8 Day Classic Safari Exploration in Kenya with Chimpanzee Sanctuary Visit
Kenya Family Safari
This safari will take you to an exciting mix of Kenya’s finest wildlife destinations, offering loads of activities to keep you enthralled! Accommodation will be carefully selected for maximum comfort, while the itinerary is designed to keep driving distances to a minimum, making this the ideal mid-range trip for people wanting to explore East Africa.
Key information
- Private or group safari
- Maximum group size of 100
- Children of all ages are allowed to participate under the supervision of a parent or guardian
- Starts and ends at Nairobi
- English, French, and Spanish-speaking guides
- All park fees included
Highlights
- Daily game drives
- Visit Sweetwaters Game Ranch in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy
- Visit Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha National Parks
- Spend time in the Masai Mara National Reserve
- Main wildlife: Chimpanzees, black rhino, buffalo, giraffe, birds, etc.
- Private chauffeur-driven custom-made safari minivan
- 7 nights accommodation with meals and water
- All park entrance fees included
Skill level
- Intermediate
Styles
Accommodation
You will marvel at the wonderful accommodations provided throughout your tour. All rooms have private bathroom facilities and air conditioning and / or fans. All rates are based on double occupancy. Most rooms are twin-bedded, but king-size beds are occasionally available and should be requested in advance.
Accommodations listed in this itinerary are correct at the time of writing, but on rare occasions may be substituted for a different property of comparable quality.
Panari Hotel (1 night)
The Panari Hotel Nairobi offers five-star luxurious and comfortable space to relax, unwind, and rejuvenate in an ideal location that is conveniently 10 minutes away from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. It exudes tranquility in exquisite surroundings and creates a warm feeling of unpretentious luxury.
Sweetwaters Serena Tented Camp (1 night)
Embrace the awe-inspiring natural beauty of your surroundings and set the stage for a visit you won’t soon forget. Located within the sprawling Ol Pejeta Conservancy, one of Kenya’s most noteworthy conservancies and home to the "Big Five" (elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, and leopard), Sweetwaters Serena Camp offers a holiday experience unlike any other.
Sweetwaters Serena Camp has the following facilities: day and night game drives daily, tented camp accommodation, swimming pool, extensive grounds, private waterhole and night viewing bar, conference room, wedding planning and honeymoon venue, gift shop, business center, Wi-Fi, in-room telephone, babysitting services, and baby cots in rooms offered upon request.
Flamingo Hill Tented Camp (1 night)
Small and exclusive, this camp comprises of only 25 tents. The tents are furnished with the understated luxury required by the modern traveler. Cozy, warm, and inviting with a personal touch, Flamingo Hill Camp offers the traveler a home away from home!
Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge (1 night)
Set in 150 acres of grassland studded with Acacia bushes and trees, the resort is not only home to the resident giraffe, waterbuck, and both vervet and colobus monkeys, but it is also a night stop for the hippos when they leave the lake every night to go and trim the grass on the expansive lawns.
Boat rides, horse rides, biking, outdoor boma dining area, birdwatching, nature walks, and card and board games are offered.
Loyk Mara Luxury Camp (3 nights)
Settled down in the middle of the African bush, Loyk Mara Luxury Camp will give you a sensation of privacy and rest, granting a vivifying and cool stay under the shade of sprawling crones of undersized trees on a hot day.
The camp also provides all the necessary facilities for a comfortable stay with children from two years old and above. They have a baby-friendly menu, baby chairs, and baby cots available upon your request.
Besides all other facilities, they have 24-hour electricity in both public and private areas at the camp, powered by a solar panel with a diesel generator on backup, hot and cold water showers, flushing toilets, intercoms, Wi-Fi, and DSTV.
Program
Participants must be able to climb in and out of, as well as move around in confined quarters within, safari 4X4 vehicles, minibus, and small aircraft, unassisted. They will also need to be willing to rotate seats.
