11-Day Kenya Highlands & Wildlife Safari
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Aberdare Highlands Retreat - Discover the misty forests and mountain streams of Aberdare National Park, where elephants and bushbuck gather at floodlit waterholes below your tree-lodge.
Samburu Special Five Safari - Encounter rare northern species – Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich & gerenuk – in the arid wilderness of Samburu.
Ol Pejeta Rhino & Chimpanzee Sanctuary - Visit Kenya’s most inspiring conservation reserve, home to the last two northern white rhinos and the only chimpanzee sanctuary in East Africa.
Lake Nakuru Flamingo Haven - Witness shimmering flocks of pink flamingos and spot endangered rhinos and Rothschild’s giraffes against the Great Rift Valley backdrop.
Masai Mara Big Five Adventure - Experience thrilling 4x4 game drives across Africa’s most famous reserve, home to lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos.
Great Wildebeest Migration (Seasonal) - From July to October, witness the dramatic Mara River crossings during the Great Migration — a breathtaking wildlife spectacle.
Lake Naivasha Serenity - Relax by the calm freshwater shores of Lake Naivasha with optional boat rides to view hippos and African fish eagles.
Hell’s Gate National Park Adventure - Walk or cycle among zebras and giraffes through Kenya’s most unique park — famous for its cliffs, gorges, and geothermal springs.
Midrange Lodge Comfort - Stay in carefully selected midrange lodges and camps offering full-board meals, warm hospitality, and excellent safari locations.
Perfect For - Couples, families, wildlife lovers & photographers seeking a balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and authentic Kenyan experiences.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Nairobi | Welcome to Kenya
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and meet your professional Pita Safaris driver-guide. Transfer to Sarova Panafric Hotel, a peaceful midrange lodge near the city center. Depending on arrival time, relax by the pool or enjoy an optional Nairobi city tour visiting the Karen Blixen Museum, Giraffe Centre, or local craft markets.
Travel Tip: Early arrivals can explore Nairobi’s vibrant markets before your Kenya safari begins.
Distance: ~15 km | Drive Time: ~30 minutes
Day 2 – Nairobi → Aberdare National Park | Forest Highlands & Wildlife
Depart after breakfast for the Aberdare Ranges. Stop for lunch at Aberdare Country Club, then check in at The Ark Hotel, a unique tree-lodge overlooking a floodlit waterhole. Watch elephants, buffaloes, and bushbuck gather beneath the balcony as night falls.
Safari Moment: Enjoy armchair game viewing in Kenya’s forested highlands.
Distance: ~180 km | Drive Time: ~3.5 hours
Day 3 – Aberdare → Samburu National Reserve - Northern Wildlife Wonders
Travel north into the semi-arid landscapes of Samburu National Reserve, famous for its rare northern species. Check in at Samburu Sopa Lodge and enjoy an afternoon game drive in search of the “Samburu Special Five” – Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk – alongside lions and leopards.
Photography Tip: Carry a zoom lens for close-up wildlife portraits.
Distance: ~220 km | Drive Time: ~4.5 hours
Day 4 – Full Day in Samburu | River Wildlife & Culture
Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives along the Ewaso Nyiro River, where elephants bathe and crocodiles lurk. Between drives, relax at the lodge or visit a Samburu village to learn about traditional beadwork and customs.
Safari Moment: A perfect blend of wildlife encounters and authentic cultural exchange.
Day 5 – Samburu → Ol Pejeta Conservancy | Rhinos & Chimpanzees
Drive south to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a leading conservation area on the equator. Stay at Sweetwaters Serena Camp, overlooking Mount Kenya. Afternoon game drive includes visits to the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and the enclosure of the last northern white rhinos.
Safari Moment: Witness Kenya’s powerful commitment to wildlife conservation.
Distance: ~150 km | Drive Time: ~3.5 hours
Day 6 – Full Day in Ol Pejeta | Wildlife & Conservation Success
Spend the day exploring Ol Pejeta’s diverse habitats on morning and afternoon game drives. Spot black rhinos, elephants, lions, and even wild dogs. Optional activities include guided bush walks or night drives.
