Southern Kenya (12 days)

Our 12 days Southern Kenya trip brings you the highlights of Kenya expect to see the best of wildlife in Maasai Mara, the Flamingos and Rhinos of Lake Nakuru, the famous elephant herds of Amboseli, big game in Tsavo East and relaxing at Diani Beach at the coast.

This trip specifically includes the most important and well-known national parks and other places of interest of Southern Kenya: Maasai Mara National Reserve, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli National Park, Tsavo East National Park and Diani Beach.

Highlights

Highlights

  • Game drives (safaris) in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The Maasai Mara is famous for its large herds of wildebeest and zebras and large prides of lions. The Mara is home to the Big 5
  • Take a guided boat cruise on Lake Naivasha, including a visit to Crescent Island
  • The millions of Greater and Lesser Flamingos which gather at Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru
  • View the White Rhinos in Lake Nakuru
  • Walking through the biggest Euphorbia forest in Africa at Lake Nakuru National Park
  • Viewing the largest herds of elephants in Amboseli and magnificent views of Kilimanjaro Mountain across the border in Tanzania
  • Enjoy the great wildlife viewing in pristine wilderness in Tsavo East National Park, home to the Big 5
  • Relaxing at the Diani Beach
Photos

Photos

Video

Route

Route

Day 1
Nairobi Airport - Nairobi
Day 2
Nairobi – Maasai Mara National Reserve
Day 3
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Day 4
Maasai Mara National Reserve - Lake Naivasha
Day 5
Lake Naivasha - Lake Nakuru - Lake Naivasha
Day 6
Lake Naivasha - Amboseli National Park
Day 7
Amboseli National Park
Day 8
Amboseli National Park- Tsavo East National Park
Day 9
Tsavo East National Park – Diani Beach
Day 10
Diani Beach
Day 11
Diani Beach
Day 12
Diani Beach – Mombasa Airport
Map Southern Kenya (12 days)
Day to day

Day to day program

Day 1

Nairobi Airport - Nairobi

Arrival at Nairobi airport. Your guide will be there waiting for you. Pick up and proceed to your accommodation.

Included: airport transfer

Day 2

Nairobi – Maasai Mara National Reserve

After breakfast head to Kenya's most famous reserve, Maasai Mara! Along the way you will get acquainted with the versatility of Kenya, its colourful villages, beautiful plantations and landscape as you cruise through the rift valley. You can always ask your driver guide to stop if you’d like to shortly see the viewpoints or the market at Narok. Once you have arrived in the Maasai Mara you will find yourself in a true paradise, a beautiful nature reserve with many animals! 

In the afternoon you will take a short game drive to be acquainted to the surroundings and get in the groove for animal spotting. At sunset return to the camp for dinner and overnight.

Included: game drive

Day 3

Maasai Mara National Reserve

A full day of game tracking is planned for this day. After an early breakfast, set off with your guide and bring along picnic lunches, so you can enjoy all the beauty that the Maasai Mara has to offer throughout the day. The game drives take you through the hills with vast savannas and deep, water-filled gorges. Water presence is a major reason why wildlife is so popular here. 

Based on the time of the year you travel to Kenya, you may be treated for the "great migration". This is the migration of thousands of wildebeests and zebras that takes place every year between the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara in Kenya. In addition, the large herds attract many other animal species especially predators. 

Included: game drive

Day 4

Maasai Mara National Reserve - Lake Naivasha

After an early breakfast head to the next destination, Lake Naivasha. On the way there is a lot to see and take in along the way as you leave the Maasai Land. You arrive in Naivasha at the beginning of the afternoon for a late lunch.

After lunch you have plenty of time to explore the immediate surroundings. Towards the end of the afternoon you will go for a boat trip on Lake Naivasha, discover how enormous the lake is, with all the animals that live in and around. Not only the hippos and water birds, but also small animals are regularly seen on the marshy shores of the lake. 

Furthermore you have a magnificent view over the sunset from the lake. After your boat trip you will return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Included: boat trip

Day 5

Lake Naivasha - Lake Nakuru - Lake Naivasha

On this day you take a day’s trip to Lake Nakuru National Park.

Lake Nakuru national park has a lake in the middle of the park from which it derives its name as the park goes all around the lake. It is covered with acacia forests, interspersed with grassy plains and is rich in a variety of wildlife like; impalas, buffaloes, waterbucks, Rothschild giraffes. You may see the rare Colobus monkey as well as the white and black rhino. Apart from that, spotting the 'Big Cats', lions and leopards, will be at the top of your day’s wish list as well. 

At midday you can enjoy a picnic lunch at a beautiful spot within the park, after which you will continue your search and in the afternoon head back to Naivasha. 

Included: game drive

Day 6

Lake Naivasha - Amboseli National Park

After an early morning depart for the scenic drive to the Amboseli National Park. En route you will enjoy the beautiful surroundings and around late afternoon you will arrive for lunch at the Camp. 

