- Town House, Kaunda Street, Nairobi
- 8am to 5pm
- Town House, Kaunda Street, Nairobi
- 8am to 5pm
Discover a different side of Kenya on this captivating 4-day adventure combining the misty highlands of Aberdare National Park with the rugged wilderness of Samburu National Reserve. This unique safari blends dramatic landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and rich wildlife encounters, offering a refreshing contrast to the classic savannah experience.
Begin your journey in the Aberdare ranges, where lush forests, cool mountain air, and spectacular waterfalls create a serene and scenic escape. From there, travel north to Samburu, a land of striking beauty defined by open plains, the life-giving Ewaso Nyiro River, and wildlife species found nowhere else in Kenya. Privately guided and thoughtfully planned, this safari offers rewarding game drives, comfortable accommodations, and unforgettable moments perfect for travelers seeking both adventure and variety in a short but enriching Kenyan safari experience.
Who Is This Safari For?
Ideal for:Nature lovers seeking a mix of mountain forests, waterfalls, and classic safari experiences
Ideal for:Wildlife enthusiasts wanting to see Samburu’s unique wildlife and Aberdare’s forest species
Ideal for:Photographers looking for diverse landscapes, from misty forests and waterfalls to open savannahs
Not ideal:Travellers whose priority is the Great Migration or a beach holiday, as this itinerary focuses on Kenya’s highlands and northern wilderness
| Season | Months | Key Experience | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Dry | Jun to Oct | Excellent wildlife viewing in Samburu, clear mountain views, and spectacular waterfalls. | Best time to visit. |
| Short Dry | Jan to Mar | Pleasant weather, active wildlife, and ideal conditions for hiking and photography. | Highly recommended. |
| Short Rains | Nov to Dec | Lush forests, dramatic waterfalls, and fewer crowds. | Great value. |
| Long Rains | Apr to May | Waterfalls at their most powerful, vibrant landscapes, and quieter parks. | Best for nature lovers. |
Your safari driver-guide will pick you up early in the morning from either your Nairobi hotel or the airport. Travel overland through picturesque coffee and tea plantations en route to your lodge.
After lunch, proceed to The Ark, uniquely set within the forested slopes of the Aberdare Mountains at an altitude of approximately 7,000 feet. This iconic lodge offers exceptional high-altitude game viewing and the opportunity to spot rare forest species seldom seen elsewhere, including the giant forest hog, bush pig, tree hyrax, large spotted genet, and the elusive bongo antelope.
Wildlife viewing is possible from multiple levels—outdoors, where you can fully experience the sights, sounds, and scents of the forest, or from the comfort of the lodge as you enjoy a warm cup of tea. Animals often come remarkably close, with elephants frequently visiting the waterholes, and the occasional appearance of a leopard or a large male lion adding to the thrill.
Accommodation: The Ark Hotel
This morning, depart by road to Kenya’s remote northern frontier. Wild and rugged, Samburu offers a strikingly beautiful landscape of arid savannahs sustained by the life-giving Ewaso Nyiro River. It is one of Kenya’s most protected regions and is home to rare species found only north of the equator, including the reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, and the Beisa oryx.
After your game drive, return to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay at Sarova Shaba Game Lodge.
As dawn breaks and golden light washes over the landscape, begin your day in the bush while gazing out over the river from your tent’s veranda, a steaming cup of coffee in hand. Before the morning dew lifts from the grass, set off on a game drive in search of elephants, lions, leopards, and cheetahs that roam the reserve’s grasslands and acacia woodlands. The day unfolds with a perfect balance of thrilling wildlife encounters and the serene beauty of the wilderness.
After the game drive, proceed to Samburu, where you will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at Samburu Sopa Lodge.
After breakfast, check out of your lodge and embark on an early morning guided game drive in Samburu.
Following your safari, depart for Nairobi by road, arriving by early afternoon. You will be dropped off at your hotel, or, if you prefer, enjoy a convenient transfer directly to the airport for your onward flight home.
