Experience Kenya’s ultimate wildlife adventure on this 11 Days 10 Nights Big 5 & Ugly 5 Bush Safari. Discover the Big Five, Ugly Five, Samburu Special Five, breathtaking landscapes, and luxury safari lodges.

Embark on the ultimate Kenyan wildlife expedition with our 11 Days 10 Nights Big 5 & Ugly 5 Bush Safari, carefully designed for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers. This unforgettable journey takes you across Kenya’s most spectacular national parks and conservancies in search of the legendary Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—as well as the fascinating Ugly Five: wildebeest, hyena, warthog, marabou stork, and vulture. Along the way, encounter the unique Samburu Special Five, breathtaking landscapes, authentic cultural experiences, and luxurious safari lodges for an immersive African safari unlike any other.

Safari Highlights

11 Days / 10 Nights premium Kenya safari
Search for the legendary Big Five
Spot the fascinating Ugly Five
Discover the Samburu Special Five
Visit Kenya’s top wildlife parks and conservancies
Spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro
Game drives in custom 4×4 Safari Land Cruisers
Professional English-speaking safari guide
Luxury, mid-range, or budget accommodation options
Daily morning and afternoon game drives
Exceptional wildlife photography opportunities
Cultural visits with local communities
Sundowners in the African wilderness
Over 1,000 bird species across Kenya

Why Book the Big 5 & Ugly 5 Bush Safari?

This carefully crafted itinerary offers one of the most comprehensive wildlife experiences in Kenya. Beyond the famous Big Five, you’ll discover the often-overlooked Ugly Five, celebrated for their ecological importance and fascinating adaptations. Combined with the Samburu Special Five, dramatic landscapes, iconic national parks, and experienced guides, this safari delivers an unforgettable journey showcasing Kenya’s incredible biodiversity.

Wildlife You’ll Encounter

The Big Five

Lion
Leopard
African Elephant
Cape Buffalo
Black & White Rhino

The Ugly Five

Warthog
Hyena
Wildebeest
Marabou Stork
Vulture

Samburu Special Five (Optional)

Grevy’s Zebra
Reticulated Giraffe
Somali Ostrich
Beisa Oryx
Gerenuk

These unique species are found primarily in northern Kenya, making this safari even more distinctive.

Best Time to Travel

January – March

Excellent wildlife viewing, clear skies, and fantastic photography.

June – October

Peak safari season with dry weather, abundant wildlife, and exceptional game viewing.

November – December

Beautiful green landscapes, migratory birds, and fewer visitors.

Ideal For

Wildlife enthusiasts
Professional photographers
Birdwatchers
Couples
Families
Honeymooners
Small groups
Luxury travelers
Adventure seekers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Big Five?

The Big Five are lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros.

What is the Ugly Five?

The Ugly Five include the wildebeest, hyena, warthog, marabou stork, and vulture. Despite their name, they play vital roles in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

What is the Samburu Special Five?

The Samburu Special Five consists of the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk—species largely confined to northern Kenya.

Is this safari private?

Yes. Private departures are available, and group joining options may also be offered.

Which vehicle is used?

A custom-built 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for excellent wildlife viewing and photography.

Is this safari suitable for photographers?

Absolutely. The itinerary is designed to maximize wildlife encounters across Kenya’s diverse ecosystems.

Are park fees included?

Yes, unless otherwise stated in your quotation.

Book Your 11 Days Big 5 & Ugly 5 Bush Safari

Experience Kenya’s most complete wildlife adventure with Oltepesi Tours & Travel. Track the legendary Big Five, discover the remarkable Ugly Five and Samburu Special Five, explore Kenya’s iconic national parks, and create unforgettable memories with expert safari guides. Contact us today for a personalized itinerary, competitive rates, and exceptional service.

Day 1 : Nairobi- Amboseli

Known for its large elephant herds and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli is a great place to start your safari and spot elephants, and potentially other Big Five members.
Meet & greet by your safari representative. Road transfer to Amboseli. Lunch at AA lodge. Evening game drive
Overnight: Sopa Lodge or similar on full board.

