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!
Kenya Safari Hidden Gems
Off the beaten track safari to Aberdare, Samburu and Ol Pejeta
We crafted this itinerary as an antidote to the better known – and much busier – Kenya safari hotspots. This route takes you via the backroads and backwoods to some of the quieter and more reflective corners of our beautiful country.
Coupling the cool, misty highlands of Aberdare with the arid beauty of Samburu, you'll get a sense of the glorious Kenyan kaleidoscope, a million miles from the hustle and bustle of our more famous safari reserves. Finally, you wind your journey up with the unique wildlife of Ol Pejeta’s conservation-focused sanctuary.
Guided by seasoned experts and set in handpicked lodges, each day offers moments that stay with you—whether it’s a chance encounter with a black rhino, the silent strength of a lion in the fading light, or the gentle curiosity of a giraffe nearby. This is Kenya, explored at a different pace.
Customise this trip!
First-time visitor to Kenya? This trip would combine perfectly with a detour to the Mara or any of our other glorious safari reserves. Contact us now to adjust this itinerary to suit your preferences.
Good to know
- Leading Kenya-based operator
- Top reviews on Trip Advisor
- Fully bonded financial protection
What's included
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Accommodation
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Guided excursions
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Ground transfers
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All meals
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Insurance
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Support
Days
5
Starting from
$1,773 pp
Activity
Safari, Active, Nature & WildlifeTour Type
Custom itinerary, Private guided tourPhysical Level
Easy
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.
Day 1
Arrival and journey to Aberdare National Park
Aberdare National Park
Upon arrival in Kenya, you’ll be met by your guide and set off from Nairobi toward the cool, green highlands of Aberdare National Park. The bustling cityscape soon gives way to rolling hills and mist-covered forests, with waterfalls cascading through the dense vegetation. After a scenic drive, check in at Aberdare Country Club, a charming retreat perfectly situated for your upcoming wildlife adventures. Enjoy a leisurely lunch with views of the surrounding landscape before an afternoon game drive. With luck, you may spot elephants, buffalo, or perhaps a leopard resting in the trees. As evening approaches, take in the striking sunset before returning to the lodge for a relaxing dinner and a quiet night’s rest.
Featured Accommodation
Day 2
Scenic drive to Samburu National Reserve
Samburu Game Reserve
Following a hearty breakfast, depart Aberdare and head north toward Samburu National Reserve, with sweeping views of the Great Rift Valley unfolding along the way. On arrival, settle into Samburu Sopa Lodge, a welcoming retreat that balances comfort with the raw beauty of the landscape. After lunch, set out on an afternoon game drive to explore Samburu’s striking, semi-arid terrain, defined by the Ewaso Ng'iro River. Keep an eye out for wildlife unique to this region, such as the rare Grevy’s zebra and the elegant reticulated giraffe. As dusk approaches, the soft evening light creates an unforgettable atmosphere before you return to the lodge for dinner and a peaceful night’s rest.
Featured Accommodation
Day 3
Full day of exploration in Samburu National Reserve
Samburu Game Reserve
Today, immerse yourself in the unique beauty of Samburu National Reserve with a full day of exploration. After breakfast, set out with your guide to discover the reserve’s varied landscapes and wildlife. With a keen eye and expert knowledge, your guide will lead you to prime locations for observing both the Big Five and Samburu’s rare species. A packed lunch allows you to dine amid the reserve’s peaceful surroundings, taking in the sounds and sights of the wild. Capture memorable moments, deepen your understanding of conservation efforts, and enjoy the sweeping savannah views. As evening approaches, return to the lodge for a relaxed dinner, sharing highlights of the day’s encounters with fellow guests.
Day 4
Journey to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
After breakfast, depart for Ol Pejeta Conservancy, passing through landscapes of rolling hills and sweeping grasslands. Upon arrival, settle into Serena Sweetwaters Tented Camp, where comfort and wilderness meet seamlessly. Enjoy a relaxed lunch before heading out on an afternoon game drive. Known for its strong conservation efforts, Ol Pejeta is home to a sanctuary dedicated to protecting black rhinos. With your guide, explore the conservancy’s varied terrain and observe wildlife in its natural environment. As the day draws to a close, return to camp for dinner, reflecting on the day’s experiences beneath a vast, starlit sky.
Featured Accommodation
Day 5
Return to Nairobi
Nairobi
Begin your final day with a leisurely breakfast before checking out of camp. As you journey back to Nairobi, enjoy the changing scenery of Kenya’s countryside, a blend of vibrant landscapes and quiet villages. Upon arrival, sit down to lunch at a local restaurant, sampling a few more flavors unique to the region. In the afternoon, explore some of Nairobi’s notable sites, including a visit to the Giraffe Centre, where you can get close to the graceful Rothschild giraffes. This memorable encounter provides a fitting close to your safari. Your journey ends with a drop-off at your hotel or the airport, bringing home lasting memories of Kenya’s landscapes and wildlife.
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Aberdare National Park
Aberdare National Park is an area within the Aberdare Mountain Range consisting of two different ecosystems with a high, cold moorland and a dense tangled montane jungle below... -
Samburu Game Reserve
Far removed from mainstream Kenyan safari, the three interconnected reserves of Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba have a wild reputation... -
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
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
Most visitors to Kenya simply fly in and out of capital Nairobi – which is a huge mistake...
Contact Beyond the Plains Safaris about this trip
Where to stay
Some of our sample accommodation
What's included
What you get for your money
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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. |
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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. |
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Ground transfers |
Airport Transfers upon arrival and departure. Meet & greet service by our local representatives. |
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All meals |
Full board, three meals per day |
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Insurance |
AMREF Flying Doctors medical insurance and evacuation cover. |
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Support |
24/7 support while travelling |
Reviews
What people are saying about Beyond the Plains Safaris
Wojciech M
01/09/2024
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!!
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!
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