17-Day Budget Safari: Aberdare, Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Masai Mara & More
Location
Full Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi
Welcome to Kenya! Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide and driver. You’ll be transferred to Ibis Styles Nairobi Westlands, a comfortable hotel conveniently located in the heart of Nairobi. After check-in, you can unwind and relax at the hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore Nairobi's vibrant streets, visit local markets, or enjoy a leisurely evening at the hotel.
Accommodation Option: Ibis Styles Nairobi Westlands
Meals: Dinner at the hotel’s restaurant offering local and international cuisine.
Day 2: Nairobi to Aberdare National Park
After a delicious breakfast, begin your journey north to Aberdare National Park, located about 100 kilometers from Nairobi. The drive offers scenic views of the central highlands and lush landscapes. Upon arrival, check into The Ark Hotel, a unique lodge designed in the shape of a large ark and situated in the heart of the Aberdare Forest.
In the afternoon, embark on a game drive within the park. Aberdare is famous for its dense forests, waterfalls, and wildlife such as elephants, buffaloes, and rare species like the bongo antelope. Afterward, enjoy the evening watching wildlife from the lodge’s viewing platform, overlooking waterholes that attract a variety of animals.
Accommodation Option: The Ark Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner at the lodge
Day 3: Aberdare to Samburu National Reserve
Following breakfast, depart Aberdare for Samburu National Reserve, located in northern Kenya. The scenic drive will take you through the rolling hills and expansive landscapes of Laikipia Plateau. Upon arrival, check into Samburu Simba Lodge.
After lunch, embark on your first afternoon game drive in Samburu. This reserve is home to the “Samburu Special Five” – Grevy's zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx. You may also encounter elephants, lions, and cheetahs. The landscape here is diverse, ranging from riverine forests to arid plains.
Accommodation Option: Samburu Simba Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner at the lodge
Day 4: Full Day at Samburu National Reserve
Spend the entire day exploring the fascinating landscapes and wildlife of Samburu. After a hearty breakfast, embark on an early morning game drive when animals are most active. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park, surrounded by nature. In the afternoon, venture out for another game drive to spot wildlife, including the Samburu Special Five, predators such as lions and leopards, and other animals like elephants and gazelles.
Accommodation Option: Samburu Simba Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner at the lodge
Day 5: Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
After breakfast, check out of Samburu and head to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, renowned for its conservation efforts and home to the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa. Upon arrival, check into Comfort Gardens Sweetwaters.
In the afternoon, visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary and enjoy a game drive through the conservancy. Ol Pejeta is home to the Big Five, and you may encounter lions, elephants, and the endangered northern white rhino.
Accommodation Option: Comfort Gardens Sweetwaters
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner at the lodge
Day 6: Full Day at Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Spend the full day exploring Ol Pejeta. Start with an early morning game drive to witness the park’s wildlife at its most active. Between game drives, visit the information center to learn about the conservancy’s pioneering conservation efforts. The afternoon game drive will offer more opportunities to encounter wildlife, including rhinos, lions, elephants, and various bird species.
Accommodation Option: Comfort Gardens Sweetwaters
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner at the lodge
Day 7: Ol Pejeta to Lake Nakuru National Park
After breakfast, drive south towards Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its birdlife, including vast flocks of flamingos that line the shores of the lake. Upon arrival, check into Lake Nakuru Lodge.
After lunch, embark on an afternoon game drive in the park, known for its rhinos, buffaloes, and lions. Lake Nakuru is also home to a sanctuary for the endangered Rothschild giraffe. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes as you explore the park's various habitats.
Accommodation Option: Lake Nakuru Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner at the lodge
Day 8: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara National Reserve
After breakfast, continue your journey south to Masai Mara National Reserve, arriving in time for lunch at Sentrim Mara Camp, located on the banks of the Mara River. This area is known for its dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife, including the Big Five.
In the afternoon, embark on your first game drive in the Mara. The reserve is famous for its large populations of lions, leopards, and cheetahs, as well as the annual wildebeest migration (if visiting during migration season).
Accommodation Option: Sentrim Mara Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner at the camp
Day 9: Full Day in Masai Mara National Reserve
Today is dedicated to exploring Masai Mara. After an early breakfast, depart for a morning game drive. During the migration season, you may witness the iconic river crossings, where wildebeest and zebras brave the Mara River, often surrounded by hungry crocodiles.
After lunch, relax at the camp before setting out for an afternoon game drive. Optionally, you may also take a hot air balloon ride at dawn, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush.
