11 Days, 10 Nights Classic Kenya Safari – Samburu, Aberdare, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru, and Masai Mara

Upon your arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our professional driver-guide. After a brief introduction and safari briefing, you will be transferred to your hotel in Nairobi. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, allowing you to rest after your flight. If time permits, you can opt for a city tour to explore Nairobi’s vibrant culture and history, visiting the Nairobi National Museum or the Giraffe Centre (optional and at an additional cost). Enjoy a delicious dinner at your hotel, preparing for the adventure that lies ahead.

• Meals: Dinner

After an early breakfast, embark on a scenic drive north towards Samburu National Reserve. The journey takes you through the central highlands of Kenya, offering views of Mount Kenya’s majestic peaks. Upon arrival at Samburu, you will check into your lodge, which is set against a backdrop of rugged hills and the Uaso Nyiro River. After lunch and a brief rest, head out for an afternoon game drive. Samburu is home to unique wildlife species, often referred to as the “Samburu Special Five”—Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx. The reserve’s contrasting landscapes of open savannah, acacia woodland, and riverine forests provide a stunning setting for wildlife viewing.

• Overnight: Samburu Simba Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today is dedicated to exploring the diverse habitats of Samburu. After an early breakfast, set off on a morning game drive when the animals are most active. Search for Samburu’s iconic species and enjoy the sight of elephants gathering near the riverbanks. Return to the lodge for lunch and some relaxation by the pool, soaking in the serene environment. In the afternoon, head out for another game drive. You might encounter lions lounging under acacia trees, leopards stealthily moving through the bush, or a troop of olive baboons playing by the river. The day ends with a sundowner, taking in the breathtaking African sunset.

• Overnight: Samburu Simba Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, depart for Aberdare National Park, located in the central highlands of Kenya. The journey takes you through lush farmlands and picturesque landscapes. Upon arrival at Aberdare, you will be transferred to a unique tree lodge, such as The Ark Lodge or Treetops Lodge, situated deep within the park’s forested slopes. After lunch, enjoy a quiet afternoon from the lodge’s viewing decks, which overlook a waterhole and salt lick that attract a variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffalos, and sometimes leopards. The Aberdare’s dense forests are also home to a variety of bird species, and the evening can be spent watching the nocturnal animals as they come to the waterhole.

• Overnight: The Ark Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Depart after breakfast and head to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a renowned wildlife conservancy on the Laikipia plains. This journey offers magnificent views of Mount Kenya. Upon arrival, check into your camp or lodge followed by lunch. In the afternoon, set out for a game drive in the conservancy, which is home to the Big Five and boasts East Africa’s largest black rhino sanctuary. A highlight of the visit is a stop at the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the only place in Kenya where you can see chimpanzees. Learn about the sanctuary’s efforts in conserving and caring for orphaned and rescued chimpanzees. Your game drive will also provide opportunities to spot predators such as lions, leopards, and even the endangered African wild dog.

• Overnight: Sweetwaters Serena Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today, immerse yourself in the full Ol Pejeta experience with morning and afternoon game drives. In the morning, explore the vast plains and track down rhinos, elephants, and the numerous other species that inhabit the conservancy. Return to the camp for lunch and some relaxation. In the afternoon, you have the option to participate in unique experiences such as a night game drive (additional cost), offering a chance to see nocturnal species like aardvarks, bat-eared foxes, and hyenas. Alternatively, you can visit the Endangered Species Boma to see the last remaining northern white rhinos (optional activity).

• Overnight: Sweetwaters Serena Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, depart for Lake Nakuru National Park, a sanctuary for rhinos and an ornithologist’s paradise. Drive through the scenic Rift Valley, arriving at Lake Nakuru in time for lunch at your lodge. In the afternoon, embark on a game drive around the lake, famous for its vast flocks of flamingos that paint the shoreline pink. The park is also a haven for black and white rhinos, Rothschild giraffes, and various antelope species. The acacia forests and the lake’s surrounding cliffs are home to leopards and baboons, offering diverse wildlife sightings.

• Overnight: Sarova Lion Hill Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Start your day with breakfast and a leisurely game drive as you exit Lake Nakuru National Park. Your journey continues to the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve, where endless savannas and a rich diversity of wildlife await. After a scenic drive, check into your lodge and have lunch. The afternoon presents your first game drive in the Masai Mara, a region famed for its annual wildebeest migration and a high density of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, and elephants. As the sun sets, return to your lodge for a relaxing evening under the African sky.

• Overnight: Mara Serena Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today is dedicated to exploring the vast plains of the Masai Mara. Begin with an early morning game drive, when the wildlife is most active. Watch the drama of the African savannah unfold as you track the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes. You may also witness the incredible spectacle of the Great Migration (seasonal) as millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles traverse the plains in search of greener pastures. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wild, surrounded by the Mara’s endless beauty. After a full day of exploration, return to the lodge for a well-deserved rest.

• Overnight: Mara Serena Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Spend another full day in the Masai Mara, with the option to tailor your experience. Opt for an early morning hot air balloon safari (additional cost) for a bird’s-eye view of the Mara’s vast landscapes, followed by a champagne breakfast. Alternatively, embark on morning and afternoon game drives to explore different parts of the reserve. The Mara River is a prime spot to witness crocodiles and hippos, while the open plains are home to herds of giraffes, elephants, and countless other species. You can also visit a Maasai Village (optional, additional cost) to learn about the Maasai people’s culture and traditions.

• Overnight: Mara Serena Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

On your final day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a last morning game drive to soak up the Masai Mara’s extraordinary wildlife. Afterward, you will start your journey back to Nairobi, arriving in the afternoon. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute shopping or a city tour (optional) before being transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure, concluding your unforgettable 11-day safari adventure through Kenya’s most diverse and breathtaking landscapes.

• Meals: Breakfast