10 Days Kenya Flying Safari
10 Days Kenya Flying Safari: Samburu, Mount Kenya and Masai Mara
A 10 days Kenya flying safari lets you see the best of Kenya without long road transfers. You fly from camp to camp in small planes. You spend your time watching wildlife instead of sitting in a vehicle.
This 10-day Kenya flying safari starts and ends in Nairobi. It visits Samburu in the north, the Mount Kenya region in the highlands and the Masai Mara in the south-west. Each stop offers different landscapes and different animals.
10 Days Kenya Flying Safari at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 10 days, 9 nights |
| Regions | Samburu, Mount Kenya area, Masai Mara |
| Start and end | Nairobi |
| Transport | Light aircraft between regions, 4×4 safari vehicle on the ground |
| Accommodation | Mid-range or luxury lodges and camps |
| Meals | Full board in the bush, breakfast in Nairobi |
| Group size | Private trips for couples, families and small groups |
| Price | [CONFIRM] per person, depending on lodge level and season |
| Best for | First-time visitors, couples, honeymooners and photographers |
Why Choose a Kenya Flying Safari?
Kenya is large. Driving from Samburu to the Masai Mara can take a full day or more. A flight takes about one to two hours.
Flying also changes the pace of your trip. You wake up at camp, have a relaxed breakfast and fly to the next stop. You arrive with time for an afternoon game drive.
There are more benefits.
- You save one to two days of road travel.
- You see three very different habitats in ten days.
- You enjoy the views from the air.
- You stay at small camps in remote areas.
As a result, a flying safari suits travelers with limited time. It also suits anyone who dislikes long drives.
10 Days Kenya Flying Safari Route, Flights and Meals
This table shows your trip at a glance. Flight times are approximate and may change with the airline schedule.
| Day | Route | Flight or drive time | Meals | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Nairobi | Airport transfer, 45 to 60 minutes | Dinner optional | Nairobi |
| 2 | Fly to Samburu | Flight, about 1 hour 15 minutes | Lunch, dinner | Samburu |
| 3 | Samburu game drives | Local game drives | Breakfast, lunch, dinner | Samburu |
| 4 | Samburu game drives and culture | Local game drives | Breakfast, lunch, dinner | Samburu |
| 5 | Fly to the Mount Kenya area | Flight, about 45 minutes | Breakfast, lunch, dinner | Mount Kenya area |
| 6 | Conservancy activities | Local game drives | Breakfast, lunch, dinner | Mount Kenya area |
| 7 | Fly to the Masai Mara | Flight, about 1 to 2 hours | Breakfast, lunch, dinner | Masai Mara |
| 8 | Masai Mara game drives | Local game drives | Breakfast, lunch, dinner | Masai Mara |
| 9 | Masai Mara game drives | Local game drives | Breakfast, lunch, dinner | Masai Mara |
| 10 | Fly to Nairobi and depart | Flight, about 1 hour | Breakfast | Departure |
10 Days Kenya Flying Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi
Transfer time: 45 to 60 minutes. Meals: Dinner is optional.
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Your driver meets you and takes you to your hotel. Rest after your flight.
Your guide will brief you on the week ahead. You will also confirm your flight times and luggage limits.
Mid-range stay: [CONFIRM] Nairobi hotel
Luxury stay: [CONFIRM] Nairobi boutique hotel
Day 2: Fly to Samburu
Flight time: about 1 hour 15 minutes. Meals: Lunch and dinner.
Transfer to Wilson Airport after breakfast. Board your light aircraft and fly north. You land on a bush airstrip in Samburu National Reserve.
Your guide meets you and drives you to camp. After lunch, go on your first game drive. Samburu is dry and rugged. It is also home to species you will not see in the south.
Mid-range stay: [CONFIRM] Samburu lodge
Luxury stay: [CONFIRM] Samburu tented camp
Day 3: Samburu Game Drives
Drive time: Local game drives. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Samburu is known for the “Special Five.” These are the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk and beisa oryx. You may also see elephants along the Ewaso Nyiro River.
Go out early, when the animals are most active. Return to camp for lunch and rest. Head out again in the afternoon light.
Stay: Same camp as Day 2.
Day 4: Samburu Game Drives and Culture
Drive time: Local game drives. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Start with a morning game drive. Look for lions, leopards and cheetahs. The river is a good place to find elephants and crocodiles.
In the afternoon, you can visit a Samburu community. You learn about their traditions, homes and daily life. This visit is optional.
Stay: Same camp as Day 2.
