7-Day Off the Beaten Path Kenya Safari – Masai Mara, Nakuru, Aberdare & Samburu (Mid-Range)
The 7-Day Off the Beaten Path Kenya Safari is designed for travelers who want to experience Kenya’s famous wildlife parks while also exploring lesser-visited landscapes that showcase the country’s extraordinary diversity.
This journey combines the legendary wildlife of the Masai Mara National Reserve, the flamingo-lined shores of Lake Nakuru National Park, the misty forests of Aberdare National Park, and the rugged semi-arid beauty of Samburu National Reserve.
Your adventure begins in Nairobi, heading first to the Masai Mara where wide open plains host some of Africa’s highest concentrations of wildlife including the Big Five.
The safari then continues through the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru, known for rhinos, flamingos, and spectacular scenery.
The journey continues into the cool highlands of Aberdare National Park where forest wildlife such as elephants, buffalo, and rare bongo antelope are often seen around watering holes.
The final leg explores Samburu National Reserve, a unique northern ecosystem where rare species such as the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and Somali ostrich thrive.
Traveling in a comfortable pop-up roof safari Landcruiser, this mid-range safari blends excellent wildlife viewing, varied landscapes, and comfortable lodges to create an unforgettable Kenyan safari experience.
Who This Safari Is Ideal For
This safari is perfect for:
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Travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path Kenya safari
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First-time visitors wanting to see multiple ecosystems
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Couples and small groups looking for a mid-range safari
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Wildlife lovers wanting both Big Five animals and rare northern species
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Travelers interested in diverse landscapes from savannah to forests
Why This Safari Is Best
This itinerary works especially well because:
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Diverse ecosystems: Savannah, lakes, forests, and northern desert landscapes.
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Balanced wildlife viewing: Combines Big Five parks with rare Samburu species.
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Logical route: Smooth travel loop from Nairobi through Rift Valley and northern Kenya.
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Comfortable pace: Two nights in key wildlife destinations.
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Private pop-up roof safari Landcruiser: Excellent wildlife viewing and photography opportunities.
Tour Highlights
Big Five game drives in Masai Mara
Rhino and flamingo sightings at Lake Nakuru
Unique forest wildlife viewing in Aberdare National Park
Rare northern species in Samburu National Reserve
Scenic drives through the Great Rift Valley
Cultural landscapes of Maasai and Samburu regions
Classic Kenyan safari experience with diverse habitats
Tour Map
Tour Features
Mid-range tour
This mid-range tour uses lodges and tented camps.
Private tour
This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't be shared with others.
Can be customized
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Suitable for solo travelers
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Suitable for all ages
This tour is suitable for children of all ages.
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Day 1
Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve
Your safari begins with a morning departure from Nairobi traveling through the scenic Great Rift Valley toward the famous Masai Mara National Reserve.
Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of escarpments and rural Kenyan landscapes before arriving at your lodge in time for lunch.
In the afternoon, embark on your first game drive across the Mara’s vast savannah plains.
The reserve is renowned for its rich wildlife populations including lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and numerous antelope species.
Return to your lodge at sunset for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Transport: Nairobi → Masai Mara (Approx. 270 km / 5–6 hours) – pop-up roof safari Landcruiser
Accommodation
Enkorok Mara Camp
Day 2
Full Day in Masai Mara
Spend a full day exploring the wildlife-rich plains of the Masai Mara.
Early morning game drives often reveal predators returning from night hunts while the cooler temperatures encourage active wildlife movement.
Later in the day you continue exploring different sections of the reserve including riverine forests and open grasslands.
Optional activities such as visiting a Maasai village or a hot air balloon safari can also be arranged.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transport: Game drives within reserve – pop-up roof safari Landcruiser
Accommodation
Enkorok Mara Camp
Day 3
Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park
After breakfast you depart the Masai Mara and travel back across the Rift Valley toward Lake Nakuru National Park.
This scenic park is famous for its alkaline lake which attracts large flocks of flamingos and pelicans.
