MERU NATIONAL PARK -Complete Wilderness

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS.

Aberdare National Park (The Ark Lodge)
Wildlife: Home to elephants, buffaloes, black rhinos, giant forest hogs, bongos (rare forest antelope), civet cats, duikers, leopards (rare), spotted hyenas, and diverse primates including black-and-white colobus and Sykes monkeys.

Birdlife: Over 250 species including the scarlet-tufted malachite sunbird, African paradise flycatcher, Jackson’s francolin, crowned eagle, and Aberdare cisticola.

Scenery: Dramatic mountain ranges with peaks like Mount Satima (highest), Mount Kinangop, and stunning waterfalls such as Karuru Falls (273m total drop) and Chania Falls.

Experience: Wildlife viewing from floodlit waterholes at The Ark, forest walks, and moorland hikes.

Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Sweetwaters Serena Camp)
Wildlife: The largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa, home to the Big Five, including rare northern white rhinos. Also famous for lions, elephants, buffalos, and wild dogs.

Special Activities: Lion tracking with rangers, chimpanzee sanctuary visits (Kenya’s only), and night game drives.

Birdlife: Rich bird diversity along the Ewaso Nyiro River with opportunities for boat rides.

Samburu National Reserve (Samburu Sopa Lodge)
Wildlife: Unique northern species such as Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx, alongside elephants, lions, leopards, and cheetahs.

Culture: Visits to Samburu villages to experience traditional culture.

Landscape: Riverine forests, acacia woodlands, and open plains along the Ewaso Nyiro River.

Meru National Park (Rhino River Camp)
Wildlife: Known for rhinos, elephants, lions, buffalo, leopards (especially at Elsa’s Kopje), and diverse birdlife.

Scenery: Scenic riverine forests, swamps, and open plains.

Experience: Game drives, walking safaris, and cultural visits.

This safari offers a rich blend of rare wildlife, birding, cultural experiences, and stunning landscapes across four iconic Kenyan parks, with exceptional lodges providing unique wildlife encounters and comfort.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Nairobi to Aberdare National Park – The Ark Lodge
Drive (~3-4 hours) from Nairobi to Aberdare National Park.

Check in at The Ark Lodge, renowned for its multi-level viewing decks overlooking a floodlit waterhole attracting elephants, buffalos, hyenas, and more.

Afternoon wildlife viewing from the lodge decks.

Evening game drive.

Day 2: Aberdare National Park
Morning guided forest walk then game drive in the moorlands and forest, spotting unique species like giant forest hogs, bongos, and over 250 bird species.

We visit the highest waterfall in Kenya, Karuru water fall. We will also visit Gura water fall.

Day 3: Aberdare to Ol Pejeta Conservancy – Sweetwaters Serena Camp
Short drive (~2-3 hours, about 90 km) from Aberdare to Ol Pejeta Conservancy.

Check in at Sweetwaters Serena Camp, overlooking a waterhole with great wildlife viewing.

Afternoon game drive in Ol Pejeta, home to the Big Five, the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa, and the only northern white rhinos on earth.

Optional night game drive.

Day 4: Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Morning lion tracking with conservancy rangers.

Visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Kenya’s only chimpanzee sanctuary, including a boat ride on the Ewaso Nyiro River.

Afternoon game drive or guided bush walk.

Relax at camp with river views.

Day 5: Ol Pejeta to Samburu National Reserve – Samburu Sopa Lodge
Drive (~3-4 hours) north to Samburu National Reserve.

Check in at Samburu Sopa Lodge overlooking the Ewaso Nyiro River.

Afternoon game drive focusing on Samburu’s unique species: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx.

Day 6: Samburu National Reserve
Full day game drives exploring riverine forest, acacia woodlands, and open plains.

Visit a Samburu village for cultural immersion.

Optional boat ride or nature walk along the river.

Day 7: Samburu to Meru National Park – Rhino River Camp
Drive (~4-5 hours) to Meru National Park.

Check in at Rhino River Camp near the Tana River.

Afternoon game drive focusing on rhinos, elephants, lions, buffalo, and diverse birdlife.

Day 8: Meru National Park
Full day game drives exploring Elsa’s Kopje (famous from the Born Free story) and other scenic areas.

Optional guided walking safari or visit to local communities.

Day 9: Meru National Park
Early morning game drive or walking safari.

Leisure afternoon enjoying camp facilities and river views.

Day 10: Meru to Nairobi
Drive (~5-6 hours) back to Nairobi for departure.