They must be able to tolerate riding on uncomfortably uneven bumpy roads (some with many potholes) for long periods of time (six to nine hours maximum) as well as some off-road experiences when opportunities allow.
They must be able to stand and / or walk moderate distances when visiting villages, towns, or other sites. This walking will be on uneven ground or uphill and often at altitudes - something many people are not used to. They should also generally be in good health and prepared to travel to locations without medical facilities.
In general, this trip requires:
- Flexibility and good humor- unexpected changes and / or glitches may occur
- A spirit of adventure and curiosity
- Interest in and willingness to appreciate a destination with a modest infrastructure and a bending definition of comfort; this being said, some locations are nestled in absolute luxury where pampering is the norm
Typical day on safari
Classic Journeys Africa's professional guides will be there to assist you every step of the way. Even though there is a general outline of your safari, your guide will talk with you regarding each day’s plans.
He will tell you about the country that you are visiting, its history, traditions, the area you are visiting, and what you see. He will take you to the loveliest places, look after any formalities or negotiations with the local people, and take care of your safety and comfort.
They all are proficient in bushcraft, and can also tell you about the local traditions, wildlife, identify the birds, and help you learn more about the world around you. All of Classic Journeys Africa's guides speak English as well as their local language and some speak French and Spanish too.
Days will vary depending on your specific schedule, road conditions, and what you would like to do.
A typical day may unfold like this:
You will get up before dawn when hot coffee and tea are served. The air will be cold as the sun rises and shimmers on the open plains. This will be the best time to see wildlife. Your camera will be ready to go and you will have layered your clothing to keep you warm. Head into the bush and search for lions, elephants, giraffes and plains game.
Each turn will offer something unique - a lioness and her cubs, a herd of elephants moving to a waterhole, a cheetah stalking a gazelle. Your morning game drive will last about two hours, depending on what you will see. Return to the lodge for a delicious breakfast.
After breakfast, there will be time to relax from being up at sunrise or to participate in any additional activities that the lodge may offer such as walks, village visits, or bike rides.
Lunch will usually be served at the camp / lodge unless you are out for a full day’s game drive, when Classic Journeys Africa will have a picnic lunch. You will head out again in the afternoon, searching for the special species that may have eluded you.
As the sun sets, return to camp for a hot shower. Then, indulge in a delicious dinner and after-dinner drinks at the lounge. There may also be a chance to sit around the campfire, exchanging tales of the bush. Everyone will retire early with great anticipation of the next day's adventure!
When you are out on safari, your schedule will be flexible in most locations. However, some locations will have set times for game drives or walks. You can always talk with the hosts of the camps / lodge to adjust schedules and they will try to accommodate you.
The restriction will be to stay within park rules and travel times required to get you to your destination. Your guides will always give their recommendations but will also be there to listen to your needs.
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi
Jambo! Upon arrival at the airport in Nairobi, you will be met by Classic Journeys Africa's customer care representative who will assist you with the transfer to your hotel. Before checking in at the hotel, he will brief you on your program ahead and introduce the driver-guide who will be with you throughout the safari.
Day 2: Ol Pejeta Conservancy
After breakfast, your driver will pick you up from the hotel and drive you north towards the Mount Kenya region. The whole afternoon will be spent visiting rescued chimpanzees at Sweetwaters Game Ranch.
Set inside the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Sweetwaters gives rescued chimps a second chance at a normal life. It is Kenya’s only sanctuary for the rehabilitation of chimpanzees.
Numbering nearly 40 animals, Sweetwaters provides an environment as close to their natural habitat as possible. The chimps are split into two groups, separated by the Ewaso Nyiro River. The conservancy is also a dedicated black rhino breeding area, making it an unforgettable stopover. In the evening, enjoy dinner and spend the night at a tented camp.
