12 Days "Off the Beaten Path" Safari
Day 1: Nairobi
Start your safari in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city. Explore attractions such as the Karen Blixen Museum, Giraffe Centre, and David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Visit Nairobi National Park for a unique experience of seeing wildlife against the backdrop of the city skyline.
Day 2 & 3: Meru National Park:
Located in the eastern part of Kenya, Meru National Park offers diverse landscapes, including riverine forests, savannah plains, and rocky outcrops. Home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, and more than 400 bird species. Meru gained fame through Joy Adamson’s book “Born Free” and offers a sense of solitude and wilderness away from the crowds.
Day 4 & 5: Samburu National Reserve:
Located in Kenya’s northern region, Samburu offers a unique safari experience with its arid landscapes and distinct wildlife species adapted to the harsh environment. Highlights include the Samburu Special Five: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx, which are not commonly found in other parks. Cultural interactions with the Samburu people provide insights into their traditional way of life.
Day 6 & 7: Laikipia Plateau
Travel to the Laikipia Plateau, a lesser-visited region known for its diverse wildlife and beautiful scenery. Stay at a private conservancy or eco-lodge and enjoy activities such as guided bush walks, camel safaris, and night game drives. Spot wildlife such as elephants, lions, and rhinos in their natural habitat.
Day 8 & 9: Lake Nakuru National Park:
While Lake Nakuru is well-known for its flamingos, the park is also home to rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, lions, and a variety of bird species. It offers a more intimate and tranquil safari experience compared to busier parks.
Day 10 & 11: Maasai Mara National Reserve
Conclude your safari with a visit to the globally reknowned Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s most famous safari destination. Explore the Mara on game drives to witness the annual wildebeest migration (if visiting during migration season) or simply enjoy the abundant resident wildlife. Visit a Maasai village to learn about the traditional way of life and participate in cultural activities.
Day 12: Departure
Depending on your schedule and park rules, you may have time for a final morning game drive before departing for Nairobi.