Menu

The heavyweight of Kenya safari, the Masai Mara, is indeed worthy of its fame. But fame comes with a cost, and in the Mara's case the cost is crowds. We have developed this itinerary as a refreshing alternative; getting you away from the bustle and into the wild.

From the dry plains of Samburu, home to rare wildlife like the Samburu Special Five, to the rhino sanctuaries of Ol Pejeta, each day unveils a new chapter in your adventure. You'll see vast herds of elephants, elusive predators, and iconic species, all against a backdrop of rugged terrain, dramatic skies, and tranquil rivers. Along the way, you’ll connect with Kenya’s remarkable wildlife and the ongoing efforts to protect its endangered species, leaving you with a deeper understanding of both the land and its inhabitants.

Staying in some excellent tented camps, this is a true safari adventure.

Customise this trip!

The following is our suggestion for a six day trip, which can be fully customised to suit your preferences. Prefer to add on a few days tracking the wildebeest migration in the Mara? Beach escape? Let us know and we'll be happy to advise.

Good to know

  • Leading Kenya-based operator
  • Top reviews on Trip Advisor
  • Fully bonded financial protection

What's included

  • Included Accommodation
  • Included Guided excursions
  • Included Ground transfers
  • Included All meals
  • Included Insurance
  • Included Support
Days

6

Starting from

$2,021 pp

Contact us now for more information about this trip
This tour is operated by
Beyond the Plains Safaris

Speak to Dorah for expert travel advice

Enquire now
Activity
Safari, Active, Nature & Wildlife
Tour Type
Custom itinerary
Physical Level
Easy
Season Season
January - December

Detailed itinerary

What you'll see and do

This is a customisable trip

Use the following itinerary for inspiration. Remember: all days, hotels and activities can be altered to suit your requirements. A Beyond the Plains Safaris travel specialist will be happy to advise.

Nairobi to Samburu

Your journey begins at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where our representatives will be ready to welcome you. After introductions, you’ll leave the city behind, heading north on a route that traces Kenya’s evolving landscapes. The lush greenery of the highlands gradually gives way to the dry, rugged beauty of the Samburu region—a land of ochre earth, open skies, and striking rock formations. Along the way, you’ll glimpse the rhythm of rural life, passing small villages and scattered wildlife that hint at what lies ahead.

By the time you arrive at Ashnil Samburu Camp, you’ll feel the shift in atmosphere—a slower pace and the untamed allure of the wilderness. After a refreshing drink and a chance to settle into your tented accommodation, lunch is served. The menu blends local influences with global favourites, offering a taste of the region.

Later, as the afternoon cools, your first game drive begins. Samburu’s landscape feels distinctly different—its arid plains and the life-giving Ewaso Nyiro River attract species you won’t find elsewhere. Look out for the Samburu Special Five: the striking reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, and the long-necked gerenuk, among others. The setting sun casts warm light across the reserve, illuminating scenes of wildlife at the riverbanks.

Back at camp, dinner is served under a canopy of stars, with the distant sounds of the bush providing a natural soundtrack. It’s a fitting close to your first day in this remarkable part of Kenya.

Two Days in Samburu: Immersed in the Wild

Your journey into Samburu’s untamed beauty begins with an early breakfast before heading out to explore the reserve. The park’s semi-arid landscapes, a striking contrast to Kenya’s greener regions, are alive with activity. On your morning game drive, golden light bathes the rugged terrain, revealing predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs on the prowl, alongside elephants, giraffes, and countless other species. Samburu’s exceptional birdlife adds a vibrant touch, with sightings of colorful species such as the Lilac-breasted Roller brightening the day.

After a return to camp for a relaxed lunch, the afternoon brings new opportunities to encounter the Samburu Special Five—Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, Beisa oryx, and reticulated giraffe—along with other classic wildlife drawn to the life-giving Ewaso Nyiro River. As evening approaches, the fading light transforms the landscape, creating a serene backdrop for dinner under the stars and a restful night in your tented accommodation.

