9 Days Kenya Wilderness Frontiers Safari
A Wilderness Journey Through Kenya’s Iconic Wildlife Frontiers
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Five distinctive Kenyan wildlife destinations in one journey — explore Aberdare, Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru and the Masai Mara
Aberdare forest safari experience — discover misty highland forests, waterfalls and mountain landscapes
Unique tree-lodge stay — enjoy the memorable atmosphere of viewing wildlife around waterholes and salt licks from an elevated lodge
Samburu Special Five safari — look for Grevy's zebra, gerenuk, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich and Beisa oryx
Full-day Samburu game drives — explore the rugged northern wilderness along the Ewaso Ng'iro River
Ol Pejeta rhino conservation experience — discover one of Kenya's most important wildlife conservation destinations
Chimpanzee sanctuary experience at Ol Pejeta — subject to availability and operating conditions
Lake Nakuru rhino safari — search for black and white rhinos and Rothschild's giraffes in the Great Rift Valley
Masai Mara Big Five game drives — explore one of Kenya's most celebrated predator-rich wildlife ecosystems
Seasonal Great Wildebeest Migration opportunity — visit the Masai Mara during the appropriate period for a chance to witness the migration
Diverse wildlife encounters — look for elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hyenas and more
Exceptional wildlife photography opportunities — capture northern Kenya's rare species, rhinos, predators and dramatic landscapes
Private 4×4 safari experience — enjoy flexible game drives with your own safari vehicle and professional driver-guide
Comfortable midrange safari accommodation — stay in carefully selected lodges, tented camps and a distinctive tree-lodge setting
Nairobi start and finish — convenient for travelers arriving in or departing from Kenya's capital
Authentic Kenya wildlife circuit — combine wildlife, conservation, scenery and different ecosystems in one extended safari
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), you will be warmly welcomed by our Pita Safaris representative and transferred to your comfortable midrange hotel in Nairobi. After your international flight, spend the remainder of the day relaxing and preparing for the exciting Kenya safari ahead.
If your arrival time permits, you may choose an optional Nairobi excursion such as Nairobi National Park, the Giraffe Centre, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, or the Karen Blixen Museum before your safari adventure begins.
Your safari briefing will ensure you are fully prepared for the journey through Kenya's diverse landscapes, wildlife reserves and conservation areas.
Day 2: Nairobi - Aberdare National Park
After breakfast, depart Nairobi in your private 4×4 safari vehicle and travel north towards the beautiful central highlands of Kenya and Aberdare National Park.
The journey takes you through changing landscapes as Nairobi's urban surroundings gradually give way to fertile agricultural areas, rolling highlands and forested mountain scenery.
Upon arrival in the Aberdare region, continue into the park and enjoy a fascinating forest wildlife experience. Aberdare is very different from the open savannahs encountered later on your safari, with dense forests, waterfalls, streams, bamboo zones and high-altitude moorlands providing a unique habitat for wildlife.
Keep watch for elephants, buffaloes, hyenas, waterbuck, bushbuck, warthogs and other forest species, while elusive leopard sightings are possible.
Depending on the selected property, enjoy the memorable atmosphere of a Kenya tree lodge, where wildlife can sometimes be observed around waterholes and salt licks from viewing areas near the lodge.
Day 3: Aberdare - Samburu National Reserve
After breakfast, leave the Aberdare highlands and begin your journey north towards the spectacular Samburu National Reserve.
As you travel deeper into northern Kenya, the scenery changes dramatically from cool, green mountain forests to a much drier and more rugged landscape. This transition is one of the fascinating features of this safari, allowing you to experience several distinct Kenyan ecosystems during one journey.
Arrive in the Samburu region and check into your midrange safari lodge or tented camp for lunch.
In the afternoon, head out for your first exciting Samburu game drive, exploring the reserve's dry riverine landscapes and wildlife-rich areas along the Ewaso Ng'iro River.
Search for elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, crocodiles, antelopes and numerous bird species while enjoying the dramatic scenery of northern Kenya.
Samburu is particularly famous for wildlife species rarely encountered in many of Kenya's southern safari destinations.
