6-Day Northern Kenya Grand Safari to Diani Beach | Aberdares, Samburu, Meru & Ol Pejeta Ultimate Bush-to-Beach Circuit
The definitive northern Kenya circuit — from misty montane forests to arid bushland, remote wilderness, and rhino conservancy
This definitive eight-day northern Kenya circuit is the ultimate bush-to-beach adventure, linking four of the country's most diverse and spectacular wildlife destinations in a single sweeping journey. Begin in the mist-draped montane forests of the Aberdares, descend into Samburu's dramatic semi-arid bushland to track the Special Five, venture into the remote Born Free wilderness of Meru National Park, then culminate at Ol Pejeta Conservancy for Big Five encounters and a humbling meeting with the planet's last two northern white rhinos. A scenic SGR transfer delivers you to Diani Beach for your coastal escape.
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. Continue through Isiolo into the Samburu lowlands. Arrive by 12:00 pm. Lunch at your lodge on the Ewaso Ng'iro River. 3:30 pm — Afternoon game drive. Elephant herds, reticulated giraffes, gerenuk. Return by 6:30 pm.
Full Day Samburu — Buffalo Springs & the Special Five
6:00 am — Sunrise game drive. Track lions and leopards. Drive through Buffalo Springs for Grevy's zebra, Beisa oryx, and Somali ostrich. 9:00 am — Breakfast. 3:30 pm — Afternoon drive. Nile crocodiles, hippos, martial eagles, vulturine guineafowl. Optional Samburu village visit ($25 pp). Return by 6:30 pm.
Samburu to Meru National Park — via Isiolo (180 km, ~3 hrs)
6:00 am — Morning game drive. 8:30 am — Breakfast and check out. 9:30 am — Drive south through Isiolo, east through Meru town to Murera Gate. Arrive by 12:30 pm. Lunch at camp. 3:00 pm — Afternoon game drive through Born Free country. Elephants, reticulated giraffes, lesser kudu in the doum palm forests. Return by 6:30 pm.
Full Day Meru — Rhino Sanctuary & Adamson's Falls
6:00 am — Sunrise drive to the Rhino Sanctuary. 9:00 am — Breakfast. 10:30 am — Adamson's Falls on the Tana River. Birding: palm-nut vultures, Pel's fishing owl. Picnic lunch. 3:00 pm — Afternoon drive through doum palm corridors. Cheetahs, hippos, and the elusive wild dog if fortunate. Return by 6:30 pm.
Meru to Ol Pejeta Conservancy — via Nanyuki (200 km, ~3 hrs)
6:00 am — Morning game drive. 8:30 am — Breakfast and check out. 9:30 am — Drive west to Nanyuki and Ol Pejeta. Arrive by 12:30 pm. Lunch with Mt Kenya views. 2:30 pm — Open-vehicle game drive. Najin and Fatu, Endangered Species Enclosure. 5:00 pm — Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Optional night drive ($50 pp). Return by 9:00 pm.
Ol Pejeta Morning Drive, Transfer to Nairobi & SGR to Mombasa
5:30 am — Final sunrise drive through Ol Pejeta. Morani Information Centre. 7:30 am — Breakfast and check out. 8:00 am — Depart south through Nanyuki, equator, Sagana, Thika Superhighway. Arrive Nairobi Terminus (Syokimau) by 12:00 pm. 1:00 pm — Board Madaraka Express SGR to Mombasa (472 km, ~5 hrs, First Class). Arrive Mombasa by 6:00 pm. Transfer to Diani Beach (40 km, ~1 hr). Arrive resort by 7:30 pm.
⟶Madaraka Express SGR Train Schedule
Board the high-speed Madaraka Express from your nearest station to Mombasa — air-conditioned comfort with panoramic views of Tsavo's plains.
| Nairobi Terminus | Emali (Near Amboseli) | Mtito Andei (Tsavo West) | Voi (Tsavo East) | Mombasa Terminus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | 9:27 AM / 9:31 AM | 10:50 AM / 10:51 AM | 12:02 PM / 12:08 PM | 2:00 PM |
Train Option
Board at the nearest station after your safari — Voi (Tsavo East) or Mtito Andei (Tsavo West). Arrive Mombasa by 2:00 PM. First-class tickets included in your package. A C.A.T.S representative meets you at Mombasa Terminus for the transfer to your beach hotel.
Jeep Option to the Coast
Prefer to continue in your private 4×4 Land Cruiser? No problem — at no extra cost. Your guide drives you directly to your Diani Beach hotel, arriving approximately 5:00 PM with wildlife spotting opportunities along the way.
Booking Information
- All prices are per person sharing in a double/twin room
- Single room supplement available on request
- Children under 12 receive discounted rates
- Custom itineraries available — contact us for a personalised quote
- Prices valid for 2025/2026 season — subject to park fee changes
What's Included
- ✓Nairobi hotel pickup in a private 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser
- ✓Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide throughout
- ✓One night full-board accommodation at Aberdare National Park tree lodge
- ✓Two nights full-board accommodation at Samburu National Reserve
- ✓One night full-board accommodation at Meru National Park
- ✓Two nights full-board accommodation at Ol Pejeta Conservancy
- ✓One night accommodation in Mombasa (bed and breakfast)
- ✓All game drives as per itinerary including night game drive at Ol Pejeta
- ✓Aberdare National Park entry and conservation fees
- ✓Samburu National Reserve entry and conservation fees
- ✓Meru National Park entry and conservation fees
- ✓Ol Pejeta Conservancy entry and conservation fees
- ✓Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary visit
- ✓Meru Rhino Sanctuary visit
- ✓SGR train ticket Nairobi to Mombasa (First Class)
- ✓Diani Beach hotel drop-off
- ✓All meals as indicated in the itinerary
- ✓Bottled drinking water during game drives
- ✓All applicable government taxes and levies
What's Not Included
- ✗International and domestic flights
- ✗Visa fees
- ✗Travel and medical insurance
- ✗Alcoholic and soft drinks
- ✗Tips and gratuities for driver-guide and lodge staff
- ✗Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, souvenirs)
- ✗Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- ✗Diani Beach accommodation and meals after drop-off
Safari Season Guide
Best wildlife viewing. Great Migration in the Mara (Jul–Oct). Dry weather, sparse vegetation makes animals easy to spot.
Calving season in the Serengeti. Good birding. Pleasant weather with occasional showers.
Transition to dry season. Fewer crowds, good rates. Early migration movements begin.
Long rains (Apr–May) and short rains (Nov). Lowest prices. Lush landscapes, excellent birding, newborn animals.
Safari Pricing
Prices per person sharing in double/twin room
| Group Size | Economy | Comfort | Luxury | Superior Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $2,320 | $2,550 | $2,810 | $3,510 |
| 2 Persons | $1,450 | $1,600 | $1,750 | $2,190 |
| 3 Persons | $1,360 | $1,500 | $1,650 | $2,060 |
| 4 Persons | $1,320 | $1,450 | $1,600 | $2,000 |
| 5 Persons | $1,290 | $1,420 | $1,560 | $1,950 |
| 6-7 Persons | $1,250 | $1,370 | $1,510 | $1,890 |
| Single Room Supplement | $210 | $270 | $330 | $420 |
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.
Book This Safari
Personalised itinerary, guaranteed departures
Starting from
$2,200
per person sharing
No booking fees — We respond within 2 hours