10-Day Bush & Beach Adventure: Aberdares to Malindi
A ten-day highland-and-coast route through the Aberdares, Sweetwaters/Ol Pejeta, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli and Taita Hills, finishing with four nights on Malindi's coral coast.
- Duration
- 10 Days / 9 Nights
- From
- From $3,650 per person
- Group size
- 2–8 travelers
- Best time
- January–March & June–October
The trip, in short
A ten-day highland-and-coast route through the Aberdares, Sweetwaters/Ol Pejeta, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli and Taita Hills, finishing with four nights on Malindi's coral coast.
This ten-day route trades the classic southern circuit for Kenya’s central highlands and northern coast: misty Aberdares forest, the rhino and chimpanzee sanctuaries of Sweetwaters/Ol Pejeta, the boating waters of Lake Naivasha, Amboseli’s Kilimanjaro backdrop, the private Taita Hills sanctuary, and finally Malindi’s coral coastline.
It’s a quieter alternative to the well-trodden Mara route — fewer crowds, denser forest scenery, and a coastal finish at Malindi rather than Diani or Mombasa. Ideal for repeat visitors to Kenya or travelers who want bush variety, from highland forest to savanna to a private conservancy, before their beach time.
What makes this one special
- Forest and waterfall scenery in the Aberdares
- Rhino and chimpanzee sanctuaries at Sweetwaters/Ol Pejeta
- Boat safari on Lake Naivasha
- Amboseli's elephant herds beneath Kilimanjaro
- Private game drives in Taita Hills Sanctuary
- Four nights unwinding on Malindi Beach
Your itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi to the Aberdares
Drive up into the Aberdares highlands, with an afternoon forest drive and waterfall viewing.
Day 2: Aberdares to Sweetwaters/Ol Pejeta
Transfer down to Sweetwaters/Ol Pejeta Conservancy for an afternoon game drive and a visit to the chimpanzee sanctuary.
Day 3: Full Day Ol Pejeta Conservancy
A full day tracking rhino, big cats and elephant across the conservancy.
Day 4: Ol Pejeta to Lake Naivasha
Transfer to Lake Naivasha for an afternoon boat ride on the lake.
Day 5: Lake Naivasha to Amboseli
Drive south to Amboseli, arriving for an evening game drive beneath Kilimanjaro.
Day 6: Full Day Amboseli
Morning and afternoon game drives across Amboseli’s swamps and dried lake bed.
Day 7: Amboseli to Taita Hills
Transfer to the private Taita Hills Sanctuary for an afternoon game drive.
Day 8: Taita Hills to Malindi Beach
Drive to the coast, arriving at Malindi in time to relax by the ocean.
Day 9: Malindi Beach at Leisure
A free day on Malindi’s coral coast, with optional water sports and excursions.
Day 10: Malindi Beach Departure
Free morning before your onward transfer.
What’s included
Included
- Private safari vehicle and English-speaking driver-guide
- All park and conservancy entrance fees
- 9 nights' accommodation, full board inland / bed & breakfast on the coast
- Road transfers between all destinations
- Bottled water during game drives
Not included
- Flights and visas
- Travel insurance
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional water sports at the coast
- Kenya-registered tour operator
- Tailor-made, never off-the-shelf
- Local guides, fair wages
- Replies within one working day
Not quite the trip you had in mind?
Every VPAAL safari is a starting point. Tell us your dates, budget and pace and we will reshape it around you.