Dazzling Dubai & Kenya Safari
The glamorous desert oasis of Dubai, then Nairobi, a boat safari on Lake Naivasha, a game drive in Hell's Gate and three game drives in Masai Mara
Overview
Style | Small Group TourTravel with a small, intimate group of no more than 16 likeminded travelers (and often much fewer), escorted by an English speaking guide and/or tour manager for some or all of your journey. (Some exceptions, including special promotional packages, may accommodate up to 30.) More of these packages
Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout |
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Departures | November 2024 – December 2025 | Group Size | 16 travelers max |
Themes | Active, Nature & Wildlife | ||
Activity Level | Recreational | ||
What to Expect | This moderately-paced, partially escorted tour includes a reasonable amount of walking or hiking and requires an average level of physical fitness. This tour also includes long scenic drives between destinations, sometimes on bumpy unpaved roads and may have limited rest stops. Travel safely and confidently with our new health & safety protocols. | ||
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Package includes
- Flights
- Coach
- Transfers
- Hotel
- Meals
- Guides
- Round trip flights from NYC via Emirates Airlines including taxes & fees
- 8 nights accommodations in deluxe hotels and safari lodges plus day use room on Day 10
- 18 meals: 8 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 6 dinners
- All transfers and ground transportation
- Comprehensive touring program and entrance fees
- Professional, English-speaking tour guide
- Hell's Gate National Park, boat safari on Lake Naivasha
- 3 game drives in the Masai Mara National Reserve
Optional add-ons
- Flights from other cities are available. Request pricing when making your reservation.
- Masai Mara Hot Air Balloon Safari with champagne breakfast
- Masai tribal village tour
Why you'll love it
- Enjoy the glitz and glamour of Dubai and some of the best wildlife safari experiences that Kenya has to offer!
- Tour Dubai's highlights, including Burj Khalifa, the Gold and Spice Market, Jumeirah Mosque, Bastakya Al Fahidi District, and the Museum of the Future.
- Board a traditional abra and glide through Dubai's waterways, passing by admirable landmarks.
- Explore Dubai's surrounding dunes on an exciting Jeep desert safari tour before enjoying a traditional BBQ dinner with a belly-dancing performance.
- Visit the elephant babies that inhabit the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphans' Nursery.
- Gaze upon the cliffs, rock towers, and volcanoes at Hell's Gate National Park, one of the most atmospheric Parks in Africa.
- Embark on a safari boat ride on Lake Naivasha to observe wildlife in this rich environment.
- Search for lions, cheetahs, ostriches and more roaming the grassy plains of the Masai Mara National Reserve.
- Explore the Karen Blixen Museum, once home to "Out of Africa" author Karen Blixen.
- Feed giraffes at the Langata Giraffe Center, established with the goal to protect the endangered Rothschild's giraffe.
Itinerary at a Glance
![Dazzling Dubai & Kenya Safari map](https://res.cloudinary.com/friendly-planet/image/fetch/q_auto,f_auto,w_520,c_limit/https://m.friendlyplanet.com/media/gallery/maps/dazzling-dubai-kenya-safari-big.png)
- 1 Depart USA
- 2 Dubai
- 3 Dubai
- 4 Dubai
- 5 Dubai & Nairobi
- 6 Nairobi & Lake Naivasha
- 7 Lake Naivasha National Park
- 8 Masai Mara National Reserve
- 9 Masai Mara National Reserve
- Optional Excursion: Masai Mara Hot Air Balloon Safari with champagne breakfast, $465
- Optional Excursion: Masai Village Tour (purchased locally), $25
- 10 Masai Mara & Nairobi/Depart Kenya
Videos
Dates & Prices
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Depart USA
- Check in for your overnight flight to Dubai
Day 2 Dubai
- Arrive in Dubai, meet our representatives, and transfer to your centrally-located hotel
- Check-in is at 3:00 pm, or you can add guaranteed early check-in to your reservation
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai or similar
Full Day ItineraryArrive in Dubai. After customs formalities, you'll be met by our representatives in Dubai and then escorted to your centrally located hotel. You'll have the rest of the day to explore independently.
Day 3 Dubai
- Visit the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world
- Explore the Gold and Spice Market
- Enjoy an abra ride before a walking tour at Bastakiya Al Fahidi District
- Learn about Islamic life in the UAE at Jumeirah Mosque
- See the Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis
- Witness the spectacular Dubai Mall Fountain Show
- Meet your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai or similar Breakfast & dinner
Full Day ItineraryAfter breakfast, visit the Burj Khalifa (formerly known as Burj Dubai), which officially opened in 2010 as the tallest building in the world. This miracle of international cooperation and coordination houses a luxury Armani hotel, offices of some of the world's most successful companies, and homes as high as the clouds for a lucky few. Take in sweeping city views from the breathtakingly high "At the Top" observation deck.
