner hotel in Nairobi. We drive north to the edge of the escarpment over the Rift Valley before descending into the valley and to Lake Naivasha, where we enjoy a morning boat ride. We continue for a further 1hr 30min to Lake Elementaita, where we check into our lodge and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, there is an optional (additional cost) guided nature walk available.
Accommodation: Sentrim Elementaita Lodge or similar
Morning and afternoon game drives in Lake Nakuru National Park
It’s an early start today for a 30-minute drive to Lake Nakuru National Park. We enjoy a full day of game drives, with a packed lunch from our lodge to maximise game-viewing time. We hope to see many animals including gazelles, impalas and giraffes. We are also on the lookout for predators as well as unique bird life.
This national park is world-renowned for its (dwindling) flamingo population, made famous by Denys Finch Hatton’s flight over it in the film Out of Africa (1985). Nakuru is also the best place in East Africa for white rhino, and it is not unusual to see at least a dozen in a day. Coupled with this, there is a healthy buffalo population, many other plain animals and frequent leopard sightings.
Accommodation: Sentrim Elementaita Lodge (or similar)
Masai Mara
We have a beautiful, bumpy drive (approximately five hours including comfort stops) to the Mara. We arrive in the early afternoon in time for lunch and check in afterwards. Departing at 4pm, we enjoy the first of several game drives in this remarkable area. Returning to the lodge for dinner, we enjoy a relaxed evening in beautiful surroundings.
During time off, you can rest in your private tents, the lounge tent or watch the animals from the deck of your tent. If you fancy a lie-in one day or an optional nature walk, this can easily be arranged.
The Masai Mara is one of the most famous ecosystems in the world. This vast grassland is teeming with life: wildebeest, gazelles, topis, zebras and buffalo abound in the rolling savannah, and never far away are the predators: cheetahs, lions and hyenas. Between mid-August and late October, one of the greatest spectacles on Earth takes place in the Masai Mara – the annual migration of thousands of wildebeest, gazelles and zebras trampling across the long grass. Nothing is guaranteed on safari, but with the help of our brilliant guides you should see and learn a huge amount about the Masai Mara wildlife during our game drives. As a climax, there is also the option of taking a sunrise balloon ride over the African plains (subject to weather conditions and availability).
Accommodation: Mara Kimana Camp (or similar)
Transfer to Nairobi
We leave after breakfast and return to Nairobi. We spend our last night in Nairobi. Nairobi is commonly known as ‘The Green city in the sun’.
Accommodation: Sarova Panafric Nairobi (or similar)
End Nairobi
The trip ends today in Nairobi and we begin our return journeys home. If you’d like more time to explore the capital of Kenya, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Fly to London
Fly to London
Post-trip Extensions
Zanzibar
If you are keen to end your trip on a (very) relaxed note, Zanzibar is a place to walk on the beach, explore the colourful offshore reef, or simply soak up the sun. You can choose to add as many extra nights to your trip as you wish; your time on the island will be at leisure. We transfer to Nairobi Airport and fly to Zanzibar; on arrival we transfer to the southwest coast of the island. The accommodation used, Fumba Beach Lodge, is far from other developments, the peace is all encompassing and there is a long strip of private beach, pool, spa, diving centre and spacious rooms. Please note, on Zanzibar you will be met and transferred between the airport and hotel but you are not escorted or guided. If you choose to take advantage of this opportunity then we can arrange flights for you to Zanzibar and book the hotel on half board and include all the transfers needed. We can provide you with a price once we know your requirements.
We can also book other hotels for you on the island including Kichanga Lodge and Tembo Hotel.
Please contact your sales representative for details.
Lodge, tented camp and hotel
On this classic safari adventure in Kenya, we stay in a trio of four-star properties. Below are the places we typically use on this trip.
Lake Elementaita: Sentrim Elementaita Lodge (nights 1-2)
Our first two nights are spent by the vast Lake Elementaita with a stay at Sentrim Elementaita Lodge. It’s well placed for our exploration of Lake Nakuru National Park, which is just a 30-minute drive away; when we’re not on safari, enjoy views over Lake Elementaita from the year-round pool (or one of the loungers next to it) and discuss your day’s adventure at the bar.
