11 day Kenya special five and big five safari

This 11 day Kenya special five and big five safari tracks black leopard and wild dogs in Laikipia, then visits Solio, Amboseli, Tsavo West and Tsavo East by private 4×4 from Nairobi.

Overview

Day by Day

Includes/Excludes

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Overview

This 11 day Kenya special five and big five safari is a private road safari from Nairobi with 3 nights in Laikipia Wilderness, 1 night near Solio Game Reserve, 2 nights in Amboseli, 2 in Tsavo West and 2 in Tsavo East. It runs all year round, includes black leopard and wild dog tracking in Laikipia, and starts from USD 4,435 per adult. It suits repeat visitors and wildlife enthusiasts.

You travel in a 4WD Land Cruiser with an English or bilingual driver guide and stay in 3-star and 4-star camps and lodges on full board: Sidai Camp, Rhino Watch Lodge, Praro Amboseli Camp, Voyager Ziwani Safari Camp and Ashnil Aruba Lodge.

Why choose an 11 day Kenya special five and big five safari?

The 11 day Kenya special five and big five safari combines two famous wildlife lists in one trip. The Special Five are northern Kenya species: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk and beisa oryx, which you look for in Laikipia. The Big Five are lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino, and the route adds Solio’s rhinos, Amboseli’s elephants and the big Tsavo parks.

Rare species: black leopard and African wild dog tracking in Laikipia, plus striped hyena and lesser kudu.
Rhino lovers: a full day in Solio Game Reserve, home to white and black rhinos.
After-dark wildlife: night game drives at Sidai Camp and Voyager Ziwani Safari Camp are included.

What to expect on the 11 day Kenya special five and big five safari

Day 1 is a meet-and-greet in Nairobi and the drive to Ewaso Enclave Conservancy in Laikipia Wilderness, with an afternoon game drive and the night at Sidai Camp. Days 2 and 3 are spent tracking black leopard and wild dogs, with a night game drive. Day 4 is a drive of about 3 hours to Solio Game Reserve for a full day with rhinos and a night at Rhino Watch Lodge.

Day 5 is a drive of about 6 hours to Amboseli and two nights at Praro Amboseli Camp, with a full day on day 6 for elephants, Kilimanjaro views and Observation Hill. Day 7 is about 3 hours to Tsavo West, with an afternoon and a night game drive, and day 8 visits Mzima Springs, Shetani Lava and Lake Jipe, both nights at Voyager Ziwani Safari Camp.

Day 9 crosses to Tsavo East, about 3 hours with a game drive en route, for two nights at Ashnil Aruba Lodge. Day 10 is a full day for red-dust elephants, Mudanda Rock, Aruba Dam, Lugard Falls and the Galana River. Day 11 is a drive of about 6 hours back to Nairobi for your hotel or flight.

Can you see the black leopard in Laikipia?

The black leopard of Laikipia is one of very few melanistic leopards recorded in Africa, and this safari gives you two full days of tracking it in Laikipia Wilderness, along with African wild dogs. Sightings of shy, wide-ranging predators can never be promised, so patience and quiet are part of the experience. Read more in our Laikipia Wilderness guide.

What is included in this Kenya Special Five safari?

The price includes a meet-and-greet and briefing, all transport in a 4WD Land Cruiser, 10 nights of accommodation (3 in Laikipia, 1 at Solio, 2 each in Amboseli, Tsavo West and Tsavo East), all park and conservation fees, black leopard and wild dog tracking, full board meals, an English or bilingual driver guide, unlimited game drives on the itinerary and drinking water. Sundowners, bush meal set-ups and night game drives at Sidai Camp and Voyager Ziwani Safari Camp are included free.

Optional activities at Sidai Camp cost extra: a medicinal plants bush walk (USD 25 per person), a camel safari (USD 120 per person per day), walking with local herders (USD 25), an educational tour at Mpala Research Centre (USD 150), a half-day guided walking safari (USD 35) and stargazing with a Maasai elder (USD 30). Travel insurance, visas, international flights, tips (about USD 10 per person per day is suggested), drinks and personal items are also not included. Learn more in our Big Five guide and Tsavo West National Park guide.

How much does the 11 day Kenya special five and big five safari cost?