Your second day in Samburu offers more time to delve into this extraordinary wilderness. After breakfast, venture into less-explored areas of the reserve, where the diversity of terrain—from open savannahs to acacia woodlands—reveals new scenes of life in the wild. Keep watch for predators in action, perhaps a cheetah streaking across the plains or a lioness tracking her prey. As the day progresses, enjoy a leisurely lunch back at camp and some downtime before an afternoon game drive.

The late afternoon is particularly rewarding, as wildlife becomes more active, moving towards waterholes and riverbanks. Once again, you’ll return to camp as night falls, where another delicious dinner and the soothing sounds of the African bush await, closing two unforgettable days in Samburu.

Samburu to Ol Pejeta

After breakfast, check out from your camp and begin your scenic drive south towards Ol Pejeta Conservancy. The journey, lasting around 3-4 hours, winds through a variety of landscapes, with views of the majestic Mount Kenya towering in the distance. As you approach Ol Pejeta, the landscape shifts, and you arrive at Sweetwaters Serena Camp, nestled within a private conservancy. Here, you’ll check in and settle into your elegant tented accommodation, where the sounds of the bush are your only companions.

Following a delicious lunch at the camp, take some time to unwind and appreciate the peace of your surroundings. Later, set off on an afternoon and evening game drive through the conservancy, renowned for its significant rhino population—both black and white. The open plains are also home to lions, elephants, and, with luck, the elusive leopard. As the sun sets and casts a golden glow over the landscape, the sense of calm and solitude in the bush is palpable. Return to camp for a hearty dinner, where you can reflect on the day's encounters before retreating to your tent for a restful night.

Explore Ol Pejeta

You'll spend a full day immersing yourself in the diverse ecosystems of Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a place known not only for its thriving rhino populations but also for its pioneering conservation efforts. After breakfast, head out on your morning game drive, where the vast savannah and woodlands offer ample opportunities to encounter wildlife. Rhinos, buffaloes, giraffes, and antelope are commonly spotted, while the reserve’s predators—lions, cheetahs, and the rare wild dog—may make an appearance.

Return to camp for a well-deserved lunch, taking time to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. In the afternoon, visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, a unique opportunity to see orphaned or rescued chimpanzees being cared for in a protected, natural environment. Ol Pejeta is one of the few places in Kenya where you can encounter these fascinating primates.

As the day cools, venture out once more for a late-afternoon game drive, with the lower temperatures bringing out a fresh wave of wildlife. Whether it’s a herd of elephants moving across the plains or a lion pride lounging in the shade, the quiet beauty of Ol Pejeta in the late afternoon is unmatched. Return to camp for dinner beneath the stars, reflecting on a day spent in one of Kenya’s most important conservation areas.

Return to Nairobi

After an early breakfast, it’s time to check out of Sweetwaters Serena Camp and begin your journey back to Nairobi. As you head south, the scenic beauty of Kenya’s landscapes will unfold once more, offering a final chance to soak in the vast savannahs, rolling hills, and the distant presence of Mount Kenya.

Upon reaching Nairobi, you’ll be dropped at your hotel for an overnight stay or, if your flight is scheduled, taken directly to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

  • Nairobi

    Nairobi

    Most visitors to Kenya simply fly in and out of capital Nairobi – which is a huge mistake...
  • Samburu Game Reserve

    Samburu Game Reserve

    Far removed from mainstream Kenyan safari, the three interconnected reserves of Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba have a wild reputation...
  • Ol Pejeta Conservancy

    Ol Pejeta Conservancy

    If you’ve ever wondered what the hide of a rhino feels like, wanted to experience a safari at night or dreamed of running (or riding) in the wild, open air of a safari reserve, head to Ol Pejeta Conservancy...
  • Ol Pejeta Conservancy

    Ol Pejeta Conservancy

    If you’ve ever wondered what the hide of a rhino feels like, wanted to experience a safari at night or dreamed of running (or riding) in the wild, open air of a safari reserve, head to Ol Pejeta Conservancy...
  • Nairobi

    Nairobi

    Most visitors to Kenya simply fly in and out of capital Nairobi – which is a huge mistake...

Speak to a Kenya specialist about this trip

Beyond the Plains Safaris

Contact us now for more information about this trip

Talk to us

Where to stay

Some of our sample accommodation.

