7-Day Off the Beaten Path Mid-Range Safari – A Privately Guided Kenya Discovery
The 7-Day Off the Beaten Path Mid-Range Safari is designed for travelers who want a privately guided safari that goes beyond the classic circuits while still delivering exceptional wildlife encounters.
This itinerary blends iconic parks with lesser-visited regions, offering variety, fewer crowds, and a deeper sense of discovery , all without sacrificing comfort or flow.
Traveling in a pop-up roof minivan with your own professional guide, you’ll enjoy a relaxed pace, thoughtfully chosen mid-range lodges, and seamless logistics throughout.
This tailor-made safari is ideal for travelers actively comparing safari companies and seeking a Kenya safari tour that feels personal, well, paced, and confidently managed from start to finish.
✨ Availability is limited due to lodge capacity and seasonal demand , enquire early to secure the best options.
✨ This safari is fully customizable , we adjust pace, lodges, and activities to suit you.
✨ Optional upgrades and add-on experiences can be arranged on request.
Who This Safari Is Ideal For
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Travelers seeking a privately guided safari away from crowded routes
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Couples or honeymooners wanting a unique, immersive safari experience
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Seniors looking for manageable drive times and expert support
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Families wanting a tailor-made safari with diverse landscapes and wildlife
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Repeat Africa travelers seeking something different from standard itineraries
This safari may not be ideal for:
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Travelers with very limited time
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Guests seeking ultra-luxury accommodations only
Why This Safari Is Best
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Thoughtful route: Nairobi → Maasai Mara → Lake Nakuru → Aberdare → Samburu → Nairobi
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Balanced pacing with multi-night stays and scenic transitions
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Lodge selection focused on comfort, location, and wildlife access
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Wildlife flow from Big 5 plains to forests and semi-arid reserves
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Private pop-up roof minivan ensures comfort and excellent game viewing
Tour Highlights
Big 5 safari game drives in Maasai Mara National Reserve
Rhino tracking and birdlife at Lake Nakuru National Park
Unique forest wildlife experience in Aberdare National Park
Rare northern species in Samburu National Reserve
Privately guided, tailor-made safari with mid-range comfort
Diverse landscapes ideal for couples, families, and seniors
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.
Suitable for all ages
This tour is suitable for children of all ages.
Day 1
Nairobi → Maasai Mara National Reserve
Your Kenya safari tour begins with an early morning pickup in Nairobi, where you’ll meet your private guide and depart in a pop-up roof minivan.
Travel through the scenic Great Rift Valley with planned stops for photography and refreshments, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable journey into the Maasai Mara.
Arrive at your mid-range lodge in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon Big 5 safari game drive.
Explore the open plains in search of lions, elephants, giraffes, and antelope while your guide shares insights into the ecosystem.
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Transport: Pop-up roof minivan (Nairobi → Maasai Mara, approx. 5–6 hours)
Accommodation
Zebra Plains Mara Camp
Day 2
Full-Day Game Drive in Maasai Mara National Park
Spend the day immersed in the Maasai Mara with morning and afternoon game drives tailored to wildlife movements.
Your privately guided safari allows flexibility to follow predators, explore quieter areas, and enjoy uninterrupted wildlife viewing.
Lunch is served at the lodge or as a bush picnic, followed by continued exploration across the savannah.
As the sun sets, return to the lodge for dinner, concluding a rewarding day on this classic Big 5 safari landscape.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transport: Pop-up roof minivan (game drives)
Accommodation
Zebra Plains Mara Camp
Day 3
Maasai Mara → Lake Nakuru National Park
After breakfast, depart Maasai Mara and journey through the Rift Valley toward Lake Nakuru.
The drive is paced for comfort with scenic viewpoints and brief stops along the way.
Arrive at your lodge for lunch, then head out on an afternoon game drive.
Lake Nakuru is famous for rhinos, flamingos, and abundant birdlife, offering a contrasting yet equally captivating safari experience.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transport: Pop-up roof minivan (Maasai Mara → Lake Nakuru, approx. 4–5 hours)
Accommodation
Lake Nakuru Lodge
Day 4
Lake Nakuru → Aberdare National Park
Following breakfast, travel north toward the forested highlands of Aberdare National Park.
The landscape changes dramatically from open plains to lush montane forests, adding depth to your tailor-made safari journey.
Arrive at your lodge for lunch before enjoying wildlife viewing from the lodge’s observation areas.
Aberdare offers a unique experience with elephants, buffalo, and nocturnal wildlife visiting waterholes. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transport: Pop-up roof minivan (Lake Nakuru → Aberdare, approx. 3–4 hours)
Accommodation
The Ark Lodge
Day 5
Aberdare → Samburu National Reserve
After breakfast, depart the Aberdare region and drive north toward Samburu National Reserve.
The journey transitions into semi-arid landscapes, giving insight into Kenya’s diverse ecosystems.
Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive.
Samburu is home to unique species such as Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and gerenuk. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transport: Pop-up roof minivan (Aberdare → Samburu, approx. 5–6 hours)
Accommodation
Sarova Shaba Game Lodge
Day 6
Full-Day Game Drive in Samburu National Park
Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in Samburu, guided by your expert safari guide who tracks wildlife along the Ewaso Nyiro River.
This region offers a quieter, more intimate safari atmosphere compared to southern parks.
Lunch at the lodge is followed by relaxed afternoon exploration, focusing on rare northern species and dramatic landscapes.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge conclude your Samburu experience.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transport: Pop-up roof minivan (game drives)
Accommodation
Sarova Shaba Game Lodge
Day 7
Samburu National Park→ Nairobi
After breakfast, begin your return journey to Nairobi, traveling through central Kenya with scenic and comfort stops along the way.
This final drive allows time to reflect on the diversity experienced during your Kenya safari tour.
Arrive in Nairobi in the late afternoon for drop-off at your hotel or airport.
Your 7-Day Off the Beaten Path Mid-Range Safari ends with lasting memories of a privately guided safari that went beyond the ordinary.
Meals: Breakfast
Transport: Pop-up roof minivan (Samburu → Nairobi, approx. 6–7 hours)
Accommodation
No Accommodation ( 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 | Price per Person (Solo, Single Supplement) | Price per Person (2 People Sharing) |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2026 - Feb 28, 2026 | $3,930 | $2,690 |
| Mar 1, 2026 - Mar 31, 2026 | $3,465 | $2,380 |
| Apr 1, 2026 - May 31, 2026 | $3,585 | $2,460 |
| Jun 1, 2026 - Jun 30, 2026 | $3,465 | $2,380 |
| Jul 1, 2026 - Sep 30, 2026 | $4,230 | $2,990 |
| Oct 1, 2026 - Oct 31, 2026 | $4,230 | $2,990 |
| Nov 1, 2026 - Dec 15, 2026 | $3,765 | $2,680 |
| Dec 16, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026 | $4,230 | $2,990 |
| Jan 1, 2027 - Feb 28, 2027 | $3,930 | $2,690 |
| Mar 1, 2027 - Mar 31, 2027 | $3,465 | $2,380 |
| Apr 1, 2027 - May 31, 2027 | $3,585 | $2,460 |
| Jun 1, 2027 - Jun 30, 2027 | $3,465 | $2,380 |
| Jul 1, 2027 - Sep 30, 2027 | $4,230 | $2,990 |
| Oct 1, 2027 - Oct 31, 2027 | $4,230 | $2,990 |
| Nov 1, 2027 - Dec 15, 2027 | $3,765 | $2,680 |
| Dec 16, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027 | $4,230 | $2,990 |