The Pearls of Kenya – a 10-day safari to Kenya’s most beautiful natural paradises
Kenya’s true treasures often lie off the beaten track, away from the well-known safari routes. In the arid north, elephants roam the river landscapes of Samburu; the rare black leopard lives in Laikipia; and in the Solio Reserve, rhinos can be observed at close quarters.
On this ten-day private safari, you’ll discover some of Kenya’s most fascinating wilderness areas. You’ll visit a special elephant conservation project, explore private reserves even after dark, and experience the stunning landscape of the Aberdare Mountains. Three carefully selected safari lodges and an experienced driver-guide will accompany you on a journey full of extraordinary nature and wildlife experiences.
Itinerary – The Pearls of Kenya 2027
Day 1 – From Nairobi to the wilderness of Samburu
Your safari begins in the morning in Nairobi. From here, you’ll head north, passing through ever-changing landscapes, fertile plateaus and stunning viewpoints.
Along the way, you’ll stop for photos and a lunch break before reaching the arid, unspoilt landscape of Samburu. In the afternoon, you’ll check into your rooms at the Samburu Simba Lodge and set off on your first game drive.
Even at this early stage, you’ll have the chance to spot elephants, lions, leopards and the unique wildlife of northern Kenya.
Overnight: Samburu Simba Lodge | Full board
Day 2 – Safari in the Samburu Reserve
Today is devoted entirely to the fascinating wildlife of Samburu. On extended game drives in the morning and afternoon, you will explore the vast plains and river landscapes of the reserve.
Samburu is particularly well known for its rare animal species. These include the Grevy’s zebra, the reticulated giraffe, the giraffe gazelle, the Beisa oryx and the Somali ostrich. Elephants are also frequently spotted along the river courses, whilst, with a bit of luck, lions and leopards can also be spotted.
At lunchtime, you’ll return to your lodge and have the chance to relax. In the afternoon, you’ll head out on safari once again.
Overnight: Samburu Simba Lodge | Full board
Day 3 – Visiting the elephants at Reteti
A very special experience awaits you today at the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, an extraordinary elephant conservation project in northern Kenya.
Here, orphaned and distressed elephants are taken in, cared for and prepared for life in the wild. During your visit, you’ll learn more about the sanctuary’s work and how the local Samburu communities contribute to the protection of the elephants.
After this fascinating insight into species conservation, you will drive back to your lodge. In the late afternoon, another game drive through the Samburu wilderness awaits you.
Overnight stay: Samburu Simba Lodge | Full board
Day 4 – Off to Laikipia: Safari into the night
After an early morning game drive and breakfast, you’ll leave Samburu and head for the varied landscape of Laikipia.
Your destination is the Ewaso Elephant Crossing Camp in the private Ewaso Enclave Conservancy. Upon arrival, you’ll settle into your comfortable Superior tent and set off on your first safari in this special conservation area.
Today has another highlight in store: a night safari. Unlike in many national parks, game drives after sunset are permitted in private conservancies. This gives you the chance to spot animals that usually remain hidden during the day.
Overnight stay: Ewaso Elephant Crossing Camp, Superior tent | Full board
Day 5 – On the trail of the black leopard
Today promises to be one of the most exciting days of your trip. You’ll travel to the Giza region, which is famous for its rare black leopards.
These extraordinary big cats owe their dark coat colouring to a genetic trait known as melanism. Spotting a black leopard in the wild is one of the rarest and most impressive safari experiences in Africa.
Together with your experienced guide, you’ll explore the area and keep an eye out for these shy animals. Along the way, you’ll learn more about their way of life and behaviour.
Of course, there are many more animals to discover in Laikipia, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and various predators.
Whether the black leopard actually makes an appearance is entirely up to nature. That is precisely what makes this safari such a special adventure.
Accommodation: Ewaso Elephant Crossing Camp | Full board
Day 6 – Laikipia’s hidden wildlife
Today you will explore the private Ewaso Enclave Conservancy. Away from the busy safari areas, you will experience the unspoilt wilderness of Laikipia in complete tranquillity.
On your game drives, keep an eye out for elephants, zebras, giraffes, antelopes and predators. Rarer and more elusive species also call this diverse ecosystem home.
After sunset, another night safari is on the programme. With a bit of luck, you may encounter striped hyenas, aardwolves, bat-eared foxes or other nocturnal animals that are rarely seen on ordinary game drives.
Overnight stay: Ewaso Elephant Crossing Camp | Full board
Day 7 – From Laikipia to Rhino Watch Safari Lodge
After a final early-morning game drive, you’ll leave Laikipia and continue your journey towards the Aberdare Mountains.
On the way, a special stop-off awaits you at the famous Trout Tree Restaurant. The restaurant was built around a mighty fig tree and is set amidst lush vegetation. With a bit of luck, you may also spot the black-and-white colobus monkeys that live in the surrounding trees.
You will then continue your journey to the Rhino Watch Safari Lodge. There, you will settle into your superior tent and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the lodge.
Overnight stay: Rhino Watch Safari Lodge, Superior tent | Full board
Day 8 – Rhino Kingdom: The Realm of the Rhinos
Today you’ll explore the Solio Reserve, one of Africa’s most important rhino conservation areas. Here, you’ll have an excellent chance of spotting both black and white rhinos in the wild.