Day 4: Full Day Samburu National Reserve
Spend a full day exploring the spectacular Samburu National Reserve on morning and afternoon game drives with your professional Pita Safaris driver-guide.
Today provides one of the most distinctive wildlife experiences of your entire Kenya safari as you search for Samburu's famous Special Five: Grevy's zebra, Gerenuk, Reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich and Beisa oryx.
In addition to these rare northern species, keep your eyes open for elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, zebras, hyenas and numerous antelope species.
The Ewaso Ng'iro River is an important source of water in this dry ecosystem, attracting wildlife and creating excellent opportunities for photography.
Enjoy a picnic lunch or return to your lodge for lunch depending on the day's planned safari schedule. Continue with an afternoon game drive before returning to your midrange lodge or camp for dinner and relaxation.
The combination of rare wildlife, dramatic landscapes and excellent photographic opportunities makes Samburu an essential stop on this extended Kenya safari circuit.
Day 5: Samburu - Ol Pejeta Conservancy
After breakfast, depart Samburu and travel south towards Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a remarkable wildlife conservation destination situated in Kenya's Laikipia region.
Upon arrival, check into your comfortable midrange accommodation and enjoy lunch before beginning your afternoon conservation and wildlife experience.
Ol Pejeta is particularly renowned for its important rhino conservation work, offering visitors the opportunity to learn more about efforts to protect some of Africa's most threatened wildlife.
Depending on availability and the operating schedule, your experience may include a visit to the rhino sanctuary and chimpanzee sanctuary, followed by an afternoon game drive through the conservancy.
Ol Pejeta is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, creating opportunities to see rhinos, elephants, lions, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, antelopes and other species.
This stop adds an important conservation dimension to your Kenya wildlife safari, combining traditional game viewing with an opportunity to understand the work involved in protecting endangered species.
Activities may include: Rhino conservation experience, Chimpanzee sanctuary visit, Afternoon game drive, Wildlife viewing and Conservation education and interpretation.
Day 6: Ol Pejeta - Lake Nakuru National Park
After breakfast, depart Ol Pejeta and continue south towards Lake Nakuru National Park, travelling through the scenic landscapes of Kenya's Great Rift Valley.
As you approach the Rift Valley, enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding escarpments, agricultural landscapes and dramatic changes in elevation.
Lake Nakuru is one of Kenya's most important rhino-viewing destinations and offers a very different safari experience from the dry northern landscapes of Samburu.
Arrive at your comfortable midrange lodge for lunch before heading out for an afternoon game drive, depending on arrival time and park conditions.
Explore the park's acacia woodlands, open grasslands and lakeshore habitats in search of black and white rhinos, Rothschild's giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, lions, leopards and numerous bird species.
Lake Nakuru's scenic environment also provides excellent opportunities for wildlife photography, particularly around the lake and its surrounding viewpoints.
Day 7: Lake Nakuru - Masai Mara National Reserve
After breakfast, depart Lake Nakuru and travel towards the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa's greatest wildlife destinations.
The journey takes you through spectacular Great Rift Valley scenery and into Kenya's iconic southwestern savannah landscapes.
Arrive in the Masai Mara for lunch before heading out on an afternoon game drive. The reserve is famous for its extraordinary predator populations and excellent opportunities to encounter lions, elephants, buffalo, cheetahs, leopards and other wildlife.
Wildlife: Lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras and more
Day7: Lake Nakuru - Masai Mara National Reserve
Spend a full day exploring the spectacular Masai Mara National Reserve on private game drives accompanied by your professional English-speaking safari guide. Search for the legendary Big Five while discovering cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, antelopes, and abundant birdlife across the vast savannah plains. Enjoy an extended morning game drive before stopping for a picnic lunch in the reserve or returning to your comfortable midrange safari lodge or tented camp for lunch before continuing your afternoon wildlife adventure. Optional experiences include a sunrise Hot Air Balloon Safari with a champagne bush breakfast, a visit to a traditional Maasai cultural village, or a private sundowner experience before returning to your comfortable safari accommodation for dinner and relaxation.
