10 Days Meru + Northern Circuit Highlights Safari

Overview

Embark on a thrilling 10-day adventure across Kenya’s Northern Circuit and Meru National Park. This safari blends the iconic Big Five experiences with off-the-beaten-path destinations, showcasing dramatic landscapes, rich wildlife, and vibrant cultures. Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure travelers, this journey offers a balance of game drives, scenic views, and cultural encounters.

Safari Highlights

• Witness the Big Five in Meru and Samburu National Parks

• Explore the semi-arid landscapes of Samburu and Buffalo Springs

• Enjoy boat rides along Ewaso Ng’iro River

• Visit Reteti Elephant Sanctuary and meet rescued elephants

• Discover the unique desert-adapted wildlife of Northern Kenya

• Experience local Samburu culture with traditional dances and visits

• Game drives in Ol Pejeta Conservancy and Lake Naivasha

• Optional hot air balloon safari over the savannah

Belief Itinerary

Our philosophy is to combine comfort, adventure, and authenticity. You’ll enjoy luxury and mid-range accommodations, locally inspired meals, and guided experiences that prioritize wildlife conservation and community engagement. Every stop is chosen to maximize wildlife sightings and cultural experiences.

Day 1: Nairobi → Meru National Park

Accommodation: Elsa’s Kopje Lodge (luxury) or Meru Safari Lodge (mid-range)
Meals: Dinner included

Activities & Highlights:
Upon arrival at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met by your professional safari guide. After a brief introduction and welcome orientation, you will embark on a scenic 5–6 hour drive to Meru National Park, located in northeastern Kenya. Along the way, enjoy views of rolling hills, tea and coffee plantations, and rural Kenyan villages.

Upon arrival, settle into your lodge and relax. In the afternoon, embark on your first game drive, spotting elephants, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species. As evening approaches, enjoy a sunset over Meru’s savannah plains and a welcome dinner at the lodge.

Travel Tips: Keep your camera ready during the drive from Nairobi—occasional roadside wildlife and birdlife sightings are common.

Day 2: Full-Day Safari in Meru National Park

Accommodation: Same as Day 1
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Spend the full day exploring Meru National Park’s diverse landscapes, which range from open plains and riverine forests to swamps and volcanic formations. Your morning game drive will focus on spotting lions, leopards, elephants, and large herds of buffalo. Birdwatchers will delight in seeing fish eagles, hornbills, and kingfishers along the Ewaso River.

Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park under the shade of an acacia tree, surrounded by wildlife. Continue your game drive, looking for rare species such as Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffes.

Travel Tips: Early mornings and late afternoons are the most active wildlife periods. Binoculars and cameras with zoom lenses are highly recommended.

Day 3: Meru → Samburu National Reserve

Accommodation: Samburu Intrepids Luxury Tented Camp (luxury) / Samburu Sopa Lodge (mid-range)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activities & Highlights:
After breakfast, depart for Samburu National Reserve, a semi-arid region famed for its unique wildlife, including the “Samburu Special Five”: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx. Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive, exploring the riverine forests along the Ewaso Ng’iro River.

Evening: Settle into your lodge or luxury tented camp, enjoying spectacular views over the savannah as the sun sets.

Travel Advice: The Samburu area is warmer and drier than Meru, so carry light clothing, sun protection, and plenty of water.

Day 4: Samburu National Reserve – Game Drives & Cultural Experience

Accommodation: Same as Day 3
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a full day of morning and evening game drives, interspersed with optional cultural visits to local Samburu villages. Engage with the community, observe traditional beadwork, dances, and learn about their pastoralist lifestyle.

Wildlife Highlights: Lions, elephants, cheetahs, and large herds of antelopes roam the semi-arid plains. Birdwatchers will see species like the vulturine guineafowl and pygmy falcons.

Travel Advice: Respect village customs; modest clothing and asking permission before photography are recommended.

Day 5: Buffalo Springs Exploration

Accommodation: Buffalo Springs Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activities & Highlights:
Today, explore the Buffalo Springs Game Reserve, neighboring Samburu, famous for its water-based wildlife experiences. Embark on a boat cruise along the Ewaso Ng’iro River, spotting hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a variety of waterbirds. Afternoon game drive takes you through the open plains and rocky outcrops.

Travel Tips: Early morning and late afternoon are ideal for animal sightings; the boat cruise offers a unique perspective for wildlife photography.

Day 6: Buffalo Springs → Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Accommodation: Sweetwaters Serena Camp (luxury) / Ol Pejeta Tented Camp (mid-range)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activities & Highlights:
Drive to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a globally renowned conservation area home to black rhinos and chimpanzees. Afternoon game drive includes a visit to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, observing rescued chimps in semi-natural habitats. Also, keep an eye out for rhinos, lions, elephants, and cheetahs.

Travel Advice: Carry binoculars for wildlife spotting; a zoom camera lens is highly recommended for photography.

Day 7: Ol Pejeta → Lake Naivasha

Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activities & Highlights:
Morning game drive in Ol Pejeta before driving to Lake Naivasha. Enjoy an afternoon boat cruise, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife including fish eagles, pelicans, and kingfishers. Stroll along the lakeshore or explore the nearby Crescent Island for a walking safari among free-roaming wildlife.

Travel Tips: Wear comfortable walking shoes for lakeshore excursions and bring sun protection.

Day 8: Lake Naivasha → Amboseli National Park

Accommodation: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge / mid-range
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activities & Highlights:
Drive to Amboseli National Park, famous for its elephant herds and iconic views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Arrive in time for an evening game drive, capturing stunning sunset photographs with elephants in the foreground.

Travel Tips: Carry a light jacket for early morning and late evening drives, as temperatures can be cool.

Day 9: Amboseli National Park – Full-Day Safari

Accommodation: Same as Day 8
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activities & Highlights:
Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives, exploring Amboseli’s open savannahs, swamps, and acacia woodlands. Optional visit to a Maasai village, where you can learn about traditional dances, beadwork, and community life.

Travel Tips: Maasai villages are semi-nomadic; respect privacy and ask before taking photos. Carry water and light snacks for optional walks.

Day 10: Amboseli → Nairobi – Departure

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch included

Activities & Highlights:
After a final early morning game drive, begin your return journey to Nairobi. Stop at craft markets en route for souvenirs and enjoy scenic views of the Kenyan countryside. Transfer to your hotel or directly to the airport for onward flights. Reflect on the incredible wildlife, landscapes, and cultural experiences of the past 10 days.

Safari Inclusions

• Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof

• Services of an experienced English-speaking driver-guide

• All park fees, conservancy entry fees, and permits

• Accommodation as listed (luxury or mid-range)

• All meals as indicated (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

• Bottled water during game drives

• Cultural visits and guided village tours

Safari Exclusions

• International flights and airport taxes

• Travel insurance

• Personal expenses (souvenirs, tips, optional activities)

• Alcoholic beverages

What to Pack

• Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing for game drives

• Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen

• Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots

• Binoculars and camera with extra memory cards

• Warm jacket for early mornings and evenings

• Reusable water bottle

• Personal medications and basic first aid items

• Rain jacket if visiting during rainy season

Travel Advice & Tips

• Best Season to Visit: June–October (dry season) offers optimal wildlife sightings and easier driving conditions.

• Wildlife Etiquette: Always stay inside your vehicle during game drives unless your guide allows otherwise. Keep noise levels low.

• Photography Tips: Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best light for photography. A zoom lens of at least 300mm is ideal.

• Health: Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for Samburu and Meru regions; bring insect repellent.

• Cultural Respect: When visiting villages, dress modestly, remove hats in sacred areas, and ask permission before photographing locals.