9 Days Kenya: Highland Trails & Safari Plains

Highland Trails & Safari Plains

This 9-day Kenyan journey takes you from the misty trails of the central highlands to the golden plains of Laikipia and the wild heart of the Maasai Mara. Begin in Nairobi and travel north through lush tea estates and forested foothills, where cooler altitudes hide rare primates and birdlife. As you descend into the Laikipia Plateau, prepare for exclusive wildlife experiences and sweeping views of Mount Kenya.

 

Cap off your adventure in the Maasai Mara, where game drives, sundowners, and rich cultural encounters offer the quintessential safari dream, elevated with Safiriya’s signature touch of luxury and depth.

Day by Day summary
At a glance
Day by Day summary

Every Safiriya is tailored to your exact travel wishes—no readymade tours or set departures. Get in touch with our experts to start creating your bespoke itinerary.

Day by Day summary

Low Season from $14,100 per person
High Season from $21,300 per person

Rwanda traditional dancers

Highlights

Itinerary Details

Day-by-day

Day 1

Arrival in Nairobi – Capital Charms & Rooftop Welcome
Touch down at JKIA and transfer to your chic urban lodge. Explore Nairobi’s emerging food scene or unwind with cocktails at a rooftop bar overlooking the city skyline. In the evening, join your guide for a welcome dinner with curated local cuisine and itinerary briefing.

3 nights

Mpala Jena

All Inclusive | Standard Guest Suite
Zimbabwe

Day 2

Nairobi to Aberdare Highlands – Forest Walks & Tea Estates
Journey north to the cool Aberdare region. Enjoy a scenic drive through lush tea plantations before settling into your highland lodge. Afternoon forest walk offers chances to spot Colobus monkeys, exotic birds, and waterfalls.

3 nights

Selinda Explorers Camp

All Inclusive | Safari Tent
Botswana

Day 3

Aberdare Exploration – Misty Trails & Wildlife Watch
Spend the day hiking forested trails or relaxing by the fireplace. Optional activities include guided birdwatching or cultural visits to nearby Kikuyu homesteads. Evening fireside storytelling completes the tranquil mountain experience.

3 nights

Duba Explorers Camp

All Inclusive | Safari Tent
Botswana

Day 4

Laikipia Plateau – Scenic Drive to the Plains
Descend into Laikipia’s wide, open landscapes — one of Kenya’s best-kept safari secrets. Check into your eco-luxury camp and enjoy a sundowner with views of Mount Kenya and roaming wildlife.

3 nights

Duba Explorers Camp

All Inclusive | Safari Tent
Botswana

Day 5

Laikipia – Private Safari & Night Game Drive
Embark on a full day of exclusive game viewing in a conservancy setting. Spot elephants, Grevy’s zebra, wild dogs, and giraffes. After sunset, head out on a rare night game drive under the stars.

3 nights

Duba Explorers Camp

All Inclusive | Safari Tent
Botswana

Day 6

Laikipia to Maasai Mara – Scenic Flight & Safari Welcome
Board a short bush flight to the legendary Maasai Mara. Touch down to a classic African welcome and enjoy your first afternoon game drive. Lions, cheetahs, and dramatic savannah vistas await.

3 nights

Duba Explorers Camp

All Inclusive | Safari Tent
Botswana

Day 7

Maasai Mara – Big Five & Balloon Optional
Spend the day tracking wildlife in Kenya’s most iconic reserve. Optional: sunrise hot air balloon safari with champagne breakfast. Return to camp for a cultural presentation by local Maasai hosts.

3 nights

Duba Explorers Camp

All Inclusive | Safari Tent
Botswana

Day 8

Maasai Mara – Full-Day Safari with Bush Lunch
Today, you will fully immerse yourself in the Mara’s rich ecosystem. Enjoy a picnic-style bush lunch surrounded by nature. Your guide will tailor the day based on animal movement and your interests.

3 nights

Duba Explorers Camp

All Inclusive | Safari Tent
Botswana

Day 9

Return to Nairobi & Departure
Fly back to Nairobi, where a day room and lunch await (based on flight time). Optional shopping or spa treatment before your international transfer concludes the journey.

3 nights

Duba Explorers Camp

All Inclusive | Safari Tent
Botswana

Kenya

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Our trips are unashamedly high-end but always deliver excellent value for money. Our guide price covers the majority of trip costs upfront, on a per person basis, including international flights and all transfers.

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ACTIVITIES

This sample trip offers countless adventures and activities to ensure lifetime memories are made. From unforgettable thrills to indulgent relaxation, choose those that appeal most and we will curate your perfect itinerary.

Enriching encounters

ICONIC WILDLIFE

Whether you want to tick the Big Five off your bucket list or seek out specific safari species, our expert guides reveal the typical wildlife sightings to expect on this sample trip.
acknowledging africa s historical significance
A male leopard sitting in tall grass, gazing at the camera in a Kenyan savannah.

Sample itineraries

TRIPS TO INSPIRE

From exhilarating wildlife encounters to out-of-this-world natural wonders, echoes of ancient empires, and rose-gold beaches, every bespoke Safiriya journey is designed to immerse you in the extraordinary. Whether it’s a bucket list trip, marking a milestone, or a soul-stirring retreat, let this handpicked selection inspire your next escape.