12 Days Kenya Safari and Beach
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Kenya
9 Days Kenya’s Less Crowded Wildlife Safari Tour
- Duration
- 9 Days
- Price
- From $4,094 pp
- Difficulty
- Easy
Overview
Kenya without the queue of vehicles. This trip is built around parks that see a fraction of the Mara’s traffic, and it is the itinerary we recommend to people who have been on safari before.
Samburu opens it, in the arid north, where the species list is unlike the rest of the country: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx. Then Ol Pejeta under Mount Kenya, home to the largest black rhino population in East Africa. Lake Nakuru follows for more rhino and the birdlife on the lake, then Lake Naivasha for a boat among the hippo, and Hell’s Gate, one of the very few Kenyan parks you can walk and cycle in, with a gorge you hike on foot.
Amboseli closes the trip, for the big elephant families on the swamps and Kilimanjaro behind them at dawn.
You give up some density for this. You will see fewer lions than a Mara-only trip and a great deal more of Kenya.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrive in Nairobi
Begin your Kenyan adventure with a warm welcome upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. After clearing immigration and customs formalities, you will be met by your professional safari driver guide and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing you to unwind, refresh, and recover from your journey in preparation for the exciting safari experiences ahead. Enjoy an overnight stay in Nairobi.
Accommodation Options
- Midrange Accommodation
- Best Western Premier Westland’s
- Luxury Accommodation
- Nairobi Serena Hotel
- High-End Accommodation
- Hemingway’s Nairobi
- Meals:
- Dinner
- Day 2
Nairobi – Samburu Game Reserve
After an early breakfast, depart on a scenic drive north toward Samburu Game Reserve, passing through a variety of landscapes that transition from lively towns to expansive countryside. Upon arrival at the lodge, check in and enjoy lunch before some time to relax. In the afternoon, set out on your first game drive in this remarkable reserve, renowned for rare species such as Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, and the long-necked gerenuk. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation Options
- Midrange Accommodation
- Samburu Sopa Lodge
- Luxury Accommodation
- Ashnil Samburu Camp
- High-End Accommodation
- Soroi Larsens Camp
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
- Day 3
Samburu National Reserve
Dedicate the day to discovering Samburu National Reserve. Begin with an early morning game drive during the cooler hours when wildlife is most active. Return to the lodge for breakfast and enjoy leisure time, or opt to visit a nearby Samburu village for an authentic cultural experience. After lunch, head out for another game drive in search of lions, elephants, and the distinctive Beisa oryx. Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge.
Accommodation Options
- Midrange Accommodation
- Samburu Sopa Lodge
- Luxury Accommodation
- Ashnil Samburu Camp
- High-End Accommodation
- Soroi Larsens Camp
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
- Day 4
Samburu National Reserve – Ol Pejeta Conservancy
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in Samburu as you exit the reserve, offering one last opportunity to observe its distinctive wildlife. Thereafter, proceed to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a renowned wildlife sanctuary set against the backdrop of Mount Kenya. Upon arrival, embark on an afternoon game drive in search of the Big Five and other remarkable species. Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at your comfortable camp within the conservancy.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Accommodation
- Serena Sweetwater’s Tented Camp
- High-End Accommodation
- Porini Rhino Camp
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
- Day 5
Ol Pejeta Conservancy – Lake Nakuru National Park
Begin the day with an early morning game drive in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, maximizing opportunities to encounter wildlife in the cool hours. After breakfast, depart for Lake Nakuru National Park, celebrated for its picturesque lake and rich birdlife. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, set out on a game drive to spot flamingos, rhinos, and diverse wildlife species. Return to the lodge for dinner and a restful overnight stay.
Accommodation Options
- Midrange Accommodation
- Lake Nakuru Lodge
- Luxury Accommodation
- Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge or Cliff Nakuru Lodge
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
- Day 6
Lake Nakuru National Park – Lake Naivasha / Hell’s Gate National Park
After breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, offering further opportunities to observe rhinos, giraffes, and abundant birdlife. Thereafter, proceed to Lake Naivasha, arriving at your lodge in time for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, visit Hell’s Gate National Park, renowned for its dramatic cliffs and geothermal features. Experience the park on foot or by bicycle for a unique perspective. Return to the resort for dinner and overnight stay.
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
Lake Naivasha / Hell’s Gate National Park – Amboseli National Park
After breakfast, optionally take a boat ride on Lake Naivasha to see hippos and a variety of bird species. Then, depart for Amboseli National Park, with a lunch stop en route. Check-in at Kibo Safari Camp and have lunch. In the afternoon, go on a game drive in Amboseli, famous for its large elephant herds and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Return to the camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Options
- Midrange Accommodation
- AA Lodge Amboseli
- Luxury Accommodation
- Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
- High-End Accommodation
- Elewana Toltilis Camp Amboseli
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
- Day 8
Full day in Amboseli National Park
Spend a full day exploring Amboseli National Park. Begin with an early morning game drive to see the park’s wildlife at its most active. Return to the camp for breakfast, followed by leisure time. After lunch, head out for another game drive, enjoying the diverse ecosystems of Amboseli, from wetlands to savannah. Keep your camera ready for breathtaking views of elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background. Dinner and overnight at the camp.
Accommodation Options
- Midrange Accommodation
- AA Lodge Amboseli
- Luxury Accommodation
- Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
- High-End Accommodation
- Elewana Toltilis Camp Amboseli
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
- Day 9
Amboseli to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
After an early breakfast, enjoy a final game drive in Amboseli National Park. Depart for Nairobi, with an expected arrival in the early afternoon. Transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight, bringing an end to your unforgettable Kenyan safari adventure. We hope you had an unforgettable safari experience and we wish safe travel back to your home.
- Meals:
- Breakfast and Lunch
What Is Included
Included
- Return transfers from JKIA + meet and greet service
- Full board accommodation (B, L, D) while on safari, Bed and Breakfast (BB) while in city hotels
- 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
- All Activities and meals as listed in the itineraries
- Quality binoculars and wildlife referral books provided in the safari vehicle (shared with safari guide and for use during game drives only)
- Enrolment on the AMREF Flying Doctor emergency medical evacuation cover (provided guests have valid travel insurance)
- Complementary bottled mineral water during the safari.
- Applicable Government taxes on tour services
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 9 Days Kenya’s Less Crowded Wildlife Safari Tour cost?
- This safari starts from $4,094 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 9 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 January to February. Those are the months with the clearest early-morning views of Kilimanjaro, which is half the reason to come, and the elephant herds gather on the swamps.
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Lodges and camps on this itinerary
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