Masai Mara: Mara Kimana Camp (nights 3-5)
Our Masai Mara camp is on the banks of the Sekenani River, where wildlife regularly comes to drink. We stay in permanent tents with private bathrooms, each linked by walkways among ancient jackalberry trees. We sleep on proper beds and there is electricity in the tents plus hot water for showers.
Nairobi: Sarova Panafric (night 6)
Our last night is spent at the Sarova Panafric in Nairobi, just a five-minute drive from the CBD. Though it’s close to the action there’s plenty to keep you entertained here, including a temperature-controlled pool, next to which you’ll find The Deck bar and lounge. There’s also the Flame Tree Restaurant and Bar, which serves Pan-African, Continental and Pan-Asian dishes and has a hidden garden.
Trip Experts
John Penge
Product Manager Africa
Reviews
Add your own reviewAmazing Safari
A fantastic week. Saw the Big 5 and lots more. A great balance between travel and relaxing.
Most Inspirational Moment
Taking a balloon ride over the Masai Mara.
Thoughts on Group Leader
James our guide and driver was great. We felt so looked after.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Do this trip!
Mesmerising Kenya
where do I start!! we saw the big 5 and more it was amazing to be so close to the animals in their natural environment, watching a lion walk towards us was breath-taking and seeing the migration is a once in a lifetime experience. our leader a massi warrior Jackson was incredible at spotting animals for us even the birds, a tortoise, cheetah with her kill, leopards up a tree with its kill, elephants I can go on the migration season is the perfect time to see them all. I am blown away by the close proximity that we got to most of the animals without disturbing them that we could hear then pull the grass out and hear them chew. To have zebra crossing Infront and behind us, seeing the giraffe so close you can almost touch them, I’m bowled over by the whole trip, I have priceless memories for life!! I feel very lucky that I have had the chance to experience all I saw on this amazing trip
Most Inspirational Moment
floating above the mara in a hot air balloon at sunrise was magical!! seeing how vast the mara is and its many colour from high above is something I will never forget. Then after the balloon ride our driver for the morning found us a pride of lions that had a recent kill, we got so close to them we could hear them breathing!! also seeing the local maasi village and hearing the beautiful voices of the men and women singing their songs with no instruments was amazing, the pure joy and welcoming nature of all the people we met was beautiful. they seem to have music pulsating from their entire being!!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our Maasi guide Jackson was amazing!! he has amazing eyesight spotting all the big 5 for us even the black rhino which looked like it was 1km away!! Jackson was amazing giving us answers to questions we had about the animals and his life too. he went out of his way to help me when I was purchasing some goods at a shop and got me a good price. I have made a friend for life in Jackson!!
Advice for Potential Travellers
you will eat lots the food at all the hotels is amazing!! there will be noises at night so take ear plugs!! this trip will leave you smiling and feeling so lucky to be in the presence of such majestic animals
Beautiful Kenya
What a fantastic trip! We were blown away by the sheer amount of wildlife sightings from lions, elephants and cheetah to hyena, hippos, buffalo and lots of colourful birds. The lodge (Sentrim Elementaita) and camp were all comfortable and well equipped, with spacious rooms and a good variety of food. Our tour leader (Gilbert) and drivers (Robert & Olli) were all excellent and shared lots of information on the local geography and culture on the long drives.
Most Inspirational Moment
The sheer amount of wildlife we saw throughout was amazing, but within half an hour of entering the Maasai Mara we saw a cheetah with a kill! We also did the balloon trip - it wasn't our first, but floating over the Maasai Mara and seeing all the animals below was something we'll treasure.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Gilbert, our group leader, was excellent. He was clearly very experienced, even recognising a fellow traveller from a previous trip some years before. We had 2 vehicles on the tour and he made sure he split his time equally between both, and always kept the group on track time-wise. He also spent time with the group during mealtimes, sharing insights about Kenya's history and culture. From a personal perspective, he helped us enormously when my husband realised he'd lost his wallet whilst in the check in queue at the airport. One call to Gilbert and the wallet was located back at the hotel. He then arranged for it, and the cash inside, to be returned to us back in the UK.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't take too much cash - there are ATMs around and the tour leader will guide you. We were also able to pay by card for the balloon trip, which we hadn't expected.