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Dubai's Gold and Spice Market, where the scents of exotic spices mingle with the glittering gold on display. Immerse yourself in a world of sensory delights as you explore this bustling market and try your hand at haggling!
Glide through Dubai's waterways on a traditional abra as the boatman expertly navigates through the bustling water traffic. Sail past some of Dubai's most iconic landmarks, like the towering Burj Khalifa and the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, in spectacular panoramic fashion.
Later, stop at Jumeirah Mosque to gain insight into Islamic life in the United Arab Emirates during a lecture by one of the Mosque's clerks. Feel free to ask questions!
Wander through the charming alleyways of Bastakya Al Fahidi District on a walking tour that will transport you back in time. As you stroll along the narrow streets, admire the traditional wind-tower architecture and learn about the district's rich history from your knowledgeable guide.
Enjoy free time to explore and have an independent lunch at Souq Madinat Jumeirah, a vibrant market in Dubai inspired by traditional Middle Eastern architecture. Browse local handicrafts and sample delicious cuisine while taking in stunning views of the Arabian Gulf.
Stop by for Palm Jumeirah, a man-made island shaped like a palm tree, and Atlantis, located on the crescent of the Palm, for photo ops, followed by a drive-by of the glittering Marina Skyline.
End your day with excitement! As the sun sets, the fountain show at the Dubai Mall begins. Water dances in perfect synchronization with music and lights, creating a mesmerizing experience for all who witness it.
Join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.Day 4 Dubai
- Discover the fascinating exhibits at the Museum of the Future
- Explore the beautiful Miracle Garden
- Set out on an exciting Jeep desert safari with a local BBQ dinner
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai or similar Breakfast & dinner
Full Day ItineraryAfter breakfast, stop at the Dubai Frame for a photo opportunity before visiting the Museum of the Future, an extraordinary destination where imagination meets innovation. This captivating museum is a testament to Dubai's vision of embracing cutting-edge technology and shaping a better future for humanity. Be immersed in a world of awe-inspiring exhibits, interactive displays, and thought-provoking installations. The museum showcases the latest advancements in science, technology, and innovation across various fields, offering a glimpse into the future.
Then, step into the Dubai Miracle Garden, an extraordinary garden home to over 50 million blooming flowers, meticulously arranged to create stunning displays that defy imagination. Marvel at the garden's record-breaking displays, including the world's largest flower wall, a spectacle that will leave you awestruck. Immerse yourself in the fragrance of countless floral varieties, from roses and tulips to exotic blooms that perfume the air and evoke a sense of tranquility.
Set out on a desert safari tour, where you'll discover the vastness and stark beauty of the desert surrounding Dubai. Experience an exciting jeep ride over the neighboring dunes. End the day with a traditional BBQ dinner and live belly-dancing entertainment.
Special Notes
- Dubai Miracle Garden is closed from May to October due to weather conditions and will be replaced by a visit to the Butterfly Gardens.
- The sand dunes jeep ride is not recommended for people with neck, back, or cardiac concerns. Passengers who cannot do the jeep ride will relax at the rest area during this time.
Day 5 Dubai & Nairobi
- Transfer to the airport for your flight to Nairobi
- Upon arrival in Nairobi, following customs and immigration formalities, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel
EKA Hotel Nairobi or similar Breakfast
Day 6 Nairobi & Lake Naivasha
- Visit the Karen Blixen Museum
- Visit the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
- Depart Nairobi for the Great Rift Valley
- After lunch and check-in, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure
Lake Naivasha Country Club or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryAfter breakfast and check-out, proceed to visit the Karen Blixen Museum. "Out of Africa" author Karen Blixen formally owned the house and surrounding 4500-acre farm from 1917 until 1931 before becoming a museum in 1991.
Later, visit the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, where young orphaned elephant babies are hand-raised until they are returned to their natural habitat in the Tsavo National Park. Here, they can mingle freely with the wild community.
Next, depart Nairobi and travel west through Kenya's fertile farmlands and into the Great Rift Valley. Arrive at your lodge, set amidst acacia trees and overlooking Lake Naivasha. After lunch, check in and spend the remainder of the day leisurely. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the lodge.
Note: Visiting Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage requires advanced booking with limited tickets available per day, and it has become increasingly difficult to secure advanced tickets. A visit to Nairobi Animal Orphanage, located just outside the Nairobi National Park, will be substituted should Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage be unavailable.
