Starts: Nairobi
Ends: Nairobi
Experience an affordable 9-day budget safari adventure through Kenya’s most exciting wildlife escapes exploring diverse landscapes and thrilling game reserves. Begin in the lush expanse of Meru National Park before heading to the unique terrain of Samburu National Reserve, a rugged wilderness famed for its unique species adapted to the arid terrain. Explore the protected habitats of Sweetwaters and Lake Nakuru before you reach the legendary Masai Mara to witness Africa’s Big Five.
Start your adventure with a morning pick-up from Nairobi. Drive through lush highlands and scenic landscapes to Meru National Park, enjoying the views of rolling hills and local farmlands. Arrive at your lodge by midday and check in, followed by a delicious lunch. Take some time to relax and soak in the serene surroundings.
In the afternoon, embark on a guided hike through Meru’s diverse landscapes. Explore the park’s varied habitats, from dense forests to open grasslands, and spot different species of flora and fauna. Capture stunning photographs of the scenery and wildlife. As the sun sets, return to your lodge for a sumptuous dinner and a restful overnight stay, preparing for the adventures ahead.
After a hearty breakfast, depart Meru and drive to Samburu National Reserve. The journey offers picturesque views of changing landscapes, including arid regions and river valleys. Arrive at your lodge in Samburu by midday, where a delightful lunch awaits. Take some time to relax and acclimate to your new surroundings.
In the afternoon, set out on a game drive in Samburu National Reserve. The park is home to unique species such as the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and Somali ostrich. Traverse the park’s rugged terrain, spotting a variety of wildlife and enjoying the stunning scenery. As evening approaches, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay, reflecting on the day’s experiences.
Spend the entire day exploring the wonders of Samburu National Reserve. After an early breakfast, embark on a morning game drive. The cooler temperatures make it an ideal time to spot predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards on the prowl. Observe elephants, buffaloes, and a variety of antelopes as they graze and interact in their natural habitat. Return to your lodge for a leisurely lunch, followed by some downtime to relax and enjoy the lodge’s amenities.
In the afternoon, continue your exploration of Samburu. Visit the Ewaso Ng’iro River, a vital water source for the park’s wildlife. Watch as animals come to drink and cool off in the water. Capture memorable photographs of the diverse fauna and flora. As the sun sets, return to your lodge for dinner, sharing stories of the day’s sightings under the African sky. Spend another night in the tranquil surroundings of Samburu.
After breakfast, depart Samburu and travel to Sweetwaters Wildlife Reserve within Ol Pejeta Conservancy. The drive offers beautiful views of Mount Kenya and the surrounding landscapes. Arrive at your lodge by midday and check in. Enjoy a delicious lunch and take some time to relax and soak in the serene environment.
In the afternoon, visit the Chimpanzee Sanctuary to observe rescued chimpanzees in a safe environment. Learn about their rehabilitation and the conservation efforts to protect these primates. Afterward, embark on a game drive in the conservancy, home to the Big Five and other wildlife. Explore the expansive savannahs, capturing stunning moments with your camera. As the sun sets, return to your lodge for dinner and an educational evening, preparing for the next day’s adventures.
After a hearty breakfast, depart Ol Pejeta and drive to Lake Nakuru National Park. The journey offers stunning views of diverse landscapes, including lush highlands and the Great Rift Valley. Arrive at your lodge in Lake Nakuru by midday and check in. Enjoy a delightful lunch and take some time to relax and soak in the serene environment.
In the afternoon, embark on a game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. The park is famous for its large flocks of pink flamingos and diverse wildlife, including rhinos, lions, leopards, and a variety of bird species. Explore the park’s rich habitats and capture memorable photographs of the wildlife against the stunning backdrop of the lake. As the sun sets, return to your lodge for dinner, reflecting on the day’s sightings. Spend the night at the lodge, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere.
After a delicious breakfast, depart Lake Nakuru and head towards the iconic Masai Mara. The drive takes you through the scenic Great Rift Valley and offers picturesque landscapes and a glimpse into the daily life of local communities. Arrive at your lodge or camp in Masai Mara by midday, where a hearty lunch awaits. Take some time to relax and acclimate to your new surroundings.
In the afternoon, embark on your first game drive in the Masai Mara National Reserve. The reserve is renowned for its rich wildlife and offers a chance to spot the Big Five. Traverse the vast savannahs, capturing the beauty of the landscape and its inhabitants. As the sun sets, return to your lodge for a delightful dinner and a peaceful overnight stay under the African sky.
Spend the entire day exploring the wonders of the Masai Mara. After an early breakfast, set out on a morning game drive. The cooler morning temperatures make it an ideal time to spot wildlife, particularly predators such as lions and cheetahs on the hunt. Traverse the diverse terrains, witnessing the dynamic interactions of the reserve’s inhabitants. Return to your lodge for a leisurely lunch, followed by some downtime to relax and enjoy the facilities.
In the afternoon, continue your exploration of the Masai Mara. Venture into different areas of the reserve, maximizing your chances of spotting a wide variety of wildlife. Optionally, visit a traditional Masai village to learn about the culture and traditions of the local people. Engage with the villagers and gain insights into their way of life. As the day draws to a close, return to your lodge for dinner. Reflect on the day’s incredible experiences and enjoy another night under the starlit sky.
After a final breakfast at your lodge, depart Masai Mara and drive to Lake Naivasha. The journey offers beautiful views of the Great Rift Valley and its surrounding landscapes. Arrive at your lodge by midday and check in. Enjoy a leisurely lunch and take some time to relax and explore the serene surroundings.
In the afternoon, embark on a tranquil boat ride on Lake Naivasha. Glide over the calm waters, spotting hippos and a variety of bird species, including fish eagles and pelicans. Optionally, explore Crescent Island, where you can walk among freely roaming wildlife such as zebras and giraffes. As the sun sets, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay, reflecting on the day’s adventures.
After a leisurely breakfast at your lodge, enjoy some morning activities around Lake Naivasha, such as a nature walk or a visit to a local flower farm. Take in the last moments of the serene environment before starting your journey back to Nairobi. Arrive in Nairobi by early to late afternoon, concluding your unforgettable 9-day safari adventure. Whether you head to the airport or your hotel, cherish the experiences and the beauty of Kenya’s wildlife and natural wonders.