7-Day Kenya Safari: Samburu, Nakuru & Masai Mara
Location
Full Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Welcome to Kenya
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), you will be met by our representative, who will warmly welcome you to Kenya. A comfortable transfer will take you to your hotel in Nairobi, where you can relax and recover from your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to explore some of Nairobi’s famous attractions. You could visit the Giraffe Centre, where you can interact with the endangered Rothschild giraffes, or take a tour of the Karen Blixen Museum, the former home of the renowned Danish author of Out of Africa. For those eager for a taste of wildlife right away, a short game drive in Nairobi National Park offers the chance to see lions, rhinos, and other animals against the backdrop of the city skyline.
In the evening, you can enjoy a meal at one of Nairobi’s renowned restaurants, such as the Carnivore Restaurant, famous for its selection of grilled meats, or a more relaxed dinner at your hotel. Rest well tonight—your adventure into the wild begins in the morning.
Day 2: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve
After an early breakfast, you will set off on a scenic drive north towards Samburu National Reserve, passing through Kenya’s lush highlands and vast tea and coffee plantations. As the landscape transforms, you’ll notice the cooler, green terrain giving way to the dry, rugged beauty of northern Kenya. The journey will take you through the foothills of Mount Kenya, the country’s highest peak, before descending into the semi-arid region of Samburu County. Along the way, there will be opportunities to stop for scenic views and refreshments.
Upon arrival at Samburu National Reserve, you will check into your lodge and enjoy a delicious lunch while taking in the stunning surroundings. In the late afternoon, you will embark on your first game drive, an exciting introduction to the unique wildlife of the area. Unlike the more famous southern reserves, Samburu is home to species that cannot be found elsewhere, including the strikingly patterned reticulated giraffe, the endangered Grevy’s zebra, and the long-necked gerenuk, which stands on its hind legs to reach the highest branches. You will also have the chance to see large elephant herds, often gathering along the Ewaso Nyiro River, and if you’re lucky, a leopard resting in the shade of an acacia tree.
As the sun sets, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, you will return to your lodge for dinner and a night spent listening to the distant calls of the wild.
Day 3: Full-Day Safari in Samburu
Waking up to the crisp air of the African wilderness, you will set off at sunrise for an early morning game drive. This is the best time to spot predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards, which are most active in the cooler hours of the morning. You’ll drive through the diverse landscapes of Samburu, from rocky outcrops to riverine forests, as your guide helps track the movements of the animals. The sight of elephants bathing in the river, antelopes grazing in the golden grasslands, and eagles soaring above creates a truly magical experience.
After an exhilarating morning, you will return to the lodge for breakfast and some leisure time. You can choose to relax by the pool, take in the tranquil surroundings, or learn more about Samburu’s ecosystem from the lodge’s expert naturalists.
In the afternoon, another game drive awaits, offering more opportunities to encounter the reserve’s unique wildlife. You will also have the chance to visit a Samburu cultural village, where you can interact with the local people, learn about their nomadic way of life, and witness traditional dances and beadwork craftsmanship.
As the day draws to a close, you’ll return to the lodge for a hearty dinner and a peaceful night under the vast African sky.
Day 4: Samburu to Lake Nakuru
After breakfast, you will depart Samburu and begin your journey south towards Lake Nakuru National Park. The drive will take you through the Great Rift Valley, where you will stop at a scenic viewpoint to admire the breathtaking expanse of this geological wonder.
Arriving at Lake Nakuru National Park in the afternoon, you will check into your lodge and enjoy lunch before setting out on a game drive. The park’s alkaline lake is famous for attracting large flocks of flamingos, whose vibrant pink feathers contrast beautifully with the deep blue waters. Aside from the stunning birdlife, Lake Nakuru is also a rhino sanctuary, providing a safe haven for both black and white rhinos. As you explore, you might spot tree-climbing lions resting in the branches, large herds of buffalo, and perhaps a leopard stealthily moving through the bush.
As the sun sets over the shimmering lake, you’ll return to your lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening, reflecting on the incredible wildlife encounters of the day.
Day 5: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara
After an early breakfast at the lodge, you will set off on the next leg of your adventure, heading southwest toward Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s most renowned wildlife destination. The journey takes you through the scenic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley, with opportunities to stop and admire panoramic views of rolling hills and sprawling savannahs. You will pass through Narok, the heart of Maasai land, where you can witness the vibrant culture of the Maasai people, known for their traditional red attire, beadwork, and fascinating customs.