From USD 4,435 per adult (regular price USD 5,320). The final price depends on your travel dates, group size and the lodges available, and we confirm every lodge in your written quote.

WhatsApp us on +254 706 223888, email [email protected] or request a free tailor-made quote, and we will reply with dates and availability.

Highlights

Black leopard and African wild dog tracking in Laikipia Wilderness
Special Five: Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk and beisa oryx
White and black rhinos in Solio Game Reserve
Elephants and Kilimanjaro views in Amboseli
Mzima Springs and Shetani Lava in Tsavo West
Night game drives at Sidai Camp and Voyager Ziwani included

Day 01 :

Nairobi - Laikipia Wilderness

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met by Divulge Adventures representative for meet, greet and safari briefing. Afterward, you will depart Nairobi for Ewaso Enclave Conservancy in Laikipia Wilderness for special five and big five safari. You will arrive in time for lunch, check in followed by lunch and afternoon siesta.

Later, you will set out for an afternoon game drive in this completely unique ecosystem. Stay on the lookout for the special five and big five comprising of gravy zebra, reticulated giraffe, somali ostrich, gerenuk and beisa oryx. Other animals include the vulturine guinea fowls, lions, leopard, stripped hyenas among other.

Afterwards, return to the camp for dinner and overnight at Sidai Camp.

Day 02 & 03 :

Laikipia Wilderness (Special Five and Big Five)

For these two full days you will have a task to accomplish. This includes tracking the famous and elusive black leopard and wild dogs at the Mpala Research Centre. You will have an amazing moment by sighting the only Kenya’s black panther in its wild habitat.

In addition, track the famous, vulnerable and endangered wild dogs. These activities require much patience and calmness to spot these kind of animals. At Ewaso Enclave Conservancy in Laikipia Wilderness you are guaranteed of such sightings in addition to other endangered wildlife like the stripped hyenas and lesser kudu.

While at this conservancy, you will enjoy a remarkable night game drive to spot the nocturnal animals which become active during the night. Dinner and Overnight at Sidai Camp.

Day 04 :

Laikipia Wilderness - Solio Game Reserve

After three good nights at this magnificent conservancy, you will have your breakfast, and proceed towards one of the most populated rhino area, Solio Game Reserve. Being your second time here, you can be sure as I am that this is the home of rhinos.

Approximately, 3 hours’ drive, you will check in at Solio Game Reserve for full day game drive at this reserve. Be ready to spot one of the big five in hundreds of white and black rhinos, waterbucks, impalas, buffaloes, lions as well as the common plain zebras.

You will have a picnic Lunch and proceed with the afternoon game drive till late in the evening. Afterwards, exit the reserve to your hotel for dinner and overnight at Rhino Watch Lodge

Day 05 :

Solio Game Reserve - Amboseli National Park

After a steamy hot delicious breakfast depart Solio Game Reserve and head to Amboseli National Park, approximately 6 hours’ drive. Arriving at around lunchtime for check-in and lunch, followed by afternoon siesta. Later in the afternoon set out for afternoon game drive at Amboseli National Park.

Enjoy the sightings of large elephant herds and the backdrop of Mt Kilimanjaro and later return to the camp for dinner and overnight atPraro Amboseli Camp.

Day 06 :

Amboseli National Park (Special Five and Big Five)

After breakfast, set out for a full-day game drive into the home of large herds of elephants and the Kilimanjaro royal court. The game drive takes you to Kenya's premium park, which is rich in wildlife, from up close free-ranging African Elephants to experiencing the epic view of the tallest mountain in Africa, Mt Kilimanjaro.

You will also visit Observation hill, where you can view the entire park in 360 degrees from the top. Lunch will be served as you proceed with the game drive and later return for dinner, and overnight at Praro Amboseli Camp.

Day 07 :

Amboseli National Park - Tsavo West National Park

After a steamy hot delicious breakfast depart Amboseli for Tsavo West National Park approximately 3 hours’ drive. Upon checking in at Tsavo West National Park, you will proceed on with an enroute game drive to the camp, arriving by lunch time. Check in, followed by lunch and afternoon relaxing.