After you have enjoyed lunch, the first encounter with the wildlife around Lake Amboseli takes place at four o'clock, at a swamp that attracts many animals every day. In clear weather you have a chance to see the magnificent view of the snowy peaks of Africa's highest mountain, Kilimanjaro at 5895 meters high. 

Included: game drive

Day 7

Amboseli National Park

At dawn you may be lucky to see the Kilimanjaro which is a lovely way to start your day.  After a delicious breakfast you will go on safari in the Amboseli National Park. During the morning and afternoon game drives you can enjoy the large herds of elephants that go daily to the swamp for food and their 'bathing ritual'. An impressive experience that will definitely mesmerize you. 

The park offers a multitude of wildlife, such as the waterbuck, antelope, buffalo, ostrich, wildebeest and zebra. The landscape is also characterized by the many green coloured marshes interspersed by dry savannah plains. Because of the ever-present water you will find many exotic water birds, pelicans and ospreys, an ideal place for the bird lovers. 

Included: game drive

Day 8

Amboseli National Park- Tsavo East National Park

After an early cup of tea / coffee you will go on a very early game drive, the best time to see the 'Big Cats' in action and beautiful natural light to make pictures of this magnificent place. After this morning game drive, the guide will bring you back to the camp for a full breakfast. Try to catch the last glimpse of the Kilimanjaro in clear weather! After this head out to Tsavo East National Park. 

Along the way you will pass many villages and colourful markets. Because of the fertile soil and water of the Kilimanjaro you will see a lot of agriculture in this area. Around noon you will arrive at a lodge overlooking a watering hole where you will frequently see many animals, especially the elephants, but with a bit of luck also lions and buffaloes. In the late afternoon we head out for a game drive in the park.

Discover Tsavo East National Park a park with a varied ecosystem, from wetlands, natural springs to huge lava rock formations. Regularly you see large herds of elephants cross your path where their red colour vividly stands out. The Cat families like the lion, leopard or perhaps the cheetah can also be spotted. Various antelope species such as the hartebeest, the little kudu, the Grant's gazelle and the Gerenuk will attract your attention. 

Included: game drives

Day 9

Tsavo East National Park – Diani Beach

Head out for an early morning game drive in the morning to catch the active early birds. After the game drive head back to the lodge for breakfasts and afterwards depart for your preferred beach destination in the north, Watamu or in the south, Diani. 

See the mangroves on the way as well as palm trees. In the course of the afternoon you will arrive at the resort which we have carefully chosen usually along the beach. Lunch is not included this day. You stay for the following nights on half board basis.

Included: game drives

Day 10

Diani Beach

Full day at the beach. Activities choose from the ones suggested by the lodge or as your contact person in advance to arrange your choice of activities while at the beach.

Optional outdoor activities: shopping at the Diani beach shopping centre, snorkelling, diving, Diani Beach art gallery, etc.

Day 11

Diani Beach

Full day at the beach. Activities choose from the ones suggested by the lodge or as your contact person in advance to arrange your choice of activities while at the beach.

Optional outdoor activities: shopping at the Diani beach shopping centre, snorkelling, diving, Diani Beach art gallery, etc.

Day 12

Diani Beach – Mombasa Airport

Depending on your flight departure time, an airport transfer will be waiting for you to transfer you to Mombasa airport for your flight.

Included: airport transfer

Accommodations

Accommodations

Medium Budget
High Budget
Day 1
Nairobi Airport - Nairobi
Medium Budget: Jacaranda Hotel (BB)
High Budget: Radisson Blu (BB)
Day 2
Nairobi – Maasai Mara National Reserve
Medium Budget: Camp Oloshaiki (FB)
High Budget: Sarova Mara (FB)
Day 3
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Medium Budget: Camp Oloshaiki (FB)
High Budget: Sarova Mara (FB)
Day 4
Maasai Mara National Reserve - Lake Naivasha
Medium Budget: Naivasha Kongoni (FB)
High Budget: Naivasha Sopa Lodge (FB)
Day 5
Lake Naivasha - Lake Nakuru - Lake Naivasha
Medium Budget: Naivasha Kongoni (FB)
High Budget: Naivasha Sopa Lodge (FB)
Day 6
Lake Naivasha - Amboseli National Park
Medium Budget: Kibo Safari Camp (FB)
High Budget: Ol Tukai (FB)
Day 7
Amboseli National Park
Medium Budget: Kibo Safari Camp (FB)
High Budget: Ol Tukai (FB)
Day 8
Amboseli National Park- Tsavo East National Park
Medium Budget: Voi Wildlife Lodge (FB)
High Budget: Ashnil Aruba (FB)
Day 9
Tsavo East National Park – Diani Beach
Medium Budget: Jacaranda IOBR (FB)
High Budget: Leopard Beach (FB)
Day 10
Diani Beach
Medium Budget: Jacaranda IOBR (FB)
High Budget: Leopard Beach (FB)
Day 11
Diani Beach
Medium Budget: Jacaranda IOBR (FB)
High Budget: Leopard Beach (FB)
Day 12
Diani Beach – Mombasa Airport
Medium Budget: Flight (End of service)
High Budget: Flight (End of service)

