2 Days Tsavo East & Salt Lick Safari
Safari Overview :
Experience Kenya’s wildest treasures on this epic 11-day adventure from Ol Pejeta to Tsavo East. Track endangered rhinos and chimpanzees, witness the legendary Masai Mara’s Big Five, marvel at elephants against Mount Kilimanjaro’s majestic backdrop, and sleep above the wild at the iconic stilted Saltlick Safari Lodge. From sunrise game drives to boat rides on Lake Naivasha.
This journey delivers unforgettable wildlife encounters, cultural immersion with the Samburu tribe, and five-star safari luxury across Kenya’s most spectacular reserves.
Safari Itinerary
Day 1
Nairobi to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Morning Drive & Arrival at Sweetwaters
Start with an early morning pick-up from your Nairobi hotel/airport at 7:00 am. Drive north towards the Laikipia plains. The route offers scenic views of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Arrive at the conservancy for check-in and lunch at a preferred camp, such as Sweetwaters Serena Camp.
Afternoon Activities: Rhinos & Chimpanzees
The afternoon is dedicated to conservation. You will visit the Mokey and Rhino Sanctuary, home to the last two northern white rhinos on the planet. This is followed by a game drive focusing on the endangered species, including the vast herds of elephants and plains game.
Evening & Focus
Dinner and overnight. The camp setting often overlooks a floodlit waterhole, providing unique opportunities for night game viewing of animals drinking.
Day 2
Ol Pejeta to Samburu National Reserve
Morning Game Drive & Transfer
Early morning game drive in Ol Pejeta to catch predators before sunrise. Return for breakfast and then begin the transfer north to Samburu National Reserve. This drive takes approximately 5-6 hours, passing through the equator.
Late Afternoon Game Drive: Samburu Specials
Arrive in Samburu for a late lunch and check-in. The afternoon game drive focuses on the arid land species unique to the North, collectively known as the Samburu Special Five: the Reticulated Giraffe, Grevy's Zebra, Beisa Oryx, Gerenuk (or 'Giraffe Gazelle'), and the Somali Ostrich.
Evening & Focus
Dinner and overnight. The focus is on the breathtaking, rugged scenery and the distinctive northern wildlife adaptation.
Day 3
Full Day Exploration in Samburu
Sunrise Drive along Ewaso Nyiro
The entire day is spent in the reserve. The morning game drive follows the course of the Ewaso Nyiro River, the lifeblood of Samburu, which attracts huge elephant herds and predators.
Afternoon Game Drive & Cultural Option
Continue the drive in the afternoon, searching for the elusive Leopard often found resting in riverine thickets. You may also opt for an afternoon visit to a traditional Samburu Village (extra cost) to learn about their semi-nomadic culture.
Evening & Focus
Dinner and overnight. Today's highlight is the diversity of the Special Five and cultural exposure.
Day 4
Samburu to Lake Nakuru National Park
Transfer Day Across Kenya
After an early breakfast, begin the long transit south and west towards the Great Rift Valley, a crucial journey covering a significant distance. Enjoy spectacular views as you traverse the vast Kenyan landscape toward the Central Highlands.
Afternoon Arrival & Rhino Focus
Arrive at Lake Nakuru National Park in the late afternoon. After checking in and a brief rest, embark on a sunset game drive. Nakuru is a world-renowned Rhino Sanctuary, giving you a high chance of spotting both the Black and White Rhinos.
Evening & Focus
Dinner and overnight. Focus on seeing the rare Rothschild's Giraffe and the many species of water birds.
Day 5
Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha (Activity Day)
Morning Drive & Transfer to Naivasha
Morning game drive in Nakuru for final photographs, especially of the distinctive wildlife and the famous pink flamingos (when present). Transfer the short distance to Lake Naivasha, a freshwater rift valley lake, and check in.
Interactive Excursion: Boat & Walking Safari
Afternoon activities include a relaxing Boat Safari on Lake Naivasha to see pods of hippos up close and numerous bird species, including the African Fish Eagle. Follow this with a guided walking safari on Crescent Island, allowing you to walk freely among non-predatory animals like giraffes, zebras, and impalas.
Evening & Focus
Dinner and overnight near the lake. Highlight is the unique, active experience of walking with wildlife and the peaceful lake scenery.
Day 6
Lake Naivasha to Masai Mara National Reserve
The Journey to the Savannah
After an early breakfast, begin the 5-6 hour drive to the globally renowned Masai Mara National Reserve. The drive is long but picturesque, offering cultural stops along the way. Arrive at the reserve gate and proceed to your lodge/camp.
