12 Days Mount Kenya Climbing & Wildlife Safari
12 Days Kenya safari combining Mount Kenya, Aberdare National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Naivasha, and Masai Mara National Reserve offers a diverse Kenyan safari experience, covering misty highlands, flamingo-filled lakes, and vast savannahs. The 12 days Mount Kenya & Wildlife safari includes boat safaris, Big Five encounter and stunning scenery.
A Detailed 12 Days Mount Kenya & Wildlife Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arriving in Nairobi
Upon your arrival at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, your guide will greet you and take you to your hotel in Nairobi. Depending on your arrival time, you may relax at your accommodation, like the Fairmont The Norfolk or Hemingways Nairobi. Should time allow, you might choose to discover Nairobi, exploring attractions like the Nairobi Railway Museum, Nairobi National Museum, or the Karen Blixen Museum. Nairobi, the vibrant capital of Kenya, presents a captivating blend of contemporary living and historical importance. Savor a leisurely dinner at your hotel and indulge in a peaceful night’s rest before your exciting adventure starts the next day.
Day 2: Nairobi to Mount Kenya
Following a delightful breakfast in Nairobi, you will set off on a picturesque drive to the foothills of Mount Kenya. The journey will last approximately 4-5 hours, traversing beautiful landscapes, including forests and verdant highlands. As you reach the base of Mount Kenya, your ascent will commence via the Naro Moru route, renowned as one of the most favored trails. This route is clearly marked and suitable for climbers with different levels of experience. The initial day of your climb will take you to the Old Moses Camp, situated at an elevation of 3,300 meters.
The trek is expected to last around 5-6 hours, offering breathtaking views of the mountain’s majestic peaks and the valleys that surround them. Following a satisfying dinner, you will relish a tranquil night beneath the stars, enveloped by the stunning beauty of Mount Kenya.
Day 3: From Old Moses Camp to Shipton’s Camp
On Day 3, you will proceed with your ascent to Shipton’s Camp, located at an altitude of 4,200 meters above sea level. The journey will guide you across varied landscapes, ranging from alpine woodlands to rugged cliffs and open moorland. The increase in altitude will be gradual, enabling your body to adapt to the shifting conditions.
As you journey, you will encounter stunning panoramic vistas of Mount Kenya’s glacial valleys and ridgelines. When you arrive at Shipton’s Camp, you will have the opportunity to unwind and adjust, making certain that you are ready for the summit attempt the following day. Relish a comforting meal and embrace the tranquility of the environment as you prepare for the evening.
Day 4: From Shipton’s Camp to Point Lenana (Summit) and the Descent
The moment you’ve anticipated has arrived at last. Following an early breakfast, you will begin your ascent to Point Lenana, which stands at 4,985 meters above sea level. The ascent will commence in the early morning hours to guarantee that you arrive at the summit prior to any changes in the weather conditions. The concluding part of the journey will present challenges, yet it promises rewards, offering breathtaking vistas and a profound sense of achievement upon reaching the peak.
At Point Lenana, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the sweeping vistas of the nearby peaks and glaciers before starting your descent. After absorbing the stunning views, you will head back to Shipton’s Camp for a much-needed break and a satisfying meal.
Day 5: Journey from Mount Kenya to Aberdare National Park
On Day 5, you will make your way down from Shipton’s Camp to the base of Mount Kenya, before proceeding on your journey to Aberdare National Park. The descent will last approximately 3-4 hours, providing a last chance to appreciate the breathtaking mountain vistas as you journey downward. Following the descent, you will proceed to Aberdare National Park, located about 2-3 hours away. Upon arrival, you will check in to your lodge, either The Ark or Treetops Lodge, both renowned for their outstanding wildlife viewing opportunities. These lodges are ideally located to allow you to watch animals from the comfort of your accommodation’s deck, where you can see elephants, buffaloes, and other wildlife congregating around the waterhole. Enjoy your dinner as you observe the animals coming and going, then unwind for the evening at the lodge.
Day 6: Journey from Aberdare to Lake Nakuru National Park
Following breakfast, you will leave Aberdare National Park and make your way to Lake Nakuru National Park, which is about a 3-4 hour drive away. Lake Nakuru is famous for its remarkable birdlife, featuring extensive populations of flamingos that frequently blanket the lake’s shores, producing a striking and memorable sight. The park hosts endangered species including black and white rhinos, along with lions, leopards, and giraffes. Upon arrival, you will check in to your accommodation, like Sarova Lion Hill Lodge or Lake Nakuru Lodge, and savor a delightful lunch.
