Kenya'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.
Countries
Kenya
Duration
14 days · 13 nights
Best season
June through October and January through March; Mountain Bongo and forest species year-round
Group size
2–6 guests
Overview
What this journey is about.
This is the itinerary we designed for guests whose interest is mammals themselves, not a general sightseeing circuit with wildlife attached. It crosses every major Kenyan region in one continuous route: the arid north for the Samburu specials, Laikipia for rhino and wild dog, the Aberdare highlands for montane forest antelope, the Rift Valley for nocturnal specialists, western Kenya for swamp and rainforest species, and finally the Maasai Mara.
Because so many of the target species are nocturnal or crepuscular, we build the days around light rather than around meals: pre-dawn departures for Mountain Bongo salt licks, long midday rests, and night game drives wherever permits allow. John guides throughout, keeps the daily mammal list, and adjusts the plan as sightings dictate, a strong lead on a difficult species always outranks the printed schedule.
Suitable for
Serious mammal-watchers building a Kenyan mammal list, five regions, dry-country specials, montane forest rarities, western forest primates and the Mara in one continuous route
Highlights
What you can expect to see.
Samburu specials: endangered Grevy's Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Gerenuk, Beisa Oryx and Desert Warthog
Night game drives (where permitted) for Aardwolf, Caracal, Small-spotted Genet and Striped Hyaena
Ol Pejeta for Black and White Rhino, African Wild Dog and Jackson's Hartebeest
Pre-dawn search for the rare Mountain Bongo in the Aberdares, plus Giant Forest Hog and melanistic Serval
Chui Conservancy night drive targeting Aardvark, one of Africa's hardest mammals to see
Sitatunga and De Brazza's Monkey at Saiwa Swamp; seven primate species at Kakamega Forest
Ruma National Park for East Africa's largest Roan Antelope population and Rothschild's Giraffe
The Maasai Mara for big cats, Eastern Black Rhino and the Great Migration in season
Target species
Grevy's Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Gerenuk, Beisa Oryx, Bright's Gazelle, Desert Warthog, Somali Dwarf Mongoose, Aardwolf, Caracal, Striped and Spotted Hyaena, Black and White Rhino, African Wild Dog, Jackson's Hartebeest, melanistic Leopard, Bat-eared Fox, Mountain Bongo, Giant Forest Hog, Mount Kenya Guereza, Kolb's Monkey, Aardvark, White-tailed Mongoose, Sitatunga, De Brazza's Monkey, African Clawless and Spot-necked Otter, Tree Pangolin, Roan Antelope, Rothschild's Giraffe, Oribi, Topi, Lion, Cheetah, Leopard, Serval
Destinations
Where this itinerary goes.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy & Laikipia
Aberdare National Park
Chui Conservancy, Naivasha
Saiwa Swamp National Park
Kakamega Forest
Ruma National Park
Maasai Mara National Reserve
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.
Early departure north through the Laikipia plateau and down into the arid Ewaso Nyiro country, arriving in time for a late-afternoon game drive. First contact with the northern specials, Reticulated Giraffe, Gerenuk browsing upright, and Grevy's Zebra along the riverine woodland.
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 guiding throughout by John Gitiri
4x4 safari vehicle with guaranteed window seat
fuel and driver-guide
All park
reserve and conservancy entry fees
Full-board accommodation for 13 nights
Night game drive fees and permits where legally available
Saiwa Swamp and Kakamega Forest walking guides and ranger fees
Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
Daily mammal list and a post-trip species report
Not included
- International flights and Kenyan visa
- Travel and medical insurance
- Optional flights or Madaraka Express rail sectors
- Alcoholic drinks and personal items
- Marsabit extension for African Golden Wolf (quoted separately)
- Tips and gratuities
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.
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KenyaMammal SafariStart 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.