10 Days Kenya Big Five and Birds Safari

The 10 Days Kenya Big Five and Birds Safari is an unparalleled journey through Kenya’s most iconic wildlife destinations, offering a combination of breath-taking scenery, thrilling wildlife encounters, and immersive bird-watching experiences. Crafted by Winton Africa Safaris, this safari is designed for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and nature lovers who wish to explore Kenya’s diverse ecosystems while spotting both the legendary Big Five and a rich variety of bird species.

The safari begins with your arrival in Nairobi, where urban wildlife experiences and luxury accommodations provide the perfect introduction to Kenya. The journey then moves south to Amboseli National Park, famous for its elephant herds and the spectacular backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Here, morning and afternoon game drives allow visitors to photograph elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and a wealth of birdlife, making it a highlight of the 10 Days Kenya Big Five and Birds Safari.

Following Amboseli, the itinerary explores Kenya’s renowned Rift Valley Lakes, including Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha. Lake Nakuru is a crucial rhino sanctuary and a paradise for bird watchers, with thousands of flamingos creating stunning pink lakescapes. Lake Naivasha, on the other hand, offers tranquil boat rides with hippos, waterbucks, and an abundance of aquatic birds. Optional walking safaris on Crescent Island provide intimate encounters with wildlife, blending adventure and photography opportunities.

The culmination of the 10 Days Kenya Big Five and Birds Safari takes place in the world-renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve, where three full days of game drives offer the ultimate chance to see lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos. Visitors can also witness seasonal wildebeest migrations, predator-prey interactions, and a rich array of birds, making it a dream destination for both wildlife and bird enthusiasts. Optional activities include hot-air balloon safaris, guided bush walks, and visits to Maasai villages, ensuring cultural immersion alongside wildlife exploration.

This safari emphasizes luxury, comfort, and sustainability. Expert guides, private 4×4 vehicles, and well-appointed lodges ensure a seamless and exclusive experience, while engagement with conservation initiatives educates travelers about Kenya’s efforts to protect endangered species and ecosystems. The 10 Days Kenya Big Five and Birds Safari is more than just a vacation—it is an enriching journey that blends adventure, education, and conservation in one unforgettable experience.

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Urban Wildlife Introduction

The 10 Days Kenya Big Five and Birds Safari begins with your arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), where a professional guide will welcome you and transfer you to a luxury Nairobi hotel such as Giraffe Manor or Karen Gables. Guests have the opportunity to relax and recover from international travel while being introduced to Kenya’s conservation ethos.

Optional activities include visiting the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, home to orphaned elephants rescued from poaching or human-wildlife conflicts. This hands-on experience allows visitors to learn about rehabilitation programs and the importance of wildlife protection in Kenya. Another option is the Giraffe Centre, where guests can feed endangered Rothschild giraffes and observe their behavior, offering perfect photographic moments.

Evening at the hotel provides a leisurely setting to unwind, enjoy fine dining, and receive a detailed briefing about the 10 Days Kenya Big Five and Birds Safari. Guides explain the daily routes, wildlife to expect, and bird species to look for, ensuring that guests are well-prepared for the adventure ahead.

• Animals to Spot: Nairobi National Park wildlife, Rothschild giraffes
• Birds to Spot: African fish eagles, lilac-breasted rollers, hornbills
• Cultures to Experience: Kenyan conservation programs, urban hospitality

Day 2: Nairobi to Amboseli National Park – Elephants Against Kilimanjaro

On day two, the 10 Days Kenya Big Five and Birds Safari moves from Nairobi to Amboseli National Park, renowned for its elephant herds and breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Guests enjoy an afternoon game drive immediately upon arrival, providing the first opportunity to encounter Amboseli’s diverse wildlife.

The park’s open plains, marshes, and wetlands create ideal habitats for elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and cheetahs. Bird enthusiasts will delight in spotting African fish eagles, storks, pelicans, and the rare African jacana. Luxury lodges and tented camps offer exceptional amenities, allowing travelers to enjoy Amboseli’s wilderness in comfort and style.

Sundowners on the lodge deck provide memorable vistas of wildlife silhouetted against Kilimanjaro, perfectly capturing the essence of the 10 Days Kenya Big Five and Birds Safari. Expert guides offer educational insights about Amboseli’s ecology, wildlife behaviors, and conservation efforts, ensuring a rich safari experience.

• Animals to Spot: Elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, buffalo
• Birds to Spot: African fish eagles, pelicans, storks, African jacanas
• Cultures to Experience: Maasai community life, traditional pastoralist culture

Day 3: Full Day in Amboseli National Park

Day three provides a full-day safari experience in Amboseli National Park, maximizing wildlife encounters. Morning and afternoon game drives focus on both large mammals and diverse birdlife in the park’s wetlands and open plains.

Amboseli’s unique ecosystem supports thriving populations of elephants, lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Bird watchers can spot vultures, African fish eagles, storks, and kingfishers. Guests gain insight into Amboseli’s role in conservation, particularly in managing human-wildlife conflict and protecting migratory corridors.

The 10 Days Kenya Big Five and Birds Safari allows photographers to capture elephants with Kilimanjaro as a backdrop, creating iconic images synonymous with African safaris. Evening activities include bush dinners or sundowners, offering a serene conclusion to a day filled with wildlife observation.

