Big Five & More – 14 Days

Overview

This 14-day, 13-night safari adventure showcases Kenya’s iconic Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo — while exploring a variety of stunning ecosystems teeming with other safari wildlife.

The carefully crafted itinerary balances scenic flights for longer distances with drives for shorter transfers, allowing maximum time for exceptional wildlife viewing. Each day features thrilling game drives, insightful conservation visits, and meaningful cultural encounters with local communities. You will stay in a selection of classic lodges and luxury tented camps, each offering warm hospitality and full-board meals (unless otherwise noted). The journey is designed to begin on a Sunday and end on a Saturday in Nairobi, Kenya perfectly aligned with international flight arrivals on Day 1 and departures on Day 14.

Dates

Departure Years	Departures 2027, Departures 2028
Departure Dates	Jan 9-Jan 22, Jan 10-Jan 23, Feb 6-Feb 19, Feb 7-Feb 20, Mar 5-Mar 18, Mar 7-Mar 20, Apr 2-Apr 15, Apr 4-Apr 17, Apr 30-May 13, May 2-May 15, May 28-Jun 10, May 30-Jun 12, Jul 23 – Aug 5, Jun 25 – Jul 8, Jun 27 – Jul 10, Jul 25 – Aug 7, Aug 20 – Sep 2, Aug 22 – Sep 4, Sep 17 – Sep 30, Sep 19 – Oct 2, Oct 15-Oct 28, Oct 17-Oct 30, Nov 12-Nov 25, Nov 14-Nov 27

Itinerary

Day 1	Arrive in Nairobi, Kenya’s Capitol City
	Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, a warm welcome awaits you. Your dedicated Kalama Safaris representative will greet you personally at the airport, assist with immigration and customs formalities, and provide a smooth private transfer to the elegant Hemingways Nairobi or Nairobi Serena Hotel. You will spend one night at this iconic hotel, located in the heart of Nairobi. This first evening is yours to relax and recover from your international journey. Settle into your luxurious room, unwind by the pool, or enjoy a welcome drink while absorbing the vibrant energy of Kenya’s capital as you prepare for the exciting safari ahead.
Days 2-3	Drive to Amboseli National Park
	After breakfast, you drive approximately 4 hours south from Nairobi to Amboseli National Park, famously known as the “Land of Giants” for its breathtaking views of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro. This iconic park is renowned for its large elephant herds and excellent opportunities to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo), along with cheetahs and a rich variety of birdlife. Over the next two days, you will enjoy morning and afternoon game drives across the open plains and lush swamps. You will spend two nights at the Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, a classic luxury lodge perfectly situated with superb views of the park and Kilimanjaro.
Day 4-6	Fly to Samburu National Reserve via Nairobi
	After breakfast, you take local flights north to Samburu National Reserve Located along the scenic Ewaso Nyiro River, Samburu offers a completely different landscape and wildlife experience from Amboseli. In addition to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo), this arid wonderland is famous for its Samburu Special Five: the reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and the long-necked gerenuk. You will spend three nights at either Soroi Larsens Camp or Elephant Bedroom Camp, both excellent luxury tented camps perfectly positioned for immersive wildlife experiences. Over the three days, you will enjoy morning and afternoon game drives along the river, with the dramatic red-earth landscapes and unique wildlife making Samburu one of Kenya’s most special reserves.
Day 7-9	Drive to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
	After breakfast, you depart for a scenic 3-hour drive to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, one of Kenya’s leading private wildlife conservancies. Ol Pejeta is renowned for its outstanding conservation efforts and exceptional game viewing. It is home to all of the Big Five, including East Africa’s largest population of black rhinos and a significant number of white rhinos. The conservancy is also famous for housing the last two remaining northern white rhinos in the world. In addition to superb Big Five sightings, you will have the opportunity to visit the chimpanzee sanctuary and enjoy thrilling game drives across the conservancy’s diverse landscapes. You will spend three nights at the comfortable Sweetwaters Serena Camp, a classic tented camp beautifully positioned beside a busy waterhole, offering excellent wildlife viewing directly from your tent.
Day 10	Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park
	After breakfast, you take a scenic 3-hour drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, celebrated for its shimmering soda lake and one of Africa’s greatest flamingo spectacles when in season. The park’s woodlands and grasslands are home to four of the Big Five — lion, leopard, buffalo, and both black and white rhinos. It is also one of the best places in Kenya to see the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe, along with large troops of baboons and rich birdlife. You will spend one night at either The Cliff, a stylish boutique lodge with breathtaking views over the lake, or Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge, a classic luxury lodge set on the hillside overlooking the park. Both properties offer excellent comfort and superb locations for enjoying the beauty of Lake Nakuru.
Day 11-13	Drive to Masai Mara National Reserve
	After breakfast, you drive approximately 5 hours from Lake Nakuru to the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve. This iconic landscape is renowned for its abundant Big Five sightings — lion prides, leopards lounging in trees, elephant herds, rhinos, and buffalo — set against vast rolling plains. Between July and October, the reserve also hosts the dramatic Great Wildebeest Migration. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Ilkeliani Camp or Sarova Mara Game Camp. Both lodges are excellently located, offering superb game viewing opportunities right from the property. In the afternoon, you will enjoy your first thrilling game drive in the Masai Mara, immersing yourself in its rich wildlife and breathtaking savannah scenery. During your stay, you can also enjoy optional activities such as a hot-air balloon safari at sunrise (with champagne breakfast, approx. $500 per person) and optional visit to local Maasai village. You will spend three unforgettable nights in the Masai Mara, one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations.
Day 14	Fly from Masai Mara to Nairobi
	After a final early morning game drive (weather and flight schedule permitting), you will be transferred to the airstrip for your flight back to Nairobi. You will arrive in Nairobi and be transferred to your day room at either the Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi or the Hilton Garden Inn Nairobi (both located near the airport}. These comfortable day rooms provide a relaxing space to freshen up, rest, and use the hotel facilities. You will enjoy both lunch and dinner before being transferred in the evening to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your international flight home.

