Destination Kenya
Embark on an extraordinary private safari through the captivating landscapes of Northern Kenya, exploring the pristine wilderness areas of Solio, Samburu, and Ol Pejeta. These regions, cherished by locals and those seeking a retreat from the bustle of the world, offer an unparalleled experience. Venturing off the conventional paths, you will be fully immersed in the embrace of nature, treated to exclusive wildlife encounters from the comfort of our 4x4 Toyota Land Cruisers.
Engage in a walking safari, allowing you to appreciate the grace of giraffes, the majesty of zebras, and the elegance of antelopes up close. For those yearning to witness rhinos in their natural habitat, this Northern Kenya safari is poised to exceed your expectations. The northern expanse presents an opportunity to encounter species that are unique to this region, adding a rare and distinct dimension to your Kenyan safari experience.
If your desire is to deviate from the well-trodden tourist routes and seek a truly distinctive adventure, then this safari beckons to you. Immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of Northern Kenya, where every moment unfolds as a testament to the extraordinary wonders of the natural world.
Distance approx. 200 km; driving time approx. 3.5 hours
It’s time to leave the rest of the world behind and embark on your safari around Kenya’s stunning and remote northern wilderness areas. We meet you for a briefing in the morning, where you will also meet your safari guide. Afterwards, you drive north in your 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser. From your window seat you can see city dwellings making way for shrubs and open plains. Out here, nature is in charge. Just in time for a picnic lunch, you arrive at Solio Game Reserve in the Aberdare Region. Solio is a hidden gem on the tourist map, but well-known in the conservation community for its large rhino populations. It is one if not the best place in East Africa to see large numbers of rhinos. They live alongside lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, waterbucks and many other species in this picturesque and exclusive reserve. You will be surprised how much you will see and learn on only your first day in Kenya’s wilderness. When the sun begins to set, you will leave the Solio Game Reserve and drive to the Mt. Kenya Safari Club or Rhino Watch Lodge where you spend your first night on safari.
A very special morning awaits you on your Northern Kenya safari: wake up bright and early and explore your lodge’s private game sanctuary on a nature walk. Accompanied by a ranger, you take a walk amongst giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and other wildlife. This walking safari is a great opportunity to fully immerse yourself in Kenya’s nature and get as close to the animals as possible. Take in the smells and sounds and colours on this magical morning walk. Afterwards, you can rest in your comfortable Land Cruiser while your guide takes you to your next destination: the Samburu Nature Reserve. Samburu is known for its spectacular scenery and unique wildlife. Large elephant herds, lions, and buffaloes share Samburu with oryx antelopes, Grevy’s zebras, reticulated giraffes and giraffe-necked gerenuks – species you will see nowhere else in Kenya. On an afternoon game drive, you explore this exclusive nature reserve together with your guide. Like many of the northerly parks, Samburu is not yet well-known amongst international travellers – an exclusive and private experience off the beaten track awaits you. Your home for the next two nights is the Ashnil Samburu Camp or Simba Lodge on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River.
Waking up to the sounds of the bush is the best way to begin another exciting day on your Northern Kenya safari. Today, you have ample time for extensive game drives in Samburu and the adjacent Buffalo Springs Nature Reserve. Get more than just a glimpse of the resident wildlife, while our guide shares his local knowledge about the animals’ behaviour and social structures. The dry and hot climate give the area its very own character: from grassland and bushes to numerous inselbergs or kopjes and the life-giving Ewaso Nyiro River, all is coloured in the magical light of hot and dry northern Kenya. During the dry season, the river attracts many animals making it the ideal spot for wildlife sightings. Look out for elephants crossing the riverbed, giraffe-necked gerenuks reaching for leaves high in the bushes, lions shading from the sun and crocodiles lurking in the shallow waters. Exploring Samburu, you will truly feel like you have left the world as you know it. When the shadows grow longer, return to the Ashnil Samburu Camp, your home in the middle of nature.
Distance approx. 145 km; driving time approx. 3 hours
Look out for the region’s unique wildlife one last time when leaving camp this morning. The next opportunity for an exciting sighting however won’t be long in coming. In the early afternoon, you will arrive at Ol Pejeta Conservancy in the beautiful Mt Kenya region. This Big Five private conservancy on the equator is a leading example for wildlife conservation and home to endangered black rhinos and African Wild Dogs. On your afternoon game drive, look out not only for these endangered species, but also the other members of the Big Five. In a relatively small area, Ol Pejeta is home to a large variety of wildlife, all the while the mighty Mt Kenya towers in the background. You will overnight at the Sweetwaters Serena Camp. From the private terrace of your safari tent, watch the resident wildlife stroll by, while enjoying a sundowner.
Distance approx. 210 km; driving time approx. 4-5 hours
After a tasty breakfast, it is now time to leave the bush behind and head back to Kenya’s bustling capital Nairobi. Here, your Northern Kenya safari will come to an end. We will take you to your hotel and say our goodbyes.
Breakfast | Lunch
If you want to continue your safari experience, you can instead book a flight to the Masai Mara Game Reserve, departing from Nanyuki, close to the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Without having to drive to Nairobi, you will arrive in the Mara, one of the world’s most popular and well-known game reserves, on the very same day. Get in touch to arrange your flight and onward safari with us.
- Park Fees
- Transport By 4×4 safari jeep
- Accommodation
- 3 Meals a day
- Bottled Drinking Water
- Game Drives
- Services of a qualified driver-guide
- Tips
- Items of personal nature
- Visa
- Flights
- All expenses of personal nature
- Drinks and any other item not specified above
Destination Kenya
Destination Tanzania
Mountain Climbing
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Here is a list of travel information you may find useful when planning your safari holiday tour of Kenya and Tanzania. If you require any further details or have questions on something not covered by this list, please get in touch with the Grayton Expeditions team.
Tourists visiting Kenya must have a valid visa. Your passport must also be valid for at least six months after the date
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