Five nights from the Aberdare forests to the Masai Mara via Elementaita and Nairobi, with two activities, visa and return flights.
Aberdare's forest lodges, where game comes to floodlit waterholes after dark, open this five-night Kenya safari before it drops to the Rift Valley and the Masai Mara. The route runs Kieni, Lake Elementaita, the Mara and Nairobi.
What is a tree lodge safari in the Aberdares
The Aberdare highlands around Kieni are known for their tree lodges, where elephants, buffalo and rhino visit illuminated waterholes through the night. From there this trip descends to Lake Elementaita in the Rift Valley and then the Masai Mara for two nights of plains game drives, mixing highland forest with classic savannah.
Trip Highlights
Aberdare tree lodge with a floodlit waterhole
Rift Valley stop at Lake Elementaita
Two nights of Masai Mara game drives
Highland forest paired with classic savannah
Day 1: Kieni | Aberdare Tree Lodge
Arrive in Nairobi and drive to the Aberdare highlands near Kieni, settling into a forest lodge with a floodlit waterhole.
Day 2: Gilgil | Rift Valley Lakes
Travel to Lake Elementaita in the Rift Valley for lake views and birdlife.
Day 3: Masai Mara | Into the Reserve
Drive to the Masai Mara and take an afternoon game drive across the open plains.
Day 4: Masai Mara | Full Day on the Plains
A full day of game drives tracking the Big Five, with an optional Mara River visit.
Day 5: Nairobi | City Return
Return to Nairobi for an overnight stay, with an optional Giraffe Centre visit.
Day 6: Nairobi | Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for onward journey.
Inclusions
• 3-star hotel accommodation (5 nights)
• Airport pickup and drop transfers
• Intercity transfers by AC vehicle
• Meals as per itinerary
• 2 activity passes (as per itinerary)
• Visa assistance
Aberdare's forest lodges, where game comes to floodlit waterholes after dark, open this five-night Kenya safari before it drops to the Rift Valley and the Masai Mara. The route runs Kieni, Lake Elementaita, the Mara and Nairobi.
What is a tree lodge safari in the Aberdares
The Aberdare highlands around Kieni are known for their tree lodges, where elephants, buffalo and rhino visit illuminated waterholes through the night. From there this trip descends to Lake Elementaita in the Rift Valley and then the Masai Mara for two nights of plains game drives, mixing highland forest with classic savannah.
Trip Highlights
Aberdare tree lodge with a floodlit waterhole
Rift Valley stop at Lake Elementaita
Two nights of Masai Mara game drives
Highland forest paired with classic savannah
Itinerary
Day 01
Kieni | Aberdare Tree Lodge
Arrive in Nairobi and drive to the Aberdare highlands near Kieni, settling into a forest lodge with a floodlit waterhole.
Overnight: The Ark Lodge - Holidays Selections FD
Day 02
Gilgil | Rift Valley Lakes
Travel to Lake Elementaita in the Rift Valley for lake views and birdlife.
