11-Day Rafiki Safari – Journeys Through Kenya’s Wild Heart

Welcome to Kenya! Land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), where your Pita Safaris guide will greet you with a warm karibu sana. Transfer to the Sarova Panafric Hotel, a charming midrange property nestled in lush gardens near Nairobi’s city center. Depending on your arrival time, unwind at the hotel or enjoy an optional city tour—visiting the Karen Blixen Museum, Giraffe Centre, or local craft markets. Enjoy your first dinner in Kenya, sampling fresh local and international cuisine.

Travel Tip: Early arrivals may explore Nairobi’s vibrant craft markets or relax by the pool.
- Ready to begin your Kenya wildlife safari adventure? Rest well—tomorrow, the wilderness calls.

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

After breakfast, journey north to the lush Aberdare Ranges (~180 km | ~3.5 hours). Stop for lunch at Aberdare Country Club before transferring to The Ark Hotel, a unique tree lodge overlooking a floodlit waterhole. Watch elephants, buffalos, and sometimes elusive leopards drink under the African night sky from your private balcony.

Safari Moment: Enjoy armchair game viewing with stunning forest surrounds.
- Looking for a comfortable Kenya midrange safari with a twist? The Aberdares deliver.

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

Leave the highlands and journey north (~220 km | ~4.5 hours) to Samburu National Reserve, a semi-arid wildlife haven. Check in at Samburu Sopa Lodge, perched overlooking the Ewaso Nyiro River. After lunch, head out on an afternoon game drive to see Samburu’s “Special Five”: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk, along with lions, leopards, and cheetahs.

Photography Tip: Bring a zoom lens for rare species close-ups.
- Want a Kenya safari off the beaten path? Samburu’s unique wildlife awaits.

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

Spend a full day on morning and afternoon game drives exploring Samburu’s varied habitats. Observe elephants bathing in the river and leopards resting in acacias. Relax at the lodge pool or visit a nearby Samburu village to experience traditional culture and beadwork.

Safari Moment: Connect with both wildlife and local communities.
- Experience authentic Kenya with Pita Safaris’ expert guides on this midrange safari.

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 tented lodge with views of Mount Kenya. Afternoon game drives showcase rhinos, lions, elephants, and the chimpanzee sanctuary.

Safari Moment: Encounter the last northern white rhinos and rescued chimpanzees.
- Interested in conservation-focused Kenya safaris? Ol Pejeta is a must-see.

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

Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives, searching for elusive black rhinos, African wild dogs, and other wildlife. Optional guided bush walks and night drives provide thrilling encounters, or relax at camp while observing giraffes and zebras at the waterhole.

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

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

Photography Tip: Capture flamingos at golden hour for breathtaking photos.
- Seeking birding and wildlife thrills near Nairobi? Lake Nakuru delivers.

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

After breakfast, journey (~310 km | ~6 hours) to Masai Mara National Reserve, passing rolling hills and Maasai villages. Check in at Mara Sopa Lodge on the reserve’s eastern edge. Afternoon game drives introduce elephants, lions, zebras, and the thrill of spotting the Big Five.

Safari Moment: Feel the pulse of Kenya’s iconic savannah.
- Ready for the ultimate Big Five Kenya safari adventure? Masai Mara is calling.

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

Explore the Mara with morning and afternoon game drives. Observe cheetahs hunting, crocodiles in the river, and wildebeest crossing. Optional hot air balloon safari or Maasai village visit available with advance booking.

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

Depart the Mara for Lake Naivasha (~240 km | ~5 hours), a peaceful freshwater lake framed by acacia woodlands. Stay at the charming Muthu Lake Naivasha Country Club, a historic lodge set amidst lush gardens. Here, you have the freedom to choose how to spend your afternoon: take an optional boat ride to spot hippos and waterbirds, explore Crescent Island on a walking safari among giraffes and zebras, or simply relax and soak in the tranquil surroundings at the lodge.

Safari Moment: Unwind lakeside and spot abundant wildlife.
- Looking for a balance of wildlife and relaxation? Lake Naivasha fits perfectly.

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

After breakfast, enjoy a short drive to Hell’s Gate National Park, known for its dramatic cliffs, gorges, and wildlife. You may choose to explore the park with optional activities such as a guided walking or cycling safari, where you can spot zebras, giraffes, and various bird species, or simply enjoy the stunning scenery at your own pace.

After your visit, depart for Nairobi (~100 km | ~2.5 hours), after enjoying your lunch. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for last-minute shopping or a coffee in town. Your Pita Safaris guide will escort you to JKIA for departure, concluding your unforgettable Kenya midrange safari adventure.

Safari Reflection: From forest treetops to sweeping savannahs, you’ve experienced 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