11-Day Best of Kenya Budget Wildlife Safari
Location
Full Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Welcome to Kenya!
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative, who will transfer you to your hotel in Nairobi. After check-in, take some time to relax and recover from your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to explore some of Nairobi’s highlights, such as the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, where you can witness rescued baby elephants being cared for, or the Giraffe Centre, where you’ll get a chance to feed endangered Rothschild giraffes. Alternatively, you can visit the Karen Blixen Museum, the former home of the author of Out of Africa. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely dinner at your hotel or at one of Nairobi’s renowned restaurants before resting for the night.
Day 2: Nairobi to Aberdare National Park
After an early breakfast, you will embark on a scenic drive to Aberdare National Park, a hidden gem located in the central highlands of Kenya. The journey takes you through lush farmlands and rolling hills, offering picturesque views of the countryside. Upon arrival, you will check in at The Ark Lodge, a unique treehouse-style lodge overlooking a floodlit waterhole and salt lick, attracting a variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffalos, and leopards.
After lunch, you will head out for an afternoon game drive through the dense forests of the park, where you may encounter some of its rare inhabitants, such as the bongo antelope, giant forest hogs, and black-and-white colobus monkeys. The Aberdare Mountains are also home to an abundance of bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. As evening sets in, return to the lodge and enjoy watching wildlife gather at the waterhole from the lodge’s viewing decks.
Day 3: Aberdare to Samburu National Reserve
Today, you will depart early for Samburu National Reserve, driving past the foothills of Mount Kenya and through the semi-arid landscapes of northern Kenya. The scenery changes dramatically as you enter the Samburu region, with vast savannas, acacia woodlands, and the lifeline of the reserve—the Ewaso Ng’iro River—which attracts a wide range of wildlife.
Upon arrival at your lodge, you will enjoy a delicious lunch before heading out on an afternoon game drive. Samburu is famous for its unique wildlife, known as the Samburu Special Five, which includes the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and the long-necked gerenuk. You’ll also have a chance to see large herds of elephants, prides of lions, and, if lucky, the elusive leopard resting in the branches of a fig tree. After an exciting game drive, return to the lodge for dinner and relaxation under the starlit African sky.
Day 4: Full-Day Safari in Samburu
A full day of exploration awaits as you set out for morning and afternoon game drives in the breathtaking landscapes of Samburu. The morning drive offers excellent opportunities for spotting predators such as cheetahs and wild dogs, which are more active during the cooler hours of the day. The reserve’s riverbanks provide a great setting for wildlife photography, with crocodiles basking on the shores and herds of elephants splashing in the water.
In the afternoon, you will have the option to visit a Samburu village, where you can interact with the Samburu people, a semi-nomadic community closely related to the Maasai. Experience their traditional dances, learn about their customs, and admire their intricate beadwork before returning to your lodge for a relaxing evening.
Day 5: Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
After breakfast, you will head south to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a groundbreaking wildlife sanctuary located near Mount Kenya. This conservancy is one of Kenya’s most important conservation areas, housing the last two northern white rhinos in the world, as well as a thriving population of black and white rhinos.
Upon arrival, you will check in at your lodge and enjoy lunch before embarking on an afternoon game drive. Ol Pejeta is also home to the Big Five and hosts Kenya’s only chimpanzee sanctuary, where rescued chimps from across Africa have found a safe haven. After an eventful day, return to the lodge for dinner and an optional night game drive, where you might spot nocturnal creatures such as aardwolves, bush babies, and serval cats.
Day 6: Full Day at Ol Pejeta
Rise early to the sounds of the wild and prepare for a full day exploring the incredible Ol Pejeta Conservancy, one of Kenya’s most celebrated wildlife sanctuaries. After a hearty breakfast, you will set off for a morning game drive, where you will have the opportunity to spot the Big Five and other fascinating species that thrive in this diverse landscape. The conservancy is particularly renowned for its black and white rhino population, offering some of the best sightings in East Africa. With its mix of open plains, acacia woodland, and riverine habitats, the park provides a rich ecosystem for elephants, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and endangered African wild dogs.
A highlight of your visit will be a stop at the Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the only place in Kenya where rescued chimpanzees find refuge. Here, you’ll learn about the conservation efforts led by the Jane Goodall Institute and observe these intelligent primates in their naturalized environment.
After a delicious picnic lunch in the bush, you will continue your adventure with a visit to the Endangered Species Boma, where you will come face-to-face with the last remaining northern white rhinos in the world. This once-in-a-lifetime experience allows you to witness the efforts being made to save this species from extinction.
The afternoon game drive will take you deeper into the conservancy, providing more chances to witness Ol Pejeta’s incredible wildlife. With luck, you might spot elusive leopards resting in the trees or lions on the hunt as the sun begins to set.
After an unforgettable day, you’ll return to your lodge for a warm dinner and a well-deserved rest under the star-studded African sky.
Day 7: Ol Pejeta to Lake Nakuru
After an early breakfast, you will bid farewell to Ol Pejeta and embark on a scenic journey towards Lake Nakuru National Park. The drive takes you past tea and coffee plantations, rolling hills, and small towns, offering a glimpse into Kenya’s vibrant countryside. As you descend into the Great Rift Valley, you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the escarpment before arriving at Lake Nakuru in time for lunch.
