This 6-day Kenya safari offers an exciting journey through some of northern and central Kenya’s most scenic and wildlife-rich destinations, combining the distinctive landscapes of Samburu National Reserve, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Aberdare National Park, and Lake Elementaita before returning to Nairobi. The safari begins on Day 1 with a scenic drive from Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve, passing through changing landscapes and rural communities as you travel north. Upon arrival, settle into your accommodation before enjoying an afternoon game drive, time permitting, with opportunities to encounter elephants, giraffes, zebras, and Samburu’s unique northern wildlife.
Day 2 is dedicated to a full-day game drive in Samburu National Reserve. The reserve is known for its dramatic scenery, riverine habitats, and distinctive species such as Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and Somali ostrich, alongside more widely distributed African wildlife. On Day 3, leave Samburu and travel south toward Ol Pejeta Conservancy, enjoying scenic views of Mount Kenya and the surrounding countryside. Upon arrival, you can explore the conservancy through an afternoon wildlife experience, with opportunities to see rhinos, elephants, lions, and other species.
On Day 4, continue from Ol Pejeta to Aberdare National Park, a beautiful highland destination characterized by forests, waterfalls, moorlands, and diverse wildlife habitats. The journey offers a striking contrast to the dry landscapes of Samburu. Day 5 takes you from Aberdare toward Lake Elementaita, traveling through the scenic Great Rift Valley region. The lake provides a peaceful setting for relaxation and birdwatching, with its surrounding landscapes offering excellent photographic opportunities.
Finally, Day 6 marks the end of your safari as you travel from Lake Elementaita back to Nairobi. This itinerary provides a diverse Kenyan experience, combining unique wildlife, highland forests, dramatic landscapes, and the tranquil beauty of the Rift Valley in one memorable safari.
Itinerary
Exploring all that Africa has to offer is a dream for many. From epic Kenya safari adventures spotting Africa’s Big Five, going on a Gorilla trekking in Uganda or relaxing at Diani Beach: Africa has it all. Good news: Africa Safari Trips can build a custom-made itinerary that suits all your wishes.
Our most popular itineraries can help you find some inspiration. A lot of our clients love to end their exciting safari with a few days of relaxation on Africa’s most stunning beaches. Would you like that as well?
Whether you choose one of our popular itineraries or prefer to customize your journey, we are here to assist you. Come aboard and get ready to explore Africa at your own pace, exactly the way you like it!
Day 1
Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve
Your Safari Trip in Kenya begins with an early morning departure from Nairobi, heading north toward the spectacular Samburu National Reserve. As you leave the capital behind, the scenery gradually changes from urban surroundings to rolling countryside, dramatic landscapes, and the rugged beauty of northern Kenya. Along the way, enjoy views of Mount Kenya and the changing vegetation as you approach the Samburu region.
Arrive at Samburu Simba Lodge around lunchtime, check in, and enjoy lunch before taking some time to relax. In the afternoon, venture into Samburu National Reserve for your first game drive. The reserve is famous for its arid landscapes and distinctive wildlife, including the Samburu Special Five—Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Somali ostrich, and Beisa oryx.
You will also have opportunities to spot elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and several species of antelope. As the afternoon light creates beautiful colors across the reserve, continue your wildlife search before returning to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Activities:
Accommodations:
- Platinum Samburu Simba Lodge
Day 2
Full-Day Game Drive in Samburu National Reserve
Enjoy a full day of wildlife exploration during your Safari Trip in Kenya. After an early breakfast, set out with your professional guide for an extended game drive through Samburu National Reserve. The landscape of rugged hills, dry riverbeds, open plains, and acacia woodland provides a unique setting for wildlife viewing.
Your guide will help you search for Samburu’s famous Special Five, including the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Somali ostrich, and Beisa oryx. You may also encounter elephants gathering near the Ewaso Ng’iro River, as well as lions, leopards, buffaloes, cheetahs, and various antelope species.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wilderness before continuing your afternoon exploration. The cooler hours later in the day can provide excellent opportunities for photography and wildlife encounters. As the sun begins to set over the northern landscape, make your way back to the lodge for dinner and a relaxing overnight stay.
