9 Days Kenya’s Less Crowded Wildlife Safari Tour
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Kenya
10 Days Kenya Ultimate Wildlife Journey
- Duration
- 10 Days
- Price
- From $5,060 pp
Overview
Ten days and five ecosystems, run north to south so the landscape changes under you rather than repeating.
You begin in Samburu, in Kenya’s arid north on the Ewaso Nyiro River, where the wildlife is different from anywhere else in the country: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx and Somali ostrich, the group guides call the Samburu Special Five. Then Ol Pejeta, which holds the largest black rhino population in East Africa and the last two northern white rhinos on earth, both under armed guard around the clock.
The Rift Valley lakes follow. A boat on Lake Naivasha among hippo and fish eagles, then Lake Nakuru, where rhino are more reliably seen than almost anywhere. The trip finishes with two nights in the Maasai Mara and the densest concentration of big cats in Africa.
It is a private trip, so the pace is yours. No day is more than about five hours on the road.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Nairobi and Transfer to the Hotel
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met by our professional representative for a seamless welcome and assisted transfer to your hotel in Nairobi. Depending on your arrival time, the remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing you to recover from your journey, enjoy the hotel facilities, or take in the city atmosphere. Overnight stay in Nairobi, setting the foundation for the safari adventure ahead.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Accommodation
- Fair Mont Norfolk or Nairobi Serena Hotel
- High-End Accommodation
- Hemingway’s Nairobi
- Meals:
- Dinner
- Day 2
Transfer to Samburu Game reserve
After breakfast, you will depart Nairobi and travel north through scenic landscapes toward the semi arid wilderness of Samburu. The drive offers a gradual transition from urban settings to remote safari terrain. Upon arrival, you will check in and enjoy lunch before heading out for an afternoon game drive. Samburu is renowned for its unique wildlife species adapted to the dry environment. The day concludes with a return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation Options
- Midrange Accommodation
- Samburu Sopa Lodge
- Luxury Accommodation
- Ashnil Samburu Camp
- High-End Accommodation
- Saruni Samburu Lodge
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Day 3
Full Day Game Drive in Samburu National Reserve
Today is dedicated to a full day of wildlife exploration in Samburu. With morning and afternoon game drives, you will have ample opportunity to encounter elephants, lions, leopards, and the distinctive northern species such as Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk. The Ewaso Nyiro River acts as a lifeline for wildlife and enhances game viewing throughout the day. Meals and overnight at the lodge.
Accommodation Options
- Midrange Accommodation
- Samburu Sopa Lodge
- Luxury Accommodation
- Ashnil Samburu Camp
- High-End Accommodation
- Saruni Samburu Lodge
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Day 4
Transfer to Ol Pejeta Conservancy with Game Drive
After breakfast, you will depart Samburu and journey south toward Ol Pejeta Conservancy. This private conservancy is internationally recognized for its strong conservation model and diverse wildlife. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a game drive within the conservancy, with opportunities to see rhinos, large herds of plains game, and predators. Ol Pejeta also offers an authentic conservation focused safari experience. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Accommodation
- Serena Sweetwater’s Tented Camp
- High-End Accommodation
- Porini Rhino Camp
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Day 5
Transfer to Lake Naivasha
Following breakfast, you will depart Ol Pejeta and drive through the central highlands toward the Great Rift Valley, arriving at Lake Naivasha. This freshwater lake is surrounded by lush vegetation and is known for its relaxed atmosphere and abundant birdlife. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the lodge grounds, offering a gentle pace after the previous safari days. Overnight stay near Lake Naivasha.