Day 2 : Amboseli National Park

Morning and afternoon game drivewith views of Mt. Kilimanjaro
Leisure time at Sopa lodge & lunch
Overnight: Sopa lodge or similar on full board
Optional: Maasai village visit

Day 3 : Amboseli-Nairobi-Olpejeta

The Ol Pejeta Conservancy, East Africa’s Largest Black Rhino Sanctuary, is situated at the foot hills of the Aberdares and the magnificent snow-capped Mount Kenya. Ol Pejeta boasts an astounding variety of animals including non-indigenous chimpanzees and the Big Five (the endangered black and white rhino, leopard, elephant, buffalo & lion). The combination of amazing wildlife and stunning views across the open plains guarantees an unforgettable safari experience

Early morning game drive for sunrise views & elephants
Transfer to Nairobi. Flight transfer to Nanyuki.Lunch. Evening game drive.
Overnight: Sweetwaters Olpejeta or similar
Optional: Night game drive

Day 4 23rd : Ol Pejeta-Panari

Early morning game drive
Transfer to Nyahururu.Check into Panari resort Nyahururu. Lunch. visit Thomson Falls.
Overnight: Panari resort Nyahururu or similar

Day 5 : Panari –Naivasha

Breakfast & drive road transfer to Naivasha
Check into Enashipai. Afternoon boat lake Naivasha excursion
Overnight: Enashipai Naivasha or similar

Day 6 : Hell’s gate-Olkaria geothermal

The animators of Disney’s The Lion King traveled to a park with dramatic landscapes in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley to get a feel for, as Mufasa puts it, the great circle of life. When visitors to Hell’s Gate National Park reach the sweeping cliffs carved by a prehistoric lake that gives the park its name, they’ll discover that Pride Rock’s real-life inspiration is no less majestic.The fact that you won’t actually see Simba (which means lion in Swahili) is the park’s secret advantage: the lack of predators means you can take in savannas and come face to face with giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and warthogs on your own two feet—or better yet, on bicycle wheels. Hell’s Gate is one of the only places in East Africa where you can hike the totality of a park. You can even go on a biking safari—a far cry from peeping animals through a safari vehicle’s roof.

The Olkaria Geothermal Spa, located within Hells Gate National Park , This Natural SPA is a unique destination offering recreational and therapeutic swimming in natural geothermal waters. It’s known for its three cascading lagoons, with the main pool providing a warm, mineral-rich environment for visitors. The spa is renowned as the largest geothermal spa of its kind on the African continent.

Morning Hell’s gate game drive
Olkaria geothermal dip and swimming .Transfer to Nakuru
Overnight: Sarova Woodlands Nakuru

Days 7 : Lake Nakuru

Lake Nakuru National Park is renowned for its rich diversity of wildlife, including both common and rare species. Among the notable animals are rhinos (both black and white), Rothschild’s giraffes, lions, leopards, buffalo, and various species of monkeys, including colobus and baboons. The park is also famous for its large flamingo population and other bird species.

Full day game drive
Packed lunch
Overnight: Sarova Woodlands

Day 8 : Nakuru-Maasai Mara

Masai Mara safari offers a thrilling wildlife and cultural experience. Expect to see diverse wildlife, including the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos) and numerous other animals like giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species

During summer (June-August) in the Masai Mara, expect pleasant, dry weather with warm days and cool nights, ideal for game viewing and the Great Migration

Morning road transfer to Maasai mara.
Transfer to Figtree Mara
Lunch
Evening game drive
Overnight: Figtree Maasai Mara or similar

Day 9 : Maasai Mara

Early morning & afternoon game drives
Picnic lunch by the Mara River (if doing full-day drive)
Explore migration routes

Dinner and overnight at Figtree or similar

Day 10 : Maasai Mara

Morning and evening game drive
Overnights: Figtree Mare or similar
Optional: Hot air balloon safari with champagne breakfast $500 per person
Maasai village evening excursion $150 perperson or Maasai village tour $30

Day 11 : Maasai Mara-Nairobi

Breakfast followed by transfer to the airstrip
Flight transfer to Nairobi
Final shopping or leisure time

Drop off at the hotel or airport. End of your safari

Rates per person From: $3500 PPS

Inclusions
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10 Nights full board accommodation as indicated
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All game drives and road transfers
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All flight charges (where applicable)
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Services of qualified English-speaking guides
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All airport pickups and drop offs
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All boat rides
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All entrance charges

Exclusions
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Optional activities
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Tips