6-Day Kenya Big Five Safari Holiday

Arrival in Nairobi City and Road Transfer to Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Upon arrival in Nairobi City, Kenya’s vibrant capital, travelers are welcomed by a Otter African Safaris representative. The 6-Day Kenya Big Five Safari Holiday begins with a warm introduction and briefing before embarking on a scenic road transfer to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a premier wildlife sanctuary situated on the Laikipia Plateau with breathtaking views of Mount Kenya’s snow-capped peaks. The drive takes guests through charming countryside, dotted with rural homesteads, tea plantations, and bustling roadside markets, offering the first glimpses of Kenya’s rich cultural tapestry.

Arrival  at Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Arriving at Ol Pejeta Conservancy around midday, guests settle into Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages, a cozy lodge that blends rustic charm with modern comforts. After a refreshing lunch, the adventure begins with an afternoon game drive across the conservancy’s diverse landscapes. Ol Pejeta is celebrated as a stronghold of the endangered black and white rhinos, hosting the world’s last two northern white rhinos, protected under 24-hour armed guard. Spotting these majestic creatures in their natural habitat becomes a highlight of the day, alongside elephants, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, and the elusive big cats.

As the sun dips behind the horizon, painting the sky in warm hues, guests return to the lodge for a sumptuous dinner. The evening can be spent sharing stories around the campfire, with the sounds of the African night distant lion roars and chirping insects providing a natural soundtrack. The day concludes with a restful night in the heart of the wilderness, preparing travelers for the days of adventure ahead.

• Accommodation: Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages
• Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water

Adventure in Ol Pejeta Conservancy

The second day is fully dedicated to exploring Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a remarkable model of conservation that balances wildlife protection with community support. Guests rise early to the sounds of the bush and set out for a sunrise game drive when predators are most active. The cool morning hours provide excellent conditions for observing lions stalking their prey, cheetahs sprinting across open plains, and hyenas scavenging along game trails. Herds of elephants move gracefully in the golden light, and bird enthusiasts are rewarded with sightings of crowned cranes, martial eagles, and colorful bee-eaters.

Mid-morning, travelers may enjoy a visit to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary within Ol Pejeta, the only place in Kenya where chimpanzees can be observed. This sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates orphaned and abused chimps, offering a rare opportunity to learn about their behaviors and social structures while supporting their welfare. After the visit, the group returns to the lodge for a hearty lunch before venturing out again.

Afternoon Game Drives & Guided Walks

In the afternoon, guests embark on either another game drive or a guided nature walk with experienced rangers. Nature walks allow for intimate encounters with flora and smaller wildlife, as well as insights into tracking animal footprints, medicinal plants, and traditional uses of the environment by local communities. As the sun sets, the conservancy reveals its magic, with silhouetted acacia trees against crimson skies and nocturnal creatures beginning to stir.

The day concludes with a delightful dinner and perhaps a night game drive as an optional experience, where rare nocturnal animals like aardvarks, bat-eared foxes, and serval cats may be spotted. This day in Ol Pejeta ensures a deep appreciation for the delicate balance of wildlife and conservation

• Accommodation: Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water

Transfer from Ol Pejeta Conservancy to Lake Nakuru National Park

After breakfast at the lodge, guests bid farewell to Ol Pejeta Conservancy and begin the scenic road transfer to Lake Nakuru National Park. The 6-Day Kenya Big Five Safari Holiday journey traverses the Great Rift Valley, offering breathtaking views of escarpments, lush valleys, and patchwork farmland. En route, travelers may stop at strategic viewpoints to admire the sweeping panoramas of this geological wonder that stretches from Lebanon to Mozambique.

Arriving at Lake Nakuru in the afternoon, guests check into Ziwa Bush Lodge, a comfortable retreat nestled close to the park. After lunch, an evening game drive introduces visitors to the park’s rich ecosystem. Lake Nakuru is world-famous for its birdlife, particularly the flamingos that once gathered in vast flocks along its alkaline shores. Though numbers fluctuate, the lake still attracts a variety of waterbirds, including pelicans, cormorants, and storks.

The park is also a sanctuary for rhinos, hosting both black and white species, as well as a haven for Rothschild’s giraffes, which were translocated here for conservation. Lions, leopards, and buffalo roam the acacia woodlands, while baboons and warthogs add vibrancy to the savannah plains. As the sun sets, the park transforms into a haven of tranquility, with golden reflections shimmering across the lake’s surface.

