Terrain Safaris -
11-Day Kenya Wildlife, Birding & Beach Safari
This itinerary blends classic East African game viewing with premier birding opportunities and a relaxing coastal finish in Mombasa, making it well suited to travellers who want the full spectrum of a Kenyan holiday: savanna wildlife, dramatic bird diversity, and beach downtime.
Trip Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 11 Days / 10 Nights |
| Start/End | Nairobi, Kenya |
| Price (2 pax, per person) | $5,806 (High Season) / $5,366 (Low Season) |
| Destinations | Nairobi → Samburu National Reserve → Lake Nakuru National Park → Masai Mara National Reserve → Mombasa → Nairobi |
| Operator | Terrain Safaris |
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — Arrival in Nairobi. Guests are met at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by a Terrain Safaris guide, briefed on the trip, and transferred into Nairobi. Depending on arrival time, the day includes a short city tour and a stop at the Giraffe Centre, where children can hand-feed the giraffes. Dinner and overnight at Sarova Panafric Hotel.
Day 2 — Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve. After breakfast, the group drives north through coffee, pineapple, and tea plantations, arriving at Samburu in time for lunch. The afternoon is spent on an initial game drive, with sightings likely to include crocodiles sunning on the riverbanks and vervet monkeys along the water’s edge. Dinner and overnight at Samburu Game Lodge.
Day 3 — Full Day in Samburu National Reserve: A full day of morning and afternoon game drives focused on species unique to this arid northern ecosystem — giraffes, Beisa oryx, Grevy’s zebra, and the long-necked gerenuk. Dinner and overnight at Samburu Game Lodge.
Day 4 — Transfer to Lake Nakuru National Park. Following breakfast, the group transfers to Lake Nakuru, arriving for lunch before an afternoon game drive. Nakuru is famed internationally for its birdlife, particularly flocks of pink flamingos, and also supports reedbuck, hippos, waterbuck, impala, rock hyrax, Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelle, striped hyena, and golden cat. Dinner and overnight at Lake Nakuru Lodge.
Day 5 — Transfer to Masai Mara National Reserve. After breakfast, travel continues to the Masai Mara, arriving for lunch. Check-in is followed by an afternoon game drive in search of the “Big Five.” Dinner and overnight at Mara Sopa Lodge.
Day 6 — Full Day in Masai Mara National Reserve: At the lodge you will leave with your parked lunch for a whole day exploration of the reserve. After breakfast, you will depart with your guide for a whole day game viewing safari in Masai Mara. You will involve both in the morning and evening game viewing safaris. Search for big five animals like Elephants, lions, Leopards, Buffaloes and so many others. During this day you will also move towards the Mara River to search for animals like hippos, the giant crocodiles, the famous wildebeests and a lot of wildlife. In the evening, retire to your lodge for refreshments and relaxation (Probably at the poolside). Dinner and overnight stay at Mara Sopa Lodge
Day 7 — Masai Mara to Nairobi, Connect to Mombasa. An early morning game drive precedes a return to the lodge for lunch, followed by the drive back to Nairobi. From there, guests board the train to Mombasa. Dinner and overnight at Mombasa Serena Lodge.
Day 8 — Full Day Exploring Mombasa: A full day exploring Mombasa’s beaches after breakfast, with return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 9 — Full Day at the Beach: A relaxed day at one of Mombasa’s best beaches. Dinner and overnight at the same lodge.
Day 10 — Leisure and Transfer to Nairobi: A final morning at leisure on the beach before checking out and transferring back to Nairobi. Dinner and overnight at Sarova Panafric Hotel.
Day 11 — Departure Transfer to the airport for the return flight home, timed according to the departure schedule.
Wildlife & Birding Highlights
Top Birds Expected Northern White-crowned Shrike, Secretary Bird, Eastern Violet-backed Sunbird, Southern Ground Hornbill, African Penduline Tit, Martial Eagle, Northern Pied Babbler, Hinde’s Babbler, Tsavo Sunbird, Athi Short-toed Lark, Melodious Lark, Red-throated Tit, Miombo Wren-Warbler, Red-and-Yellow Barbet, D’Arnaud’s Barbet, Pangani Longclaw, Steel-blue Whydah, Straw-tailed Whydah, Kori Bustard, Cuckoo-finch, Cardinal Quelea, Yellow-throated Sandgrouse, Rufous-bellied Heron, Rosy-throated Longclaw, Schalow’s Turaco, Temminck’s Courser, Grey-crested Helmet-shrike, Black-backed Cisticola, Grey-headed Silverbill, Black-chested Snake-Eagle, and Northern Shoveler, among others.
Top Mammals Expected: Wildebeest, lion, leopard, cheetah, African elephant, African buffalo, black rhinoceros, serval, spotted and striped hyena, aardwolf, gerenuk, fringe-eared oryx, Maasai giraffe, crested porcupine, honey badger, caracal, and banded and Egyptian mongoose.
What’s Included and Excluded
Included
- Ground transport throughout
- Private guide
- Accommodation (10 nights)
- All meals
- Selected drinks
- Entrance fees
- Park fees
Not Included
- International flights
- Visa costs and COVID-19 test costs
- Medical insurance
- Travel insurance
- Selected drinks (beyond those specified as included)
- Gratuities
- Laundry
- Personal expenses
Pricing
| Season | Price per Person (2 pax) |
|---|---|
| High Season | $5,806 |
| Low Season | $5,366 |
Operator Notes
This itinerary is offered by Terrain Safaris, which also runs related tours including the Kenya Big Game Wildlife safari, the Kenya Wildebeest Migration safari, Kenya Masai Cultural Tours, and dedicated Kenya Birding Tours. The company works with partner operators including Jewel of Africa Safaris and Wild Nature Photo Adventure.
Travellers are advised to continue following COVID-19 safety measures and guidance from Kenya’s Ministry of Health throughout the trip.