Travel Tip: Early morning safaris offer the best light and predator sightings.
Day 7 – Ol Pejeta → Lake Nakuru National Park - Flamingos & Rhinos
Head south through the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park. After lunch at Lake Nakuru Lodge, enjoy an afternoon game drive spotting Rothschild’s giraffes, rhinos, lions, and thousands of pink flamingos shimmering along the lake’s edge.
Photography Tip: Capture flamingos at golden hour for vivid color contrasts.
Distance: ~180 km | Drive Time: ~4 hours
Day 8 – Lake Nakuru → Masai Mara National Reserve - Big Five Safari
Drive through rolling hills to the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve. Check in at Mara Sopa Lodge, then embark on your first Mara game drive to seek elephants, lions, and the iconic Big Five.
Safari Moment: Feel the thrill of Kenya’s most renowned safari destination.
Distance: ~310 km | Drive Time: ~6 hours
Day 9 – Full Day in Masai Mara - Big Five & Migration Drama
Enjoy a full day of game drives across the Mara’s golden plains. Watch cheetahs stalk gazelle, spot hippos and crocodiles in the Mara River, and, during wildebeest migration season (July–October), witness one of nature’s greatest spectacles. Optional hot-air balloon safari and Maasai village visit available on request.
Travel Tip: Morning light is ideal for wildlife photography.
Day 10 – Masai Mara → Lake Naivasha - Lakeside Serenity
After breakfast, depart for Lake Naivasha, a tranquil freshwater lake surrounded by acacia forests. Arrive in time for lunch at Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort. In the afternoon, enjoy an optional boat ride to see hippos, fish eagles, and waterbirds, or unwind by the lake’s edge.
Safari Moment: Experience Kenya’s peaceful lake scenery and abundant birdlife.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort
Distance: ~240 km | Drive Time: ~5 hours
Day 11 – Lake Naivasha → Hell’s Gate National Park → Nairobi - Adventure & Farewell
After breakfast, visit Hell’s Gate National Park, one of Kenya’s most unique parks where walking and cycling alongside wildlife is allowed. Explore dramatic gorges, towering cliffs, and geothermal steams with optional guided hikes.
Later, drive back to Nairobi, arriving in the afternoon. Transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or your city hotel for departure.
Safari Reflection: From highland forests to the Great Rift Valley and the endless plains of the Mara, this journey captures the essence of Kenya’s natural beauty.
Distance: ~100 km | Drive Time: ~2.5 hours
Inclusions
Accommodation - 10 nights in midrange lodges & tented camps: Sarova Panafric, The Ark Hotel, Samburu Sopa Lodge, Sweetwaters Serena Camp, Lake Nakuru Lodge, Mara Sopa Lodge & Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort. Ensuite rooms with hot showers & scenic views.
Meals - Full-board: breakfast, lunch & dinner during safari; breakfast only in Nairobi. Includes picnic lunches on game drives. Special diets on request.
Transport & Guides - Private 4×4 Land Cruiser Jeep with pop-up roof, English-speaking driver-guide, bottled water & all airport transfers (JKIA).
Game Drives & Park Fees - Unlimited safaris in Aberdare, Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara & Hell’s Gate. All park & conservancy fees included.
Added Value - Pre-safari briefing, 24/7 local support, AMREF Flying Doctors cover & personalized service throughout your Kenya safari holiday.
Trusted Operator - Operated by Pita Safaris, licensed Kenya safari specialists offering authentic & affordable safari holidays.
Exclude
International Flights - To/from Nairobi (JKIA)
Visa Fees - Kenya eVisa & related charges
Travel Insurance - Not included – strongly advised
Personal Expenses - Tips, drinks, laundry, souvenirs & extras
Optional Activities - Hot-air balloon safari, village visits, Nairobi city tour
Pre/Post Stays - Extra nights in Nairobi or Kenya beach holidays (available on request)
Minimum Age
3 years old
Includes
Water & Guide
Briefing
7:30 AM
Guaranteed Departures
2 Guests (MIN)
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