A 6-Day Safari from Nairobi to Meru National Park

Upon arrival at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your guide, who will escort you to your comfortable hotel in the city. After a quick check-in and rest, you’ll embark on your first safari adventure in Nairobi National Park, located just outside the bustling city. This unique park offers the chance to see iconic African wildlife against the city’s skyline. With species like lions, giraffes, zebras, and various bird species, Nairobi National Park provides a surprising contrast to the urban environment. Enjoy a relaxing evening at your hotel, preparing for the adventure ahead.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading out for a morning game drive in Nairobi National Park. The park’s open grasslands and woodlands are home to a wide range of animals, including rhinos, wildebeests, and over 400 bird species. As you venture deeper into the park, you’ll have the opportunity to spot predators like lions and cheetahs, especially during the early morning hours. After your game drive, return to your hotel for a refreshing lunch. The afternoon is at leisure, but you can choose to visit the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, a wonderful opportunity to see and learn about the rehabilitation of orphaned elephants. Alternatively, visit the Giraffe Centre, where you can feed the endangered Rothschild giraffes. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kenyan dinner at your hotel, reflecting on the day’s wildlife encounters.

After an early breakfast, you’ll check out of your hotel and head to Shimba Hills National Reserve, located about 45 kilometers south of Mombasa. This scenic reserve, known for its lush landscapes and abundant wildlife, offers a more secluded safari experience. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and enjoy a delicious lunch before heading out for your first afternoon game drive. Shimba Hills is famous for its herds of elephants, but you’ll also encounter other wildlife, including buffaloes, giraffes, and various antelope species. The park is also home to the rare Sable Antelope, making it a special place for wildlife enthusiasts. As the sun sets over the hills, enjoy a peaceful dinner in the heart of the reserve, listening to the sounds of the wilderness.

Today, spend a full day immersed in the beauty of Shimba Hills. Begin with an early morning game drive, where the park’s diverse flora and fauna are most active. The thick forest areas offer a different safari experience compared to other reserves, with the chance to spot nocturnal creatures like bush babies and various monkeys. After the morning game drive, return to your lodge for a leisurely breakfast before heading out again for a guided bush walk. During the walk, you’ll have the chance to explore the reserve’s dense forests, guided by a local ranger who will share insights into the ecosystem, the medicinal plants, and the animals that roam the area. Enjoy lunch at your lodge, followed by an afternoon game drive. In the evening, relax with dinner while watching the sky turn into a canvas of stars, marking the end of another wonderful day.

After breakfast, you’ll check out of your lodge and travel to Meru National Park, located in eastern Kenya. This off-the-beaten-path park offers a truly unique safari experience, combining diverse habitats such as open plains, riverine forests, and dense woodlands. Upon arrival, enjoy a delicious lunch at your lodge before embarking on your first game drive. Meru is famous for its healthy populations of big cats, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs, as well as its thriving populations of elephants and giraffes. The park’s secluded nature provides you with a peaceful atmosphere to truly connect with nature. In the evening, enjoy a quiet dinner at the lodge and relax, surrounded by the sounds of the African bush.

On your final day of safari, enjoy an early morning game drive through the wilds of Meru National Park. With fewer tourists, the park offers a more intimate wildlife experience. Look out for elusive leopards in the trees or rhinos grazing near the river. Meru is also home to a wide variety of bird species, so keep your binoculars handy. After a memorable morning game drive, return to the lodge for breakfast and a short break before your final activity: a visit to the Tana River, where you can relax by the water’s edge, surrounded by stunning views. Enjoy a farewell lunch at your lodge before your journey back to Nairobi. You’ll arrive in Nairobi in the afternoon, where your guide will transfer you to the airport for your departure, marking the end of this unforgettable safari adventure.