Accommodation Option: Sentrim Mara Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner at the camp
Day 10: Masai Mara to Lake Naivasha
After breakfast, head to Lake Naivasha, a stunning freshwater lake nestled in the Great Rift Valley. Upon arrival, check into Naivasha Kongoni Lodge. After lunch, enjoy a scenic boat ride on Lake Naivasha, where you can spot hippos, flamingos, and a variety of bird species.
In the afternoon, visit Crescent Island Game Sanctuary for a walking safari where you can observe giraffes, zebras, and antelopes in their natural habitat.
Accommodation Option: Naivasha Kongoni Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner at the lodge
Day 11: Lake Naivasha to Amboseli National Park
After breakfast, depart for Amboseli National Park, famed for its breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and large herds of elephants. Check into Sentrim Amboseli Lodge upon arrival.
In the afternoon, embark on a game drive in Amboseli. The park’s open plains and swamps provide a perfect habitat for elephants, lions, buffaloes, and a variety of bird species. The sight of elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background is one of Africa’s iconic images.
Accommodation Option:Sentrim Amboseli Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner at the lodge
Day 12: Full Day in Amboseli National Park
Spend the day exploring Amboseli National Park. Start with an early morning game drive to catch the wildlife as they are most active. In the afternoon, enjoy a visit to a local Maasai village to learn about their culture and traditions, or embark on a second game drive to spot more wildlife.
Accommodation Option: Sentrim Amboseli Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner at the lodge
Day 13: Amboseli to Tsavo West National Park
After breakfast, head to Tsavo West National Park. Upon arrival, check into Ngulia Safari Lodge. After lunch, head out for a game drive to explore the park's unique landscapes, including volcanic hills, savannah, and scrubland.
Tsavo West is home to the famous "red elephants" and also features the Mzima Springs, where you can see hippos and crocodiles.
Accommodation Option: Ngulia Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner at the lodge
Day 14: Full Day in Tsavo West National Park
Spend the day exploring the wonders of Tsavo West. You’ll have an early morning game drive to see wildlife in the cool hours of the day. Afterward, take a break with a picnic lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy more wildlife viewing, with opportunities to see lions, giraffes, zebras, and various bird species.
Accommodation Option: Ngulia Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner at the lodge
Day 15: Tsavo West to Tsavo East National Park
After breakfast, drive east to Tsavo East National Park, known for its expansive landscapes and large herds of elephants. Upon arrival, check into Sentrim Tsavo Camp.
Enjoy an afternoon game drive through the park. Tsavo East is home to lions, leopards, and many herbivores, as well as being an excellent destination for birdwatching.
Accommodation Option: Sentrim Tsavo Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner at the camp
Day 16: Full Day in Tsavo East National Park
Today is dedicated to exploring Tsavo East. After an early breakfast, go on a morning game drive. Return to the camp for lunch before heading out for your afternoon safari. Tsavo East’s vast plains and red soil offer a truly authentic safari experience.
Accommodation Option: Sentrim Tsavo Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner at the camp
Day 17: Tsavo East to Nairobi and Departure
After a final breakfast in the bush, depart for Nairobi. On the way, enjoy scenic views as you drive back to Nairobi. Upon arrival, transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast at the camp
Inclusions:
- Accommodation: 16 nights in mid-range lodges and camps as specified in the itinerary
- Transportation: All transfers in a comfortable safari vehicle with a professional driver-guide
- Game Drives: Daily game drives in Aberdare National Park, Samburu National Reserve, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Lake Nakuru National Park, Masai Mara National Reserve, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli National Park, Tsavo West National Park, and Tsavo East National Park
- Meals: All meals as indicated in the itinerary (Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner)
- Park Fees: All park and entrance fees to national parks, reserves, and conservancies
- Boat Ride: Scenic boat ride on Lake Naivasha
- Cultural Experience: Visit to a Maasai village in Amboseli National Park
- Guided Walking Safari: Walking safari in Crescent Island Game Sanctuary, Lake Naivasha
- Safari Guide: Services of a professional, English-speaking safari guide
- Bottled Water: Bottled water during the safari
- Safari Activities: Hot air balloon ride option in Masai Mara (optional and at an additional cost)
Exclusions:
- International Flights: Flights to and from Kenya
- Travel Insurance: Travel and medical insurance (recommended)
- Visa Fees: Visa fees for entry into Kenya (if required)
- Alcoholic Beverages: Any alcoholic drinks or beverages not specified in the itinerary
- Optional Activities: Hot air balloon ride in Masai Mara (additional cost)
- Gratuities: Tips for the safari guide, hotel staff, and local guides
- Personal Expenses: Any personal items such as souvenirs, laundry, phone calls, etc.
- Additional Meals: Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Additional Entrance Fees: Any additional entrance fees to activities not listed in the itinerary
- Personal Photography: Fees for photography or video recording (where applicable)
Important to Know
- 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