Day 3: Lake Nakuru National Park
This morning, leave Sweetwaters after breakfast and head for Lake Nakuru National Park. Arrive at the camp in good time for lunch and after a refreshing stop, head out for an afternoon game drive. Lake Nakuru, a soda lake on the floor of the Great Rift Valley is rich in birdlife and home to over 400 different species.
The sight of millions of flamingoes making the lake appear ringed in pink is spectacular. In addition to the abundant birdlife, it is also an important haven for the endangered species of Rothschild's giraffe and both black and white rhinos.
Lake Nakuru is rich in wildlife, giving you and your family the chance to spot lions, waterbuck, buffalo, baboons, and much more. The park also boasts a huge variety of animals.
Day 4: Lake Naivasha National Park
Today, indulge in a leisurely breakfast before driving to Lake Naivasha. Have a chance to experience the wonderful boat ride at Crescent Island as you enjoy game viewing from a different perspective. Later, return to your resort for relaxation and personal leisure.
Day 5: Masai Mara National Reserve
After breakfast and a short briefing by your driver-guide, drive to the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve, the backdrop to "the greatest wildlife spectacle on earth," the annual migration of over one million wildebeests. Arrive in time for lunch at your camp. Spend the afternoon on safari in Kenya’s most popular reserve.
Day 6: Masai Mara National Reserve
Your day will be spent on safari in Africa’s richest wildlife viewing arena. Historically teeming with wildlife, the Mara hosts Kenya’s largest lion pride and elephant herds. Other predators include leopard, cheetah, and spotted hyena; while in the Mara River, you will see fat pods of hippo and vast Nile crocodiles.
Other highlights include giraffe tops, gazelle, zebra, buffalo, and over 550 species of birds.
For an extra fee, you can visit the Masai local villages. The Maasai have lived on these plains for centuries and your guide will share his experience and expertise with you. Learn about the fauna and flora of the region and the way that the Maasai people use the plants.
Your guide will teach you the hidden secrets of the African savannah, like how to find medicine in the bush and how to track wildlife and birds.
After this thoroughly informative and fascinating excursion, visit the Maasai manyattas. At this local village, a local Maasai guide will give you an intriguing account of the Maasai people and their age-old traditions. You will have the opportunity to see first-hand an ancient way of life that still survives on the plains of Mara today.
Finally, participate shoulder-to-shoulder in some local Masai traditional dance. As the sun sets on a fulfilling day, return to your scenic tented camp for dinner and a relaxing overnight stay surrounded by nature.
Day 7: Masai Mara National Reserve
Have yet another day of unlimited game viewing and relaxation at your camp. Spend a full day exploring the Maasai Mara National Reserve in search of the Big Five of Africa. From July to October, you may also see the spectacular annual wildebeest migration.
At an extra amount, have the chance to take an unforgettable hot air balloon safari above the wildlife with a well-prepared champagne breakfast awaiting your landing.
The famous Masai Mara Game Reserve is Kenya’s most popular and most visited game sanctuary. It was used as the location of the well-known film "Out of Africa" because of its spectacular scenery and outstanding natural beauty. Mara is home to a huge variety of plains wildlife - from wildebeest and zebra to lions, cheetah, and hyenas.
From July to August, the park hosts one of nature’s truly great events. Millions of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle migrate from the Serengeti, across the Tanzanian border and the Mara River, to reach the sweetgrass plains of the Maasai Mara National Park. It is awash with high drama.
Day 8: End of Tour in Nairobi
After breakfast, bid farewell to the Masai Mara as you set on your journey back to Nairobi. Drive back down the Great Rift Valley to Nairobi, passing the dormant volcano, Mount Longonot, and lakes Elementaita and Naivasha on the way. Keep an eye out for herds of giraffes and gazelles and head up the escarpment.
You will arrive in Kenya’s bustling capital city, Nairobi, in the late afternoon. Spend time doing last-minute shopping and later have lunch at the spontaneous Carnivore Restaurant where you will have a variety of finger-licking meat.
