17-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes & Epic Journeys in Kenya
Kenya is the birthplace of the luxury safari, a land where rugged wilderness meets sophisticated elegance. This 17-day journey is designed for the discerning traveler, blending high-octane wildlife encounters with the serenity of the Indian Ocean, all while staying in the continent's most prestigious lodges and camps.
Forget long dusty drives; this itinerary utilizes domestic flights and private charters to maximize your time in the field. You will traverse from the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro to the rolling plains of the Mara, ending with a decadent retreat on the turquoise shores of Diani. Welcome to the ultimate Kenyan odyssey.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Nairobi
VIP Arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International
Fast-track through immigration and meet your private chauffeur for a transfer to the historic Hemingways Nairobi in the quiet suburb of Karen.
Lunch at Tamambo Karen Blixen
Dine in the lush gardens of the former estate of the famous author, enjoying gourmet continental cuisine.
Giraffe Centre Visit
Experience an intimate encounter with the endangered Rothschild's giraffes from a raised wooden platform.
Dinner at The Talisman
Enjoy a fusion of European, Pan-Asian, and African flavors at one of Nairobi's most acclaimed high-end restaurants.
Day 2: Nairobi - Conservation & Culture
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Attend the private foster-parent viewing to see orphaned elephant calves being fed and playing in the mud.
Artisan Shopping at Utamaduni
Browse high-end African crafts, fabrics, and jewelry in a converted colonial house.
High Tea at Giraffe Manor
Even if not staying overnight, enjoy an exclusive tea service with the long-necked residents (pre-booking essential).
Steakhouse Dining at Graze
Savor aged Kenyan beef and fine wines at this upscale charcoal grill located in the Sankara Nairobi.
Day 3: Nairobi to Amboseli - Land of Giants
Flight to Amboseli National Park
Board a scheduled flight from Wilson Airport, enjoying aerial views of the Rift Valley and Mount Kilimanjaro.
Check-in at Tortilis Camp
Arrive at your luxury tented camp, situated in a private conservancy bordering the national park.
Afternoon Game Drive
Search for Amboseli’s famous large-tusked elephants against the backdrop of Africa's highest mountain.
Sundowners on Observation Hill
Sip gin and tonics as the sun sets, turning Kilimanjaro's snow-capped peaks pink.
Day 4: Amboseli - Kilimanjaro Sunrises
Sunrise Bush Breakfast
Enjoy a full cooked breakfast in the heart of the wild as the savannah wakes up around you.
Guided Nature Walk
Explore the smaller details of the ecosystem with a Maasai guide, learning about local flora and tracking.
Lodge Relaxation & Spa
Indulge in a deep-tissue massage overlooking the plains while elephants pass by the watering hole.
Private Dinner Under the Stars
A candlelit multi-course meal served in a secluded spot within the camp grounds.
Day 5: Amboseli to Lewa - Private Conservancy Luxury
Charter Flight to Lewa Downs
Transfer via private charter or scheduled flight to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Arrival at Lewa Wilderness
Check into one of Kenya's oldest and most private safari homes, offering unparalleled exclusivity.
Rhino Tracking Game Drive
Lewa is a sanctuary for black and white rhinos; spend the afternoon observing these prehistoric giants.
Communal Dining with Hosts
Experience the legendary hospitality of Lewa with a farm-to-table dinner shared with the conservancy's owners.
Day 6: Lewa - Conservation in Action
Behind-the-Scenes Conservation Tour
Visit the conservancy's headquarters to meet the anti-poaching unit and their bloodhound tracker dogs.
Canopy Walk in Ngare Ndare Forest
A short drive leads to this glacial-fed forest for a walk among the treetops and a dip in azure waterfalls.
Horseback Safari
Ride alongside zebras and giraffes for a unique perspective of the wildlife, accessible only in private conservancies.
Night Game Drive
Use infrared spotlights to find nocturnal hunters like leopards and aardvarks not usually seen by day.
Day 7: Lewa - Aerial Wonders
Biplane Scenic Flight
Take to the skies in a classic yellow biplane for a 'Out of Africa' experience over the northern frontier.
Picnic Lunch by the Spring
Enjoy a gourmet hamper served by a cooling natural spring deep within the conservancy.
Visit to Il Ngwesi Cultural Village
Engage with the local Maasai community to learn about their traditional way of life and beadwork.
Farewell Dinner at Lewa
A final decadent meal featuring organic produce from the lodge's own gardens.
Day 8: Lewa to Samburu - The Arid North
Short Hop Flight to Samburu
A quick flight takes you further north to the dramatic, arid landscapes of the Samburu National Reserve.
Arrival at Sasaab Lodge
Stay in a Moroccan-styled luxury lodge perched on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River.
Search for the Samburu Special Five
Look for species unique to this region: Grevy's zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and beisa oryx.
Sundowners on the Rocks
Climb a granite kopje for 360-degree views of the Matthew’s Range as the stars appear.
Day 9: Samburu - River Life
Early Morning River Drive
Follow the riverbanks where elephants congregate to drink and cross the brown waters.
Spa Treatment in the Wild
Enjoy a signature treatment using local botanical ingredients in the lodge's open-air spa.
