12-Day Budget Kenya Safari: Aberdare, Samburu, Masai Mara & More
Location
Full Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi to Aberdare National Park
After enjoying a hearty breakfast at your Nairobi hotel, you will depart for Aberdare National Park, located about 100 kilometers north of Nairobi. The drive to Aberdare offers scenic views of the central highlands, with lush, green landscapes and rolling hills. Upon arrival at Aberdare National Park, check into your budget-friendly lodge, which is often nestled within the forest, providing a unique and immersive experience.
Aberdare National Park is known for its dense forests, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. After lunch, you will embark on an afternoon game drive. Keep an eye out for the park's unique inhabitants, including the endangered bongo antelope, elephants, buffalos, and various species of monkeys. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, making it a great spot for birdwatching. One of the highlights of Aberdare is the chance to spot wildlife from the comfort of your lodge, as many lodges have viewing decks overlooking waterholes that attract animals, especially in the evening. Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay, surrounded by the sounds of the forest.
Day 2: Aberdare to Samburu National Reserve
After an early breakfast, you will check out from your lodge and set off for Samburu National Reserve, located in the northern part of Kenya. The drive will take you through the scenic Laikipia Plateau, known for its expansive landscapes and occasional wildlife sightings along the way to the arid and rugged terrain characteristic of Samburu. Upon arrival, you'll check into your budget-friendly lodge and enjoy a relaxing lunch. In the afternoon, head out for your first game drive in Samburu, a reserve renowned for its unique wildlife. Look out for the "Samburu Special Five" – Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx – which are rare and endemic to the region. You may also encounter elephants, lions, leopards, and various bird species. As the sun sets, you'll return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay, surrounded by the sounds of the African bush.
Day 3: Exploring Samburu National Reserve
Today is dedicated to exploring the diverse landscapes and rich wildlife of Samburu National Reserve. After a hearty breakfast, set out for a morning game drive to catch the animals at their most active. Samburu is home to a variety of predators, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs, as well as large herds of elephants. The reserve's contrasting environments, from the lush riverbanks of the Ewaso Ng'iro River to the arid plains, provide a stunning backdrop for your wildlife adventures. Return to the lodge for lunch and some relaxation before heading out again for an afternoon game drive. As the day draws to a close, enjoy a sumptuous dinner and a peaceful night at the lodge.
Day 4: Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
After breakfast, depart for Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a renowned conservation area and home to the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa. The drive takes you through scenic landscapes, arriving in time for lunch at your budget camp. In the afternoon, visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the only place in Kenya where you can see these primates. Later, embark on a game drive through the conservancy, which is home to the Big Five and other wildlife species. Ol Pejeta is also notable for its pioneering conservation efforts and community projects. After an exciting afternoon, return to the camp for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 5: Full Day at Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Spend the entire day immersed in the wonders of Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Begin with an early morning game drive to catch the wildlife at its most active. The conservancy is known for its high density of wildlife, including the endangered northern white rhino and a thriving population of black rhinos. Between game drives, you can visit the information center to learn more about the conservancy's conservation efforts or simply relax at the camp. In the afternoon, another game drive offers more opportunities to spot the Big Five and other species. Conclude your day with a delicious dinner and a peaceful night in your tent.
Day 6: Ol Pejeta to Lake Nakuru National Park
After a hearty breakfast, you will journey to Lake Nakuru National Park, renowned for its stunningly beautiful lake, which attracts vast numbers of flamingos and other bird species. The drive offers picturesque views of the Great Rift Valley. Upon arrival, check into your budget lodge and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, go on a game drive through the park, home to a variety of wildlife including rhinos, buffaloes, and possibly lions. The park is also a sanctuary for the endangered Rothschild giraffe. After an exciting afternoon, return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 7: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara National Reserve
Following breakfast, set off for the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve, a journey that takes you through the lush and scenic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley. The journey will take you past rolling hills, vast savannahs, and through small, vibrant communities. Upon arrival at the Masai Mara, check into your budget camp and enjoy a well-deserved lunch. In the afternoon, embark on your first game drive in the Masai Mara. The reserve is famed for its exceptional population of lions, leopards, and cheetahs, as well as the annual migration of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles. The vast plains and rolling hills provide a stunning backdrop for your wildlife adventures. As the sun sets, casting a golden glow over the landscape, return to the camp for dinner and an overnight stay under the star-studded sky.