Day 7 Lake Naivasha National Park
- After breakfast, take a game drive in Hell's Gate National Park
- Return to the lodge for lunch
- Embark on a safari boat ride on Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha Country Club or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryAfter breakfast, discover Hell's Gate National Park, named for the intense geothermal activity within its boundaries. It is a remarkable quarter of the Great Rift Valley. Spectacular scenery, including the towering cliffs, water-gouged gorges, stark rock towers, scrub-clad volcanoes, and belching plumes of geothermal steam, make it one of the most atmospheric parks in Africa. You may see African buffalo, zebra, eland, hartebeest, Thomson's gazelle, baboons, klipspringer antelope, and Chandler's mountain reedbuck. Return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a safari boat ride on Lake Naivasha.
Day 8 Masai Mara National Reserve
- After breakfast, depart for the Masai Mara National Reserve
- Arrive at the lodge and enjoy lunch
- Take your first game drive this afternoon
Keekorok Lodge or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryAfter breakfast, depart for the Masai Mara National Reserve. This park offers terrific scenery and plenty of game viewing. In addition, it is perhaps the only region remaining in Kenya where visitors can see animals in the same abundance and variety as they existed a century ago. You'll find lions, cheetahs, buffalo, and abundant bird life, such as ostriches, cranes, and storks, among the grassy plains and lush landscape.
Every year, between June and September, millions of wildebeests and zebras migrate into the Mara in search of water. The timing of this phenomenon varies, depending on the rains, but they usually start heading back to the Serengeti in October. Whether you see the migration or not, the Mara almost guarantees you'll enjoy a magnificent time in Kenya. Enjoy lunch at your lodge, then relax until later this afternoon, when you'll take your first game drive through this haven of wildlife, lasting until sunset.
Day 9 Masai Mara National Reserve
- Embark on a morning game drive, or take an optional hot air balloon safari
- Have lunch at the lodge, followed by some free time to relax
- Enjoy a late afternoon game drive
Keekorok Lodge or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryContinue your discovery of the many species of wildlife in the park today on two game drives, one this morning and another later in the afternoon. You can replace the morning drive with an optional balloon safari, which provides an exciting opportunity to soar high over the plain for animal viewing from above. Whether you go by air or land, you will enjoy searching for animals native to this fascinating and beautiful area guided by your expert driver, who will amaze you with his ability to spot game hidden in the bush. You may see a variety of antelope, including wildebeest and Thomsons and Grant gazelles. The "Big 5" are all found in the Masai Mara as well as cheetahs, bat-eared foxes, and other varieties of wildlife.
After lunch, enjoy some leisure time at the lodge, including a refreshing swim in the pool.
Optional Excursion: Masai Mara Hot Air Balloon Safari with champagne breakfast, $465Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take a balloon ride across the Masai Mara. Weather permitting, your flight begins in the pre-dawn hours, when the view over the park is most magnificent. Toward the end of your adventure, you'll rise to 1,500 feet for a panoramic view of the twisting Mara River and the savannah below. After an hour in the air, your safari finishes with a champagne breakfast in the bush, cooked on the balloon's burners. Flight may not operate if weather conditions are not suitable.
Optional Excursion: Masai Village Tour (purchased locally), $25This afternoon, get an in-depth look at these colorful and pastoral people in their natural settings. Experience the Masai tribal life as you walk through a traditional village compound. You'll be greeted by the village chief and escorted around the village by a local host who will explain the history, culture, and practices of the Masai. Before departing the village, enjoy a cultural performance by the young men of the tribe, the famed warrior "morans." Credit cards are not accepted for this excursion.
Day 10 Masai Mara & Nairobi/Depart Kenya
- After breakfast, depart the Masai Mara for Nairobi
- Enjoy a farewell lunch at the famous Carnivore Restaurant
- Next, stop at the Langata Giraffe Center
- Enjoy time to relax in your day-use room
- Transfer to the airport for your overnight return flight back to the USA
Hilton Garden Inn Nairobi Airport or similar Breakfast & lunch
Full Day ItineraryAfter breakfast, depart the Masai Mara for Nairobi. Upon arrival, enjoy an "all you can eat" farewell lunch at the famous Carnivore Restaurant. After your meal, visit The Langata Giraffe Center, which protects the endangered Rothschild's giraffe. Several warthogs roam freely with the giraffes. Guests may feed the giraffes from a raised feeding platform. Then, transfer to your day-use room to relax and freshen up.
Bid farewell to Kenya as you transfer to the airport for your overnight return flight. Arrive in the USA the following day.
Hotels
In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.
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Trip Details
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What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
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Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Travel visas are required for this package. Please review the visa & entry requirements.
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Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
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Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 12 or older at time of travel.
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Should I purchase travel insurance? Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
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What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
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What should I know about Kenya? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
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What should I know about Dubai? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.