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7-Day Northern Kenya Grand Safari
This epic 7-day grand safari circuit encompasses the four crown jewels of northern Kenya — Aberdare National Park, Samburu National Reserve, Meru National Park, and Ol Pejeta Conservancy — in a sweeping journey through some of Africa's most dramatic and diverse landscapes. This is the definitive northern Kenya safari for travellers who want to go beyond the well-trodden Masai Mara circuit and discover the wild heart of the country. Begin in the misty Aberdare highlands, where ancient montane forests harbour giant forest hogs, colobus monkeys, and the elusive eastern bongo. Descend to the semi-arid wilderness of Samburu, where the Ewaso Ng'iro River sustains extraordinary concentrations of elephants, leopards, and the famous Samburu Special Five. Continue to Meru National Park — the Born Free country — where doum palm savannahs stretch to the Nyambeni Hills and rhinos roam a dedicated sanctuary. Finally, arrive at Ol Pejeta Conservancy on the Laikipia Plateau, East Africa's largest black rhino sanctuary, for night game drives and an encounter with the last two northern white rhinos on Earth. Across seven days, you will witness Kenya's staggering ecological diversity: from 3,000-metre montane moorlands to river-carved lowlands, from conservation success stories to untouched wilderness. This grand circuit is designed for adventurous travellers seeking depth, diversity, and the most authentic Kenya safari experience possible.
Tour Highlights
Wildlife You'll Encounter
Species commonly sighted on this safari route
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve — A2 Highway North (325 km, ~5.5 hrs)
6:00 am — Pick-up from your Nairobi hotel. Drive north on Thika Superhighway (A2) through Thika, Sagana, and the Central Highlands. Cross the equator at Nanyuki (photo stop and coffee break). Continue through Isiolo and descend into the Samburu lowlands. Arrive by 12:00 pm. Lunch at your lodge overlooking the Ewaso Ng'iro River. 3:30 pm — Afternoon game drive along the palm-lined riverbanks. Spot elephant herds, reticulated giraffes, and gerenuk. Scan for leopards in the fig trees and lions in the scrubland. Return to camp by 6:30 pm.
Full Day Samburu — Buffalo Springs & the Special Five
6:00 am — Sunrise game drive. Track predators in the cool dawn, search for cheetahs on termite mounds, and drive through Buffalo Springs to spot Grevy's zebra, Beisa oryx, and Somali ostrich. 9:00 am — Return for breakfast and midday rest. 3:30 pm — Afternoon drive along the Ewaso Ng'iro. Watch Nile crocodiles, hippo pods, and martial eagles. Optional Samburu cultural village visit ($25 pp). Return by 6:30 pm.
Samburu to Meru National Park — via Isiolo (180 km, ~3 hrs)
6:00 am — Final morning game drive in Samburu. 8:30 am — Breakfast and check out. 9:30 am — Drive south through Isiolo, then east through Meru town to Murera Gate. The landscape shifts from scrubland to doum palm forests. Arrive by 12:30 pm. Lunch at camp. 3:00 pm — Afternoon game drive through Meru's eastern sector — Born Free country. Spot elephants in the riverine forest, reticulated giraffes, and the shy lesser kudu. The park sees few visitors, making every encounter feel exclusive. Return by 6:30 pm.
Full Day Meru — Rhino Sanctuary & Adamson's Falls
6:00 am — Sunrise drive to the Meru Rhino Sanctuary for close-range sightings of black and white rhinos. 9:00 am — Return for breakfast. 10:30 am — Drive to Adamson's Falls on the Tana River. Birding is exceptional: palm-nut vultures, Peter's finfoot, and Pel's fishing owl. Picnic lunch by the river. 3:00 pm — Afternoon game drive through the doum palm forests. Watch cheetahs on open grasslands and hippos in river pools. Return to camp by 6:30 pm.