Legend: BB = Bed and Breakfast / HB = Half Board / FB = Full Board

Prices

Prices 2024

Price on request, please send an email to mail@kazingatours.com

Includes

  • Airport transfers
  • Accommodations with meals mentioned
  • Bottled drinking water
  • Private 4x4 custom built safari vehicle with knowledgeable driver/guide and fuel
  • Entrance fees to the included National Parks
  • Activities mentioned as included

Excludes

  • Flights
  • Visa
  • All optional activities
  • Insurances    
  • Meals not mentioned and beverages
  • Tips and personal expenses such as laundry and communication
Travel info
Health Kenya

A certificate proving that you have received a yellow fever vaccination is obligatory. Furthermore all required inoculations must be recorded by your health practitioner on a valid vaccination certificate. You must carry this document with you throughout the tour. All visitors should take malaria prophylactic drugs. We also advise that you bring a mosquito repellent with you. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for up to date requirements, inoculations and personal recommendations!

Normally you need the following vaccinations (but please always consult a doctor):

  • Yellow Fever (you must have this can even be checked on arrival, especially when flying within East Africa)
  • DTP
  • Hepatitis

For Malaria you need to take tablets,  Malarone or Lariam. Malarone is mostly used (please always consult a doctor).

Hygiene is not at the same standard as in your home country, so we advise you to bring a disinfectant cream with you. Always drink bottled water instead of tap water.

On arrival

On arrival on the airport our guide will be there waiting for you. During safari we use custom made safari vehicles, custom made for an optimal view of the wildlife. Safari vehicles (and small aircrafts) provide limited space for luggage. It is therefore recommended to travel with light bags since bulky suitcases will overload and might be difficult to be taken on board.

Visa Kenya

Kenya visa information

The Government of Kenya has an online visa application. When you are visiting Kenya you must apply for a visa online:

  • Go to the website from Kenya Online Visa.
  • Fill in the form (normally you need an “ordinary” visa, single entry) and pay online with your credit card.
  • The Kenyan authorities will send you the visa in the email after they have approved your application (please check you SPAM folder too)
  • Print this visa twice (2 copies) and bring it with you when you arrive at the overland border or at Nairobi or Mombasa International Airport. 

Some nationalities do not require a visa, please check this in advance.

For more detailed information, please check FAQ on the website.

Money

In most of the cities it is possible to withdraw money from an ATM. Travelers Cheques are not widely accepted and it is very difficult or impossible to pay by credit card outside the cities. The US dollar is traditionally the hard currency of preference. We advise to bring some Dollars for daily expenses and tips.

Dollar bills should not be older than 10 years.

Currency Kenya

The unit of currency is the Kenyan Shilling. Please check the latest exchange rates before you go to your destination. This will be a guideline. Please note you will get a better exchange rate in the bigger cities.

AMREF Flying Doctors


We advise you to apply for a Flying Doctors membership. The membership provides a quick and reliable air evacuation and medical care if needed.

AMREF Flying Doctors offers 2 covers (Annual and Short Term). You can choose between the Maisha Silver (Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar), Maisha Gold (Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi) or Maisha Platinum (Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and Ethiopia).

Please check out the AMREF Flying Doctors website for more information and to become a member.

Language in Kenya

The national language of Kenya is Swahili but English is widely spoken and is the main language in the tourist areas.

What to bring

A valid passport is mandatory (passport must be valid for at least 3 months after re-entry) and visa requirements for all countries you are planning to visit should be checked before you travel.

To make the most of your visit to the game reserves and national parks, we advise you to carry binoculars and field guides.

Photographers will need a zoom lens for wildlife (70-300 or more). Please make sure to carry enough memory cards with you. Toiletries and other essentials can be bought in the cities.

A torch (flashlight) can proof to be very useful

Stopover Points

Please mind that washrooms along the road are sometimes not to European standards, for example squatting toilets, no flushing toilets or no toilet paper available. Like the locals say: T.I.A. This Is Africa.

Facilities and accommodations

Bathroom facilities and accommodations can be more basic when traveling on a medium to low budget. In the eco lodges mind that the water reserves are limited and in most cases there are no sockets in the room, but you can always charge your devices at the reception.

Tipping

Tipping will always be appreciated. It is normal to tip 5-10% in hotels and restaurants. Guides, drivers and carriers should always be tipped. Indication: for carriers USD 1-3 and for your driver/guide USD 5-15 per day, depending on the group size, number of days and your satisfaction.

Further information Kenya

The Lonely Planet and Bradt Travel Guide are the most detailed guidebooks for Tanzania. For wildlife, the best guidebook is ‘Watching Wildlife East Africa’ from the Lonely Planet and The Bradt ‘East African Wildlife’. For birding, the best guidebook is ‘birds of East Africa’. It is advisable to get the most updated copy.