Are you looking for an exceptional wildlife holiday? When it comes to wildlife tours, most African countries are far ahead in offering engaging and up close and personal encounters with the nature that surrounds us. However, if you want nothing but the best then you need to head to Kenya which would offer you an experience like no other. Over the years, Kenya has remained the most popular choice globally for animal and nature lovers and enthusiasts.

Hence, if you are willing to go on a wildlife tour, or take your family along for a safari this holiday season you can look for interesting Kenya safari holiday tours that would allow you to soak in the scenic landscapes and vast wildlife preserves. With a wide range of safari lodges and accommodations, Kenya can provide you with the right experiences that you expect and want.

If you are planning to spend 10 days in Kenya here is the itinerary that can help you make the most of your stay in this fascinating country.

Day 1: Experience Local Cuisine in Nairobi

When you are visiting Kenya for a wildlife safari experience you will arrive at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. From here you will transport to your hotel in Nairobi where you can spend your afternoon and have a nice lunch and even take some time out to explore the local flea markets and other stores in the city. You can eat out at a popular Kenyan restaurant that serves you authentic Kenyan cuisine.

Day 2: A Trip to Nairobi National Park

Start your first morning in Nairobi with breakfast and then head to the Nairobi National Park tour which is just 7 kilometers south of the city. This park is a unique ecosystem and is one of the rare protected areas so close to the capital city. Here you can watch black rhinos, cheetahs, zebras, lions, antelopes, and even plenty of birds in the area. After lunch, you can opt for a game drive and safari walk activities with a local tour guide.

Day 3: Visiting Amboseli National Park

After breakfast, head further south to Amboseli National Park which is popular for its large elephant herds and a spectacular view of the magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro, across the border in Tanzania. Here you can explore animals like zebras, cheetahs and giraffes in the park. Take a break for lunch and head back to the nearby reserve for an exciting game drive.

Day 4: Visiting Ol Pejeta Conservancy & Samburu National Reserve

Post-breakfast; depart to visit The Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Central Kenya’s Laikipia County. On the way, you can enjoy the views of Mount Kenya, Kenya’s highest mountain. This not-for-profit conservancy is home to great apes, black rhinos and the two remaining white rhinos in the world. The Conservancy also accommodates The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary offering shelter to abandoned, orphaned and rescued chimpanzees. After lunch head further to the Samburu National Reserve in the evening hours.

Day 5: Game Viewing at Samburu National Reserve

Start your day with breakfast and head out to explore the park in search of hyenas, cheetahs, leopards, lions and antelopes and many other local animals. While the Samburu National Reserve is smaller in size its diverse wildlife in such a short space makes it an ideal place for setting up camp and enjoying some game-viewing experience. Continue with the game drives post-lunch until evening.

Day 6: Flamingo Viewing at Lake Nakuru National Park

Soon after your breakfast, you will drive out to Lake Nakuru National Park to enjoy a flamingo-watching experience. This park also has a good concentration of black rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, waterbucks, lions, cheetahs and leopards. You can have a nice afternoon meal here and then head for some afternoon game driving to spot the local animals.

Day 7: Visiting Lake Bogoria and Lake Naivasha

While you are here at Lake Nakuru National Park you must explore the two beautiful lakes on either side of the park. Depart from the park after breakfast to Lake Bogoria to experience the hot springs and geysers here. Take some time at the local spa to unwind and relax and return to Lake Nakuru National Park for lunch. After the afternoon meal, experience Lake Naivasha & Hell’s Gate National Park for a casual boat safari to watch hippos and water birds. In the evening, settle here for dinner.

Day 8: Hike to Mount Longonot National Park & Head to Masaai Mara

Not far from Lake Naivasha is Mount Longonot National Park which should be a four-hour hike. This stratovolcano is on the southeast side of Lake Naivasha in the Great Rift Valley in Kenya. Within the crater of the mountain, you will discover wildlife attractions and thick forests that offer a great view of the valley. Return to Lake Naivasha before lunch. After lunch head to Kenya’s most popular park – The Maasai Mara.

Day 9: A Day in Maasai Mara

Wake up before dawn and experience the sunrise in Maasai Mara, an unforgettable experience for sure. When you are done with your breakfast head out into the park to explore the savannah and find out how big cats exploit the morning hours to catch their prey. Enjoy the game drive and take a halt for lunch. After lunch, head back into action and witness zebras and antelopes and wildebeest running around on the sweeping plains of Maasai Mara. Stay in Maasai Mara for dinner.

Day 10: Return to Nairobi

Enjoy breakfast at your own pace in Maasai Mara and return to Nairobi for your onward travel.

If you are planning a Kenya safari trip you need to take note of these tips that can help you make the most of your time and money and offer you a memorable wildlife experience.

Focus on Documentation and Paperwork – Although you are going for a safari trip you might still last moment issues if you don’t get your paperwork done in advance. You need to make sure that your passport, visa application and documentation are done on time to avoid any issues at the airport.

Know the Season You Choose – Most people head to Kenya from July to September because they want to experience the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras. However, you can look for safari trips in December when there is ample vegetation and the rains are short and you have more chances to see newborns as well.

Curate Your Itinerary – Planning is the key to a great and memorable wildlife safari experience in Kenya. If you are heading for your first safari you need to plan it right. Hence, make sure everything is taken care of to help you make the most of your time.

Choose the Right Tour Guide – Choosing a good guide that understands the terrain, knows the best spots and how the animals travel and the availability of jeeps and boats would enhance your wildlife safari experiences.

Be Receptive and Enjoy – The culture in Kenya might be different to yours, so be receptive and open and smile and don’t forget to enjoy your Kenya wildlife tour and soak in the experience.