Camel Trek
Experience a traditional mode of transport through the bush, guided by Samburu warriors.
Samburu Dance Performance
Witness the vibrant jumping and singing of the Samburu people before a traditional bush dinner.
Day 10: Samburu - High Vantage Points
Hike to Mount Ololokwe
For the active traveler, a guided hike up this sacred flat-topped mountain offers breathtaking views of the northern frontier.
Poolside Lunch
Relax by your private plunge pool with a light lunch as monkeys play in the acacia trees nearby.
Final Samburu Game Drive
Focus on finding the elusive leopard, which frequently hunts along the riverine forest.
Candlelit Dinner in the Mess Tent
Enjoy a fusion of Middle Eastern and African cuisine in an elegant, tented setting.
Day 11: Samburu to Maasai Mara - The Grand Finale
Flight to the Maasai Mara
Board your flight to the world’s most famous wildlife destination, arriving in time for lunch.
Check-in at Angama Mara
Arrive at this architectural masterpiece suspended high above the floor of Africa's Great Rift Valley.
Afternoon Game Drive
Descend into the Mara Triangle, home to some of the highest concentrations of predators on earth.
Maasai BBQ Dinner
Dine in the 'boma', a traditional enclosed area, featuring meats grilled over an open fire.
Day 12: Maasai Mara - Sky High Safari
Hot Air Balloon Safari
Float silently over the Mara at dawn, watching the shadows of wildebeest and zebra stretch across the plains.
Champagne Bush Breakfast
Touch down to a full breakfast set up in the middle of the reserve with chilled bubbly.
Mara River Exploration
Visit the sites of the great migration crossings (seasonal) to see hippos and giant crocodiles.
Private Deck Dining
Enjoy a quiet dinner on your private terrace overlooking the vast Mara plains below.
Day 13: Maasai Mara - Big Five Pursuit
Full Day Game Drive
Head deep into the reserve with a packed gourmet lunch to find the 'Big Five' in a single day.
Luxury Picnic under a Lone Tree
Dine in the style of early explorers with silver service and fine linens in the middle of the savannah.
Photography Workshop
Join the resident lodge photographer to learn how to capture the perfect African sunset shot.
Farewell Safari Dinner
Celebrate your final night in the bush with a tasting menu paired with South African vintage wines.
Day 14: Maasai Mara to Diani Beach - Coastal Bliss
Direct Flight to Diani
Skip the Nairobi connection with a direct bush-to-beach flight landing right on the coast.
Arrival at Alfajiri Villas
Check into your private villa, consistently voted one of the most exclusive retreats in the world.
Stroll on the White Sands
Walk the pristine shores of Diani Beach, known for its soft white sand and swaying palms.
Seafood Extravaganza
Enjoy a private dinner featuring freshly caught lobster and prawns served by your personal chef.
Day 15: Diani Beach - Ocean Exploration
Private Dhow Trip
Sail on a traditional wooden dhow to Wasini Island and Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park for snorkeling with dolphins.
Crab Lunch on Wasini Island
Savor Swahili-style crab and coconut rice at a secluded island restaurant.
Spa Ritual by the Sea
Indulge in a coconut and coffee body scrub while listening to the rhythm of the Indian Ocean.
Candlelit Dinner at Ali Barbour's Cave
Dine inside a naturally formed coral cave open to the stars—one of the world's most romantic restaurants.
Day 16: Diani Beach - Deep Sea & Relaxation
Big Game Fishing
Head out into the deep waters of the Pemba Channel for a chance to catch marlin or sailfish.
Sushi & Sashimi Lunch
Freshly prepared from the morning's catch and served poolside at your villa.
Kitesurfing or Paddleboarding
Take a private lesson in the calm, turquoise waters of the lagoon.
Swahili Cultural Dinner
A feast of aromatic pilau, biryani, and samosas accompanied by traditional coastal music.
Day 17: Diani to Nairobi & Departure
Final Ocean Swim
Enjoy a last dip in the warm Indian Ocean before your late morning flight.
Flight to Nairobi (Wilson)
Transfer back to the capital for your final afternoon of preparations.
Farewell Lunch & Last Minute Shopping
Dine at Cultiva Farm Kenya for a modern organic lunch and visit Kazuri Beads for handmade souvenirs.
VIP Transfer to JKIA
A private chauffeur ensures you arrive at the international airport with plenty of time for your evening flight home.
Best Time to Visit Kenya
For the ultimate luxury experience, visit during the dry seasons from late June to October (The Great Migration) or from December to March. June to October offers the best wildlife viewing as animals congregate at water sources. December to March is ideal for beach lovers and bird watchers, with crystal clear waters and warmer temperatures.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES). While luxury lodges and high-end restaurants accept major credit cards (Visa and Mastercard), it is advisable to carry some cash for tips and local markets. Tipping is a standard practice in Kenya; expect to tip your safari guide roughly $20-$30 per day and lodge staff $10-$15 per day.
Getting Around Kenya
To maintain the luxury standard and avoid long travel times on bumpy roads, domestic flights are the preferred method of transport. Airlines like Safarilink and AirKenya operate from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to all major parks. For the Nairobi to Mombasa/Diani route, the Madaraka Express (First Class) is a scenic and comfortable alternative to flying.
