Big Five Safari, Kenya
The classic Kenya circuit, done properly.
Countries
Kenya
Duration
9 days · 8 nights
Best season
June through October, and January through March
Group size
2–6 guests
Overview
What this journey is about.
The Big Five circuit is the safari most people imagine when they picture Kenya, and it is worth every mile. Our routes cover the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, the Aberdares, and Lake Nakuru, but we do not run them on a fixed schedule. We build each itinerary around what your group most wants to see, how long you have, and how much driving time you're willing to trade for park time.
Amboseli for elephants beneath Kilimanjaro. Nakuru for flamingos and rhino. The Aberdares for forest species and a different landscape entirely. The Mara for the big cats and, in season, the migration river crossings.
Suitable for
First-time safari visitors and returning clients wanting more time in each park
Highlights
What you can expect to see.
Big cats in the Masai Mara
Herds of elephant in Amboseli, framed by Kilimanjaro
Flamingo concentrations at Lake Nakuru
Forest and highland species in the Aberdares
Northern specialists at Samburu
Destinations
Where this itinerary goes.
Amboseli National Park
Samburu National Reserve
Aberdare National Park
Lake Nakuru National Park
Day by day
The itinerary, one day at a time.
Tap any day to open it. Every day stays flexible in the field, this is the plan, not a constraint.
Depart Nairobi early and drive north past Mount Kenya into the arid Ewaso Nyiro country. Afternoon game drive introduces the northern specials, Reticulated Giraffe, Gerenuk, Beisa Oryx and Grevy's Zebra.
What's included
Everything covered in the field.
Accommodation options and a full quotation follow your enquiry, they depend on your dates, party size, and preferred standard.
Professional Guide
A trained naturalist guide with you throughout, including species identification in the field.
Park & Reserve Fees
All national park, reserve, and conservancy entry fees for the parks on your itinerary.
4x4 Safari Transport
Private safari vehicle with pop-up roof, window seat guaranteed for every guest.
Meals in the Field
Full board while on safari, including picnic breakfasts and lunches on long game-drive days.
Airport Transfers
Arrival pick-up and departure drop-off at your agreed airport or railway station.
Photography Support
Vehicle positioning for light and angle, bean-bag support, and unhurried time at sightings.
Drinking Water
Bottled or filtered drinking water in the vehicle for the duration of the safari.
Flying-Doctor Cover
Emergency evacuation cover for the duration of your time in the field.
Not included
- International flights and visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal items, laundry, and drinks
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities for guides and camp staff
- Accommodation upgrades quoted separately
Accommodation options and a full quotation follow your enquiry, both depend on your dates and preferences.
Licensed East African operator. Emergency evacuation cover throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before you enquire.
The questions guests most often ask about this kind of itinerary.
Yes. Every itinerary here is a starting point. Days can be added or removed, parks swapped, and the pace slowed down or tightened around what you most want to see.
Related journeys
Other wildlife journeys.
KenyaMammal SafariKenya's Classic Mammal Safari
Our flagship mammal expedition: fourteen days across northern, central, western and southern Kenya, built to fatten a mammal list rather than tick off a postcard.
14 days · 13 nights
2–6 guests
KenyaMammal SafariRare Mammals Safari, East Coast
An eight-day expedition through Kenya's East Coast for Africa's rarest antelope and coastal-forest endemics.
8 days · 7 nights
2–6 guests
KenyaMammal SafariMammal Watchers Classic, 7 Days Kenya
A seven-day route built for mammal-watchers, from black rhino outside Nairobi to migration river crossings in the Mara.
7 days · 6 nights
2–6 guests
Start Planning
Let's plan your East African safari.
Whether you're planning your first safari or returning in search of rare wildlife, we'll design an experience tailored entirely around your interests, travel style, and schedule.