Information
This 8-day safari tour offers an exciting journey through Kenya’s most iconic national parks and wildlife reserves. Start your adventure in the arid plains of Samburu, home to unique species of wildlife. Then, move on to the bird paradise of Lake Nakuru, visit the serene Lake Naivasha, and finish your tour with a thrilling experience in the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve. This safari combines diverse landscapes, rich wildlife encounters, and some of the best game-viewing opportunities in Kenya.
Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi – Samburu National Reserve
Morning Departure: Depart Nairobi early in the morning and drive to Samburu National Reserve, located in the northern part of Kenya. Scenic Drive: Pass through Kenya’s scenic central highlands and view Mount Kenya along the way. Arrival & Check-in: Arrive at your lodge or camp in Samburu in time for lunch. Afternoon Game Drive: Enjoy your first game drive in Samburu. Look out for the “Samburu Special Five”—Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx. Dinner & Overnight: Stay at a luxury lodge or tented camp in Samburu.
Day 2: Full Day in Samburu National Reserve
Morning Game Drive: Start the day with an early morning game drive in Samburu to catch the predators before they retreat for the day. Breakfast & Relaxation: Return to the lodge for breakfast and relax during the heat of the day. Optional Cultural Visit: Visit a local Samburu village (extra cost) to learn about the culture and traditions of the Samburu people. Afternoon Game Drive: Set out on an afternoon game drive to explore more of the park, which is home to elephants, lions, leopards, and over 350 bird species. Dinner & Overnight: Return to your lodge or camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Samburu – Lake Nakuru National Park
Morning Game Drive & Breakfast: Take a final early morning game drive in Samburu before breakfast. Transfer to Lake Nakuru: After breakfast, depart for Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its large populations of flamingos and rhinos. Arrival & Check-in: Arrive at your lodge or camp in Lake Nakuru National Park, followed by lunch. Afternoon Game Drive: Embark on a game drive around the park. In addition to flamingos, Lake Nakuru is home to white and black rhinos, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and other wildlife. Dinner & Overnight: Stay at a lodge or camp overlooking Lake Nakuru.
Day 4: Lake Nakuru – Lake Naivasha
Morning Game Drive & Breakfast: Enjoy a morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, followed by breakfast. Drive to Lake Naivasha: Depart for Lake Naivasha, a beautiful freshwater lake located in the Great Rift Valley, arriving in time for lunch. Boat Ride on Lake Naivasha: In the afternoon, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Naivasha to spot hippos and a variety of bird species, including African fish eagles. Optional Walking Safari: Visit Crescent Island, a private game sanctuary, for a walking safari (extra cost) to get up close to giraffes, zebras, and other herbivores. Dinner & Overnight: Stay at a lodge or camp along the shores of Lake Naivasha.
Day 5: Lake Naivasha – Masai Mara National Reserve
Breakfast & Departure: After breakfast, depart Lake Naivasha and drive to the Masai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations. Arrival & Check-in: Arrive in the Masai Mara in time for lunch at your lodge or camp. Afternoon Game Drive: Embark on your first game drive in the Masai Mara, home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo), cheetahs, and other wildlife. Dinner & Overnight: Stay at a luxury tented camp or lodge in the Masai Mara.
Day 6: Full Day in Masai Mara National Reserve
Early Morning Game Drive: Begin the day with a sunrise game drive to catch predators like lions and leopards hunting in the early morning hours. Breakfast & Relaxation: Return to the lodge for breakfast and relax at the camp or by the pool. Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari: For an extra cost, experience a hot air balloon ride at dawn over the Masai Mara, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush. Afternoon Game Drive: After lunch, head out on another game drive to explore different areas of the park, following the Mara River where the great wildebeest migration takes place (July to October). Dinner & Overnight: Return to your lodge or camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7: Full Day in Masai Mara National Reserve
Morning Game Drive: Another opportunity for an early morning game drive to explore different parts of the Masai Mara, spotting more of the incredible wildlife. Bush Breakfast: Enjoy a bush breakfast as part of your day’s adventure (optional, depending on your lodge). Afternoon Game Drive: Continue exploring the Masai Mara’s diverse landscapes and wildlife during an afternoon game drive. Dinner & Overnight: Return to your lodge or camp for a relaxing evening and dinner.
Day 8: Masai Mara – Nairobi
Morning Game Drive & Breakfast: Take a final early morning game drive in the Masai Mara, followed by breakfast at your lodge. Drive Back to Nairobi: Depart for Nairobi after breakfast, with an optional stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint for photos. Arrive in Nairobi in the late afternoon for your flight or onward destination.
Included in the package
7 nights' accommodation in luxury lodges or tented camps. Full-board meals on safari (breakfast, lunch, dinner). Park entry fees to Samburu, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, and Masai Mara. Professional English-speaking driver-guide. Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for game viewing. Bottled water during game drives. Game drives in Samburu, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, and Masai Mara. Boat ride on Lake Naivasha. All airport transfers.
Excluded
International and domestic flights. Optional hot air balloon safari in Masai Mara. Optional Crescent Island walking safari at Lake Naivasha. Personal travel insurance. Beverages not included in meal plans. Gratuities and tips for drivers, guides, and lodge staff. Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, and souvenirs. Visa fees and vaccinations.