Dinner is served back at Ziwa Bush Lodge, where the day’s adventures can be shared under starlit skies. Guests rest comfortably, surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature, ready for another day of wildlife exploration.

• Accommodation: Ziwa Bush Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water

Lake Nakuru Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Masai Mara National Reserve

The day begins with an early morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, maximizing chances of spotting predators and other elusive animals. The crisp morning air and soft light create perfect conditions for wildlife photography. Travelers may encounter lions resting on rocky outcrops, leopards lurking in dense bushes, or herds of buffalo grazing peacefully. Rhinos often graze in the open plains, offering excellent viewing opportunities.

After breakfast and checkout, the journey continues toward the Masai Mara National Reserve, arguably Kenya’s crown jewel for 6-Day Kenya Big Five Safari Holiday enthusiasts. The drive crosses the Great Rift Valley and traverses scenic highlands before descending into the expansive savannahs of the Mara. En route, guests may catch glimpses of rural Kenyan life, including vibrant markets, small villages, and herders tending livestock.

Arrival at Jambo Mara Safari Lodge

By late afternoon, the group arrives at Jambo Mara Safari Lodge, a comfortable base located near the reserve. After a refreshing lunch, guests embark on an evening game drive into the Masai Mara. The reserve is celebrated for its exceptional predator populations, offering unparalleled opportunities to witness lions, cheetahs, and leopards in action. The Mara is also home to elephants, giraffes, zebras, and countless antelope species, creating a wildlife spectacle like no other.

As twilight descends, the golden savannah glows under the fading sun, and nocturnal animals begin to stir. Dinner awaits back at the lodge, followed by a relaxing evening in the wilderness. The anticipation builds for the full day of exploration awaiting in the Mara.

• Accommodation: Jambo Mara Safari Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water

Full-Day Adventure in the Masai Mara National Reserve

Day five is fully devoted to immersing guests in the wonders of the Masai Mara, a reserve synonymous with the African safari dream. The day begins early with a sunrise game drive, when the light is golden and wildlife most active. Lions, often called the kings of the Mara, patrol their territories, while cheetahs take advantage of the morning coolness to hunt. Elephants, giraffes, and hippos are frequently encountered, while bird enthusiasts delight in the Mara’s impressive avifauna.

Mid-morning, guests may return for a hearty breakfast or opt for a full-day game drive with picnic lunches packed by the lodge. Exploring deeper into the reserve increases chances of encountering the Big Five, alongside hyenas, jackals, and large herds of herbivores. During the Great Migration season, the spectacle of wildebeest and zebra herds crossing the Mara River, pursued by crocodiles and predators, is an unforgettable highlight.

In addition to game drives, cultural experiences add depth to the adventure. Guests may visit a traditional Maasai village, where they learn about the customs, dances, and lifestyles of the Maasai people, renowned for their warrior heritage and deep connection to the land. Guided nature walks provide opportunities to explore the smaller wonders of the Mara, from medicinal plants to animal tracks.

Optional activities include a hot air balloon safari at dawn, offering breathtaking aerial views of the endless savannah, followed by a champagne breakfast. As the sun sets, guests return to the lodge for dinner, cherishing memories of a day rich with wildlife, culture, and natural beauty.

• Accommodation: Jambo Mara Safari Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water

Return from Masai Mara to Nairobi City for Departure

On the final day, guests enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking out of Jambo Mara Safari Lodge. A morning road trip takes travelers back to Nairobi City, offering final glimpses of Kenya’s rural landscapes, bustling markets, and expansive savannahs. Depending on departure times, optional stops can be arranged, such as visiting curio shops for souvenirs or enjoying a farewell lunch in Nairobi.

This transfer marks the conclusion of the 6-day Kenya Big Five Safari Holiday. Guests are dropped off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or their Nairobi hotel, carrying with them cherished memories of incredible wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and breathtaking landscapes. The safari’s carefully designed itinerary ensures that every moment was filled with discovery, adventure, and immersion in the wild beauty of Kenya.

Though the 6-Day Kenya Big Five Safari Holiday journey ends, the memories linger sunrises over golden plains, lions roaring in the distance, rhinos grazing in silence, and Maasai warriors welcoming visitors with song and dance. For many, this safari becomes not just a holiday, but a transformative journey that inspires future adventures across Africa.

• Accommodation: None
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Drinking Water