Meru to Ol Pejeta Conservancy — via Nanyuki (200 km, ~3 hrs)
6:00 am — Final morning game drive in Meru. 8:30 am — Breakfast and check out. 9:30 am — Drive west through Meru town to Nanyuki, then to Ol Pejeta Conservancy gate. Arrive by 12:30 pm. Lunch at camp with Mt Kenya views. 2:30 pm — Afternoon open-vehicle game drive. Visit Najin and Fatu — the last two northern white rhinos. Continue to the Endangered Species Enclosure for black rhinos. 5:00 pm — Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary visit. Return by 6:30 pm. Optional night game drive ($50 pp).
Ol Pejeta to Aberdare National Park — via Nanyuki & Nyeri (80 km, ~1.5 hrs)
6:00 am — Morning game drive through Ol Pejeta. Visit the Morani Information Centre. 8:30 am — Breakfast and check out. 9:30 am — Short scenic transfer east through Nanyuki and Nyeri to the Aberdare Ranges. Arrive by 11:30 am. Check in at your treelodge above a floodlit waterhole. Lunch at the lodge. 2:30 pm — Afternoon drive through bamboo and hagenia forests. Search for black rhino, giant forest hog, and bongo. Drive to Karuru Falls (273 m) and Chania Falls. Return by 6:00 pm for the night waterhole vigil.
Morning Forest Drive & Return to Nairobi — A2 Highway South (180 km, ~3 hrs)
6:30 am — Final dawn forest drive. Giant forest hogs, colobus monkeys, and if lucky, a black leopard in the mist. 8:30 am — Full breakfast and check out. 9:30 am — Depart through Nyeri, Karatina, Sagana, and south onto Thika Superhighway. Packed lunch provided. Arrive in Nairobi by approximately 12:30 pm. Drop-off at your Nairobi hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
ℹ️ IMPORTANT PRICING INFORMATION
Advertised safari prices are based on regular seasonal rates and may vary depending on accommodation category, availability, and travel dates at time of booking. Expect marginal price variations based on specific accommodation choices and safari seasons.
Package rates may be subject to supplementary charges during peak periods including Easter, Christmas, New Year, Great Migration season, and public holidays, as accommodation providers impose seasonal surcharges. Easter supplements may also apply to selected properties during the Easter weekend. Any applicable supplements will be clearly communicated and included in your final quotation before confirmation of booking.
Prices are in USD Per Person Sharing in a double/twin en-suite room.
What's Included
- ✓Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- ✓Professional English-speaking safari guide
- ✓All park and conservancy fees including rhino sanctuary
- ✓6 nights full-board accommodation including tree lodge
- ✓All game drives including night drive as outlined in the itinerary
- ✓Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary visit
- ✓Endangered species enclosure visit
- ✓Bottled drinking water during game drives
- ✓Airport/hotel pick-up and drop-off in Nairobi
What's Not Included
- ✗International and domestic flights
- ✗Visa fees
- ✗Travel insurance
- ✗Tips and gratuities
- ✗Alcoholic and soft drinks
- ✗Personal expenses and laundry
- ✗Optional activities not in the itinerary
Safari Seasons & Rates Guide
Package rates vary by season. Select a season in the pricing table below to view rates.
Safari Pricing
Prices per person sharing in double/twin room. Includes all park/conservancy fees, full-board accommodation, game drives, and Nairobi transfers.
| Group Size | Economy | Comfort | Luxury | Superior Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $4,940 | $5,440 | $5,930 | $7,170 |
| 2 Persons | $3,480 | $3,830 | $4,180 | $5,050 |
| 3 Persons | $3,060 | $3,370 | $3,670 | $4,440 |
| 4 Persons | $2,890 | $3,180 | $3,470 | $4,190 |
| 5 Persons | $2,750 | $3,020 | $3,300 | $3,990 |
| 6-7 Persons | $2,640 | $2,910 | $3,170 | $3,830 |
| Single Room Supplement | $310 | $380 | $460 | $610 |
Prices are in USD per person sharing. Exact rates may vary based on specific accommodation choice and availability at time of booking. Contact us for a personalized quote.