7 Nights/8 Days Kenya Highlights Safari: Nairobi, Mount Kenya, Lake Elmenteita & Maasai Mara
An Exquisite Journey with Serena Hotels & Lodges
Safari Overview
This 8-day safari takes you on a journey through Kenya’s most celebrated landscapes—from the vibrant capital city to the shadow of Mount Kenya, the tranquil Great Rift Valley lakes, and finally the world-renowned plains of the Maasai Mara. Carefully curated for discerning travellers seeking both comfort and adventure, this itinerary features the legendary hospitality of Serena Hotels & Lodges at every stop.
Begin with a restful night at the Nairobi Serena Hotel, a five-star urban oasis, before venturing north to the wildlife-rich Ol Pejeta Conservancy where Mount Kenya forms a majestic backdrop. Continue to the serene shores of Lake Elmenteita in the Great Rift Valley, home to thousands of flamingos and pelicans, before flying south to the Mara Serena Safari Lodge—perched on a hill in the famed Mara Triangle with ringside seats to Africa’s greatest wildlife spectacle .
Safari Highlights
| Experience | Location |
|---|---|
| 5-star luxury at Nairobi Serena Hotel | Nairobi City |
| Game drives in Ol Pejeta Conservancy—home to the Big Five | Ol Pejeta Conservancy |
| Visit the Chimpanzee Sanctuary | Ol Pejeta Conservancy |
| Night game drives and bush walks | Ol Pejeta Conservancy |
| Sundowner cocktails overlooking Lake Elmenteita | Soysambu Conservancy |
| Thousands of flamingos and pelicans at Lake Elmenteita | Great Rift Valley |
| Unrestricted game drives in the Mara Triangle | Masai Mara National Reserve |
| Hippo Pool Breakfast by the Mara River | Masai Mara |
| “Oringa” massage at Mara Serena Safari Lodge | Masai Mara |
| Farewell lunch at Café Maghreb Restaurant | Nairobi Serena Hotel |
Itinerary Details
Day 1: Arrival Nairobi
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met by your Beyond Kenya Safaris representative and transferred to the Nairobi Serena Hotel .
Tucked beside Nairobi’s Central Park, the Nairobi Serena Hotel is a five-star haven where tastefully landscaped gardens, cultural artistry, and refined African hospitality meet . After checking in, enjoy the hotel’s world-class facilities, including the celebrated Maisha Spa & Health Club—the perfect way to unwind after your international flight .
The hotel’s central location offers easy access to Nairobi’s attractions for those who wish to explore. Optional excursions include the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, Giraffe Centre, or the Karen Blixen Museum (available at an additional cost).
Overnight: Nairobi Serena Hotel (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 2: Nairobi to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
After breakfast at the hotel, your dedicated Safari Driver Guide will conduct a pre-safari briefing before you depart for the journey north to Ol Pejeta Conservancy . The drive takes you through Kenya’s picturesque central highlands, with views of Mount Kenya dominating the horizon.
Arrive at Sweetwaters Serena Camp in time for lunch. This elegant tented camp is situated in the heart of the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, home to Kenya’s Big Five, offering a charming blend of under-canvas ambience and uncompromising luxury . The camp’s 39 luxurious tents each feature en-suite bathrooms and private verandahs overlooking a floodlit waterhole that attracts a host of wildlife .
Afternoon: After settling in, depart at 16:00hrs for an afternoon game viewing drive in the conservancy. Ol Pejeta is renowned for its impressive density of wildlife and is especially famous for its large population of black rhinoceros . The conservancy is also home to the only chimpanzee sanctuary in Kenya .
Return to the camp as the sun sets, with dinner served under the stars.
Overnight: Sweetwaters Serena Camp (Full Board: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Day 3: Full Day in Ol Pejeta Conservancy
A full day to explore the wonders of Ol Pejeta Conservancy :
Morning Game Drive (06:30hrs): Rise early for a morning game drive when predators are most active. The conservancy’s 90,000 acres support a remarkable variety of wildlife, including lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino, giraffe, zebra, and numerous antelope species. With Mount Kenya as a stunning backdrop, sightings here feel both intimate and spectacular.
Bush Lunch: Enjoy a specially arranged bush lunch within the conservancy, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African wilderness .
Afternoon Activities:
- Chimpanzee Sanctuary Visit – Tour the only facility of its kind in Kenya, providing an authentic habitat for rescued chimpanzees who cannot otherwise be re-introduced into the wild. It’s a powerful and memorable experience that highlights the challenges and responsibilities of wildlife protection .
- Night Game Drive – Available as an optional activity, explore the bush under cover of darkness when animals are grazing, sleeping, and hunting .