Day 5: Fly to the Mount Kenya Area
Flight time: about 45 minutes. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
After breakfast, you fly south to the highlands. The scenery changes from dry scrub to green hills. On a clear day, you may see snow on Mount Kenya.
You arrive at a private conservancy near Nanyuki. After lunch, join an afternoon game drive. The conservancy protects rhinos, elephants and many plains animals.
Mid-range stay: [CONFIRM] conservancy lodge
Luxury stay: [CONFIRM] conservancy tented camp
Day 6: Conservancy Activities
Drive time: Local game drives. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Conservancies offer more than game drives. Depending on your camp, you can join a guided walk or a night drive. You may also try a bush breakfast or a horseback ride.
Relax at camp between activities. Enjoy the views of Mount Kenya at sunset.
Stay: Same camp as Day 5.
Day 7: Fly to the Masai Mara
Flight time: about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the route. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Today you fly to the Masai Mara. The plane may connect through Nairobi. Your guide will confirm the route before you travel.
On arrival, your Mara guide takes you to camp. The plains here are wide and open. It is a great place for big cats. Go on an afternoon game drive.
Mid-range stay: [CONFIRM] Mara camp
Luxury stay: [CONFIRM] Mara private camp
Day 8: Masai Mara Game Drives
Drive time: Local game drives. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The Masai Mara is Kenya’s most famous reserve. It is home to lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants and buffaloes. Many travelers also come for the wildebeest migration, which usually arrives between July and October.
Take a full day of drives. You can enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush. Look for cats at dawn and dusk.
Optional: Take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise.
Stay: Same camp as Day 7.
Day 9: Masai Mara Game Drives
Drive time: Local game drives. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Spend your last full day in the Mara. Your guide follows the best sightings. You can also visit a Maasai village to learn about their culture.
Enjoy a farewell dinner at camp. Many camps arrange a bush dinner under the stars.
Stay: Same camp as Day 7.
Day 10: Fly to Nairobi and Depart
Flight time: about 1 hour. Meals: Breakfast.
Have a final breakfast. Then fly back to Nairobi. Your driver meets you and takes you to the airport.
Book your international flight for the afternoon or evening. This gives you a safe buffer for any flight delays.
Where You Will Stay on a 10-Day Kenya Flying Safari
Flying safaris use small camps and lodges. Many sit in remote areas, close to the wildlife. Here is how the two levels compare.
| Region | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|
| Nairobi | [CONFIRM] | [CONFIRM] |
| Samburu | [CONFIRM] | [CONFIRM] |
| Mount Kenya area | [CONFIRM] | [CONFIRM] |
| Masai Mara | [CONFIRM] | [CONFIRM] |
Mid-range camps offer comfortable tents or rooms with private bathrooms. They serve good meals and offer friendly service.
Luxury camps offer spacious tents or suites, fine dining and private guides. Many have plunge pools and great views.
Book early for July to October. The best camps in the Mara fill up fast.
Meals on Your Safari
Good food is part of the trip. Camps serve three meals a day.
- Breakfast: Hot or continental, often before the morning drive.
- Lunch: A camp lunch or a picnic in the bush.
- Dinner: A multi-course meal, sometimes by the campfire.
Tell us about dietary needs when you book. Most camps can adapt meals with notice. Drinking water is provided during safari days.
Flights and Travel Time
Flying saves a lot of time. On this route, you take four short flights. Each one lasts one to two hours.
- Nairobi to Samburu: about 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Samburu to the Mount Kenya area: about 45 minutes.
- Mount Kenya area to the Masai Mara: about 1 to 2 hours.
- Masai Mara to Nairobi: about 1 hour.
By road, the same route would take several long days. Flying also gives you a view of the Rift Valley.
Small planes have luggage limits. Most allow about 15 kilograms in a soft bag. Pack light, and leave your hard suitcase in Nairobi.
How Much Does a 10 Days Kenya Flying Safari Cost?
A 10 days Kenya flying safari costs more than a road safari. Flights and remote camps add to the price. In return, you save time and get a more private experience.
Your price depends on these factors.
- Lodge level: mid-range or luxury.
- Season: July to October and December are the busiest months.
- Group size: larger groups share vehicle and flight costs.
- Add-ons: balloon rides, community visits and night drives.
Contact us for a clear quote. We send a full price breakdown within a day.
What Is Included and Not Included
Usually included
- Airport pickup and drop-off in Nairobi.
- All flights between regions as listed.
- A 4×4 safari vehicle with a professional guide.
- Accommodation and meals as listed.
- Park and conservancy fees.