You will be dropped off at the airport to bid farewell to your driver-guide until the next time. Say goodbye to the wonderful guide and promise to join Classic Journeys Africa on another expedition!
Included excursions
Activities include visiting a rescue chimpanzee sanctuary and a black rhino breeding area, lion tracking, night drives, a boat trip on Lake Naivasha, a nature walk with the local Maasai, an optional village visit, an optional hot air balloon safari, and dinner at the Carnivore restaurant.
Location
Kenya sits halfway down the East Coast of Africa, astride the equator. It is the most accessible country in the region. Kenya is the home of safari and is one of the world’s top holiday destinations. The country's appealing world of attractions ranges from stunning landscapes, cultural diversity, adventure sports, and beautiful beaches to unique wildlife.
It is fascinating because of the sheer diversity of its many game parks. One of the greatest sights is the annual migration of two million wildebeest, together with half a million zebras, and thousands of gazelles across the endless savannah. Kenya also boasts as the only country in the world with a national park in the capital.
Food
The following meals are included at the accommodations:
- Panari Hotel - Breakfast
- Sweetwaters Serena Camp - Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Flamingo Hill Tented Camp - Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Loyk Mara Camp - Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Complementary 1.5-liter mineral water per person per day will also be provided in the safari vehicle.
All meals as specified in the itinerary. Please notify us if you have special dietary needs or requests, and we will do best to accommodate. It is always advisable to drink bottled and/or filtered water when traveling overseas. Safe drinking water will be provided to travelers free of change in the vehicles and during meals.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Lacto-ovo Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten Free
- Organic
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
- Hallal
- Seafood
- Fruitarian
- Lactose Free
- Whole food
- Other dietary requirements on request
Things to do (optional)
- Optional hot-air balloon ride
- Optional Masai village visit
- Easter supplement: 35 USD per person (applies on 18th to 21st April 2025 at Naivasha Sopa Lodge)
- Festive supplement: 45 USD per person (applies on 24th, 25th, 26th, 31st Dec 2025 and 1st Jan 2026 at Naivasha Sopa Lodge)
- Easter supplement: 40 USD per person (applies from 18th to 21st April 2025 at Flamingo Hill Camp)
What's included
- Game viewing drives
- Transportation in a private chauffeur-driven custom-made safari minivan
- Exclusive use of the vehicle
- Services of an English or Spanish-speaking driver-guide
- All park entrance fees
- All meet and greet services
- All arrival and departure transfers
- 24-hour stand-by contact number
- Two-way long-range high-frequency radio communication in each vehicle
- Safari accessories in each vehicle (first-aid kit, wildlife books, a pair of binoculars, cool box, and fire extinguisher)
- Flying doctor’s coverage (Covers you within East Africa for a period of 14 days; in the eventuality of a medical emergency, you will be airlifted to Nairobi where you will be taken to a good hospital; hospital bills will be borne by the patient.)
- 7 nights accommodation
- All meals as per itinerary
- Dinner at Carnivore Restaurant
- Complementary 1500ml mineral water per person per day in the safari vehicle
What's not included
- Supplement for Christmas and Easter at Naivasha Sopa Lodge and Flamingo Hill Camp
- Supplement for using a 4x4 land cruiser (quoted separately)
- All items of personal nature (e.g. telephone call bills, fax / email bills, etc.)
- Tips and gratuities to hotel, lodges, camp staff, and driver-guide/s (Budget is approximately 2 - 4 USD per person per day for lodge and hotel staff, 1 USD per bag for porters, and 10 - 15 USD per person per day for driver-guides)
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
- Visa fees
- Any local or international flight and departure taxes
- Laundry services
- Any other item(s) not included in the itinerary
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
7 km
Transfer included
Arrival by airplane
Please arrange your flight to arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). Transfers are included in the package. Classic Journeys Africa will pick you up from the airport.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 30% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through BookAllSafaris.com. All major credit cards supported.