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Kenya: South & Central

Safari, nature & the diverse sides of Kenya

10 days
9 nights
Private trip for 2–6 people
from €2,400 p.p.

This journey combines several very different sides of Kenya. Instead of focusing exclusively on safari, savannah and the country’s famous national parks, the route takes us through the Great Rift Valley, the central highlands, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli, the Tsavo region and the Taita Hills.

We experience Kenya in many different ways: on foot, on the water, by train and on safari.

At Lake Naivasha, we may observe hippos and go on a walking safari on Crescent Island. In the central highlands, we hike to Thomson’s Falls and Hippo Point before experiencing Kenya in a different way aboard the Safari Train.

In the south, vast landscapes and wildlife take center stage. Amboseli National Park is known for its elephant herds and views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
We then continue into the Tsavo region, where we experience its characteristic red earth and vast wilderness.

To conclude the journey, we discover the Taita Hills, a region that differs significantly from the large savannah parks. The remaining cloud forests are home to numerous endemic plant and animal species and are particularly well suited to exploring on foot.

Long drives are also part of this journey. In return, the route combines very different landscapes and experiences – from the Rift Valley and central highlands to the large national parks of the south and the cloud forest of the Taita Hills.

A journey for anyone who does not want to experience Kenya only on safari, but wants to combine different landscapes, wildlife and active experiences.

Two travellers on a rock above a green valley

The route

From the Great Rift Valley farther south – to Lake Naivasha, Amboseli and Tsavo, and the Taita Hills.

Nairobi
Lake Naivasha
Nyahururu
Amboseli
Tsavo/Rukinga
Taita Hills

The route at a glance – simply zoom in on the map for more detail. Further information can be found in the detailed itinerary.

10 Days South & Central Kenya – Highlights

01 Great Rift Valley & Lake Naivasha Experience the Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha and the diverse wildlife around the water.
02 Crescent Island Experience a unique walking safari among zebras, giraffes and antelopes.
03 Thomson’s Falls & Hippo Point Discover the approximately 74-meter-high waterfall and the landscape around Nyahururu.
04 Safari Train Experience Kenya from a different perspective on a nostalgic train journey through the central highlands.
05 Amboseli National Park Experience large elephant herds, vast landscapes and views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
06 Maasai Culture Gain insights into the traditional way of life and culture of the Maasai.
07 Tsavo / Rukinga Discover the characteristic red earth, vast landscapes and wilderness of the Tsavo region.
08 Taita Hills Explore a unique mountainous region with dense cloud forest and exceptional biodiversity.

Why South & Central Kenya?

Most travelers to Kenya primarily associate the country with safari, savannah and its famous national parks. This journey combines those classic safari experiences with very different landscapes and activities that are not necessarily associated with a typical Kenya trip.

The Great Rift Valley and Lake Naivasha form the beginning of the journey. The lake lies in a distinctive Rift Valley landscape and is an important habitat for numerous animals.
Around Crescent Island, we experience an unusual form of safari, while Thomson’s Falls and the central highlands offer a completely different character.

We then take the Safari Train on a slower-paced journey through the central highlands. The train journey is not simply a means of transport, but part of the travel experience itself.

In the south, two very different safari areas are on the itinerary: Amboseli and Tsavo.
Amboseli is particularly known for its elephants and spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro. In Tsavo, vast dry landscapes and the characteristic red earth shape the scenery.

Finally, we travel to the Taita Hills.
Due to the higher altitude, the climate here is significantly cooler and wetter than in the surrounding lowlands. Clouds and mist frequently move through the mountains, creating the distinctive atmosphere of the cloud forest, which is home to numerous endemic plant and animal species.

South & Central Kenya is a journey for explorers. It combines classic safari experiences with water, highlands, a train journey, hiking and a unique natural area at the end of the route.

Safari, nature and active experiences – all in one trip.

Zebras under the acacias by Lake Naivasha, travellers behind them

Lake Naivasha & Central Highlands

Lake Naivasha lies in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley and is an important habitat for numerous bird species and hippos. In the lake lies Crescent Island, a small peninsula inhabited by wildlife.

On the drive to the lake, we experience the Great Rift Valley from different perspectives. A viewpoint offers wide views across the Great Rift Valley.

In the Central Highlands lie the approximately 74-meter-high Thomson’s Falls, where the water plunges over a striking cliff. Hippos are regularly found in the area around Hippo Point.

Naivasha and the Central Highlands combine water, wildlife and the diverse nature of the Great Rift Valley.

An elephant grazing below the snows of Kilimanjaro

Amboseli

Amboseli National Park is one of Kenya’s best-known safari destinations. The park is particularly famous for its large elephant herds and views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

The name Amboseli is often associated with the Maa term for “salty, dusty place” – fitting the dry landscape that characterizes much of the park.

One of the special highlights is Observation Hill, which offers extensive views across the landscape and the Amboseli wetlands.

On clear days, Mount Kilimanjaro rises in the background. However, it is important to have realistic expectations: the mountain is often covered by clouds, so a complete view of the summit cannot be guaranteed.

Walkers on a rocky ridge in the Taita Hills

Tsavo & Taita Hills

Tsavo – Red Earth & Vast Wilderness. The Tsavo region is one of Kenya’s major safari areas and offers a very different experience from Amboseli.

The red earth, vast dry landscapes and enormous size of the protected area are particularly characteristic.

Depending on the chosen option, we experience Tsavo East National Park or the quieter Rukinga Conservancy. Rukinga lies within the Tsavo ecosystem between Tsavo East and Tsavo West and forms part of an important wildlife corridor between the two national parks.