A Privilege
It was a privilege to be part of this journey through Kenya and to be able to see the fantastic wildlife there. The number and close views of lion, leopard, buffalo, two types of rhino, wildebeest, mongoose, hyena, elephant, giraffe, various monkeys, jackal, warthog, zebra, various gazelle and antelope, cheetah, croc….( I could go on!) in one week was amazing. We saw maybe 80-90 species of bird that were new to us.
The trip was well organised and the guides and accommodation were excellent. The travelling was fine and the vehicles very good. It was easy to take photos from the vehicles. The March weather was hotter than usual and overall the trip was quite tiring, though not demanding in terms of walking. We flew to Nairobi a day early, which suited us. Overall a great trip, leaving us wanting to return.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing a leopard at close quarters.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Davis and Peter were very helpful and knowledgeable. They took any minor hitches very seriously sorted them quickly and generally were very professional.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take plenty of money as Kenya isn't cheap.
Kenya delivers
This was my third trip to Kenya on safari. For me it just gets better. Of course there is a lot of luck involved, but the professionalism and determination of the guides ensures that you will enjoy a memorable safari adventure.
Most Inspirational Moment
This is always a very difficult question to answer, when you are presented with such a variety of sittings. How can you follow seeing Lions, leopard and Cheetah.Not too mention many other species in between. My personal inspirational moment was taking a photograph of a single female cheetah which had just jumped up a tree in front of us to take a look at what might be on the menu for lunch.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader was, Davis. (Peter was the other guide/driver). I have been in groups with both and Davis comes with a track record which is difficult to surpass. Very competent driver, superb knowledge and a great organiser and communicator. I'm sure that we will meet again in the not so distant future when I again travel to the Massi Mara.
Advice for Potential Travellers
There are some long drives, comfort stops are plenty. It can be a bit bumpy (so what). depending on the time of the year it can be a bit dusty. Otherwise prepare yourself for a great adventure. Sit back and enjoy it. From your pictures you will relive the moments for years to come.
Classic 4WD Safari - Captivating Kenya
This holiday met every expectation – brilliant safari, comfortable accommodations and knowledgeable, efficient tour operators. I had a fantastic time.
There were 2 long drives, but to end up in the Masai Mara was well worth the effort of sitting in the back of the safari vehicle for several hours chatting to my fellow travellers and taking in the Kenyan countryside, villages and villagers. We visited 2 lakeside safaris and stayed in a lovely lodge with a beautiful view, but once in the Mara, the real trip began in earnest. We had ample opportunity to see an enormous variety of animals and birds. Peter and Hassan took us to all the best spots to see lions by the side of the road, a leopard with its prey up a tree, hippos, cheetah, giraffes, elephants, baboons and all the wonderful impala, Thompson’s giselle, topi and many many more species all grazing in beautiful herds or hiding out in the bushes and water holes waiting to pounce. There were a lot of babies and young animals in Feb. and not too many other vehicles to contend with while viewing them.
The Ilkeliani Camp was magical: spacious comfortable tents with very effecient bathrooms. A Masai warrior escorted you after sunset safely to or from the dining tent or the sitting/bar tent or the tree top lookout. Elijah and Joseph cooked up wonderful dinners with excellent vegetarian selections included. The food was really top notch, especially considering the remoteness of our location. All the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful and took great care to spoil everyone. Our trip included a visit to the Masai village, with a welcoming dance and a fantastic jumping display. It would have been nice to have brought some gifts to the villagers. Perhaps Exodus could include a link with suggestions. There was also a balloon ride which I didn’t do.
The weather was kind and it didn’t rain, wasn’t too hot and although I took my malaria pills, there didn’t seem to be many mosquitos if any. The tents were all perfectly netted and protected as were the rooms at Sunbird Lodge. If you’re travelling alone, I do recommend paying the single supplement for a little peace and quiet and privacy at the end of the busy days.
Most Inspirational Moment
It was inspiring to see the numbers of lions and cheetah and all the various big game, and how healthy they all looked. This conservation seems very well managed and I am happy to think that my grandchildren will be able to enjoy seeing these magnificient animals in the wild. I was also inspired to learn that the Masai women receive education and no longer have to marry at 13.
