Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival and Journey to Aberdare Ranges

   • Meet your guide from Koki Safaris at your Nairobi hotel residence or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and depart north through lush highland farms towards the misty Aberdare Mountains.
   • Arrive at the Gura River area and check into an exclusive fly tent camp offering a close connection to nature.
   • Settle in to the sounds of the forest including the rushing river chattering birds and cool mountain breeze.
   • Gather around a campfire for dinner under a blanket of stars and immerse yourself in the wild heart of Kenya.

   Overnight at fly tents at Gura River Camp Aberdare.

2. Day 2: Aberdare Ranges to Ol Pejeta Conservancy

   • Enjoy breakfast at camp followed by a short guided nature walk along the riverbank while learning about the forest ecosystem and spotting colobus monkeys.
   • Descend from the highlands and stop for lunch at the iconic Trout Tree Restaurant built within a giant fig tree overlooking trout ponds.
   • Continue the journey with views of Mount Kenya on clear days and enter Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
   • Enjoy an afternoon game drive across rolling plains en route to your lodge.
   • Check into The Farmhouse Inn near Nanyuki and enjoy dinner in a warm homely setting.

   Overnight at The Farmhouse Inn Nanyuki.

3. Day 3: Full Day Exploration of Ol Pejeta Conservancy

   • Depart after an early breakfast with packed lunches for a full day of exploration.
   • Visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary and observe rescued chimpanzees from a viewing platform.
   • Continue with game drives across the conservancy which is a stronghold for the Big Five.
   • Visit the protected enclosure of the last two remaining northern white rhinos and learn about ongoing conservation efforts.
   • Seek out Baraka the blind black rhino who serves as an ambassador for his species.
   • Return to The Farmhouse Inn in the evening to relax and reflect on the day.

   Overnight at The Farmhouse Inn Nanyuki.

4. Day 4: Ol Pejeta to Meru via Ngare Ndare Forest

   • Drive to Ngare Ndare Forest after breakfast for a guided walk through ancient indigenous woodland.
   • Hike to crystal clear turquoise pools fed by underground springs.
   • Enjoy a refreshing swim in the pristine forest pools.
   • Continue to Meru National Park and enjoy an evening game drive through riverine forests and open grasslands.
   • Check into your lodge and enjoy dinner surrounded by wilderness sounds.

   Overnight at a lodge in Meru National Park.

5. Day 5: Full Day in Meru National Park

   • Spend the day on extended game drives with packed lunches across rivers swamps and open plains.
   • Search for elephant lion cheetah and the rare reticulated giraffe.
   • Visit Elsa’s Kopje and the grave of George Adamson while learning about Meru’s conservation legacy.
   • Return to the lodge for a sundowner and dinner in a peaceful setting.

   Overnight at a lodge in Meru National Park.

6. Day 6: Meru National Park to Shaba National Reserve

   • Depart Meru after breakfast and drive north into the arid Samburu region.
   • Observe the landscape change to red earth plains dotted with acacia trees.
   • Enter Shaba National Reserve and enjoy an afternoon game drive.
   • Look for arid adapted species including gerenuk and Grevy’s zebra.
   • Check into Lion’s Cave Camp beside the Ewaso Nyiro River and enjoy sunset views.

   Overnight at Lion’s Cave Camp Archers Post.

7. Day 7: Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserves

   • Cross the river to explore Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserves with picnic lunches.
   • Search for the Samburu Special Five including reticulated giraffe Grevy’s zebra beisa oryx Somali ostrich and gerenuk.
   • Observe elephant crocodile and diverse birdlife along the Ewaso Nyiro River.
   • Return to camp for a relaxed evening by the campfire.

   Overnight at Lion’s Cave Camp Archers Post.

8. Day 8: Buffalo Springs and Mount Ololokwe Summit Camp

   • Visit the natural jade green pools of Buffalo Springs for a refreshing swim.
   • Drive to the base of sacred Mount Ololokwe.
   • Complete a guided hike to the summit following a scenic trail.
   • Fly camp overnight on the summit plateau with 360 degree views over the Samburu plains.
   • Enjoy a bush dinner beneath a vast star filled sky.

   Overnight fly camping on Mount Ololokwe.

9. Day 9: Descent and Cultural Immersion in Namunyak Conservancy

   • Wake early to watch sunrise from the mountaintop and enjoy a hot bush breakfast.
   • Descend from Mount Ololokwe and drive to Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy.
   • Arrive at a traditional Samburu manyatta and receive a warm welcome from your host family.
   • Settle into a simple shared hut built from natural materials.
   • Share an authentic evening meal and begin learning about Samburu traditions.

   Overnight at a Samburu manyatta in Namunyak Conservancy.

10. Day 10: Living with the Samburu Community

    • Experience a camel back game drive across the conservancy for silent elevated wildlife viewing.
    • Walk with your hosts to Rock Slide Water and relax at the natural rock pools.
    • Take part in daily Samburu activities and community life.
    • Spend the evening around the fire listening to stories songs and wisdom from elders.

    Overnight at a Samburu manyatta in Namunyak Conservancy.

11. Day 11: Rereti Conservancy and Castle Forest Station

    • Enjoy a final breakfast with your host family.
    • Visit Rereti Elephant Conservancy and learn about community led wildlife protection.
    • See Elephant Rock a sacred formation shaped like a resting elephant.
    • Drive south from the arid lowlands into the forested foothills of Mount Kenya.
    • Arrive at Castle Forest Station and settle into fly tents within indigenous montane forest.

    Overnight at fly tents at Castle Forest Station Mount Kenya.

12. Day 12: Kamweti Falls and Return to Nairobi

    • Enjoy breakfast in the forest followed by a guided hike to Kamweti Falls.
    • Experience the cool spray and sounds of the rainforest surrounding the waterfall.
    • Return to camp for lunch and begin the drive back to Nairobi.
    • Arrive in Nairobi and enjoy a celebratory Carnival Dinner with Kenyan cuisine music and dance.
    • Transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or to your Nairobi hotel to conclude the journey.