Expand
Ashnil Samburu Camp
Superior

Ashnil Samburu Camp

Ashnil Samburu Camp sits in Buffalo Springs Reserve which takes its name from am oasis of crystal clear water at the western end of the reserve...

Expand
Serena Sweet Waters Tented Camp
Classic

Serena Sweet Waters Tented Camp

Serena Sweetwaters Tented Camp is tucked within the private Ol Pejeta Conservancy, offering an immersive experience in the heart of the bush...

What's included

Included Accommodation

Full board accommodation in our carefully-chosen, lodges or camps with private en-suite facilities. All accommodations can be adjusted to suit your preferences.

Included Guided excursions

Services of a professional English-speaking driver guide, including game drives, sightseeing and excursions as described in the itinerary, Inclusive of applicable entrance fees, with complementary visit Giraffe Centre.

All Park Entry fees except those labeled as optional tour or activity.

Government taxes and levies where applicable.

Included Ground transfers

Airport Transfers upon arrival and departure. Meet & greet service by our local representatives.

Included All meals

Full board, three meals per day

Included Insurance

AMREF Flying Doctors medical insurance and evacuation cover.

Included Support

24/7 support while travelling

Reviews

What people are saying about Beyond the Plains Safaris

Wojciech M
01/09/2024

Beyond The Plains were very quick in replying to our inquiry. They offered an exciting itinerary for the Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru. We were traveling as a family, and they took this into account and arranged for activities that were great for all. We all enjoyed the safari a lot. I have been on several safaris and this was indeed one of the best! We saw all Big 5 and many more animals. Accommodation and food were great. This was a wonderful time. We even celebrated a birthday on the first day, and Beyond the Plains organized a surprise cake and flowers! Everything worked smooth, and the team was very responsive and communicative. Highly recommended!

Read more
Ranita
05/07/2024

The complete safari trip has been a wonderful experience for us. With Mr. Ben being our guide, everyday of our trip has been an exceptional great experience. We have even witnessed wildebeest migration in Mara River and that was absolutely beyond our imagination!!

Read more
Louie L
06/02/2024

We had a fantastic time with Beyond the Plains in Kenya and can wholeheartedly recommend booking your tours with them! Starting with John's great communication and presentation we had a good feeling from the start about their proposed 7-day Safari tour. Everything was well organised and the tour felt adventurous and luxurious at the same time. A special thanks goes to our guide Dan who shared his 20 years of safari experience with us. He never got tired of answering our many questions and made sure we had a fantastic time. We really couldn't have asked for a better guide and driver. We reviewed many offers from different tour operators and are very happy we chose to go with Beyond the Plains and hope to do it again one day!

Read more

Other tours you might like

Nairobi, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Amboseli National Park (and 3 more)

Best of Kenya Safari

11 days to the highlights of Kenya

11 daysFrom $3,640
Nairobi, Amboseli National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park (and 1 more)

Magical Kenya Safari

8 day safari to Kenya's classic highlights

8 daysFrom $2,450
Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Samburu Game Reserve, Aberdare National Park

Kenya Safari Hidden Gems

Off the beaten track safari to Aberdare, Samburu and Ol Pejeta

5 daysFrom $1,773
Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park, Arusha

Tanzania's Northern Circuit Tour

Tanzania's classic safari itinerary in 7 days

7 daysFrom $2,100
Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park, Arusha (and 1 more)

Tanzania Calving Season Safari

The thrill of the migration without the crowds

8 daysFrom $3,350
Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park, Arusha (and 2 more)

Tanzania Tented Camp Migration Safari

Track the migration across the Serengeti

10 daysFrom $3,800

Why Horizon Guides?

Impartial guidebooks

Impartial travel guides

Our guides are written by the leading experts in their destinations. We never take payment for positive coverage so you can count on us for impartial travel advice.

Expert itineraries

Expert itineraries

Suggested itineraries and routes to help you scratch beneath the surface, avoid the tourist traps, and plan an authentic, responsible and enjoyable journey.

Specialist advice

Specialist advice

Get friendly, expert travel advice and custom itineraries from some of the world's best tour operators, with no spam, pressure or commitment to book.