• Animals to Spot: Elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras
• Birds to Spot: African fish eagles, pelicans, storks, rollers, kingfishers
• Cultures to Experience: Maasai village interactions, conservation education

Day 4: Amboseli to Lake Nakuru National Park – Rhinos and Flamingos

Depart Amboseli early for Lake Nakuru National Park, an ecological gem within the Rift Valley. Lake Nakuru is famed for its flamingo flocks and rhino conservation programs, making it an essential stop for wildlife and bird enthusiasts on the 10 Days Kenya Big Five and Birds Safari.

Afternoon game drives cover Nakuru’s forested escarpments, open plains, and lake shores, with frequent sightings of black and white rhinos, lions, Rothschild giraffes, and herds of buffalo. The alkaline waters attract thousands of flamingos, creating spectacular pink reflections ideal for photography. Guides provide detailed commentary on the park’s conservation initiatives and species protection programs, enhancing the educational aspect of the safari.

• Animals to Spot: Black rhinos, white rhinos, lions, buffalo, Rothschild giraffes
• Birds to Spot: Flamingos, pelicans, cormorants, herons
• Cultures to Experience: Rift Valley communities, conservation awareness programs

Day 5: Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha – Boat Safari and Crescent Island

After a morning game drive in Lake Nakuru, guests transfer to Lake Naivasha, part of Kenya’s scenic Rift Valley. A boat safari provides close encounters with hippos, waterbucks, and abundant water birds. Walking safaris on Crescent Island offer opportunities for intimate wildlife photography, allowing guests to observe giraffes, zebras, and antelopes in a natural setting.

Optional cultural experiences include visiting flower farms or local communities, providing insight into the livelihoods surrounding Lake Naivasha. The combination of serene waters, diverse bird species, and unique flora makes this a highlight of the 10 Days Kenya Big Five and Birds Safari.

• Animals to Spot: Hippos, giraffes, zebras, antelopes
• Birds to Spot: African fish eagles, kingfishers, herons, storks
• Cultures to Experience: Rift Valley community interactions, lake-based livelihoods

Day 6: Lake Naivasha to Maasai Mara National Reserve – Big Five Adventure Begins

Guests depart for the Maasai Mara National Reserve, arriving in time for lunch and an afternoon game drive. The Maasai Mara is famous for high predator density and abundant herbivores, providing multiple chances to observe lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos.

Luxury camps and lodges within private conservancies allow guests to enjoy exclusivity and prime wildlife viewing. Expert guides tailor game drives based on recent sightings, maximizing wildlife encounters and photographic opportunities. The vast Mara plains create iconic safari landscapes, essential to the 10 Days Kenya Big Five and Birds Safari experience.

• Animals to Spot: Lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, cheetahs
• Birds to Spot: Secretary birds, hornbills, ostriches, marabou storks
• Cultures to Experience: Maasai cultural visits, village life demonstrations

Days 7–9: Exploring the Maasai Mara – Full Immersion

Three full days are devoted to extensive exploration of the Maasai Mara, focusing on the Big Five and the seasonal wildebeest migration. Morning and afternoon game drives maximize wildlife sightings, while optional hot-air balloon safaris provide unparalleled aerial perspectives of the plains.

Cultural experiences include visits to Maasai villages to learn about traditional lifestyles, beadwork, and community-led conservation initiatives. Bird watchers can observe diverse species across the Mara River, savannah, and woodlands. These days represent the pinnacle of the 10 Days Kenya Big Five and Birds Safari, combining adventure, photography, and education.

• Animals to Spot: Big Five, wildebeest, zebras, cheetahs, hyenas
• Birds to Spot: Raptors, storks, rollers, ostriches, waterbirds
• Cultures to Experience: Maasai village interactions, conservation education

Day 10: Maasai Mara to Nairobi – Departure

The final day concludes the 10 Days Kenya Big Five and Birds Safari with a morning game drive or leisurely breakfast before transferring to Nairobi for your departure. Guests leave with memories of Africa’s wildlife, landscapes, and cultural richness, having experienced the Big Five and a wide array of bird species.

• Animals to Spot: Big Five highlights
• Birds to Spot: Local raptors, waterbirds along rivers
• Cultures to Experience: Maasai cultural immersion, Kenyan hospitality

Safari Inclusions

• Luxury or mid-range accommodations
• All meals and selected drinks
• Private 4×4 safari vehicles with pop-up roofs
• Professional English-speaking guides
• Park and conservancy entry fees
• Game drives, boat safaris, and walking safaris
• Hot-air balloon safari (optional, additional cost)
• Airport transfers and domestic flights (if included)
• Emergency medical evacuation insurance

Safari Exclusions

• International flights to/from Kenya
• Personal travel insurance
• Tips and gratuities
• Optional activities not included in the itinerary
• Personal expenses (laundry, phone/internet, souvenirs)

The 10 Days Kenya Big Five and Birds Safari by Winton Africa Safaris is a comprehensive journey for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and travelers seeking both adventure and comfort. From the majestic elephants of Amboseli to the flamingos of Lake Nakuru, the hippos of Lake Naivasha, and the Big Five in the Maasai Mara, this safari delivers an unforgettable Kenyan experience that combines biodiversity, conservation, and cultural immersion.