Thoughts on Group Leader
I thought a lot of our group leader - Peter. He was very organised, very charming and efficient with his evening briefings. I had to change room at the Sunbird Lodge and he took care of arranging this even though they were very busy and it was inconvenient. I could not manage the steep steps down to my room due to some medical issues. On the safari drives Peter found all the good spots to view the animals and was very patient with all the group's individual wishes. He was very knowledgeable about the area, the animals and able to answer all the various questions we threw at him. I had complete confidence in his driving on the long and rather perilous drives to and from the Mara.
Advice for Potential Travellers
You don't need to bring towels, mosquito nets. Pay the single supplement. Read the notes thoroughly for all the good money tips. Bring pencils, books, second hand clothes to gift the Masai villagers.
Wonderful trip!
The wildlife was amazing, the guide was the best, and we were very well taken care of at the lodges and campsites. It was a trip to remember (and maybe go back someday).
Most Inspirational Moment
The hot air balloon ride was definitely a highlight of the trip.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our guide was great at finding animals and had a wonderful presence.
Excellent experience
Fabulous trip watching the wonderful wildlife. The roads are bumpy but that just adds to the experience.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing the animals up close and in the wild, especially getting within feet of a leopard. Also loved ilkeliani camp-made for a magical experience. My husband really loved the hot air balloon ride.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Lovely guys and who were respectful of the wildlife, unlike other companies Who we felt got far to close and were intrusive of the animals around them. Everything we asked of them they delivered, I even jokingly asked for cheetah chasing a wildebeest which lo-and-behold they delivered!! We saw every animal we wanted to see. Thanks guys!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for some early starts but these are totally worth it. There are no toilets in the mara, it's behind the bushes only so take handgel and anti bac wipes. Take extra spending money for the gift shops and don't be afraid to haggle-Start at least 50% of what is quoted and don't be afraid to walk away. Water is provided in all hotels but only one bottle each a day so buy some water on route to Nakuru as its far more cost effective. Lastly, don't go with a fixed idea of what u want to see- this is nature and there's no guarantee. Be open minded and you'll love it.
Unforgettable week
A truly memorable week packed with up-close animal encounters in their wild and free environment.
Really helped us understand animal behaviours and the urgent need to preserve their precious habitats.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing 7 male cheetahs together in a group- even our guides were amazed!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Both leaders very friendly, knowledgable and respectful of rules of the reserves.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take large SD cards! It’s a full-on week, game drive from the day you arrive . Some in our group went to Nairobi 2 days early to rest and acclimatise to the heat .
Classic Kenya 4WD Safari - Brilliant
This was my 22nd trip with Exodus so I had no worries in embarking on tented accommodation, it makes a change from being pampered in a hotel. All the staff were very friendly and looked after us very well. It was a perfect time to experience the Masai Mara – by going in the low season you avoid the crowds the migration draws and you have a better view of the wildlife in the low grass.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing a cheetah with a kill, zebras fighting, giraffes necking and a leopard (never seen one before in the wild). The variety of wildlife was amazing including the young that had been born prior to the wet season.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Both Peter and Davis were great. Very well organised, kept in constant touch (almost!), everything ran to time. Peter said each day would bring us something special and he was true to his word. I couldn't believe how each day gave us scenes that got better and better.
Advice for Potential Travellers
We travelled out to Nairobi ahead of the main group. This was due to the night flight followed by a long journey to the first hotel which we have experienced in the past. As there is so much to see en route it is a shame to miss it due to tiredness. Take a sink plug as there is no plug in the tented accommodation. Take plenty of insect repellent - although I had a variety, which was well used, I was still bitten over 100 times, but not by mosquitos. Be prepared to put on weight as you get little exercise apart from the rush of adrenaline and the massages provided by the seats of the landcruisers!
Start
Finish
Availability
Land Only Trip Price
Optional Single Supplement
Saturday Friday
12 Oct 2024 11 Oct 2024
Friday Friday
18 Oct 2024 18 Oct 2024
Availability Guaranteed (On Request)
Land Only Trip Price USD 4800
Optional Single Supplement
+USD 540
Available upon Request
Migration Season
Migration Season
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWould you like to include flights with your booking?
- ATOL protected
- Competitive flight prices
- Full refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
- Specialist support to rearrange flights and transfers
- Regional flights available from many UK airports
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Classic Kenya 4WD Safari
7 Days
Excluding Flights
8 Days
from