Later set out for an afternoon game drive at Tsavo West National Park. This is one of the largest parks in Kenya in combination with Tsavo East National Park. Stay on the lookout for red elephants of Tsavo termed so because of the red soil of Tsavo.

Afterwards, you will have a night game drive at Tsavo West National Park. Later, return to the camp for dinner and overnight at Voyager Ziwani Safari Camp.

Day 08 :

Tsavo West National Park (Special Five and Big Five)

After an early and steamy breakfast, set out for a full day game drive at Tsavo West National Park. It is not a visit to this park without having visited Mzima Springs, Shetani Lava and Lake Jipe.

The game drive takes you to these unique features as well as spotting birdlife as the park is home to over 600 bird species. Also spotted here are Leopard, cheetah, buffalo, rhino, elephant, giraffe, zebra, lion, plains game, crocodile, mongoose, hyrax, Oryx, dikdik, lesser kudu, Klipspringer and the nocturnal porcupine.

Afterwards, return to the camp for dinner and overnight at Voyager Ziwani Safari Camp.

Day 09 :

Tsavo West National Park - Tsavo East National Park

After a steamy hot delicious breakfast exit Tsavo West National Park with an enroute game drive as you head to Tsavo East National Park approximately 3 hours’ drive. Upon crossing over to Tsavo East National Park, you will proceed on with an enroute game drive to the camp, arriving by lunch time. Check in, followed by lunch and afternoon relaxing.

Afterwards, set out for an afternoon game drive at Tsavo East National Park. Later, return to the camp for dinner and overnight at Ashnil Aruba Lodge.

Day 10 :

Tsavo East National Park (Special Five and Big Five)

Rise for breakfast and packed lunch serviced for a day’s travel. Proceed a full day game drive towards Tsavo East National Park. You might be able to spot red elephants and other wildlife. Enjoy packed lunch in the wild. Experience the red soil merge with the vegetation as they camouflage the elephants of the area.

More attractions comprise of leopards, lions, Mudanda rock, Aruba dam, Lugard falls and Galana river among others. Afterwards, return to the camp for dinner and overnight at Ashnil Aruba Lodge.

Day 11 :

Tsavo East National Park - Nairobi

After early breakfast, you will check out at the Hotel. Afterwards, proceed to Nairobi with an enroute game drive. Approximately, 6 hours’ drive. You will arrive at Nairobi in the afternoon. Drop off at your hotel or Airport for your outbound flight.

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When is the best time for the 11 day Kenya special five and big five safari?

The 11 day Kenya special five and big five safari runs all year round. The dry seasons, from late June to October and from January to February, usually give the easiest game viewing in Laikipia, Amboseli and Tsavo, as animals gather at water. The long rains in April and May make some roads harder, but the parks are green and quieter.

What is included in the 11 day Kenya special five and big five safari?

The 11 day Kenya special five and big five safari includes a 4WD Land Cruiser with a driver guide, 10 nights on full board, all park and conservation fees, black leopard and wild dog tracking, unlimited game drives, drinking water, sundowners, bush meals and night game drives at Sidai Camp and Voyager Ziwani. Flights, visas, insurance, tips, drinks and the optional Sidai Camp activities are extra.

Where do you stay on the Kenya Special Five and Big Five safari?

On the Kenya Special Five and Big Five safari you stay 3 nights at Sidai Camp in Laikipia, 1 night at Rhino Watch Lodge near Solio, 2 nights at Praro Amboseli Camp, 2 nights at Voyager Ziwani Safari Camp in Tsavo West and 2 nights at Ashnil Aruba Lodge in Tsavo East, in 3-star and 4-star rooms on full board.

Is the 11 day Special Five and Big Five safari suitable for families?

The 11 day Special Five and Big Five safari suits older children and teenagers who enjoy long game drives and patient wildlife tracking. Some transfers take about 6 hours, and the tracking days need quiet waiting. It is a private trip, so tell us your children’s ages and we will adjust the pace and rooms.

How do I book the 11 day Kenya special five and big five safari?

To book the 11 day Kenya special five and big five safari, send the enquiry form on this page, WhatsApp us on +254 706 223888 or email [email protected] with your dates and group size. We reply with a written quote and confirm availability at Sidai Camp and the other camps, which have limited rooms.