Samburu
Game drives through dry northern country along the Ewaso Nyiro River.
Signature Trips
Kiota Private Escape
13 Nights / 14 Days Road / SGR / Air
A more intimate, conservancy-focused alternative to the Grand Journey — trading the bigger-name parks for private, lesser-crowded reserves before the classic Mara-to-coast finale.
About this journey
Kiota Private
Escape.
A more intimate, conservancy-minded alternative to the Grand Journey — trading some of the bigger-name parks for quieter reserves before the classic Mara-to-coast finale.
Samburu, the Aberdare highlands, Nakuru, the Mara, Naivasha, and Amboseli, then Diani. It suits families and travellers who have already seen a standard circuit and want more variety.
Nairobi → Samburu → Aberdare → Nakuru → Maasai Mara → Naivasha → Amboseli → Diani Beach → Nairobi
Highlights
Intimate
Encounters.
The Aberdare highlands
A quiet highland night between Samburu and the Rift Valley lakes.
Mara, Naivasha, Amboseli
Classic savanna, a night on the lake, and Kilimanjaro's elephants before the journey turns toward the sea.
Diani to close
Three nights on Diani Beach — space to rest at the last stop.
- Samburu National Reserve game drives
- A quiet night in the Aberdare highlands
- Nakuru's flamingo lake
- Maasai Mara — classic savanna game drives
- Naivasha's lakeside and boat ride safari
- Amboseli beneath Kilimanjaro
- SGR scenic railway transfer from Emali to the coast
- Three nights on Diani Beach
Accommodation
Where You'll
Stay.
| Destination | Nights | Hotel / Lodge |
|---|---|---|
| Nairobi | 1N | Safari Park Hotel |
| Samburu | 2N | Ashnil Lodge |
| Aberdare | 1N | Aberdare Country Club |
| Nakuru | 1N | Lake Nakuru Sopa |
| Maasai Mara | 2N | Mara Sopa Lodge |
| Naivasha | 1N | Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort |
| Amboseli | 2N | Amboseli Sopa |
| Diani Beach | 3N | Baobab Beach Resort |
Itinerary
Day by
Day.
Arrive Nairobi
Touch down in Nairobi and transfer to Safari Park Hotel. Evening at leisure to settle in. Dinner and overnight at Safari Park Hotel.
Nairobi → Samburu
Depart after breakfast and drive for approximately 5 to 6 hours to Samburu, checking in at Ashnil Lodge for lunch. Afternoon rest, followed by an evening game drive with chances to see elephants, giraffe, and lions among others. Dinner and overnight at Ashnil Lodge.
Samburu
Early morning game drive, returning to the lodge for lunch and an afternoon at leisure, followed by an evening game drive along the Ewaso Nyiro River. Dinner and overnight at Ashnil Lodge.
Samburu → Aberdare
Depart after breakfast and drive to Aberdare Country Club, arriving in good time for lunch. Afternoon at leisure in the highland grounds. Dinner and overnight at Aberdare Country Club.
Aberdare → Nakuru
Depart after breakfast and drive to Lake Nakuru, checking in at Lake Nakuru Sopa for lunch. Afternoon game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park with chances to see flamingos, buffalo, and rhino among others. Dinner and overnight at Lake Nakuru Sopa.
Nakuru → Maasai Mara
Depart after breakfast and drive for approximately 5 hours to the Maasai Mara, checking in at Mara Sopa Lodge for lunch. Game drive at 4pm with chances to see big cats — lions, cheetahs, and hyenas among others. Dinner and overnight at Mara Sopa Lodge.
Maasai Mara
Early morning game drive and afternoon at leisure, with an optional Maasai village visit, followed by an evening game drive. Dinner and overnight at Mara Sopa Lodge.
Maasai Mara → Naivasha
Depart after breakfast to Lake Naivasha, arriving in good time for lunch at Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort. Afternoon siesta, followed by a boat ride safari on Lake Naivasha. Dinner and overnight at Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort.
Naivasha → Amboseli
Depart after breakfast and drive for approximately 6 and a half hours to Amboseli, arriving in good time for lunch at Amboseli Sopa. Afternoon rest, followed by an evening game drive with chances to see elephants and Mt. Kilimanjaro. Dinner and overnight at Amboseli Sopa.
Amboseli
Depart after breakfast for a full day game drive with picnic lunch boxes. Dinner and overnight at Amboseli Sopa.
Amboseli → Diani (SGR)
Depart after breakfast and transfer to Emali train station to board the train to Mombasa, then continue by road to Diani and check in at Baobab Beach Resort. Dinner and overnight at Baobab Beach Resort.
Diani Beach
Full day at leisure — water sports, spa, or relaxation. Dinner and overnight at Baobab Beach Resort.
Diani Beach
Full day at leisure — optional marine park, dhow cruise, or cultural tour. Dinner and overnight at Baobab Beach Resort.
Diani → Nairobi (Flight)
Depart after breakfast and transfer to Ukunda airstrip for your flight to Nairobi, connecting to your international departure.
End of our service
Summary
How the quieter circuit
is built.
Families and guests who have already seen the Mara
Multi-generational families, value-luxury travelers, guests who've done a standard Kenya safari and want something more varied and exclusive.
Shorter stops through the interior, then a longer coast
Varied and dynamic — shorter 1–2 night stops through the interior before three nights on the coast.
Questions, considered
About travelling
quietly.
Are the one-night stops too short?
Aberdare, Nakuru, and Naivasha are designed as vivid chapters, not rushed boxes. The longer stays at Samburu, the Mara, Amboseli, and Diani carry the weight of the journey.
How does this differ from the Grand Journey?
It trades Laikipia and Taita for Samburu and Aberdare, and it is slightly shorter. The feeling is more varied and less of a single sweeping circuit.
Is it suitable for mixed ages?
Yes. Private vehicles let the day flex around children, grandparents, and whoever needs a slower afternoon.
Quieter reserves first
Conservancies before the Mara-to-coast finish — say how private you need camp to feel.