- Drinking water during safari days.
Usually not included
- International flights.
- Visa fees and travel insurance.
- Tips and personal items.
- Optional activities such as balloon rides.
Inclusions depend on the package you choose. We confirm every detail in writing before you pay.
Best Time for a 10-Day Kenya Flying Safari
Kenya can be visited all year. However, some months suit this route better.
| Month | Conditions | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| January to February | Dry and warm | Great game viewing in all three regions |
| March to May | Long rains | Green scenery, fewer visitors, lower rates |
| June to October | Dry season | Peak season, wildebeest migration in the Mara |
| November to December | Short rains and festive season | Fresh landscapes, good birding, busy at year end |
The wildebeest migration usually reaches the Masai Mara from July to October. Book early if you want to see the river crossings.
Wildlife You Can See on a Kenya Flying Safari
This route covers three habitats. As a result, you see a wider range of animals than on a single-park trip.
Samburu
Samburu has dry-country wildlife. Look for Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk and beisa oryx. Elephants gather along the river. Lions and leopards also live here.
Mount Kenya Area
Private conservancies protect rhinos and elephants. You can also see zebras, giraffes and lions. Walking and night drives are often possible here.
Masai Mara
The Mara is famous for big cats. It also holds large herds of zebras, topis and wildebeest. Elephants, buffaloes and hippos are common too.
Who Is This Safari For?
This safari works well for many travelers. Honeymooners enjoy the privacy and views. Families with older children enjoy the variety. Photographers love the changing light and landscapes.
It is also a good choice for first-time visitors. You see Kenya’s highlights without long drives. If you want more time, we can add a few beach days on the coast.
What to Pack
Good packing makes every day easier. Choose light clothing in neutral colors. Bring a warm layer for early game drives. Pack a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens are useful. Use a soft duffel bag, because small planes cannot carry hard cases.
Visas, Health and Safety
Most visitors need a travel authorization to enter Kenya. You can usually apply online before you travel. Check the latest rules for your passport on the official Kenyan immigration website. Also, make sure your passport has enough validity and blank pages.
- Ask your doctor about malaria tablets.
- Check yellow fever requirements for your route.
- Take out travel insurance that covers medical care.
- Follow your guide’s advice around wildlife.
Kenya is a welcoming country, and safaris are generally safe. Your guide knows the terrain and the rules of each reserve.
Tips for Your 10 Days Kenya Flying Safari
- Book early for July to October.
- Pack in a soft bag of about 15 kilograms.
- Keep your international flight for the afternoon or evening of Day 10.
- Bring cash for tips and small purchases.
- Ask about balloon rides before you travel.
- Tell us about dietary needs and mobility concerns.
Ways to Extend Your Kenya Flying Safari
Ten days is a great start. However, some travelers want more. Here are popular add-ons.
- Amboseli National Park: see elephants beneath Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Diani Beach: relax on the Indian Ocean coast.
- Lake Nakuru: see rhinos and flamingos.
- Tanzania: add the Serengeti for a two-country trip.
- Uganda or Rwanda: add a gorilla trek.
Ask us about a custom plan. We can add days at either end of your trip.
Why Book With Steady Safaris?
Steady Safaris is a safari operator based in Uganda. We plan trips across Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania. Our team knows the region well.
We keep groups small and plans flexible. In addition, we answer messages quickly. You get one clear price and a clear itinerary.
Want a different route? Explore our other Kenya safari packages. You can also ask us to build a custom flying safari.
10 Days Kenya Flying Safari FAQs
How much is a 10 days Kenya flying safari?
The price depends on lodge level, season and group size. Contact us for a clear quote.
Which regions does the 10-day Kenya flying safari visit?
It visits Samburu, the Mount Kenya area and the Masai Mara. It starts and ends in Nairobi.
How long are the flights?
Each flight lasts about 45 minutes to 2 hours. Times depend on the airline schedule.
What is the luggage limit on small planes?
Most flights allow about 15 kilograms in a soft bag. We confirm the exact limit before you travel.
Are meals included?
Yes. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included during your stay at camps and lodges. Tell us about any dietary needs when you book.
When is the best time to go?
June to October is the dry season, and the migration reaches the Mara. January and February are also excellent.
Is a flying safari worth the extra cost?
For many travelers, yes. You save days of driving and see more in ten days. You also stay in remote, quiet places.
Plan Your 10-Day Kenya Flying Safari
Ready to see Kenya from the air and on the ground? Contact Steady Safaris today. Tell us your dates and group size. We will send a clear quote within a day.
