7-Day Off the Beaten Path – Mid-Range Kenya Safari of Wildlife & Scenic Landscapes
This 7-day mid-range Kenya safari takes you beyond the typical route to explore a diverse combination of savannah plains, Rift Valley lakes, misty highlands, and semi-arid northern wilderness.
From the Big 5-rich Maasai Mara to rhino encounters at Lake Nakuru and rare northern species in Samburu, this itinerary delivers variety and strong wildlife experiences.
Traveling in a private pop-up roof minivan ensures elevated game viewing, comfort, and flexibility throughout the journey.
Carefully selected mid-range lodges provide convenient access to wildlife areas while maintaining excellent value and comfort.
Who This Safari Is Ideal For
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Travelers seeking varied landscapes in one itinerary
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Wildlife enthusiasts wanting both Big 5 and rare species
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Couples and small groups on a comfortable mid-range budget
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Repeat safari travelers looking for something different
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Guests preferring a privately guided Kenya safari tour
Why This Safari Best
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Combines Kenya’s most diverse ecosystems in one logical route
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Mixes iconic reserves with less-visited northern wilderness
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Balanced pacing with two-night stays in key parks
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Strong chances of seeing Big 5 and Samburu Special Five
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Private pop-up roof minivan ensures flexible game drives
Tour Highlights
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 → Maasai Mara National Reserve
Depart Nairobi in the morning in your private pop-up roof minivan and drive southwest toward Masai Mara National Reserve, covering approximately 280 km in 5–6 hours.
Stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint for scenic photography.
Arrive at your mid-range lodge for lunch followed by an afternoon game drive.
The Mara’s open savannahs are home to lions, elephants, cheetahs, giraffes, and abundant plains game. Return for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Transport: Pop-up roof minivan Time: 5–6 hrs Distance: ~280 km
Accommodation
Zebra Plains Mara Camp
Day 2
Full Day in Masai Mara National Reserve
Spend the day exploring the reserve with morning and afternoon game drives across different sectors.
The high predator density makes this one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations.
Lunch is served at the lodge or as a picnic within the reserve to maximize exploration time.
Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Transport: Pop-up roof minivan Game Drive Distance: Flexible within reserve
Accommodation
Zebra Plains Mara Camp
Day 3
Masai Mara – Lake Nakuru National Park
After breakfast, depart for Lake Nakuru National Park, covering approximately 230 km in 4–5 hours.
Travel across the Rift Valley floor through scenic countryside landscapes.
Arrive at your lodge for lunch followed by an afternoon game drive.
Lake Nakuru is famous for its protected black and white rhinos, Rothschild giraffes, and seasonal flamingos.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Transport: Pop-up roof minivan Time: 4–5 hrs Distance: ~230 km
Accommodation
Lake Nakuru Lodge
Day 4
Lake Nakuru – Aberdare National Park
After breakfast, drive north toward Aberdare National Park, covering approximately 170 km in 3–4 hours.
The scenery shifts from open plains to cool highland forests.
Check into your mid-range lodge, often overlooking a waterhole where wildlife gathers in the evening.
Relax and enjoy unique forest wildlife viewing from the lodge decks.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Transport: Pop-up roof minivan Time: 3–4 hrs Distance: ~170 km
Accommodation
The Ark Lodge
Day 5
Aberdare – Samburu National Reserve
Depart after breakfast and travel to Samburu National Reserve, covering approximately 200 km in 4–5 hours.
The landscape gradually transforms into semi-arid northern terrain.
Arrive at your lodge for lunch followed by an afternoon game drive along the Ewaso Nyiro River.
Look for Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, and other unique northern species.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Transport: Pop-up roof minivan Time: 4–5 hrs Distance: ~200 km
Accommodation
Sarova Shaba Game Lodge
Day 6
Full Day in Samburu National Reserve
Spend the day on morning and afternoon game drives exploring Samburu’s rugged landscapes.
Lions, elephants, and leopards are often spotted near the riverbanks.
Return to your lodge between drives for relaxation before your final evening in northern Kenya’s distinctive wilderness.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Transport: Pop-up roof minivan Game Drive Distance: Flexible within reserve
Accommodation
Sarova Shaba Game Lodge
Day 7
Samburu – Nairobi
After breakfast, depart Samburu and drive back to Nairobi, covering approximately 310 km in 5–6 hours.
Enjoy changing landscapes as you descend from northern Kenya to the capital.
Arrive in Nairobi in the afternoon where your safari concludes with drop-off at your hotel or airport.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Transport: Pop-up roof minivan Time: 5–6 hrs Distance: ~310 km
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 | 3 People - 1 Room | 4 People - 2 Rooms | 5 People - 2 Rooms | 6 People - 3 Rooms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2026 - Feb 28, 2026 | $3,930 | $2,690 | $2,515 | $2,445 | $2,375 | $2,375 |
| Mar 1, 2026 - Mar 31, 2026 | $3,465 | $2,380 | $2,205 | $2,135 | $2,065 | $2,065 |
| Apr 1, 2026 - May 31, 2026 | $3,585 | $2,460 | $2,285 | $2,215 | $2,145 | $2,145 |
| Jun 1, 2026 - Jun 30, 2026 | $3,465 | $2,380 | $2,205 | $2,135 | $2,065 | $2,065 |
| Jul 1, 2026 - Sep 30, 2026 | $4,230 | $2,990 | $2,815 | $2,745 | $2,675 | $2,675 |
| Oct 1, 2026 - Oct 31, 2026 | $4,230 | $2,990 | $2,815 | $2,745 | $2,675 | $2,675 |
| Nov 1, 2026 - Dec 15, 2026 | $3,765 | $2,680 | $2,505 | $2,435 | $2,365 | |
| Dec 16, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026 | $4,230 | $2,990 | $2,815 | $2,745 | $2,675 | $2,675 |
| Jan 1, 2027 - Feb 28, 2027 | $3,930 | $2,690 | $2,515 | $2,445 | $2,375 | $2,375 |
| Mar 1, 2027 - Mar 31, 2027 | $3,465 | $2,380 | $2,205 | $2,135 | $2,065 | $2,065 |
| Apr 1, 2027 - May 31, 2027 | $3,585 | $2,460 | $2,285 | $2,215 | $2,145 | $2,145 |
| Jun 1, 2027 - Jun 30, 2027 | $3,465 | $2,380 | $2,205 | $2,135 | $2,065 | $2,065 |
| Jul 1, 2027 - Sep 30, 2027 | $4,230 | $2,990 | $2,815 | $2,745 | $2,675 | $2,675 |
| Oct 1, 2027 - Oct 31, 2027 | $4,230 | $2,990 | $2,815 | $2,745 | $2,675 | $2,675 |
| Nov 1, 2027 - Dec 15, 2027 | $3,765 | $2,680 | $2,505 | $2,435 | $2,365 | $2,365 |
| Dec 16, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027 | $4,230 | $2,990 | $2,815 | $2,745 | $2,675 | $2,675 |