By midday, you will arrive at the entrance of Masai Mara National Reserve, and after checking into your tented camp, a delicious hot lunch will be served. The afternoon marks the start of your first game drive in the Mara, where you will venture deep into the golden plains in search of the park’s abundant wildlife. The reserve is home to an unparalleled concentration of animals, including the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. The Masai Mara is particularly famous for its large lion prides, which are often seen lazing under acacia trees or stealthily stalking their prey. Your experienced guide will help track down these majestic predators while also pointing out other fascinating creatures such as cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, and numerous species of antelope.
As the sun begins to set, you will witness the breathtaking transformation of the landscape, with the golden hues of the Mara blending into a fiery red sky. You will return to the camp just as darkness falls, where you can relax around a campfire, listen to the sounds of the African wilderness, and enjoy a hearty dinner before settling into your cozy tent for the night.
Day 6: Full-Day Safari in Masai Mara
Today is dedicated to exploring the vast Masai Mara, with a full day of thrilling game drives designed to maximize your wildlife encounters. You will wake up before dawn and set out on an early morning game drive, the best time to catch predators on the hunt. The crisp morning air carries the distant roars of lions, and you may spot cheetahs sprinting across the plains in pursuit of their next meal. Elephants can be seen moving in large herds, while giraffes gracefully feed on the leaves of tall trees.
If your visit falls between July and October, you may witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, one of the most astonishing natural spectacles on Earth. Over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles make the treacherous journey from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to the Masai Mara, braving crocodile-infested waters as they cross the Mara River. The sight of thousands of animals charging across the plains, accompanied by the dramatic tension of predators lurking nearby, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
A picnic lunch will be served at a scenic spot within the reserve, allowing you to enjoy your meal while surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the African savannah. After lunch, the adventure continues with another game drive, giving you a chance to explore different areas of the park and possibly spot a leopard resting on a tree branch or a rhino grazing in the distance.
In the late afternoon, you will have the opportunity to visit a Maasai village, where you can interact with the local community and gain insight into their traditional way of life. You will witness authentic Maasai dances, learn about their customs, and explore their manyatta huts, which are made from a mixture of mud, sticks, and cow dung. This cultural experience provides a deeper connection to the land and its people.
As the sun dips below the horizon, you will return to your camp for a final night under the vast African sky. The evening will be spent reminiscing about the incredible wildlife sightings of the day, enjoying a delicious dinner, and sharing stories around the campfire before retiring for a restful night’s sleep.
Day 7: Masai Mara to Nairobi
Your final day in the Masai Mara begins with an optional early morning game drive, a last chance to capture the magic of the reserve before departing. As the sun rises over the plains, you may spot lions returning from a night’s hunt, hippos retreating to the water after grazing, or an eagle soaring high above the savannah. This tranquil morning drive offers one last opportunity to photograph the stunning wildlife and landscapes before heading back to camp for breakfast.
After breakfast, you will bid farewell to the Mara and begin your return journey to Nairobi, driving through the picturesque Great Rift Valley. Along the way, you may stop at a roadside market to pick up handcrafted souvenirs, such as Maasai beadwork, wood carvings, or traditional fabrics.
By mid-afternoon, you will arrive in Nairobi, where you will be dropped off at your hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward journey. If time allows, you may opt for a farewell lunch at one of Nairobi’s famous restaurants, such as Carnivore Restaurant or Tamarind Nairobi, where you can enjoy one last taste of Kenyan cuisine.
As your safari adventure comes to an end, you will leave with unforgettable memories, incredible wildlife encounters, and a deep appreciation for Kenya’s natural beauty. Whether it’s the sight of lions in the Mara, rhinos at Lake Nakuru, or the rare species of Samburu, this 7-day budget safari will leave you with stories to tell for a lifetime.
Inclusions:
✔ Accommodation in budget lodges and tented camps as per the itinerary
✔ Meals as specified in the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
✔ Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for optimal game viewing
✔ Professional English-speaking driver-guide
✔ All park entry fees for Samburu, Lake Nakuru, and Masai Mara National Reserves
✔ Daily game drives as per the itinerary
✔ Drinking water while on safari
✔ Pick-up and drop-off in Nairobi (hotel or airport)
✔ Government taxes and levies
Exclusions:
✖ International and domestic flights
✖ Visa fees and travel insurance
✖ Optional activities such as Maasai village visits or hot air balloon safaris
✖ Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, souvenirs, etc.)
✖ Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
✖ Additional meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
✖ Any other services not mentioned as included
