Kenya’s undetected highlands and Samburu

Rhino Watch Safari Lodge is situated in the central highland of Kenya and offers a breath-taking view of Mount Kenya. Thanks to its ideal location Rhino Watch Safari Lodge is a perfect starting point for game drives, hikes, and nature observations. All big African wild animals can be observed here. Elephants, lions, leopards, buffalos, and rhinos are on our program, unique landscapes, and cultures. All this in private nature reserves where you only meet few other tourists. The second part of the trip takes you to Samburu pan. Your accommodation is the comfortable Elephant Bedroom Camp which lives up to its name. Elephants often gather directly at the Ewaso Nyiro River which runs in front of the camp. You live in the middle of nature in a fascinating landscape and impressive animal kingdom.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi

Reception at the airport in the evening and transfer to the suburban area of Nairobi. Overnight in a guest house.

Day 2: Drive to Rhino Watch Safari Lodge

After a nice breakfast, you start the tour to the Kenyan highlands. On the way, several stops are planned. At midday, you reach the Tana river where fishermen catch Tilapia. At the next station, you visit a fruit and vegetable market where local farmers offer their regional products. Overnight in a chalet at Rhino Watch Safari Lodge. (B/L/D)

Day 3: Safari at Solio Game Reserve

The privately-owned nature reserve has been engaged in the protection of white and black rhinos for years. Here the animals recover perfectly and of long-standing other national parks across Kenya are provided with pups from Solio. At a full day game drive, you can observe those and other wonderful animals such as zebras and antelopes at close range. Overnight in a chalet at Rhino Watch Safari Lodge. (B/L/D)

Day 4: Giraffe and bird observation

In the morning you visit a herd of giraffes which you can approach up to a few meters. Back in the lodge, you can watch birds that gather at the pond from an observation platform. Overnight in a chalet at Rhino Watch Safari Lodge. (B/L/D)

Day 5: Excursion to Aberdare National Park

Today’s safari takes you to the untouched mountain cloud forest of the Aberdares, one of the last sound rain forest hideaways in Africa with an impressive bamboo forest. If you are lucky you can meet leopards and the rare giant forest hog. Overnight in a chalet at Rhino Watch Safari Lodge. (B/L/D)

Day 6: Relaxation at the lodge

Let your spirits flow at the lodge’s ample compound. Observe birds at the pond, stroll through the endemic euphorbia and thorn bush forest, or enjoy a drink at the roof terrace. Overnight in a chalet at Rhino Watch Safari Lodge. (B/L/D)

Day 7: Game drives at Ol Pejeta Game Reserve

Full day tour to the private sanctuary with a visit at the chimpanzee orphanage, a project of the Jane Goodall Institute. If you are lucky you can observe further members of the Big Five (elephant, rhino, leopard, lion, buffalo) today. Meet the unusual friends Baraka and Patrick – a rhino and its ranger. Overnight in a chalet at Rhino Watch Safari Lodge. (B/L/D)

Day 8: Drive to Samburu Game Reserve

You continue your trip and drive around Mount Kenya into the Samburu Pan. Arrival at Elephant Bedroom Camp which literarily bears its name rightly, because the fruits of the doum palm that grows here is a popular snack for elephants that often wander across the camp. Overnight in a safari tent at Elephant Bedroom Camp. (B/L/D)

Day 9: Game drives to Samburu Game Reserve

The Samburu Nature Reserve lies in the dry savanna in the east of Kenya and borders to the Ewaso Nyiro river which carries water almost all-the-year. Particularly in the dry season elephants and zebras satisfy their thirst, cross the river and take a bath. Besides the pachyderms, there are good chances to observe leopards, cheetahs, and lions. The big cats are less shy than in other parks. The nature reserve is also known for the rare Grévy’s zebras and the Waller’s gazelles (gerenuks). Overnight in a safari tent at Elephant Bedroom Camp. (B/L/D)

Day 10: Transfer to airport

A last morning game drive and a delicious breakfast may make it difficult for you to leave Kenya. Can you imagine being in your safari jeep in the middle of an elephant herd of 20 animals and they don’t feel disturbed at all? Drive to the airport for your return flight. Those who still didn’t get enough can alternatively book one of our extension programs. (B/L)

Travel dates: Bookable year-round from 2 persons.

Rates

  • Regular per person in a double room: 3,588 USD
  • Currently per person in a double room:  2,148 USD

Rates include

  • Overnight in a double room in safari camps and lodges as per itinerary
  • Meals as per itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch or packed lunch, D=Dinner)
  • All game drives and excursions in 4×4 safari jeeps
  • All transfer from/to Nairobi in a minibus
  • English speaking driver-guide

Rates exclude

  • Flights to/from Nairobi
  • National park fees ca. 385 USD per person (payable locally)
  • Beverages
  • Gratuities

Contact and booking

If you wish to book a program or require more details, please feel free to contact us here. The team of Rhino Watch Safari Lodge will be happy to assist you.