In the afternoon, you will set off on a game drive through the park’s picturesque landscapes, known for its shimmering alkaline lake that attracts thousands of pink flamingos. The park is also a rhino sanctuary, home to both black and white rhinos, offering excellent opportunities for close-up sightings. Other wildlife includes buffalos, giraffes, zebras, waterbucks, and baboons, while leopards and tree-climbing lions can sometimes be spotted resting in the park’s acacia forests.
A visit to Baboon Cliff provides a stunning viewpoint over the lake and its surroundings, making for an ideal photo stop. As the golden hues of sunset cast a magical glow over the water, you will return to your lodge for a delightful dinner and a peaceful evening.
Day 8: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara
After breakfast, you will continue your journey towards the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations. The drive takes you through the Mau Narok highlands, past Maasai villages where you’ll catch glimpses of their colorful attire, traditional huts, and herds of cattle.
Upon arrival at your tented safari camp, you’ll settle in and enjoy a leisurely lunch before heading out for an afternoon game drive. The Masai Mara is home to a vast array of wildlife, including the Big Five, cheetahs sprinting across the plains, large elephant herds, and thousands of grazing herbivores. If traveling between July and October, you may witness the dramatic Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles brave the treacherous Mara River crossings, often pursued by hungry crocodiles.
As the sun sets, you’ll return to camp for a delicious dinner and unwind around the campfire, listening to the sounds of the African night.
Day 9: Full-Day Safari in Masai Mara
Your day begins at sunrise with an early morning game drive, when predators are most active. You’ll explore the Mara’s diverse landscapes, from rolling savannahs to acacia-dotted plains, searching for lions feasting on their overnight kills, leopards resting on rocky outcrops, and massive herds of elephants grazing peacefully.
Mid-morning, you’ll take a break for a picnic breakfast in the bush, surrounded by the stunning beauty of the reserve. The safari continues throughout the day, with chances to spot hippos and crocodiles in the Mara River, as well as interactions between different wildlife species.
At midday, you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in a scenic spot before resuming your afternoon game drive. If you're lucky, you might witness a thrilling hunt or a pride of lions lounging in the shade.
For those seeking a truly magical experience, an optional hot air balloon safari is available at dawn, offering breathtaking aerial views of the Mara’s endless plains.
As the day comes to a close, you’ll return to camp for a well-earned dinner, reflecting on the unforgettable wildlife encounters of the day.
Day 10: Masai Mara to Lake Naivasha
After an early breakfast and a final morning game drive, you’ll leave the Masai Mara behind and head towards Lake Naivasha, a serene freshwater lake in the Great Rift Valley. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your lakeside lodge and enjoy lunch while admiring the peaceful scenery.
In the afternoon, you’ll embark on a boat safari, gliding past hippos, fish eagles, and vibrant birdlife. You’ll also visit Crescent Island, where a guided walking safari allows you to get up close to giraffes, zebras, and antelopes, an experience rarely possible in other wildlife parks.
After a relaxing day, you’ll return to your lodge for a peaceful evening by the lake.
Day 11: Lake Naivasha to Nairobi & Departure
On your final morning, you’ll visit Hell’s Gate National Park, one of the few parks in Kenya where you can explore on foot or by bicycle. Cycling alongside giraffes, zebras, and gazelles, you’ll witness the park’s dramatic landscapes, including towering cliffs, geothermal hot springs, and deep gorges.
After an adventurous morning, you will begin your journey back to Nairobi, arriving in the afternoon. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a farewell lunch at a renowned restaurant like Carnivore or a quick visit to Kazuri Beads Women’s Cooperative for unique handmade souvenirs.
Finally, you’ll be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure, marking the end of an incredible 11-day safari across Kenya’s most iconic landscapes.
Inclusions
✔ Transport in a customized safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for optimal wildlife viewing and photography.
✔ Professional English-speaking safari guide/driver throughout the safari.
✔ Accommodation in budget lodges and tented camps as per the itinerary.
✔ Meals as specified in the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner).
✔ Park entrance fees for all mentioned national parks and reserves.
✔ Game drives in all parks as per the itinerary.
✔ Full-day game drive in Masai Mara with picnic lunch.
✔ Chimpanzee Sanctuary visit at Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
✔ Visit to the Endangered Species Boma (Northern White Rhinos) at Ol Pejeta.
✔ Boat ride at Lake Naivasha and guided walking safari on Crescent Island.
✔ Cycling safari or walking tour in Hell’s Gate National Park.
✔ Bottled drinking water during the safari.
✔ All government taxes and levies.
Exclusions
✖ International and domestic flights.
✖ Visa fees for Kenya.
✖ Travel and medical insurance (recommended).
✖ Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks (other than bottled water provided).
✖ Optional activities such as hot air balloon safari in Masai Mara.
✖ Personal expenses such as laundry, tips, telephone calls, and souvenirs.
✖ Additional excursions or activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
✖ Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and lodge staff.