Wildlife Experience
Key reserves, habitats, and wildlife encounters on this safari route
Samburu Special Five: Grevy's zebra, gerenuk, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich & Beisa oryx
Black and white rhinos at Ol Pejeta and Lake Nakuru
Important rhino conservation experience at Ol Pejeta
Chimpanzee sanctuary experience at Ol Pejeta, subject to availability
Forest wildlife and mountain ecosystems in Aberdare
Elephants and northern Kenya wildlife in Samburu
Rothschild's giraffes in Lake Nakuru
Flamingos and diverse birdlife, when seasonal conditions are favorable
High concentrations of predators in the Masai Mara
Cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests and hyenas
Great Wildebeest Migration experience during the appropriate season
Excellent opportunities for wildlife photography throughout the journey
Best Time to Visit
The ideal months for wildlife viewing and safari experiences in East Africa
Inclusions
Private 4×4 safari vehicle throughout the safari
Professional English-speaking safari driver-guide
Comfortable midrange hotel accommodation in Nairobi
Midrange safari lodges, tented camps and selected tree-lodge accommodation
Full board meals during the safari as specified in the itinerary
All scheduled private game drives as per the itinerary
Park entrance fees to Aberdare National Park, Samburu National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park and Masai Mara National Reserve
Ol Pejeta Conservancy entry and scheduled activities as specified in the itinerary
Rhino and chimpanzee sanctuary experiences at Ol Pejeta, subject to availability and applicable operating conditions
Bottled drinking water during game drives
Airport transfers in Nairobi
Government taxes and statutory levies
Exclude
International and domestic flights
Kenya visa fees and applicable entry requirements
Comprehensive travel insurance
Drinks, alcoholic beverages and personal expenses
Laundry services
Tips and gratuities for your safari guide, lodge staff and other service providers
Optional Nairobi excursions not specified in the itinerary
Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari in the Masai Mara
Optional Maasai cultural village visit
Additional activities at Ol Pejeta or other destinations not specified in the itinerary
Personal purchases, souvenirs and telephone expenses
Any services not specifically listed under "What's Included"
Travel Tips
Practical advice to help you prepare for a smooth and rewarding safari
- Best time: June–October generally offers excellent wildlife viewing, while July–October is especially popular for the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Masai Mara.
- Book early during peak season: Midrange safari lodges, tented camps and popular tree-lodge properties can become fully booked during July–October and the Christmas/New Year period.
- Pack for different climates: Aberdare can be cool and wet, while Samburu is generally hotter and drier. Bring lightweight clothing together with a warm jacket or fleece for early mornings and evenings.
- Bring comfortable safari clothing: Neutral-colored lightweight clothing, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and comfortable closed shoes are recommended.
- Carry binoculars and camera equipment: Samburu's Special Five, rhinos at Ol Pejeta and Lake Nakuru, and the predators of the Masai Mara provide outstanding photography opportunities.
- Carry some cash: Keep some local currency or suitable payment options available for gratuities, drinks, souvenirs and optional activities.
- Prepare for long-distance travel: This itinerary covers a large part of Kenya, so some travel days involve several hours on the road. The reward is an exceptionally diverse safari experience covering forests, northern Kenya, conservation areas, the Rift Valley and the Masai Mara.
- Start early: Morning game drives are often among the best opportunities to see active predators and enjoy beautiful African sunrise photography.
- Consider a Hot Air Balloon Safari: For an unforgettable Masai Mara experience, an optional sunrise Hot Air Balloon Safari can be added at an additional cost, subject to availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this safari itinerary and travelling with Pita Safaris
What is included in the 9 Day Kenya Midrange Safari from Nairobi?
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Which destinations are visited on this 9 Day Kenya Safari?
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Is the Great Wildebeest Migration included in this safari?
What is Ol Pejeta Conservancy famous for?
Is this safari suitable for photographers?
Is this safari suitable for families?
Is the 9 Day Kenya Safari suitable for first-time visitors?
What type of accommodation is used on this midrange safari?
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Photo Gallery
Explore the beauty of our safari destinations through our photo gallery
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