Unexplored northern Kenya: an 8-day safari
A true safari experience through northern Kenya, taking in everything from the rainforest at the foothills of Mt. Kenya to the wonderful landscape of the Meru National Park, the Samburu National Reserve and the Solio Protection Area. These parks and reserves are relatively unknown but no less impressive; wildlife is abundant and includes Lions, leopards, cheetahs, Elephants, Buffalo, giraffes, zebras and many more. Solio protection zone offers an incredible opportunity to visit the Rhino ranch and see these rare and impressive animals in their natural habitat. Accommodation throughout is selected to provide thoughtful, eco-lodgings with a balance of comfort and culture that will complement the tour throughout. An unforgettable journey filled with magnificent landscapes and wildlife experiences awaits.
Services
Included:
- Gracia Garden: Double room with breakfast
- Castle Forest Lodge: Sun or Moon house with living room, bedrooms and shower/WC
- Ikweta Tented Camp: 2-person tent with shower/WC
- Sopa Samburu: Banda with shower/WC
- Sandai: Banda with shower/WC
- Full board during the safari (packed lunch where necessary)
- Drinking water during the safari
- Game drives in Safari Land cruiser with English speaking professional driver-guide trained by KWS (Kenya Wildlife Service)
- All entrance fees for national parks, protected areas and reserves
- Nature walk on Sandai or visit to Solio
- All transfers listed above
- Flying Doctors insurance
- 24-hour contact person in Nairobi/Kenya
Excluded:
- Flight to/from Kenya
- Rail journey from Nairobi to Mombasa
- Visa fees
- Meals and drinks not listed
- Gratuities
- Accommodation in Nairobi after safari
- All services not listed under Included in the tour price
Optional:
- Visit to Samburu Village (USD 30 per person)
- Visit a local farm on the slopes of Mt. Kenya (USD 10 per person)
Itinerary at a Glance
Nairobi City
Day 1 - Arrive in Nairobi
Mt. Kenya Forest
Day 2 - Mt Kenya Forest
Meru National Park
Day 3 - Meru National Park
Meru National Park
Day 4 - Meru National Park
Samburu Game Reserve
Day 5 - Samburu Game Reserve
Samburu Game Reserve
Day 6 - Samburu Game Reserve
Sandai Farm Kenya
Day 7 - Sandai Farm
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Day 8 - Departure
Detailed Itinerary
Nairobi City
Day 1: Day 1 - Arrive in Nairobi
Arrive in the Safari Capital of the world - Nairobi even has its own national park. A dazzling city with a big welcome, get a local driver and head to the Botanical Gardens, then get the low-down on the country's history and heritage at the National Museum. Head out to Gracia Gardens for the night; this small haven is the perfect place to rest and recharge, ready for the adventures ahead.
Mt. Kenya Forest
Day 2: Day 2 - Mt Kenya Forest
Head north to the foothills of Mt. Kenya. Join your guide on a nature walk through the rainforest, spot monkeys, Bushbuck, Duiker and of course smaller reptiles - look closely and you might even spot a chameleon. Visit a local farm on the slopes of Mt. Kenya (USD 10 per person) to learn more about conservation and explore the river. A delicious meal awaits at Castle Forest Lodge; this eco-lodge is said to have been visited by the Queen. Spend the evening on the delightful main veranda looking out over the surrounding forest as the sun sets.
Meru National Park
Day 3: Day 3 - Meru National Park
A national park on a magnificent scale, Meru is unspoilt and features everything from jungle to swamp, to grassland. With a KWS driver/guide on hand, head out on safari and look out for Grevy's Zebra, Elephant, Bohor Reedbucks, Hartebeests, Buffalos, as well as several species of snakes and well over 400 species of birds. Complete your day at Ikweta Safari Camp, an ideal location to reflect on an incredible day. The saltwater pool is gloriously refreshing before dinner in the two Zebras restaurant.
Meru National Park
Day 4: Day 4 - Meru National Park
Awaken to a stunning sunrise, enjoy a cooked-to-order breakfast, before hitting the safari trail once more. Return to Ikweta camp for more local cuisine and a relaxing evening on your private veranda.
Samburu Game Reserve
Day 5: Day 5 - Samburu Game Reserve
Arrive in Samburu Reserve to safari through this abundant landscape. Spot big cats – lion, leopard and cheetah are here - and look out for the range of grazing beasts, including impala, buffalo and hippo. There are also over 450 bird species to see, including kingfishers, marabou, vultures, guinea fowl, Somali ostrich, egret, falcon and eagle. After a day to remember, Sopa Lodge provides the ideal resting place. Relax in the swimming pool and bar, then head up to the restaurant serving fusion cuisine overlooking the Reserve.
Samburu Game Reserve
Day 6: Day 6 - Samburu Game Reserve
If you haven't seen them already, this second day on the Reserve is a chance to find Elephant, Grevy’s Zebra, the reticulated Giraffe and the Beisa Onyx; you may even spot African Wild Dogs. There is also the chance to visit one of the local Samburu Villages (USD 30 per person) to learn more about the culture and heritage of the area.
Alternatively, take it easy on a river safari in an inflatable raft on the Ewaso Ng’iro. Spot many of the bird species and see the animals that visit the river to drink wash and even play, as you drift gently by.
Return to Sopa Lodge for the night.
Sandai Farm Kenya
Day 7: Day 7 - Sandai Farm
Complete the trip with a magical visit to Sandai Farm. The lodge sits close to some of the most impressive rhino-viewing anywhere in Kenya at Solio and the stunning landscapes of the Aberdare National Park, including bamboo groves, mountain rainforests, waterfalls and high moorland. Choose from a nature walk on Sandai or visit Solio. Your guest house is part outdoor enthusiasts' resting place, and part artists retreat. Enjoy a laid-back dinner here; join a night drive to make this a truly memorable way to conclude this Kenyan safari.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Day 8: Day 8 - Departure
Departure day; transfer to the airport.
