12-Day Midrange Kenya Safari: Aberdare, Samburu, Masai Mara & More
Location
Full Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi to Aberdare National Park
After a hearty breakfast, depart Nairobi and journey north towards Aberdare National Park. The drive takes you through lush landscapes and small towns, offering glimpses of rural Kenyan life. On arrival at Aberdare, check into your lodge, which is set amidst the park's dramatic scenery of mountains, valleys, and waterfalls. Enjoy lunch and a short rest before heading out on an afternoon game drive. Aberdare is known for its dense forests and moorlands, home to a variety of wildlife including elephants, buffaloes, and the rare bongo antelope. The park is also a bird watcher’s paradise with over 250 species recorded. Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay, surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.
Day 2: Aberdare to Samburu National Reserve
After an early breakfast, depart Aberdare and drive towards the Samburu National Reserve. The landscape changes dramatically as you leave the highlands and enter the semi-arid region of Samburu. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch and a brief rest. In the late afternoon, embark on a game drive to explore the unique ecosystem of Samburu, characterized by its rugged terrain and the Ewaso Ng'iro River which attracts a variety of wildlife. Look out for species endemic to the region such as the Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, and reticulated giraffe. As the sun sets, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 3: Samburu National Reserve
Spend a full day in Samburu National Reserve with morning and afternoon game drives. The reserve is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including large herds of elephants and predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The Ewaso Ng'iro River is a focal point for wildlife viewing, as animals come to drink and cool off. Between game drives, relax at your lodge, enjoy a swim in the pool, or simply take in the panoramic views. Optional activities include cultural visits to nearby Samburu villages, where you can learn about the traditions and lifestyle of the Samburu people. End the day with dinner and a night under the Samburu stars.
Day 4: Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
After breakfast, travel south to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, renowned for its conservation efforts and diverse wildlife. Arrive at your camp in time for lunch. In the afternoon, set out on a game drive in the conservancy, which is home to the "Big Five" – lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants, and buffaloes. Visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the only place in Kenya where you can see chimpanzees, rescued from the illegal pet and bushmeat trade. Learn about the conservancy's efforts to protect endangered species and promote sustainable tourism. Return to your camp for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 5: Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Enjoy another day of exploration in Ol Pejeta Conservancy with morning and afternoon game drives. Today, you might focus on tracking rhinos or visiting the Endangered Species Enclosure, which is home to the last two northern white rhinos on the planet. The conservancy also offers night game drives, giving you the rare opportunity to see nocturnal animals in their natural habitat. Between game drives, relax at your camp, perhaps enjoying a guided bush walk or a visit to the local community projects supported by the conservancy. Dinner and overnight stay at your camp.
Day 6: Ol Pejeta to Lake Nakuru National Park
Depart Ol Pejeta after breakfast and drive towards Lake Nakuru National Park, a journey that takes you through the scenic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive. Lake Nakuru is renowned for its large flocks of flamingos that create a stunning pink fringe around the lake, though their numbers can vary. The park is also a sanctuary for both black and white rhinos, making it one of the best places in Kenya to see these endangered animals. In addition to rhinos, you may encounter Rothschild giraffes, lions, leopards, and a variety of antelope species. Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay by the lake, where the sounds of nature provide a soothing backdrop.
Day 7: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara National Reserve
After an early breakfast, set off for the iconic Masai Mara National Reserve, driving through the picturesque landscapes of the Great Rift Valley. Upon arrival at your camp in the Masai Mara, enjoy a leisurely lunch and some time to relax. In the late afternoon, embark on your first game drive in this world-renowned reserve. The Masai Mara is famous for its abundant wildlife, including the Big Five, and is particularly known for the annual Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River. As you explore the vast savannahs, you might witness thrilling predator-prey interactions. Return to your camp for dinner and an overnight stay, immersed in the magic of the African bush.
Day 8: Masai Mara National Reserve
Spend a full day exploring the Masai Mara with morning and afternoon game drives. The reserve offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in Africa, with large populations of lions, leopards, and cheetahs. If visiting during the migration season, you may witness the dramatic river crossings. Between game drives, you can relax at your camp or participate in optional activities such as a hot air balloon safari at dawn, offering a breathtaking aerial view of the Mara plains. Cultural visits to local Maasai villages can also be arranged, providing insight into the traditional lifestyle of the Maasai people. Conclude the day with dinner and another night in the Masai Mara.
Day 9: Masai Mara to Lake Naivasha
After breakfast, drive to Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake located in the Great Rift Valley. Arrive at your lakeside resort in time for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Naivasha, where you can observe hippopotamuses and a variety of bird species, including fish eagles and pelicans. Visit Crescent Island, a private wildlife sanctuary where you can take a guided walking safari among giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. The close encounters with these animals in their natural habitat make for an unforgettable experience. Return to your resort for dinner and an overnight stay by the tranquil waters of Lake Naivasha.
Day 10: Lake Naivasha to Amboseli National Park
Depart Lake Naivasha after breakfast and drive to Amboseli National Park, located at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch and some relaxation. In the late afternoon, head out on a game drive to explore the park, known for its large herds of elephants and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The park's diverse habitats, including swamps, plains, and woodlands, support a variety of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, zebras, and wildebeests. As the sun sets, the sight of elephants silhouetted against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak is truly spectacular. Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 11: Amboseli National Park
Spend a full day in Amboseli National Park with morning and afternoon game drives. The park is one of the best places in Africa to get close to free-ranging elephants, and its open landscapes make for excellent wildlife viewing and photography. In addition to game drives, you can visit Observation Hill, which offers panoramic views of the park and Mount Kilimanjaro. Between game drives, you can relax at your lodge, enjoy a swim, or take part in optional activities such as a visit to a local Maasai village. Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge.
Day 12: Return to Nairobi and Departure
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in Amboseli National Park, taking in the last sights of its magnificent wildlife and landscapes. Afterwards, drive back to Nairobi, arriving in the early afternoon. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Nairobi before being transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight. Reflect on the incredible experiences and memories you’ve made during your 13-day safari adventure in Kenya as you prepare for your journey home.
Inclusions:
- All midrange 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 with a pop-up roof for optimal wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Boat ride at Lake Naivasha, a visit to Crescent Island, and a visit to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
- 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.
- Costs for souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, laundry services, and other items of a personal nature.
- Any meals not specified in the itinerary.
- Tips and gratuities for safari guide and camp/lodge 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