Cost

NOTE: The number of tour days does not include your international travel days to and from Africa.

Per Traveler
2027
Jan-Apr	$16,250
May-June, Oct-Nov	$19,050
Jul – Sep	$23,250
2028
Jan-Apr	$18,281
May-June, Oct-Nov	$21,431
Jul – Sep	$26,156

Adult 18+ Double Occupancy
Single traveler at the same price as double occupancy – no supplements
Youth 75% Per Youth Age 13-17 Double/Triple Occupancy with at least one adult
Child 50% Per Child Age 4-12 Double/Triple Occupancy with at least one adult
Infant/Toddler No Cost – Do not include as a paid traveler.

Discounts

Groups of 4-6	$100 per traveler
Groups of 7-12	$150 per traveler
Groups of 13-18	$200 per traveler

Deposit & Balance

20% Deposit to secure booking – Per person cost for each traveler
Balance due 90 days prior to start date – Invoice for balance due will include deductions for youth, children, and group discounts.

Inclusions

All accommodations and meals
All transfers
All gratuities for porters and servers/hotel staff
Minimum gratuities guide, driver, and hotel staff
Local flights (2)
All game park entrance and applicable concession fees (5 Parks)
Excursions in itinerary
Water included with meals and in safari vehicles

Exclusions

International airfare to and from Nairobi, Kenya
Gratuities – housekeeping
Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari (about $500 per person)
Excess baggage fee
Laundry services
ETA or Visa Fee for entrance into Kenya
Alcoholic beverages and other drinks (soft drinks and water) from the bar
Personal expenses such as travel insurance
Communication charges that include emails and phone calls

Cancellations

▪ Cancellation 90 or more days before start date (100% refund of price less a $300 administrative fee per person)

▪ Cancellation 89-60 days before start date (75% refund of price less a $300 administrative fee per person)

▪ Cancellation 59-30 days before start date (35% refund of price less a $300 administrative fee p er person)

▪ Cancellation 29-0 days before start date (0% refund of price per person)

We strongly encourage you to purchase travel insurance!

Insurance

Travel worry-free with travel insurance from trusted insurers. Compare and buy online with safe and secure checkout and instant confirmation of coverage at www.travelinsurance.com.

Consider the following:

Trip Cancellation
Trip Interruption
Medical Evacuation
Medical Protection
Baggage Loss
Flight Accident
Accidental Death

Review the terms and conditions before deciding whether to purchase travel insurance. At a minimum, consider trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical evacuation, and medical protection.

Extension

Pre-Tour: Gorillas & More 4 Days 3 Nights

This intimate 4-day, 3-night primate safari in Rwanda is built around unforgettable encounters with the critically endangered mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park. Blending world-class wildlife experiences with authentic cultural immersion, the journey also includes a gentle introduction to Kigali and meaningful visits with local communities.

Designed with sustainability at its core, the safari features guided gorilla treks and immersive village experiences, all supported by luxury accommodations and full-board dining throughout.

This adventure begins in Kigali, Rwanda, four days prior to the official start of your Kalama Safari tour. After enjoying these memorable opening days in Rwanda, you will take a short regional flight to either Nairobi, Kenya or Arusha, Tanzania, where your main safari adventure seamlessly begins.

Learn More