- Walking Safari – Accompanied by a Serena resident naturalist, experience the bush on foot and learn ancient tracking skills .
- Visit the Information Centre – Learn about Ol Pejeta’s pioneering conservation work and community initiatives.
Afternoon Game Drive (16:00hrs): Another opportunity to track wildlife and capture stunning photographs in the golden afternoon light .
Return to camp for dinner and another night in the tranquility of the African bush.
Overnight: Sweetwaters Serena Camp (Full Board)
Day 4: Ol Pejeta to Lake Elmenteita
After breakfast, depart for the drive south through the Great Rift Valley to Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp . The journey offers breathtaking views of the Rift Valley escarpment and the patchwork of lakes and ranches below.
Arrive at Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp in the early afternoon for check-in and lunch . Set against ancient volcanoes and golden-barked acacia trees, this intimate safari retreat rests on the tranquil shores of Lake Elmenteita within Kenya’s Soysambu Conservancy . The camp features 24 luxurious tents with en-suite bathrooms, private verandahs, and stunning views of the lake where thousands of pelicans and flamingoes gather to feed .
Afternoon: Enjoy the camp’s facilities at your leisure :
- Heated swimming pool overlooking the lake
- Optional activities: Water colour painting, recurve target archery, jogging/walking, horse riding
Late Afternoon Game Drive (16:00hrs): Explore the Soysambu Wildlife Conservancy, home to a variety of plains game including buffalo, waterbuck, giraffe, and the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe .
Sundowner Cocktail: Crown your day with an unforgettable sundowner at the Cliff Top overlooking the lake—a vantage point from which you can see pelicans and flamingoes as the sun paints the Rift Valley in shades of gold and crimson . Buffaloes love to graze along the lake shore below, adding to the spectacular scene.
Overnight: Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp (All-Inclusive)
Day 5: Lake Elmenteita & Lake Nakuru Excursion
After breakfast, drive to Lake Nakuru National Park for a half-day game drive before returning to the camp in time for lunch .
Lake Nakuru National Park is a sanctuary for both black and white rhino, and seeing these magnificent creatures grazing on the lake flats—often both species in a single morning—is close to a given . The park is also home to:
- Tree-climbing lions draped along acacia branches
- Waterbuck, buffalo, and the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe
- Zebra, baboons, and a host of bird species
- If the alkaline lake’s chemistry is favourable, the shallows may shimmer pink with flamingos and great white pelicans
Return to Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp for a leisurely lunch.
Afternoon: Time to relax and enjoy the camp’s facilities—perhaps a swim in the heated pool, a spa treatment, or simply soaking in the serene lakeside atmosphere .
Late Afternoon Game Drive: Another opportunity to explore the Soysambu Conservancy before sunset. The twilight hours offer magical light for photography and a chance to spot nocturnal wildlife emerging from their daytime shelters .
Overnight: Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp (All-Inclusive)
Day 6: Lake Elmenteita to Masai Mara
After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for your scheduled flight to the Masai Mara National Reserve .
Upon arrival at the Mara Serena Airstrip, you will be met by your Lodge Driver Guide and transferred to Mara Serena Safari Lodge .
Perched high on a bush-cloaked hill, the Mara Serena Safari Lodge stands centre-stage to one of Africa’s most dramatic wildlife arenas . The lodge has a ringside seat for the greatest wildlife show on earth—the legendary migration of the wildebeest . The lodge features 74 guest rooms with en-suite bathrooms and private balconies overlooking the rolling plains, a restaurant serving delicious international cuisine and authentic African dishes, a lounge and bar, and a refreshing swimming pool with spectacular views .
Afternoon: After check-in and lunch, enjoy some leisure time to take in the breathtaking views from your private balcony or lounge.
Afternoon Game Drive (16:00hrs): Depart for your first game drive in the Mara Triangle—one of the world’s richest wildlife sanctuaries . The Mara holds the highest density of big cats anywhere in Africa, with its grasslands rolling unbroken to the horizon . Return to the lodge as dusk settles over the plains.
Overnight: Mara Serena Safari Lodge (Full Board)
Day 7: Full Day in the Masai Mara
Your first full day on the Mara plains, and the reserve sets its own pace :
Early Morning Game Drive: Head out at sunrise with a packed breakfast, when predators are still active and the grasslands are at their most photogenic—the prime window for lions finishing a night’s hunt and for cheetahs, which hunt by daylight across the open country from termite-mound vantage points .
Hippo Pool Breakfast: A highlight of your Mara experience—enjoy a special breakfast set up by the Mara River, where hippos keep you company as you dine . The chefs welcome you with their charming “Jambo” as they present a wonderful buffet breakfast of hot dishes made to your specifications .