Buffalo, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, lions and numerous bird species also live in Solio. The vast plains, with Mount Kenya in the background, provide a stunning backdrop for exceptional wildlife sightings and safari photographs.
Accommodation: Rhino Watch Safari Lodge | Full board
Day 9 – The mountain forests of Aberdare National Park
Your final full day of safari takes you to Aberdare National Park. Its landscape is markedly different from the dry savannahs of Samburu and Laikipia.
Dense mountain forests, bamboo groves, deep valleys, waterfalls and vast high moors characterise this extraordinary national park. On your game drives, you’ll be on the lookout for elephants, buffalos, antelopes, monkeys and other forest dwellers.
A varied conclusion to your safari, showcasing once again the impressive diversity of Kenya’s landscapes.
Accommodation: Rhino Watch Safari Lodge | Full board
Day 10 – Return journey to Nairobi
After breakfast, you’ll say goodbye to the Rhino Watch Safari Lodge and set off on your return journey to Nairobi.
You’ll have enjoyed ten eventful days: the rare samburu antelopes, the Reteti elephant conservation project, the search for the black leopard, exciting night safaris, the rhinos of Solio and the green mountain forests of the Aberdares.
Your safari ends in Nairobi – with many special memories of Kenya’s nature and wildlife.
Your accommodation
During your trip, you will stay at three carefully selected safari lodges, each of which offers an ideal base for your explorations.
Samburu Simba Lodge – 3 nights
The Samburu Simba Lodge will be your home for the first three days of your safari. From here, you’ll discover the extraordinary wildlife of northern Kenya and the stunning landscapes of the Samburu ecosystem.
Accommodation: Double room | Full board
Ewaso Elephant Crossing Camp – 3 nights
Ewaso Elephant Crossing Camp is situated in the heart of the private Ewaso Enclave Conservancy. The camp is the starting point for your safaris through Laikipia, the search for the black leopard and the special night game drives.
Accommodation: Superior tent | Full board
Rhino Watch Safari Lodge – 3 nights
The Rhino Watch Safari Lodge is situated near the Aberdare Mountains and serves as the starting point for your excursions to the Solio Reserve and Aberdare National Park.
Here you will spend the last three nights of your safari and can round off your eventful days in a relaxed atmosphere.
Accommodation: Superior tent | Full board
The Pearls of Kenya 2027: Travel dates & prices
Duration: 10 days / 9 nights
Travel period: January to December 2027
Type of trip: Private safari with your own 4×4 and a professional driver-guide.
Prices are available on request and vary depending on your travel dates, group size and accommodation availability.
Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with friends or in a small private group, we’ll be happy to create a personalised quote for your safari.
Included services
- 10-day private safari in a 4×4 with a professional driver-guide
- 3 nights’ accommodation at Samburu Simba Lodge in a double room
- 3 nights’ accommodation at Ewaso Elephant Crossing Camp in a superior tent
- 3 nights’ accommodation at Rhino Watch Safari Lodge in a superior tent
- Full board for the nine nights
- Unlimited drinking water in the safari vehicle
- Game drives and safari experiences as per the itinerary
- Visit to the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary as per the itinerary
- Safari in the Giza region in search of the black leopard
- Night safaris in the private conservation area
- Excursions to the Solio Reserve and Aberdare National Park
Please note: Any entrance, conservation area and visitor fees incurred are not included in the basic safari price.
Services not included
- International flights
- Costs for the electronic travel authorisation (eTA) and the compulsory Kenyan travel health insurance
- Entrance fees, conservation area fees and other visitor charges
- Drinks other than the water provided in the safari vehicle
- Tips and personal expenses
- Personal travel insurance
- Additional excursions and services not included in the itinerary
Additional costs
In addition to the tour prices quoted, admission and conservation area fees, as well as costs for special visits and safari experiences, will apply:
- Entrance fees for Samburu & Buffalo Springs Reserve
- Visit to the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary
- Entrance fees for Solio Reserve
- Entrance fees for Aberdare National Park
- Conservation area fees for the Ewaso Enclave Conservancy
- Special fee for the ‘In the Footsteps of the Black Leopard’ safari
- Visit to the Trout Tree Restaurant
Journey there & onward travel
Your safari begins and ends in Nairobi. International travel to Kenya is arranged independently and is not included in the tour price.
On the first day, you will set off in the morning with your private driver-guide towards Samburu. Throughout the trip, your safari vehicle will be at your disposal for the journeys included in the itinerary.
Upon your return to Nairobi, the safari can be combined with other destinations in Kenya if you wish – for example, with a relaxing beach holiday on the coast.
We’d be happy to help you plan your flights and tailor your trip to your individual preferences.
We’d be delighted to offer you further bespoke travel packages to make your holiday in Kenya unforgettable!
Good to know
The ‘Pearls of Kenya’ safari is a private tour with your own driver-guide and without a large tour group.
Wildlife sightings take place in the wild and cannot be guaranteed. Entrance and conservation area fees are subject to change at short notice.
Plan Your Dream Safari in Kenya
Would you like to extend your safari, explore more of Kenya or combine your adventure with a relaxing beach holiday? We’ll be happy to tailor your trip to your wishes.
Have questions or would like a personalised quote? Get in touch – we’re happy to advise you in person or over the phone!
