9-Day Samburu, Naivasha & Diani Bliss (Budget Safari)
Tour Type: Solo / Group Tour
Style: Budget Safari – Affordable lodges and camps with essential amenities, guided wildlife and nature activities, and authentic local hospitality
Destinations: Samburu National Reserve • Lake Naivasha • Hell’s Gate National Park • Diani Beach • Nairobi
Kenya’s Wild North, Rift Valley Heart & Coastal Soul
This 9-day itinerary takes you from the rugged landscapes of Samburu, home to rare northern species and rich Samburu culture, through the serene shores of Lake Naivasha and the dramatic cliffs of Hell’s Gate, before ending with barefoot bliss on the white sands of Diani Beach. It’s a journey that balances adventure and relaxation, offering game drives, boat safaris, cycling, and snorkeling, all wrapped in budget-friendly comfort.
Key Tour Highlights & Unique Selling Points
- Game drives in Samburu with chances to spot the “Samburu Special Five”
- Boat safari on Lake Naivasha and cycling in Hell’s Gate National Park
- Cultural visit to a Samburu village and geothermal spa experience
- Relaxation on Diani’s beaches and optional snorkeling or dolphin watching
- Budget accommodations with nature views, local cuisine, and group-friendly amenities
- Ideal for solo travelers, student groups, families, and budget-conscious explorers
Major Attractions
| Location | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Samburu National Reserve | Reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, elephants |
| Lake Naivasha | Hippos, birdlife, boat safari |
| Hell’s Gate National Park | Cycling, hiking, geothermal spa |
| Diani Beach | White sand beaches, coral reefs, water sports |
| Nairobi | Giraffe Centre, Karen Blixen Museum (optional) |
Accessibility Options
- By Road: Nairobi → Samburu (~6 hours), Samburu → Naivasha (~6 hours), Naivasha → Nairobi (~2 hours), Nairobi → Diani (~9 hours or 1-hour flight)
- By Air (Optional): Domestic flights available from Nairobi to Ukunda (Diani)
- Transfers: All ground and optional air transfers provided in licensed safari vehicles with bottled water and onboard guide
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi & Transfer to Samburu
Activities:
- Morning arrival in Nairobi and scenic drive to Samburu
- Afternoon game drive along the Ewaso Nyiro River
Accommodation: Budget Option: Samburu Riverside Camp / Umoja Campsite
Amenities: En-suite tents or bandas, local meals, river views
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drives in Samburu
Activities:
- Morning game drive to spot the Samburu Special Five
- Afternoon visit to a Samburu village for cultural immersion
Accommodation: Same as Day 1
Day 3: Samburu → Lake Naivasha & Boat Safari
Activities:
- Morning transfer to Lake Naivasha via scenic Rift Valley
- Afternoon boat safari to spot hippos and water birds
Accommodation: Budget Option: Fisherman’s Camp / Camp Carnelley’s
Amenities: Lakeside bandas or tents, restaurant, Wi-Fi
Day 4: Hell’s Gate Cycling & Geothermal Spa
Activities:
- Morning cycling safari through Hell’s Gate National Park
- Afternoon soak in Olkaria Geothermal Spa
Accommodation: Same as Day 3
Day 5: Naivasha → Nairobi & Flight to Diani
Activities:
- Morning transfer to Nairobi and flight to Ukunda (Diani)
- Afternoon beach check-in and leisure
Accommodation: Budget Option: Diani Backpackers / Stilts Backpackers
Amenities: Beach access, shared or private rooms, bar, Wi-Fi
Day 6: Diani Beach Leisure & Optional Snorkeling
Activities:
- Morning relaxation or optional snorkeling in Kisite Marine Park
- Afternoon visit to local craft market or Colobus Conservation
Accommodation: Same as Day 5
Day 7: Dolphin Watching & Sunset Dhow Cruise
Activities:
- Morning dolphin watching excursion (seasonal)
- Evening dhow cruise with drinks and coastal sunset views
Accommodation: Same as Day 5
Day 8: Optional Water Sports & Beach Bonfire
Activities:
- Morning kayaking, paddleboarding, or scuba diving (optional)
- Evening beach bonfire and Swahili dinner
Accommodation: Same as Day 5
Day 9: Diani → Nairobi & Departure
Activities:
- Morning flight or road transfer to Nairobi
- Optional visit to Giraffe Centre or Karen Blixen Museum (time permitting)
- Transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for departure
What to Carry & Requirements
- Valid passport and Kenyan visa
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate
- Lightweight safari clothing (neutral colors)
- Swimwear and beachwear
- Sturdy walking shoes and sandals
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, sunglasses
- Binoculars and camera with extra batteries
- Reusable water bottle and personal medications
- Respectful attire for cultural visits
- Moderate fitness level for cycling and water activities
✅ Inclusions
- All ground and optional air transfers
- 8 nights budget accommodation
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Game drives in Samburu with professional guide
- Boat safari and Hell’s Gate cycling tour
- Maasai/Samburu village visit
- Dhow cruise and dolphin watching
- Park entry fees and ranger support
- Bottled drinking water during transfers
❌ Exclusions
- International flights
- Kenyan visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
- Optional activities not listed (e.g., scuba diving, spa treatments)
Accommodation Overview
| Lodge Name | Location | Key Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| Samburu Riverside Camp | Samburu | River views, en-suite tents, local meals |
| Fisherman’s Camp | Lake Naivasha | Lakeside bandas, restaurant, Wi-Fi |
| Diani Backpackers | Diani Beach | Beach access, shared rooms, bar, Wi-Fi |
Safari in the North & Unwind on the Coast
This budget safari offers the perfect balance of wilderness adventure and coastal charm, ideal for solo travelers and group explorers.