Midday: Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. Take a dip in the pool, enjoy a spa treatment, or simply rest on your private balcony while watching the savannah unfold before you.
Afternoon Game Drive (16:00hrs): Explore a different sector of the reserve. The softer afternoon light favours photography, and leopards often stir in the riverine fig and ebony trees as the day cools. With no transfer to make today, the rhythm is shaped entirely by what you find .
“Oringa” Massage: Enjoy a complimentary Oringa massage at the lodge—an authentic African treatment designed to soothe tired muscles after your wildlife adventures .
Overnight: Mara Serena Safari Lodge (Full Board)
Day 8: Masai Mara – Departure
Your final morning in the Mara begins with an early breakfast at the lodge .
Enjoy one last opportunity for a morning game drive before transferring to the Mara Serena Airstrip for your flight back to Nairobi’s Wilson Airport .
Upon arrival in Nairobi, you will be transferred to the Nairobi Serena Hotel for a farewell lunch at the Café Maghreb Restaurant, compliments of Serena Hotels .
After lunch, transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your international departure, or extend your stay with a beach extension to the Kenyan coast .
Meals: Breakfast and Farewell Lunch
Accommodation Details
Nairobi Serena Hotel
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Five-star city hotel |
| Location | Nairobi City Centre, adjacent to Central Park |
| Key Feature | Maisha Spa & Health Club |
| Special | Landscaped gardens, cultural artistry, refined African hospitality |
Sweetwaters Serena Camp
Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp
Mara Serena Safari Lodge
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Luxury safari lodge |
| Location | Mara Triangle, Masai Mara National Reserve |
| Capacity | 74 rooms |
| Key Feature | Ringside seat to the wildebeest migration |
| Special | Hippo Pool Breakfast, Oringa Massage |
Package Inclusions
- Airport and airstrip transfers as per itinerary with Meet and Greet services
- One night at Nairobi Serena Hotel on Bed & Breakfast basis
- Two nights on Full Board basis at Sweetwaters Serena Camp
- Two nights on All-Inclusive basis at Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp
- Two nights on Full Board basis at Mara Serena Safari Lodge
- Safari transport and game drives in a custom-made 4x4WD Safari Land Cruiser on exclusive use
- Services of a Professional Safari Driver Guide
- Park and Conservancy entrance fees
- Sundowner cocktails at Lake Elmenteita
- Bush lunch within Ol Pejeta Conservancy
- Game drive at Lake Nakuru National Park
- “Oringa” massage at Mara Serena Safari Lodge
- Hippo Pool Breakfast in the Mara
- Internal flights: from Mara to Nairobi (Wilson)
- Farewell lunch at Café Maghreb Restaurant at Nairobi Serena Hotel, compliments of Serena Hotels
Package Exclusions
- International flights and visa entry charges to Kenya
- All items of personal use (drinks, laundry, telephone calls, tips/gratuities, personal travel insurance, etc.)
- Premium spirits, top-shelf wines, and champagne
- Optional activities not specified in the itinerary
- Hot air balloon safari (available as optional extra)
Package Pricing
Prices are per person sharing in a double/twin room and vary by season. Please contact Beyond Kenya Safaris for current rates and availability.
For reference, Serena Hotels offers similar packages from approximately US$2,200+ per person, with pricing dependent on season and group size .
Best Time to Travel
The Masai Mara offers exceptional year-round wildlife viewing. The Great Migration typically peaks between July and October, with river crossings being unpredictable but spectacular . Lake Elmenteita’s flamingo populations are visible year-round, with the best viewing often during the drier months.
Why Book with Beyond Kenya Safaris?
Family-Owned Since 2006 – As a family-run company based in Nairobi, we treat our guests as part of our extended family. Every detail matters, from your first inquiry to the final farewell .
Tailor-Made Safaris – No two journeys are the same. We listen, understand your vision, and design experiences around your dreams—from luxury lodge stays to immersive cultural encounters.
Seamless Logistics – Being based in Nairobi gives us a unique advantage. From airport pickups to domestic connections, we handle the details so you can focus on the experience.
Best Prices Guaranteed – Thanks to long-standing partnerships with Serena Hotels and other premium providers, we offer competitive, transparent pricing with unbeatable value.
Expert Guides – Our guides are more than drivers—they are storytellers, naturalists, and your companions in adventure, ensuring every moment in the bush is as enriching as it is exciting.
Enquire About This Safari
Email: sales@beyondkenyasafaris.com
Website: beyondkenyasafaris.com
Let us craft your perfect Kenyan safari—a story waiting to be lived, shared, and remembered forever.