Accommodation Options
- Midrange Accommodation
- Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge
- Luxury Accommodation
- Lake Naivasha Country Club
- High-End Accommodation
- Enashipai Resort & Spa
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Day 6
Boat Trip at Lake Naivasha
This morning, you will enjoy a scenic boat excursion on Lake Naivasha, followed by a guided walking safari on Crescent Island. The walk offers close encounters with free-roaming wildlife such as zebras, giraffes, and oryx in a tranquil, open environment. The boat ride itself provides excellent opportunities to observe hippos at close range, along with a remarkable variety of bird species thriving along the lakeshore. The seamless blend of land and water-based experiences adds a refreshing and dynamic dimension to your safari program. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Accommodation Options
- Midrange Accommodation
- Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge
- Luxury Accommodation
- Lake Naivasha Country Club
- High-End Accommodation
- Enashipai Resort & Spa
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Day 7
Transfer to Lake Nakuru National Park with Game Drive
After breakfast, you will drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its soda lake, birdlife, and successful rhino conservation efforts. Upon arrival, you will proceed directly on a game drive, exploring the park’s diverse habitats including woodlands, grasslands, and lakeshore. Lake Nakuru is one of the best locations to spot both black and white rhinos, as well as Rothschild’s giraffes. Overnight at your lodge.
Accommodation Options
- Midrange Accommodation
- Lake Nakuru Lodge
- Luxury Accommodation
- Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge or Cliff Nakuru Lodge
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Day 8
Transfer from Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara with Game Drive
Following breakfast, you will depart Lake Nakuru and travel southwest toward the iconic Maasai Mara. The drive takes you through scenic countryside and traditional settlements before entering one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife reserves. An afternoon game drive introduces you to the vast plains and exceptional wildlife density that define the Mara. Dinner and overnight at the lodge or camp.
Accommodation Options
- Midrange Accommodation
- Base Camp Maasai Mara
- Luxury Accommodation
- Mara Serena Safari Lodge
- High-End Accommodation
- Sand River Maasai Mara
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Day 9
Full Day Game Drive in Maasai Mara
Today is dedicated to a full day of game viewing in Maasai Mara, with extended drives designed to maximize wildlife encounters. The reserve is home to large populations of lions, elephants, cheetahs, leopards, and abundant plains game. With some luck, you may witness dramatic predator prey interactions that make the Mara world famous. Picnic lunch in the bush followed by continued exploration. Overnight at your accommodation.
Accommodation Options
- Midrange Accommodation
- Base Camp Maasai Mara
- Luxury Accommodation
- Mara Serena Safari Lodge
- High-End Accommodation
- Sand River Maasai Mara
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Day 10
Day 10: Return Drive to Nairobi and Departure
After an early breakfast, you will begin your return journey to Nairobi. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the airport for your international departure or onward arrangements. This marks the conclusion of a comprehensive Kenya safari that balances iconic destinations, varied landscapes, and a well paced flow from start to finish.
- Meals:
- Breakfast and Lunch
What Is Included
Included
- Return transfers from JKIA + meet and greet service
- All accommodations and meals as specified in the program
- Private transport and game drives in a customized 4 x 4WD safari customized land cruiser jeeps with a pop-up roof and sliding windows for optimized game viewing and photography
- Services of a professional, experienced English-speaking safari driver guide (French and Spanish speaking guides also available on request basis)
- Park entrance and conservancy fees to the listed parks and national reserves
- Enrolments on the AMREF Flying Doctor emergency medical evacuation cover
- All Activities and meals as listed in the itineraries
Not Included
- All International and domestic flights,
- All items of personal nature such as tobacco; laundry; phone calls, drinks during meals, etc
- Tip for driver guide, porters, and waiters while on safari.
- Drinks/beverages during the safari and at the hotels
- Any other Items not mentioned above
- Medical/Travel Insurance (Highly Recommended)
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does the 10 Days Kenya Ultimate Wildlife Journey cost?
- This safari starts from $5,060 per person. The final price depends on your travel dates, lodge tier, and group size, and every quote is itemized before you commit.
- How long is this safari?
- It runs 10 days. Because every trip is private, we can lengthen, shorten, or add a Zanzibar or gorilla extension to fit your plans.
- Can I customize this itinerary?
- Yes. This itinerary is a starting point. Swap lodges, change the pace, adjust the route, or combine countries, and your planner reshapes it with you before you book.
- When is the best time for this trip?
- June to October and December to March. Samburu is hot and arid, and the dry months pull the game onto the Ewaso Nyiro River, where the northern specials are easiest to find.
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