Day 8: Full Day in Masai Mara National Reserve
Today is dedicated to exploring the wonders of the Masai Mara. Start the day with an early morning game drive, the best time to see predators as they hunt and the plains come alive with activity. If you visit during the Great Migration season, you may witness the dramatic river crossings as thousands of wildebeest and zebras brave the crocodile-infested waters of the Mara River. Return to the camp for lunch and some relaxation before heading out again for an afternoon game drive. You can also opt for an optional hot air balloon ride at dawn for a bird’s-eye view of the reserve, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush. In the afternoon, visit a local Masai village to learn about their culture and traditions. Return to the camp for dinner and share stories of your adventures around the campfire before retiring for the night.
Day 9: Masai Mara to Lake Naivasha
After breakfast, depart for Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake in the Great Rift Valley known for its rich biodiversity and stunning scenery. The drive takes you through picturesque landscapes and small towns. Upon arrival, check into your budget lodge and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, take a boat ride on Lake Naivasha, where you can spot hippos, a variety of bird species, and perhaps even some giraffes and zebras on the shores. The boat ride offers a peaceful and scenic way to experience the lake and its surroundings. After the boat ride, explore the nearby Crescent Island Game Sanctuary, where you can walk among zebras, giraffes, and antelopes. Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 10: Lake Naivasha to Amboseli National Park
After breakfast, set off for Amboseli National Park, known for its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and its large herds of elephants. The journey takes you through the scenic landscapes of Kenya, arriving at Amboseli in time for lunch at your budget lodge. In the afternoon, embark on a game drive through the park. Amboseli is famous for its elephant population, and you are likely to encounter large herds as they move through the park. The open plains, swamps, and acacia woodland provide diverse habitats for a variety of wildlife. As the sun sets, casting a golden glow over Mount Kilimanjaro, return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 11: Exploring Amboseli National Park
Spend the day exploring the beauty and wildlife of Amboseli National Park. Start with an early morning game drive, when the animals are most active and the light is perfect for photography. Amboseli offers some of the best opportunities to see elephants up close, as well as other wildlife such as lions, leopards, buffaloes, and a variety of bird species. Return to the lodge for lunch and some relaxation. In the afternoon, head out for another game drive, or opt for an optional visit to a local Maasai village to learn about their way of life and traditions. Enjoy a final dinner at the lodge, reflecting on the incredible experiences of the past days before turning in for the night.
Day 12: Amboseli to Nairobi and Departure
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in Amboseli National Park, soaking in the last moments of your safari adventure. Then, begin your journey back to Nairobi, taking in the scenic landscapes along the way. Upon arrival in Nairobi, depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a city tour or some last-minute shopping. Visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to see baby elephants, the Giraffe Centre, or the bustling markets for souvenirs. Finally, you will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight, carrying with you unforgettable memories of your 13-day Kenyan safari adventure.
Inclusions:
- All budget-friendly accommodation as detailed in a double occupancy room, with private facilities.
- Full board meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the safari.
- Park fees and conservation charges for all national parks and reserves visited.
- Expert safari drivers/guides who will accompany you throughout your journey.
- Game drives in 4x4 safari vehicles, offering optimal wildlife viewing opportunities.
- The Flying Doctors emergency evacuation cover.
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure.
- Bottled water during game drives
Exclusions:
- International flights and visas.
- Travel Insurance (highly recommended).
- Optional activities or experiences such as hot air balloon safaris, Maasai and Samburu village visits, or guided nature walks.
- Hot air balloon safari over the Masai Mara with a bush breakfast experience.
- Beverages, laundry, items of a personal nature.
- Tips and gratuities for safari guide and camp staff.
Important to Know
- All of our safaris are on a private basis
- Children aged between 0-2 years are free of charge.
- Children aged 3-12 years pay 50% of the adult rate when sharing the same room with adults
- Children between 3-12 years pay 75% of the adult rate when staying in their separate room from adults
- Children 13 years and above are recognized as adults