Taita Hills – Cloud Forest & Exceptional Biodiversity. The Taita Hills provide a striking contrast to the dry landscapes of the Tsavo region.
Due to the altitude, the climate here is considerably cooler and wetter. Clouds and mist are common and give the mountains their distinctive atmosphere.

The remaining cloud forests are home to numerous plant and animal species, including species endemic to the Taita Hills. The region is particularly well suited to exploring on foot and provides an unusual conclusion to the journey – far from the large savannah landscapes.

Travel support & local guides

We place great importance on personal support – in German and English. From planning and preparation through to the trip itself, we are available to you and remain your personal points of contact.

For individual activities, we work with local English-speaking guides who know their region, the natural environment and the respective activities extremely well. They accompany you on the ground and share their knowledge with you first-hand.

By arrangement and depending on your needs, we can also accompany you personally on selected activities and support you in communicating with the local guides.

If questions arise during the journey or something does not go according to plan, we are there for you and help find a good solution together.

This allows us to combine personal support with the local knowledge and experience of our guides on the ground.

Accommodation & meals

We select accommodation along the route based on location, safety, availability and the best possible level of comfort.

Especially in remote and less-developed regions, the choice of accommodation and restaurants can be limited.
While we can offer more comfortable options in better-developed areas, the possibilities in rural regions and on remote islands are naturally more basic. Depending on the region and accommodation, it may therefore be necessary to share showers and toilets.

We also try to accommodate individual preferences and dietary requirements when it comes to meals. Vegetarian options in remote regions are often particularly limited.
We discuss the available possibilities with the accommodation providers in advance and do our best to find the best possible solution within the options available.

The specific accommodation and meals included are listed in the detailed itinerary.

Prices

Southern & Central Kenya – 10 days / 9 nights

2 people €3,200 per person

4 people €2,750 per person

6 people €2,400 per person

Private trip for 2–6 people

You travel with your personal tour leader and a vehicle just for you. This leaves plenty of room throughout the trip for spontaneous stops and individual experiences.

Prices are per person based on shared accommodation in a double room.

Single supplement: on request.

What is included?

Private 4×4 vehicle throughout the entire trip
Personal support and a direct point of contact throughout the journey – in German and English
Local English-speaking guides for the activities included
Airport transfer on arrival in Nairobi
9 nights’ accommodation
Meals as specified in the itinerary
National park and entrance fees as specified in the itinerary
Full-day safari in Amboseli National Park
Maasai cultural experience
Full-day safari in Tsavo East National Park or Rukinga Conservancy
Boat trip on Lake Naivasha to Crescent Island and walking safari on the island
Hike to Thomson’s Falls and Hippo Point
Safari train, subject to the published schedule
Tea plantation visit, including a guided tour, tea tasting and optional tea picking
Guided hike in the Taita Hills
Additional activities as specified in the itinerary

What is not included?

International flights
Travel insurance
Visa or fees for entry (eTA)
Drinks
Personal expenses
Tips
Souvenirs and personal purchases
Services not specifically listed as included

Note: The Safari Train is subject to the current timetable and therefore cannot be guaranteed for every travel date. If no suitable connection is available, the respective section will be covered by car instead.

Is this trip right for you?

This trip is for you if you …

want to discover different regions and sides of Kenya
want to combine safari, nature and active experiences
want to see hippos at Lake Naivasha, elephants in Amboseli National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro
want to experience the vast landscapes and red earth of the Tsavo region
are interested in special natural areas such as the cloud forest of the Taita Hills
enjoy traveling on foot, on the water and by train
appreciate special experiences away from the usual travel routes
prefer small groups and personal company
are open to longer driving stretches and varied days

What you should know

The journey combines many different regions and activities. This means there are some longer driving stretches. The route is also dependent on the Safari Train timetable and may need to be adjusted if the arrival day in Nairobi changes.

Some activities take place on foot and partly outdoors. The hike in the Taita Hills requires a good level of fitness.

This journey combines safari, nature, culture and active experiences – while showing you many different sides of Kenya.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to travel to South & Central Kenya?

South and Central Kenya can generally be visited year-round. However, the different regions along the route vary considerably in terms of climate.

The rainy seasons can affect individual activities, road conditions and driving times. At the same time, the landscape becomes especially green.

How demanding is the journey?

The journey is varied and partly active. In addition to longer driving stretches, there are hikes and activities on foot. A good level of fitness is recommended for the Taita Hills.

What should I know about the roads and driving times?

Driving times can vary depending on road conditions, traffic and weather. The journey between Amboseli and the Tsavo region in particular is long.

The journey itself is part of the experience.

How likely am I to see Mount Kilimanjaro?

Mount Kilimanjaro can often be seen from Amboseli, but clouds may partially or completely cover the mountain. A clear view of the summit therefore cannot be guaranteed.

How comfortable are the accommodations?

The accommodation varies. In Nairobi and the better-developed regions, we stay in more comfortable accommodation, while options in more remote regions can be simpler.

Is the journey suitable for first-time visitors to Kenya?

Yes. You do not need any previous safari experience. The important thing is simply to be open to longer drives, different landscapes, hiking and varied travel days.

Can I extend the journey?

Yes. If you wish, the journey can be extended, for example with a few days on the Indian Ocean or with an additional safari.

We would also be happy to put together an individual extension for you – tailored to your wishes and the time you have available.

The trip in detail

Would you like to know exactly what to expect on each day, which distances we cover and which activities are planned?

In the detailed itinerary, you will find the complete journey with daily descriptions, driving distances, activities, meals and the respective accommodation.

View detailed itinerary Send an inquiry

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