The 12 Days Kenya Safari and Cultural Tour is a rare, deep-immersion journey designed for travelers who want to blend classic wildlife viewing with real cultural encounters across northern Kenya’s remote landscapes. This adventure starts in Nairobi and takes you through the world-famous Masai Mara, the wildlife-rich plains of Lake Nakuru, and the cultural heartlands of Samburu, Marsabit, Loiyangalani, South Horr, and Maralal.

Every day reveals a striking contrast—rolling savannahs filled with big cats, desert landscapes dotted with traditional villages, volcanic plains, turquoise lakes, and mountain passes rarely visited by mainstream tourists. From game drives in premier parks to intimate moments with the Samburu, Rendille, Turkana, and Maasai communities, this 12-day tour delivers an unforgettable blend of nature, culture, and true expedition-style travel.

This itinerary is crafted for photographers, culture enthusiasts, and travelers seeking an authentic Kenyan experience away from the crowds.

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Detailed 12-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Welcome to Kenya

Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport where your guide welcomes you and transfers you to your hotel.

Relax, enjoy a city dinner, or explore Nairobi at leisure.

Day 2: Nairobi → Masai Mara National Reserve

Depart Nairobi and drive through the Great Rift Valley to Masai Mara, Kenya’s most iconic wildlife sanctuary.

Afternoon game drive where you may spot lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, and vast herds of herbivores.

Overnight: Midrange lodge/tented camp in Masai Mara.

Day 3: Full-Day Game Drive in Masai Mara

A full day of safari with picnic lunch in the bush.

Discover the Mara’s spectacular wildlife activity from sunrise to afternoon.

Optional: Visit a Maasai village for cultural experiences.

Day 4: Masai Mara → Lake Nakuru National Park

Travel to Lake Nakuru, famous for rhino sightings, flamingos, and diverse bird species.

Evening game drive to spot rhinos, lions, and rare Rothschild giraffes.

Overnight: Midrange lodge overlooking the lake.

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Day 5: Lake Nakuru → Samburu National Reserve

Drive north across ever-changing landscapes to Samburu, home to unique wildlife not found elsewhere in Kenya—such as Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, and gerenuk.

Evening game drive.

Day 6: Full Day in Samburu – Culture & Wildlife

Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives.

Visit a Samburu village to learn about their rich traditions, beadwork, and nomadic lifestyle.

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Day 7: Samburu → Marsabit National Park

Drive further north into the mystical region of Marsabit, known for its forested mountain oasis rising above arid lands.

Explore Marsabit National Park’s crater lakes and wildlife including elephants, kudu, and buffalos.

Day 8: Marsabit → Loiyangalani (Lake Turkana)

Descend into the desert region and travel to the shores of Lake Turkana, the Jade Sea, surrounded by volcanic desert.

Meet local communities such as the Turkana and El Molo, one of Africa’s smallest tribes.

Day 9: Loiyangalani → South Horr Valley

Drive through dramatic landscapes carved by desert winds and volcanic formations.

Arrive in South Horr, a lush valley between desert and mountains and home to Rendille and Samburu communities.

Enjoy cultural visits and scenic walks.

Day 10: South Horr → Maralal

Travel south to Maralal, a cultural hub famous for traditional pastoral life and Samburu warriors.

Visit local markets, community projects, and scenic viewpoints.

Day 11: Maralal → Nairobi

Depart Maralal and journey back to Nairobi through changing highland scenery.

Arrive in the evening for rest or optional city activities.

Day 12: Departure

Morning at leisure depending on flight schedule.

Transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

End of the tour.

Inclusions

11 nights midrange accommodation

All meals during the safari (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Professional English-speaking safari guide/driver

Private comfortable 4×4 Land Cruiser

All park entrance fees: Masai Mara, Samburu, Nakuru, Marsabit

Unlimited game drives

All cultural village visits (Samburu, Turkana, El Molo, Rendille, Maasai)

Bottled drinking water daily

Government taxes and levies

Airport pickup + drop-off

All road transport throughout the 12 days

Exclusions

International flights

Travel insurance

Personal expenses (souvenirs, beverages, laundry)

Tips for driver-guide and lodge staff

Optional activities not listed

Visa fees