7-Day Off the Beaten Path – Mid-Range Kenya Safari
This 7-Day Off the Beaten Path Mid-Range Kenya Safari is designed for travelers who want to go beyond the typical safari circuit while still experiencing Kenya’s most iconic wildlife destinations.
From the famous plains of the Masai Mara National Reserve to the rhino-rich landscapes of Lake Nakuru National Park, the misty forests of Aberdare National Park, and the unique semi-arid wilderness of Samburu National Reserve, this safari offers incredible diversity in landscapes and wildlife.
Traveling in a pop-up roof safari minivan, you’ll enjoy excellent game viewing with a knowledgeable guide who understands each ecosystem. Mid-range lodges and unique stays, especially in Aberdare where wildlife visits waterholes at night, ensure a memorable and comfortable experience.
This Kenya safari tour blends classic highlights with lesser-visited regions for a more authentic adventure.
Who This Safari Is Ideal For
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Travelers looking for a less crowded Kenya safari experience.
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Repeat visitors wanting to explore beyond the traditional safari route.
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Couples, families, and small groups seeking a privately guided safari.
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Wildlife enthusiasts interested in rare species like the Samburu Special Five.
Why This Safari Is Best
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Unique Route: Combines popular parks with off-the-beaten-path destinations.
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Diverse Wildlife: Big 5 in Mara/Nakuru and rare species in Samburu.
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Varied Landscapes: Savannah, lakes, forests, and semi-arid ecosystems.
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Mid-Range Comfort: Quality lodges and camps with excellent locations.
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Efficient Travel: Logical routing minimizes unnecessary backtracking.
Tour Highlights
Big 5 game drives in Masai Mara National Reserve
Rhino tracking in Lake Nakuru National Park
Unique tree lodge experience in Aberdare National Park
Samburu Special Five (Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, etc.)
Scenic drives through the Great Rift Valley and northern Kenya
Less crowded parks for a more exclusive safari feel
Expert-guided wildlife tracking in diverse ecosystems
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
Solo travelers can book this private 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.
Day 1
Nairobi → Masai Mara National Reserve
Your Kenya safari tour begins with an early morning departure from Nairobi in a pop-up roof safari minivan.
The drive to the Masai Mara takes approximately 5–6 hours (280 km), with a scenic stop along the Great Rift Valley for photos.
Arrive at your mid-range lodge or tented camp in time for lunch before heading out for an afternoon game drive.
The Masai Mara is renowned for its high density of wildlife including lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and cheetahs. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Transport: Nairobi → Masai Mara – 5–6 hours (280 km) by pop-up roof safari minivan
Accommodation
Enkorok Mara Camp
Day 2
Full-Day Masai Mara Safari
Spend a full day exploring the vast plains of the Masai Mara.
Early morning and afternoon game drives provide excellent opportunities to see the Big 5 and other wildlife species.
Enjoy a picnic lunch within the reserve to maximize your time in the park.
Depending on the season, you may also witness the Great Migration.
Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transport: Full-day game drives in pop-up roof safari minivan
Accommodation
Enkorok Mara Camp
Day 3
Masai Mara → Lake Nakuru National Park
After breakfast, depart the Masai Mara and travel to Lake Nakuru National Park, a journey of approximately 5–6 hours (300 km) through the scenic Great Rift Valley.
Arrive in time for lunch followed by an afternoon game drive.
Lake Nakuru is famous for its flamingos and is one of the best places in Kenya to see both black and white rhinos, along with Rothschild’s giraffes and lions.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transport: Masai Mara → Lake Nakuru – 5–6 hours (300 km) by pop-up roof safari minivan
Accommodation
Ziwa Bush Lodge
Day 4
Lake Nakuru → Aberdare National Park
After breakfast, depart for Aberdare National Park, a journey of approximately 3–4 hours (160 km).
The landscape changes dramatically from the Rift Valley plains to lush highland forests.
Arrive at your lodge (often a tree lodge overlooking a waterhole) in time for lunch.
Spend the afternoon observing wildlife such as elephants, buffalo, bushbucks, and occasionally leopards visiting the waterhole.
This unique safari experience allows for nighttime wildlife viewing directly from the lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transport: Lake Nakuru → Aberdare – 3–4 hours (160 km) by pop-up roof safari minivan
Accommodation
Aberdare Country Club
Day 5
Aberdare → Samburu National Reserve
After breakfast, depart for Samburu National Reserve, a journey of approximately 5–6 hours (220 km) heading north into Kenya’s semi-arid region.
Arrive in time for lunch before heading out for an afternoon game drive.
Samburu is home to unique species known as the “Samburu Special Five,” including Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transport: Aberdare → Samburu – 5–6 hours (220 km) by pop-up roof safari minivan
Accommodation
Samburu Simba Lodge
Day 6
Full-Day Samburu National Reserve Safari
Spend the day exploring Samburu National Reserve with morning and afternoon game drives.
The Ewaso Nyiro River attracts a variety of wildlife including elephants, lions, and leopards.
This region offers a more remote and less crowded safari experience, with excellent opportunities for photography and close wildlife encounters.
Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transport: Full-day game drives in pop-up roof safari minivan
Accommodation
Samburu Simba Lodge
Day 7
Samburu → Nairobi
After breakfast, begin your journey back to Nairobi.
The drive takes approximately 5–6 hours (310 km) through central Kenya’s scenic highlands.
Arrive in Nairobi in the afternoon for hotel drop-off or airport transfer, marking the end of your Off the Beaten Path Kenya Safari.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Transport: Samburu → Nairobi – 5–6 hours (310 km) by pop-up roof safari minivan
Accommodation
No Accommodations ( End of the 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 | $3,165 | $2,180 |
| Apr 1, 2026 - May 31, 2026 | $2,970 | $2,050 |
| Jun 1, 2026 - Jun 14, 2026 | $3,165 | $2,180 |
| Jun 15, 2026 - Sep 30, 2026 | $3,665 | $2,580 |
| Oct 1, 2026 - Oct 31, 2026 | $3,485 | $2,460 |
| Nov 1, 2026 - Dec 14, 2026 | $3,365 | $2,380 |
| Dec 15, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026 | $3,665 | $2,580 |
| Jan 1, 2027 - Feb 28, 2027 | $3,165 | $2,180 |
| Mar 1, 2027 - Mar 31, 2027 | $3,165 | $2,180 |
| Apr 1, 2027 - May 31, 2027 | $2,970 | $2,050 |
| Jun 1, 2027 - Jun 14, 2027 | $3,165 | $2,180 |
| Jun 15, 2027 - Sep 30, 2027 | $3,665 | $2,580 |
| Oct 1, 2027 - Oct 31, 2027 | $3,485 | $2,460 |
| Nov 1, 2027 - Dec 14, 2027 | $3,365 | $2,380 |
| Dec 15, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027 | $3,665 | $2,580 |