An afternoon game drive introduces you to the park’s diverse wildlife including black and white rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, buffalo, and occasionally lions or leopards.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transport: Masai Mara → Lake Nakuru (Approx. 300 km / 5–6 hours) – pop-up roof safari Landcruiser
Accommodation
Ziwa Bush Lodge
Day 4
Lake Nakuru to Aberdare National Park
After breakfast you travel north toward the forested highlands of Aberdare National Park.
The Aberdare region offers a completely different safari environment compared to the open savannah parks.
After lunch, you may visit a lodge overlooking a waterhole where elephants, buffalo, hyenas, and other wildlife frequently gather, offering excellent wildlife viewing directly from the lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transport: Lake Nakuru → Aberdare (Approx. 160 km / 3–4 hours) – pop-up roof safari Landcruiser
Accommodation
Aberdare Country Club
Day 5
Aberdare to Samburu National Reserve
Following breakfast you depart the cool Aberdare highlands and travel north toward the semi-arid landscapes of Samburu National Reserve located along the Ewaso Nyiro River.
Arrive in time for lunch before enjoying an afternoon game drive searching for the unique “Samburu Special Five”: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transport: Aberdare → Samburu (Approx. 220 km / 4–5 hours) – pop-up roof safari Landcruiser
Accommodation
Samburu Simba Lodge
Day 6
Full Day in Samburu National Reserve
Today you explore the rugged beauty of Samburu National Reserve with morning and afternoon game drives. The Ewaso Nyiro River attracts elephants, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife.
Samburu is also an excellent location to spot leopards resting in riverine trees and large elephant herds moving along the riverbanks.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transport: Game drives within reserve – pop-up roof safari Landcruiser
Accommodation
Samburu Simba Lodge
Day 7
Samburu to Nairobi
After breakfast you begin the journey back to Nairobi, traveling through central Kenya’s scenic countryside and farmlands.
Arrive in Nairobi in the afternoon where your memorable Off the Beaten Path Kenya Safari comes to an end.
Meals: Breakfast
Transport: Samburu → Nairobi (Approx. 310 km / 5–6 hours) – pop-up roof safari Landcruiser
Accommodation
No Accomodations ( End of the tour )
Interested in this Tour?
Important to know
The prices below are per person (based on two adults travelling together) and please note that the prices are approximate for 2026.
Please contact us for accurate costings for the time of year you are considering for your holiday.
There are multiple season changes across the year and numerous room categories that can change the price of any trip.
Prices include all internal flights, transfers, reserve fees, accommodation, and meals as specified in the day-to-day itinerary.
Prices exclude international flights, tipping, visa, and any meals not included.
Rates Per Person
| Month/Season | Solo - 1 Room | 2 People - 1 Room |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 1, 2026 - Mar 31, 2026 | $3,265 | $2,280 |
| Apr 1, 2026 - May 31, 2026 | $3,070 | $2,150 |
| Jun 1, 2026 - Jun 14, 2026 | $3,265 | $2,280 |
| Jun 15, 2026 - Sep 30, 2026 | $3,765 | $2,680 |
| Oct 1, 2026 - Oct 31, 2026 | $3,585 | $2,560 |
| Nov 1, 2026 - Dec 14, 2026 | $3,465 | $2,480 |
| Dec 15, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026 | $3,765 | $2,680 |
| Jan 1, 2027 - Feb 28, 2027 | $3,265 | $2,280 |
| Mar 1, 2027 - Mar 31, 2027 | $3,265 | $2,280 |
| Apr 1, 2027 - May 31, 2027 | $3,070 | $2,150 |
| Jun 1, 2027 - Jun 14, 2027 | $3,265 | $2,280 |
| Jun 15, 2027 - Sep 30, 2027 | $3,765 | $2,680 |
| Oct 1, 2027 - Oct 31, 2027 | $3,585 | $2,560 |
| Nov 1, 2027 - Dec 14, 2027 | $3,465 | $2,480 |
| Dec 15, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027 | $3,765 | $2,680 |
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Included
Excluded
Meal Plan
Interested in this Tour?