Relaxed Pace Safari Tours in Kenya

Our relaxed pace tours are designed for a more immersive and meaningful experience, focusing on quality time in destinations like the private conservancies in Laikipia or the ecosystem around Amboseli. This travel style is for those who prefer to absorb their surroundings rather than rushing through a checklist of sights.

A safari in Kenya does not have to be a race from one park to the next. 

These itineraries are built around the principle of "less is more." By visiting fewer locations and spending more nights in each, you reduce travel time, minimize fatigue, and gain a much deeper connection to the places you see. This page explains the structure of a slower-paced safari, the benefits of this approach, and the types of destinations best suited for it.

The Structure of a Slower-Paced Safari in Kenya

The fundamental difference in a relaxed pace tour is the itinerary design. Instead of the typical safari schedule that involves changing locations every one or two nights, these tours feature longer stays of three, four, or even five nights in a single lodge or camp.

This simple change dramatically alters the rhythm of the trip, eliminating the stress of constant packing and unpacking and reducing the amount of time spent on long road transfers.

This approach allows you to settle in and explore a region in depth. Your days are not dictated by the need to get to the next destination. You have the time to go on longer game drives, return to a specific area to follow a developing wildlife scene, or simply choose to relax at the lodge. The focus shifts from covering as much ground as possible to having a higher quality experience in the places you do visit.

Our main Travel Planning Guide provides more context on how different itinerary structures can affect your overall experience.

Staying Longer in Fewer Locations for a Deeper Connection

When you spend several days in one area, your understanding of the local ecosystem grows exponentially. You start to recognize individual animals and learn their territories. Your guide has the time to track specific prides of lions or a family of elephants over multiple days, giving you a narrative and a deeper insight into their lives. This is a far more rewarding experience than a fleeting glimpse of an animal on a rushed game drive.

This approach is particularly effective in private conservancies, which have a limited number of visitors and offer a more exclusive environment. Staying longer allows you to take advantage of the diverse activities offered, such as guided hiking tours, night drives, and community visits, without feeling rushed. A destination like the Chyulu Hills or a conservancy bordering the Masai Mara becomes a temporary home rather than just another stop on a long itinerary. This immersive style is a core feature of many high-end trips, such as our 8 Days Luxury Safari, which can be adapted for an even slower pace.

Building Flexibility and Downtime into Your Daily Schedule

A relaxed pace is not just about the overall itinerary; it is also about the daily schedule. On these tours, you have the freedom to be spontaneous. There is no rigid agenda that you must follow. All our relaxed pace safari tours are operated on a private basis, meaning you have your own guide and vehicle. This gives you complete control over your day.

If you want to spend the entire day out in the bush with a picnic lunch, you can. If you would prefer to do a short morning game drive and then spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool or reading a book on your veranda, you can do that too. This flexibility is invaluable for families with children, photographers who want to wait for the perfect light, or anyone who simply doesn't want their vacation to feel like a boot camp. The downtime is scheduled and intentional, ensuring you return from your safari feeling refreshed, not exhausted.

Destinations That Reward a Slower Pace of Travel

While a relaxed pace can be applied to any itinerary, certain destinations are particularly well-suited to this immersive style of travel. These are typically large, diverse ecosystems or private conservancies that offer a wide range of activities beyond standard game drives. Spending more time in these areas allows you to fully appreciate their complexity and unique offerings.

Locations that are ideal for a longer stay include:

• The Laikipia Plateau: This region is a patchwork of private ranches and community conservancies, each offering a distinct experience. A longer stay allows you to engage in activities like horseback riding, camel trekking, visiting anti-poaching units, and even fly-camping under the stars.
• Private Conservancies of the Masai Mara: Staying for three or four nights in a conservancy like Mara North or Naboisho gives your guide the time to track specific animal families and provides you with an uncrowded and exclusive view of the Mara ecosystem.
• The Chyulu Hills: Located between Amboseli and Tsavo, this stunning volcanic landscape is perfect for a slower pace. Activities here include exploring lava tubes, hiking, and horseback riding, all with breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
• Samburu National Reserve: The unique wildlife and culture of the Samburu people are best appreciated over several days. A longer stay provides the opportunity to visit a local village and learn about their traditions in a meaningful way.

The Importance of Lodge Selection for a Relaxed Safari in Kenya

When you are spending more time at your accommodation, the quality and atmosphere of the lodge or camp become much more important. A relaxed pace safari is as much about the experience at the lodge as it is about the wildlife viewing. We select properties that are destinations in themselves, offering comfort, excellent service, and a range of on-site amenities.

The lodges and camps we choose for these tours typically feature:

• Comfortable and Spacious Rooms: You will have a comfortable and private space to relax, often with a veranda or terrace with a view.
• Inviting Common Areas: These properties have well-designed lounges, libraries, and outdoor seating areas where you can unwind.
• A Swimming Pool: A pool is a welcome feature for a relaxing afternoon, especially in the hotter months.
• Excellent Food and Service: The dining experience is a highlight, with high-quality meals and attentive, personal service.

The right accommodation serves as a tranquil sanctuary where you can recharge between your safari activities. It becomes your home base, not just a place to sleep.

Sample Itinerary for a Relaxed Pace Safari in Kenya

The following itinerary is an example of how a relaxed pace safari can be structured. It focuses on two distinct and diverse locations, giving you ample time to explore each one without feeling rushed. This tour is private and can be fully customized to your interests and preferred travel dates.

Example: 9-Day Laikipia and Masai Mara Immersion

• Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi. You will be met at the airport and transferred to a comfortable city hotel for an overnight stay to recover from your flight.
• Days 2-5: Laikipia Plateau. Take a morning flight to Laikipia and transfer to a private conservancy. You will have four nights here to explore the area in depth. Your days can be filled with a mix of game drives, guided bush walks, a visit to a rhino sanctuary, and relaxing at the lodge.
• Days 6-8: Masai Mara Private Conservancy. Fly from Laikipia to the Masai Mara and transfer to a camp in an exclusive conservancy. With three full days, you will have plenty of time for extensive game drives, a night drive, and a visit to a local Maasai community project. This timing is also ideal for witnessing the Wildebeest Migration if you travel between July and October.
• Day 9: Departure. After a final morning activity and breakfast, fly back to Nairobi for your international departure.

This itinerary minimizes travel time and maximizes your time on the ground. To start planning your own relaxed pace safari, please use our custom trip planner.