A Detailed 12-Day Kenya’s Hidden Gems Itinerary

Day 1: Overnight in Nairobi | 1 Nights

Arrive at the international airport in Nairobi to a warm welcome before enjoying a beautiful overnight stay at Hemingway’s Nairobi Hotel. You will be escorted to the hotel by a devoted agent who will also see to it that you are satisfied with your stay.

Enjoy the hotel’s facilities or take in some of Nairobi’s top attractions, such as the Giraffe Sanctuary, the Karen Blixen Museum Markets, or the elephant orphanage, during your free afternoon. Enjoy a relaxing evening meal at the hotel or a nearby restaurant before retiring for a restorative night’s sleep.

Days 2 – 3: Baobabs and Doum Palms of Meru | 2 Nights

Your driver will be waiting for you at the hotel lobby after a delicious breakfast to take you to Wilson Airport via road. The thrilling safari experience is about to begin as you board a small plane headed for the breathtaking Meru National Park. The varied habitats and abundant fauna in this refuge have made it famous. Meru National Park is a beautiful place to go on a safari because of the way its verdant plains, tall baobab trees, doum palms, and bright vegetation all work together in perfect harmony.

During your two nights at Elsa’s Kopje, tucked away in this magnificent environment, get ready to be amazed. The camp offers a unique and exclusive safari retreat, set among rough hills and a rocky outcrop, where it blends in with the natural rocky scenery. Experience unforgettable interactions with wildlife on open 4×4 game drives accompanied by experienced guides. Get to know the park’s ins and outs on night game drives and nature hikes. Rafting the Tana River is a great way to see wildlife from a different angle.

In between safari activities, take advantage of the resort’s swimming pool, massage parlour, library, and gift shop for some downtime. As the sun goes down, round out your memorable day in the wilderness with enchanting evenings spent dining under the stars and swapping stories over a blazing fire.

Days 4 – 5: A Conservation Feat | 2 Nights

After a filling breakfast at Elsa’s, your guide will take you to the airport for a picturesque charter flight to Nanyuki’s airport. Another transfer to the beautiful Lewa Plains Wildlife Conservancy will begin with a warm welcome from a guide when you arrive. Elewana Kifaru House, an outstanding property, will be your home for the next two nights. You may enjoy a “armchair safari” from the comfort of your pool lounger or patio at Kifaru House, which is situated amidst verdant lawns and looks out over the Lewa plains and a popular waterhole.

The reserve, which is home to black and white rhinos—both of which are in risk of extinction—is a World Heritage Site because of the efforts of the local community to protect these animals. Explore the in-depth knowledge of the lion, cheetah, and rhino families held by Kifaru’s knowledgeable guides. Experience thrilling game drives accompanied by snow-capped Mount Kenya in the hopes of spotting the Big 5, cheetahs, and the incredibly endangered Grevy’s zebra. Get out of the car and join Samburu rangers, who are famous for their knowledge of rhino conservation, on nature excursions across the forest.

Climb the Ndare Forest canopy bridge and cool yourself in the forest springs as you continue your exploration of Lewa. Experience the thrill of horseback riding or camel trekking while enjoying a picnic by a peaceful stream. Cap off each day of excursions in true safari style with cocktails around the fire as the sun sets each evening, followed by a delicious meal.

Days 6 – 8: Kenya’s Most Iconic Wildlife Reserve | 3 Nights

The next day of your safari will begin with a hearty breakfast at Kifaru House. Sand River Mara Camp is located in the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve, and your guide will accompany you as you make your way to the airfield to board a charter flight there. The Masai Mara displays the classic attractions of an African safari, with its world-famous wildlife sightings. Nestled among the majestic trees that line the Sand River, Sand River Mara Camp provides an unforgettable experience that combines contemporary comforts with a touch of nostalgia for the heyday of safaris in the Roaring Twenties. A genuine jewel of the Mara, it boasts a fantastic location and provides an authentic safari experience.

Indulge in a hot-air balloon safari in addition to exhilarating wildlife drives. A beautiful vantage point from which to take in the expansive Mara plains. Wildebeest and other wildlife herds make their way across the terrain during the Great Migration, which may be an awe-inspiring sight depending on the season. Return to camp for delectable meals, a fully stocked cellar, a sparkling pool, and a private viewing balcony where you may unwind.

Take in the golden and orange tones of the Masai Mara as the sun sets. The sky becomes alive with a cacophony of cries as the sun sets below the horizon. Warm up with a drink in hand while listening to the tales of your safari guides and other guests as you relax by the fire. As you dine beneath a blanket of twinkling stars, take in the atmosphere created by the lanterns. Immerse yourself in your luxurious copper tub and settle into your comfortable bed, prepared for a restful night’s sleep and eagerly anticipating the dawn chorus that will herald yet another day in your safari paradise.

Days 9 – 11: Beach Bliss in Lamu | 3 Nights

Your journey to Lamu Airport will begin today with a flight back to Wilson Airport. After that, you’ll be taken to Majlis Resort. Located on Lamu Island, known for its beautiful beaches, provides an opulent fusion of Swahili, Arabic, and Italian design elements. This intimate beach resort offers a tranquil getaway with views of the Indian Ocean, white sand beaches, and turquoise waters. With roomy verandas, exquisite sea views, and furnishings made by hand, it offers magnificent suites and villas.

Relax in the infinity pools, rejuvenate with spa treatments, and learn about Lamu’s fascinating history and culture during your stay. Do things like go deep-sea fishing in the Indian Ocean, kayak through mangroves, or go dhow sailing at sunset. You can unwind and rejuvenate at the resort, thanks to its peaceful location.

One of the best parts of dining at Majlis is enjoying the fresh seafood and Swahili-inspired meals while listening to the sound of the ocean. Relax and enjoy the island’s laid-back character while sipping cocktails at the beachfront bar and having romantic candlelit dinners. Majlis Resort provides an exceptional coastal getaway, perfect for sunbathing and learning about Lamu’s history.

Day 12: Your Journey Ends

To continue with your next travel plans, you will be returned to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport today. As your incredible journey draws to a close, savour the final moments of the sights and sounds. We hope that everything about your journey has been out of this world, from the stunning scenery to the unforgettable wildlife encounters and the kind locals. We hope that your travels are full of exciting experiences till we meet again. We look forward to having you back soon!

End of the 12-Day Kenya’s Hidden Gems Itinerary

Inclusions

• Meals:
  Hemingways Nairobi : Bed & Breakfast
  Elsa’s Kopje : Game Package
  Kifaru House : Game Package
  Sand River Masai Mara : Game Package
• The Majlis Resort : Half Board (Breakfast, Dinner)
• All necessary permits, conservancy and park fees
• All activities specified, including morning and evening game drives each full day on safari
• 24/7 assistance and support during your trip

Exclusions

• Your international flights to and from Africa + any related taxes
• Any travel visas you require (though we help you with this)
• Tips
• Personal items (eg. travel insurance, souvenirs)