












The Emerald Kenya – Green Season Special
- Kenya
Durations
13 days
Emerald Kenya - Green Season Special
While the world flocks to the Mara in the dry heat of August, the true connoisseurs wait for the Green Season.
From November to May, Kenya undergoes a breathtaking transformation. The dust of the savannah is washed away by refreshing rains, replaced by a carpet of emerald grass and dramatic, cloud-stacked skies that are a photographer’s dream.
This 13-day special is designed for those who seek exclusivity, vibrant colors, and the ‘Baby Boom’—a season of new life where the plains are filled with playful calves and the predators that follow them. Experience Kenya at its most lush, quiet, and soulful.
Why the Green Season?
The Photographer’s Light: Clear, dust-free air and dramatic storm clouds provide the most striking backdrops for wildlife portraits.
The Baby Boom: Witness the “maternity season” as thousands of antelopes, zebras, and giraffes give birth, leading to high predator activity.
Exclusivity: Enjoy the “private” feel of the parks. With fewer vehicles, you can linger at sightings as long as your lens requires.
Avian Paradise: Thousands of migratory birds arrive, showing off vibrant breeding plumage across the Rift Valley lakes.
Ol Pejeta: A trailblazing sanctuary that hosts the world’s last two northern white rhinos and the only chimpanzees in Kenya.
Samburu: A rugged northern wilderness famous for the “Samburu Special Five”—rare species like the reticulated giraffe and Grevy’s zebra not found in the south.
Aberdare: A high-altitude world of misty moorlands and spectacular waterfalls, where historic “treetop” hotels overlook forest-dwelling elephants and elusive bongos.
Nakuru: A birdwatcher’s dream where pink-hued shorelines meet a premier rhino sanctuary and the rare Rothschild’s giraffe.
Masai Mara: The ultimate theater of wildlife, home to the Great Migration and the highest concentration of big cats on the planet.
Naivasha: A serene freshwater oasis in the Great Rift Valley, perfect for boat safaris among hippos and walking through the dramatic gorges of neighboring Hell’s Gate.
Amboseli: Known as the “Land of Giants,” it offers the most iconic views in Africa with massive elephant herds framed by the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Itinerary
This journey is crafted for the adventurers, the dreamers, and the photographers. During Kenya’s "Green Season," the savannah transforms into a lush, emerald paradise. Designed for those who love the journey as much as the destination, this circuit offers dust-free air, vibrant colors, and the spectacular "baby boom" of new life.
Maximize the Magic: During the Green Season, roads can be lush and adventurous. To swap drive time for more time in the bush, we highly recommend our Domestic Flight Option.
Pick up from Nairobi (06:30) for a drive to Ol Pejeta. Afternoon safari in East Africa’s premier rhino sanctuary.
Drive to the rugged north to track the “Samburu Special Five.” Enjoy long morning drives and dramatic red-earth landscapes.
Ascend into the lush Aberdare range for high-altitude wildlife and spectacular waterfall views.
Explore the alkaline shores of Nakuru, famous for its flamingoes and thriving rhino populations.
Three days at Mara Siligi Camp. Witness the lush plains, resident big cats, and the vibrant life of the “Green Season” Mara.
Check out from Mara, followed by a move to Naivasha for a sunset boat safari among hippos.
Head to the land of giants. Experience peak visibility of Mount Kilimanjaro and Africa’s largest elephant herds.
Return to Nairobi for an evening of relaxation and reflection at your hotel.
A final morning excursion and lunch before your transfer to JKIA for your flight home.
Included / Excluded
To help you plan your trip, we have put together a list of what's included and what's not included in your tour package. This will give you a clear understanding of what to expect and help you make any necessary arrangements before your journey begins.
- Full Board stay at Ol Pejeta, Samburu, Nakuru, Aberdare, Masai Mara, Naivasha & Amboseli on full board basis (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
- Half Board stay at Nairobi (dinner & breakfast)
- Boat ride charges in Naivasha
- Park entrance fees for Amboseli & Masai Mara
- Exclusive use of landcruiser safari vehicle with an experienced English speaking guide
- Road transportation to all destinations
- Any extra activities not mentioned above
- ETA approval to Kenya
- Any items of personal nature
- Tips/ Gratuities to staff and guide
- Travel/ Medical insurance
Travel Tips Section
Dust is the “African Snow”: The roads between these parks are dusty. Bring a buff or bandana to protect your lungs and a simple dry-bag to keep your camera gear from getting gritted.
Hydration over Elevation: You’ll be at high altitudes (Aberdare/Nakuru). Drink twice as much water as usual to prevent altitude headaches and dehydration from the equatorial sun.
Birdwatcher’s Paradise: Take extra memory cards for Lake Nakuru and Naivasha; the Green Season triggers spectacular breeding plumage and welcomes migratory birds you won’t see in the dry season.
The “Golden Hour” Shift: Expect clear mornings and dramatic afternoon thunderstorms; plan your heaviest photography and game drives for dawn to catch the best light before the clouds roll in.
- Nairobi-Ol Pejeta: ~3 hours by road one way
- Ol Pejeta - Samburu - 3 hours
- Samburu to Aberdares - 4 hours
- Aberdares to Nakuru - 2 hours
- Nakuru - Masai Mara - 6 hours
- Masai Mara to Naivasha - 5 hours
- Naivasha to Amboseli - 7 hours
- Amboseli to Nairobi - 5 hours
Optional Activities at Masai Mara
- Hot Air Balloon Safari
- Masai Village Cultural Visit
- Safari Massage at the Camp
- Sundowner
- Nature Walk & Tree Planting Donation