In the afternoon, you will embark on a game drive, observing diverse wildlife and appreciating the park’s breathtaking landscapes. Afterward, head back to your lodge for dinner and a peaceful evening of relaxation.
Day 7: Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha – Enjoying a Boat Ride and Exploring Hell’s Gate National Park
After enjoying an early breakfast at your lodge, you will proceed to Lake Naivasha, a stunning freshwater lake situated just a brief drive from Lake Nakuru. Upon arrival, you will set off on a boat ride across the lake, taking in the serene environment and watching the plentiful wildlife. Hippos frequently relax in the water, while numerous bird species, such as fish eagles and herons, are typically observed along the shores.
Following the boat ride, you will continue to Hell’s Gate National Park, renowned for its striking landscapes featuring volcanic rocks, hot springs, and geothermal activity. Based on the season and weather conditions, you might choose a walking safari or a cycling adventure in the park. Hell’s Gate is renowned for its stunning cliffs and geothermal features, providing a distinctive chance to discover the park on foot or by bike. In the evening, head back to your lodge at Lake Naivasha to enjoy a soothing sundowner and dinner.
Day 8: Journey from Lake Naivasha to Masai Mara National Reserve
On Day 8, you will leave Lake Naivasha and head towards the Masai Mara, a renowned wildlife reserve in Kenya. The journey is expected to last around 5-6 hours, traversing the picturesque Rift Valley. Upon arrival at the Mara, you will check in to your luxurious camp or lodge, such as Mara Serena Safari Lodge or Mara Intrepids Camp. The accommodations boast breathtaking views of the Mara plains, serving as a perfect foundation for your safari adventures. Once you’ve settled in, you will embark on your inaugural evening game drive in the Mara. The park hosts a diverse range of wildlife, featuring the Big Five: lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos. Experience the excitement of observing these majestic creatures set against the stunning landscape of the Mara’s golden savannah. Following the game drive, head back to your camp for a delightful dinner and a peaceful night beneath the African sky.
Day 9: Comprehensive Game Drive in Masai Mara
On Day 9, you will dedicate an entire day to discovering the wonders of the Masai Mara National Reserve. In the early morning, you will embark on a game drive, providing excellent chances to witness wildlife, especially predators like lions and cheetahs.
The Mara is renowned for its abundant biodiversity, highlighted by the annual Great Migration, during which millions of wildebeest and zebras traverse the plains. Even if migration is not occurring during your visit, the Mara is abundant with wildlife, and you’re likely to see large herds of elephants, prides of lions, and grazing giraffes. Following a delightful picnic lunch in the park, you will resume your game drive in the afternoon, observing additional wildlife and taking in the breathtaking scenery. Head back to your lodge for dinner and a peaceful evening of unwinding.
Day 10: Masai Mara – Hot Air Balloon Adventure and Visit to a Maasai Village
On Day 10, you will have the chance to explore the Masai Mara from above with a hot air balloon ride. The early morning flight offers a distinctive view of the expansive savannah beneath, where herds of animals traverse the plains. Following the balloon ride, indulge in a champagne breakfast in the bush, creating a truly unforgettable experience. Following breakfast, you will explore a traditional Maasai village, where you will gain insights into the culture, traditions, and lifestyle of the Maasai people.
The Maasai are renowned for their vibrant attire, intricate jewelry, and rich traditions, offering you the opportunity to witness their dances and ceremonies. In the afternoon, you will head back to your camp and enjoy some leisure time to unwind or embark on another game drive.
Day 11: From Masai Mara to Nairobi
On Day 11, you will say goodbye to the Masai Mara and make your way back to Nairobi. The journey is expected to last approximately 5-6 hours, and once you arrive, you will check in to your hotel in Nairobi. In the afternoon, you may explore the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where you can observe the orphaned elephants being fed and discover more about their rehabilitation initiatives. Following that, you will explore the Giraffe Centre, which is home to the endangered Rothschild giraffe. Here, you can feed the giraffes and gain insights into their conservation efforts.
Day 12: Explore the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and the Giraffe Centre
On your last day in Nairobi, following breakfast, head to the Giraffe Centre and Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where you can engage with the animals and discover the important efforts being made to safeguard endangered species. Your day wraps up with a delightful lunch at Matbronze Café, followed by a transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your late evening flight home.