8-Day Samburu to Maasai Mara

An 8-Day Safari from Samburu to Maasai Mara via Lake Naivasha

This safari offers an immersive experience in two of Kenya’s most iconic wildlife destinations – Samburu National Reserve and Maasai Mara National Reserve, and taking a break in Naivasha between the two main destinations. Expect diverse landscapes, rich cultural interactions, and exceptional game viewing.

The itinerary is well-thought-out and includes:

Airport Transfers
All transport and game drives in the safari sector will be in a 4×4 vehicle with a pop-up roof
The vehicle accommodates a maximum of 7 passengers, with a guaranteed window seat
An English-speaking driver-guide on a shared basis
Meals and accommodation as specified
All park fees and government taxes
1 litre bottled water per person per day on game drives

8 Days

5+ Age

Masai Mara

Wildlife Safari

Destination

Masai Mara
Departure

Nairobi
Departure Time

Please arrive by 6:00 AM for a departure at 6:30 AM.
Return Time

Approximately 5:30 PM.
Dress Code

Casual, comfortable athletic clothing, hat and light jacket.
Included

Accommodation

Breakfast

Personal Guide

Transport in 4x4 Cruiser
Not Included

5 Star Accommodation

Airplane Transport

Bottled Water

Departure Taxes

Entrance Fees

First Aid Kit

Guide Services

Lunch Stop

Snacks & Light Refreshments

Transport

Day 1: Into the Wild North

Your adventure begins early in Nairobi as you set off on a scenic drive towards Samburu National Reserve. Along the way, you’ll cross the Equator, a perfect spot for a quick photo and a fascinating demonstration of the Coriolis effect. Arriving in Samburu by midday, you’ll settle into your lodge and enjoy a hearty lunch. The afternoon brings your first game drive, where you’ll explore the arid yet beautiful landscapes, home to the rare “Samburu Special Five” – Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, and the long-necked gerenuk. As the sun sets over the Ewaso Nyiro River, return to your lodge for dinner and a restful night under the African sky.

Day 2: Samburu: A Land of Unique Wildlife

Wake up to the sounds of the wild and head out for an early morning game drive when predators are most active. Keep your eyes peeled for lions, leopards, and cheetahs prowling the savannah. After breakfast, you can choose to visit a Samburu village, where you’ll gain insight into their traditional way of life, colorful beadwork, and cultural dances. Spend the afternoon exploring more of the reserve’s stunning landscapes, perhaps spotting elephants cooling off by the river or crocodiles basking on the banks. As dusk falls, return to camp for a delightful dinner, recounting the day's thrilling sightings.

Day 3: From Wilderness to the Waters

Bid farewell to Samburu and journey south to the Great Rift Valley, where the shimmering waters of Lake Naivasha await. Arriving by early afternoon, you’ll check into your lodge and enjoy a leisurely lunch. The afternoon offers a chance to experience Naivasha’s rich biodiversity – take a boat safari across the lake, where hippos laze in the shallows and fish eagles soar above. For a closer wildlife encounter, opt for a guided walking safari on Crescent Island, where you can stroll among zebras, giraffes, and antelopes. As the evening sets in, relax at your lodge with dinner overlooking the tranquil lake.

Day 4: Into the Heart of the Savannah

After an early breakfast, embark on a picturesque drive to the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve. As you descend into the vast plains, you’ll be welcomed by herds of grazing animals and the first glimpses of Africa’s iconic wildlife. Arriving at your lodge in time for lunch, take a moment to refresh before heading out for an exhilarating evening game drive. The Mara is home to abundant wildlife, including elephants, lions, cheetahs, and the elusive leopard. As the golden hues of sunset paint the landscape, return to your lodge for a cozy dinner and a night surrounded by the sounds of the wild.

Day 5:The Big Five and Beyond

Today is dedicated to exploring the breathtaking expanse of the Maasai Mara. Set off at dawn for a sunrise game drive, when the predators are on the hunt, and witness the raw drama of the savannah unfold before you. After breakfast, continue your adventure deep into the reserve, perhaps catching a glimpse of a black rhino hidden in the acacia thickets or a pride of lions basking in the sun. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush before heading back through the rolling plains. In the late afternoon, visit a Maasai village for an enriching cultural experience, where you’ll learn about their traditions, warrior lifestyle, and famous jumping dance. As night falls, return to camp for a delicious dinner under the stars.

Day 6: Hot Air Balloon Safari & Game Drives

Rise before dawn for an optional hot air balloon safari – an experience like no other. Drift silently above the Mara as the first rays of sunlight illuminate the endless plains, spotting wildlife from a breathtaking vantage point. After a champagne breakfast in the bush, continue your morning game drive, searching for more of the Mara’s iconic residents. Spend the afternoon at leisure, enjoying the lodge’s amenities or taking another game drive for one last chance to see the Big Five in action. As your time in the Mara nears its end, toast to an incredible safari experience with a final dinner at your camp.

Day 7: The Journey Back

Enjoy a final sunrise game drive before saying goodbye to the Mara’s untamed beauty. After breakfast, begin your journey back to Nairobi, arriving in the afternoon. Depending on your schedule, you can visit the Giraffe Center, where you’ll get up close with the endangered Rothschild giraffes, or explore the Karen Blixen Museum for a touch of colonial history. In the evening, indulge in a farewell dinner at the famous Carnivore Restaurant, feasting on a variety of flame-grilled meats before retiring to your city hotel for the night.

Day 8: Nairobi City Tour & Departure

On your final day, explore the vibrant capital of Kenya. For wildlife lovers, an early morning game drive in Nairobi National Park offers a unique chance to see rhinos, lions, and giraffes with the city skyline as a backdrop. Alternatively, take a relaxed city tour, visiting the National Museum, local markets, or art galleries. After a leisurely lunch, transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure, carrying memories of an unforgettable safari through Kenya’s most stunning landscapes.

Tour Location

From the rugged landscapes of Samburu National Reserve, where the rare "Samburu Special Five" roam along the Ewaso Nyiro River, to the serene waters of Lake Naivasha, a haven for hippos, fish eagles, and walking safaris among free-roaming wildlife, this journey showcases Kenya’s breathtaking diversity. Finally, the legendary Maasai Mara awaits, with its vast golden plains teeming with the Big Five and the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Great Migration. Each destination offers a unique blend of wildlife, scenery, and cultural richness, creating an unforgettable safari experience.

1. Samburu National Reserve

A rugged and semi-arid wilderness in northern Kenya, Samburu is known for its unique wildlife, including the "Samburu Special Five"—Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx. The Ewaso Nyiro River sustains the park’s wildlife, attracting elephants, lions, and leopards. Samburu also offers rich cultural experiences with the semi-nomadic Samburu people.

2. Lake Naivasha

A freshwater lake in the Great Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha is a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers. It is home to a large population of hippos and over 400 bird species, including African fish eagles. Visitors can enjoy boat safaris, a walking safari at Crescent Island, or explore the nearby Hell’s Gate National Park, known for its dramatic landscapes.

3. Maasai Mara National Reserve

One of Africa’s most famous safari destinations, Maasai Mara is renowned for its high concentration of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, and rhino). The reserve hosts the annual Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River. It also offers cultural interactions with the Maasai people, hot air balloon safaris, and stunning savannah landscapes.

4. Nairobi

Kenya’s vibrant capital city serves as the gateway to safari adventures. Nairobi offers a blend of urban and wildlife experiences, with attractions like Nairobi National Park, Giraffe Center, and David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. The city also boasts a rich culinary scene, historical sites, and cultural experiences, making it a great place to unwind before or after a safari.