Overview

This Taste of Kenya safari circuit blends Kenya’s most iconic experiences into one unforgettable journey. From the heart of Nairobi’s world-class wildlife sanctuaries to the misty forests of Aberdare, the rhino haven of Solio Ranch, the bird-rich shores of Lake Naivasha and finally the legendary Masai Mara plains this itinerary delivers the true essence of Kenya in one adventure. Enjoy heritage, conservation, culture, coffee origins and big game wilderness through Kenya’s most meaningful destinations. This safari is the perfect combination of culture, coffee, wildlife and dramatic landscapes giving you a true Taste of Kenya from city to highlands to savannah.

Day 1: Arrival Nairobi – Wildlife Conservation Triangle

Pick up from your Nairobi hotel or JKIA and begin your Taste of Kenya journey. Your first stop will be the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, the world’s most successful elephant orphan rescue and rehabilitation program. Here, you will learn the history of how this project was founded in memory of David Sheldrick, Kenya’s pioneering park warden of Tsavo National Park, and how rescued baby elephants are rehabilitated and eventually reintegrated back into the wild.

Next, proceed to the Giraffe Centre for close interaction with the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe from extinction. Get a close encounter with these gentle giants, learn about their breeding program and the importance of habitat conservancy around the Great Rift Valley.

Later, visit the Karen Blixen Museum, the former home of the legendary “Out of Africa” author Karen Blixen. This historical early settler homestead offers deep insight into early colonial life, coffee growing heritage and Kenya’s pre-independence cultural evolution.

Day 2: Nairobi Coffee Experience -Aberdare National Park

After breakfast, enjoy a captivating coffee farm experience at Fairview. Here you will learn the journey of Kenyan coffee from farm to cup beginning from colonial era plantation systems to how Kenya grew to become one of the world’s most premium specialty coffee producers today. Walk through lush coffee fields, taste freshly brewed Kenyan coffee and understand why Kenyan AA grade beans are globally prized for their richness, acidity and aroma.

Later, depart north toward the Aberdare region originally protected as a vital watershed and forest highland ecosystem that feeds many of Kenya’s major river systems. Arriving in time for check-in and lunch at Ark Lodge uniquely built overlooking illuminated waterholes that attract forest elephants, giant forest hogs, hyenas, buffalos and unique mountain species. Enjoy dinner and overnight at Ark Lodge.

Day 3: Aberdare - Solio Ranch

After breakfast, check out and drive to Solio Ranch one of Africa’s earliest dedicated private rhino breeding sanctuaries and a major turning point in Kenya’s rhino recovery story. Solio played a crucial ecological role during the poaching crisis decades back, protecting genetics and stabilizing black and white rhino numbers. Today, it remains a globally respected conservation model. Enjoy game drives across open plains framed by Mount Kenya and the Aberdare ridges a photographer’s dream.

Later drive to Aberdare Country Club for lunch and relaxation within a charming colonial countryside estate setting originally built as a private homestead in the 1930s. Dinner and overnight at Aberdare Country Club.

Day 4: Aberdare → Lake Naivasha

After breakfast, drive toward Lake Naivasha a freshwater Rift Valley lake known historically for early aviation refueling points during the Imperial Airways flying boat routes of the 1930s. Arrive in time for lunch.

In the afternoon, enjoy a tranquil boat ride spotting hippos, African fish eagles and water birds, followed by a nature walk on Crescent Island where wildlife moves freely without predators. Later visit Hell’s Gate National Park famous for geothermal activity, high basalt cliffs and dramatic gorge formations. Return to your  lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5: Naivasha - Masai Mara National Reserve

After breakfast, depart through the Rift Valley floor toward the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve home to ancient Maasai pastoral migration traditions and one of the world’s richest wildlife concentrations on earth. Arrive in time for lunch at your Lodge or Camp.

In the afternoon, enjoy your first game drive in the Masai Mara, a wildlife-rich savannah renowned for lions, cheetahs, endless plains game, and dramatic predator action. Return to your Lodge or Camp for relaxation, a hearty dinner and overnight stay.

Day 6: Full Day Masai Mara

Start your morning with a special bush breakfast set out in the heart of the wilderness, surrounded by the quiet expanse of open plains—a truly unforgettable Taste of Kenya moment. After breakfast, depart with a packed lunch for a full-day game drive, venturing into the deeper regions of the reserve.

Track predators, encounter large herds of grazers, and enjoy classic savannah wildlife experiences in the golden light of the day. Return to your Camp or  Lodge at sunset for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 7: Full Day Masai Mara

After breakfast, embark on another full day of safari in the Masai Mara, with a packed lunch to maximize wildlife viewing. Explore different sections of the reserve, from vast open plains to lush riverine areas bustling with animal activity.

In the late afternoon, pause for a memorable Mara sundowner at a scenic river crossing, a quintessential safari experience. Return to your Lodge or Camp after sunset for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 8: Masai Mara → Nairobi

After breakfast, check out and drive back to Nairobi. Arrive and drop off at JKIA or your Nairobi hotel. This marks the close of your Taste of Kenya safari experience a journey blending heritage, conservation, culture, highlands, lakes and Africa’s most iconic savannah plains.

Included Items:

• Unlimited Game drives as scheduled in each destination
•  Transport in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle with Free WIFI and pop-up roof for game viewing 
  (Private safari for 2–8 guests | Solo travelers join a small group)
• All parks and conservancy entrance fees as per the itinerary
• Full board meal accommodations as per itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
• Services of a professional English-speaking safari driver-guide
• Pick up and drop off at Nairobi hotel or JKIA
• Drinking mineral water while on safari
• Visit Maasai cultural village
• Sundowner
• Guided Nature walk
• Visiting hell gate national park
• Night game drive
• Bush breakfast
• Cross Wild Safaris GIFT PACK

Excluded Items:

• International & domestic flights
• Kenya visa fees
• Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
• Tips & gratuities for driver-guide and lodge staff
• Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, souvenirs, phone calls)
• Any other activities not listed in "INCLUSIVE"

Extras: (can be provided upon request at an additional cost)

• Hot air balloon
• Bush dinner