11-Day Kenya Highlands & Wildlife Safari

Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and be warmly welcomed by your Pita Safaris driver-guide. Transfer to Sarova Panafric Hotel, a charming midrange property surrounded by lush gardens near Nairobi’s city center. Depending on your arrival time, relax at the hotel or enjoy an optional city tour—visit the Karen Blixen Museum, Giraffe Centre, or explore local craft markets.

Travel Tip: Early arrivals can browse Nairobi’s vibrant craft markets or relax by the pool.
- Begin your Kenya safari adventure with Pita Safaris—rest well for tomorrow’s journey into the wild.

Distance: ~15 km | Drive Time: ~30 minutes

After breakfast, journey north through the Aberdare Ranges (~180 km | ~3.5 hours). Stop for lunch at Aberdare Country Club before checking in at The Ark Hotel, a unique tree lodge overlooking a floodlit waterhole. Witness elephants, buffaloes, and occasionally leopards drink under the African night sky from your private balcony.

Safari Moment: Relax with armchair game viewing amidst lush forest landscapes.
- For a comfortable midrange Kenya safari with wildlife thrills, Aberdare delivers unforgettable scenery and wildlife encounters.

Distance: ~180 km | Drive Time: ~3.5 hours

Drive north (~220 km | ~4.5 hours) to Samburu National Reserve, a semi-arid wildlife haven. Check in at Samburu Sopa Lodge, perched along the Ewaso Nyiro River. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon game drive to spot Samburu’s “Special Five”—Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk—alongside lions, leopards, and cheetahs.

Photography Tip: Bring a zoom lens for rare wildlife close-ups.
- Explore Kenya’s off-the-beaten-path safari destinations with expert Pita Safaris guides.

Distance: ~220 km | Drive Time: ~4.5 hours

Spend a full day on morning and afternoon game drives. Observe elephants bathing in the river, leopards resting in acacias, or relax at the lodge pool. Optional visits to a nearby Samburu village offer authentic cultural encounters and traditional beadwork demonstrations.

Safari Moment: Connect with wildlife and local communities for a truly immersive Kenya safari experience.
- Experience authentic northern Kenya wildlife and culture with Pita Safaris’ knowledgeable guides.

Drive south (~150 km | ~3.5 hours) to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a premier private conservation area on the equator. Stay at Sweetwaters Serena Camp, a luxury tented lodge with stunning views of Mount Kenya. Afternoon game drives include rhinos, lions, elephants, and the Chimpanzee Sanctuary, home to rescued chimpanzees.

Safari Moment: Encounter the last northern white rhinos and rescued chimpanzees in a conservation hotspot.
- For conservation-focused Kenya safaris, Ol Pejeta is an unforgettable highlight.

Distance: ~150 km | Drive Time: ~3.5 hours

Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in search of black rhinos, African wild dogs, elephants, and other wildlife. Optional guided bush walks or night drives provide thrilling encounters. Relax at camp while observing giraffes and zebras at the waterhole.

Travel Tip: Sunrise game drives maximize predator sightings.
- Discover Kenya’s wildlife conservation success stories on this midrange safari.

Drive through the Great Rift Valley (~180 km | ~4 hours) to Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for flamingo flocks and rhino populations. Check in at Lake Nakuru Lodge, offering panoramic views of the lake. Afternoon game drives provide opportunities to see Rothschild’s giraffes, lions, and abundant birdlife.

Photography Tip: Capture flamingos at golden hour for spectacular photos.
- Ideal for birdwatching and wildlife safaris near Nairobi.

Distance: ~180 km | Drive Time: ~4 hours

Journey (~310 km | ~6 hours) to Masai Mara National Reserve, passing rolling hills and Maasai villages. Check in at Mara Sopa Lodge, then enjoy an afternoon game drive to spot elephants, lions, zebras, and the Big Five.

Safari Moment: Feel the pulse of Kenya’s iconic savannahs.
- Ready for the ultimate Big Five Kenya safari? Masai Mara awaits.

Distance: ~310 km | Drive Time: ~6 hours

Spend a full day exploring the Mara with morning and afternoon game drives. Watch cheetahs hunting, crocodiles in the river, and wildebeest crossing. Optional hot air balloon safari or Maasai village visits can be booked in advance.

Travel Tip: Early mornings and late afternoons offer peak wildlife activity.
- Don’t miss Kenya’s iconic Big Five safari experience with Pita Safaris.

Depart Masai Mara (~240 km | ~5 hours) for Lake Naivasha, a peaceful freshwater lake framed by acacia woodlands. Stay at Muthu Lake Naivasha Country Club, a historic lodge set amidst lush gardens. Optional activities include boat rides to spot hippos, walking safaris on Crescent Island, or simply relaxing lakeside.

Safari Moment: Unwind and enjoy abundant wildlife in a tranquil setting.
- Perfect for travelers seeking a balance of wildlife adventure and relaxation.

Distance: ~240 km | Drive Time: ~5 hours

Take a short drive to Hell’s Gate National Park, known for dramatic cliffs, gorges, and wildlife. Choose guided walking or cycling safaris, or enjoy the scenery at your own pace. After lunch, return (~100 km | ~2.5 hours) to Nairobi for last-minute shopping or coffee before transfer to JKIA for departure.

Safari Reflection: From forest treetops to sweeping savannahs, experience the very heart of Kenya’s wildlife.
- Inspired to explore more? Contact Pita Safaris to customize your next East Africa safari adventure.

Distance: ~100 km | Drive Time: ~2.5 hours