First Taste of the Wild: Afternoon Game Drive
Check-in and enjoy lunch. The late afternoon features your first thrilling Masai Mara Game Drive. This is a prime time for spotting lions and cheetahs beginning their evening hunt as the heat subsides. This marks the start of three consecutive nights in the Mara.
Evening & Focus
Dinner and overnight. Focus is on capturing the classic savannah sunset and anticipation for the coming days of deep exploration.
Day 7
Full Day of Deep Masai Mara Exploration
Sunrise Game Drive & Extended Safari
Depart before sunrise for the best predator viewing. Spend the entire day deep within the reserve with a packed Picnic Lunch. This maximizes time and allows the safari vehicle to track Big Cat activity, reaching areas far from the lodge hubs.
Afternoon Tracking & Sighting Diversity
Continue the search for the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, elephant). During migration season (July-October), the focus shifts to the plains game and the massive wildebeest and zebra herds. Your experienced guide will share local knowledge to spot hidden wildlife.
Evening & Focus
Return to the lodge/camp just before sunset. Dinner and overnight. The highlight is the pure, uninterrupted wildlife viewing experience.
Day 8
Second Full Day in the Mara (Maximizing Sightings)
Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari or River Focus
Option 1: Take the ultimate pre-dawn Hot Air Balloon Safari (additional cost) followed by a champagne breakfast upon landing. Option 2: Head out for another extensive game drive, focusing on the Mara River area and the surrounding gorges.
Afternoon Game Drive & Photography
The afternoon drive allows for repeat sightings of favorite animals or an opportunity to find species missed on previous drives. This is the ideal time to perfect your safari photography in the golden hour light.
Evening & Focus
Final dinner and overnight in the Mara. The richness of this area means three nights significantly increases the likelihood of seeing a successful hunt or a rare sighting.
Day 9
Masai Mara to Amboseli National Park
Final Mara Drive & Long Transfer South
Take a final short game drive en-route as you exit the Masai Mara. After breakfast, begin the very early and necessary long road transfer (approx. 8-9 hours) south-east to Amboseli National Park, the land of the giants.
Afternoon Game Drive & The Great Mountain
Arrive in Amboseli, check-in, and head out for an afternoon game drive. Amboseli is characterized by its large herds of Elephants (the famous tuskers) and the iconic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. The best views of Kili are often at sunset.
Evening & Focus
Dinner and overnight in Amboseli. Today's focus is on the incredible scale of the elephant herds and capturing the magnificent mountain vista.
Day 10
Amboseli to Saltlick Safari Lodge (Night Viewing)
Sunrise Game Drive & Transfer
Start early to catch the stunning sunrise over Kilimanjaro—the clearest time of day for the best photos. Return for a full breakfast, then transfer to the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, home to the unique Saltlick Safari Lodge.
Afternoon Arrival & Night Game Viewing
Arrive for lunch and check-in. The lodge is built on stilts and overlooks a floodlit watering hole. The afternoon is spent enjoying the views from the comfort of the lodge. After dinner, watch for elephants, buffalo, and even leopards coming to drink at the watering hole throughout the night.
Evening & Focus
Dinner and overnight at Saltlick. The highlight is the unparalleled, safe night game viewing experience right from your room.
Day 11
Taita Hills to Nairobi (Departure)
Final Sunrise Game Drive
Take one last exhilarating game drive in the Taita Hills Sanctuary at sunrise to capture final photos and bid farewell to the wilderness. This last drive is often productive, as the animals are most active during the cooler morning hours.
Departure & Road Transfer
Return to the lodge for a full breakfast and check-out. Begin the final road transfer back to Nairobi (approx. 6-7 hours). You will arrive in the late afternoon for drop-off at your hotel or the international airport (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport - JKIA), concluding your comprehensive Kenyan safari.
Practical Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The dry season (June to October) is ideal for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around water sources. However, these parks are accessible year-round.
- Health and Safety: Ensure you have the necessary vaccinations and carry anti-malarial medication. Travel insurance is highly recommended.
- Packing Essentials: Comfortable safari clothing, a good camera, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Cost Includes
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Meet and greet services
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Accommodation at agreed lodge/camp
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Meals on Fullboard basis
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Game viewing as indicated
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Transport in a private 4x4 Jeep
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Park Entrance fees, taxes and service charges
Cost Excludes
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International flights & visa fees
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Maasai/Samburu village visits
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Optional activities (balloon safaris, boat rides, cycling)
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Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, calls, clothing)
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Gratuities for guides, porters & staff
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Domestic flights (Mombasa/Nairobi)
Short Safaris
Luxury Safaris
Excursions
Get in touch
- hello@dropintowildsafari.com
- Diani Bazaar , Diani Beach Road.