Activities:
Accommodations:
- Platinum Samburu Simba Lodge
Day 3
Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
After breakfast, depart Samburu and travel south toward Ol Pejeta Conservancy, located on the Laikipia Plateau. During the journey, enjoy changing scenery as the dry northern landscapes gradually give way to greener surroundings near the foothills of Mount Kenya.
Upon arrival, check in at Comfort Gardens Sweetwaters, Nanyuki, and enjoy lunch before preparing for your afternoon wildlife adventure. Ol Pejeta is one of Kenya’s leading wildlife conservancies and is particularly famous for its successful rhino conservation programs.
During your game drive, explore the open plains in search of elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, and both black and white rhinos. The conservancy also provides important protection for endangered wildlife and is home to a chimpanzee sanctuary.
Your afternoon drive offers an excellent combination of wildlife viewing and conservation experiences. As the day comes to an end, return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.
Activities:
Accommodations:
- Platinum Comfort Garden Sweetwaters
Day 4
Ol Pejeta to Aberdare National Park
After breakfast, continue your Safari Trip in Kenya toward the beautiful highlands of Aberdare National Park. The journey takes you through the central Kenyan countryside as the scenery changes from open plains to lush mountain forests.
Upon arrival, check in at Aberdare Cottages & Fishing Lodge and enjoy lunch before heading out for an afternoon wildlife experience. Aberdare provides a completely different safari environment, characterized by thick forests, bamboo vegetation, waterfalls, streams, and cool mountain air.
During your game drive, look out for elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, waterbucks, bushbucks, monkeys, and other forest wildlife. The dense vegetation can make sightings more unpredictable, creating an exciting and atmospheric safari experience.
The Aberdare landscape is also excellent for nature photography, particularly around its forests and scenic viewpoints. After exploring the park, return to the lodge for dinner and a peaceful overnight stay surrounded by the tranquility of the Kenyan highlands.
Activities:
Accommodations:
- Platinum Aberdare Cottages & Fishing Lodge
Day 5
Aberdare to Lake Elementaita
After breakfast, leave the cool Aberdare Highlands and descend toward the spectacular Great Rift Valley, continuing to Lake Elementaita. The journey offers beautiful views of rolling hills, agricultural landscapes, escarpments, and the dramatic Rift Valley scenery.
Arrive at Sentrim Elementaita Resort, check in, and enjoy lunch before relaxing for a while. Later in the afternoon, explore the Lake Elementaita area, where the combination of lake scenery, wildlife, and birdlife creates a peaceful safari experience.
Depending on the areas visited, you may see zebras, giraffes, gazelles, buffaloes, and other wildlife. Lake Elementaita is also an important habitat for numerous bird species, making it a rewarding destination for bird watchers and photographers.
Spend the afternoon enjoying the tranquil surroundings and capturing photographs of the lake and its surrounding landscapes. Return to your resort in the evening for dinner and your final overnight stay of this Safari Trip in Kenya.
Activities:
Accommodations:
- Platinum Sentrim Elementaita Resort
Day 6
Lake Elementaita to Nairobi
Enjoy breakfast at your resort before beginning your final journey back to Nairobi. As you leave Lake Elementaita, take in your last views of the beautiful Great Rift Valley before continuing toward the capital.
This Safari Trip in Kenya has taken you through some of Kenya’s most diverse landscapes and wildlife destinations—from the rugged northern wilderness of Samburu and the conservation-rich plains of Ol Pejeta to the forested highlands of Aberdare and the scenic shores of Lake Elementaita.
Depending on your onward travel arrangements, you will be dropped off at your Nairobi hotel, residence, or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). This marks the end of your 6-Day Safari Trip in Kenya, filled with wildlife encounters, scenic landscapes, conservation experiences, and memorable moments across northern and central Kenya.
