Luxury Travel Guide
The Ultimate 10-Day Kenya Safari Itinerary
A curated fly-in journey for the discerning North American traveler.
For travelers from the USA and Canada, Kenya is more than a destination; it is a spiritual homecoming to the wild. This 10-day itinerary skips the 6-hour dusty drives in favor of private charter flights, ensuring you spend your time watching lions hunt rather than watching the road.
Nairobi: The Colonial Gateway
Recover from your long-haul flight (likely via London, Paris, or NYC) at an iconic sanctuary. Nairobi is the only city in the world with a National Park at its doorstep.
- ✔ Stay: Giraffe Manor or Hemmingways Nairobi.
- ✔ Highlight: Breakfast with Rothschild giraffes and a private visit to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to meet orphaned elephants.
Laikipia Plateau: Conservation & Solitude
Fly north to the Laikipia Plateau. Unlike public parks, these private conservancies allow for night drives, walking safaris, and horseback riding among rhinos.
- ✔ Stay: Segera Retreat or Solio Lodge.
- ✔ Experience: Tracking the world’s last Northern White Rhinos at Ol Pejeta and helicopter flights over the Great Rift Valley.
Masai Mara: The Greatest Show on Earth
A short flight brings you to the crown jewel. Whether you are here for the Great Migration or the year-round resident big cats, the Mara never fails to deliver.
- ✔ Stay: Angama Mara (perched on the ‘Out of Africa’ ridge) or Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp.
- ✔ Highlight: A sunrise hot air balloon flight followed by a champagne bush breakfast in the middle of the savannah.
The Final Sundowner
Enjoy one last morning game drive before flying back to Nairobi. We arrange a day-room at a luxury hotel so you can freshen up and enjoy a final gourmet dinner before your late-night flight home.
Essential Planning Tips for 2026
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Kenya has replaced the visa with an eTA. Apply at least 2 weeks before departure. US/Canadian citizens must have at least 6 months validity on passports.
Pack for Layers
Mornings in the Mara can be 50°F (10°C), while mid-day hits 85°F (30°C). Soft-sided luggage is mandatory for the small internal bush planes.
Plastic Ban
Kenya has a strict ban on single-use plastics. Avoid packing plastic bags in your luggage; they may be confiscated at the airport.
Health
Consult your doctor regarding Malarone or other antimalarials. Yellow Fever certificates are often required if transiting through other African nations.