7-Day Kenya Wildlife Safari: Samburu to Masai Mara
Location
Full Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Welcome to Kenya
As your plane descends into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the vast African landscape unfolds beneath you, offering a glimpse of the adventure that lies ahead. Upon landing, a warm welcome awaits from your professional safari guide, who will escort you to your private vehicle for the transfer to Sarova Panafric Hotel. The short drive through Nairobi’s bustling streets showcases the city’s unique blend of modern vibrancy and deep cultural heritage. Arriving at the hotel, you’ll find a serene retreat nestled in lush gardens, providing the perfect place to unwind after your journey. Settle into your elegantly furnished room, take a refreshing swim in the pool, or relax on the terrace with a steaming cup of freshly brewed Kenyan coffee.
For those eager to explore, optional excursions offer a chance to experience Nairobi’s wildlife and history. Visit the Giraffe Centre, where you can hand-feed endangered Rothschild giraffes from an elevated platform, or head to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage to watch orphaned baby elephants being bottle-fed while learning about their inspiring rescue stories. If history intrigues you, the Karen Blixen Museum provides an intimate look into the life of the famed author of Out of Africa.
As evening sets in, indulge in a delightful dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, where a variety of Kenyan and international dishes are served. With the sounds of the city settling into the night, your safari guide will provide a briefing on the exciting journey ahead, setting the stage for the thrilling adventure that awaits.
Accommodation: Sarova Panafric Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Distance & Travel Time: Approx. 15 km, 30 minutes from JKIA to hotel
Day 2: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve – Into the Wild
Arrive at Ashnil Samburu Camp in time for a delicious lunch with breathtaking views of the Ewaso Nyiro River. Settle into your luxury tent before heading out for an exhilarating afternoon game drive. Samburu is home to the unique "Samburu Special Five": Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, Beisa oryx, and reticulated giraffe. Keep an eye out for elephants, lions, leopards, and cheetahs that thrive in this remote wilderness.
As the sun sets, return to camp for a gourmet dinner under the African sky, followed by storytelling around the campfire. Fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the bush, preparing for another day of adventure.
Accommodation: Ashnil Samburu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance & Travel Time: Approx. 320 km, 6-7 hours
Day 3: Full Day in Samburu – A Safari Haven
Return to camp for a leisurely breakfast before enjoying some relaxation by the swimming pool or choosing an optional cultural visit to a Samburu village. Engage with the local community, learn about their nomadic lifestyle, and admire their intricate beadwork.
After lunch, embark on another game drive, covering different areas of the reserve to increase your chances of spotting elusive wildlife. The golden hues of the setting sun create a magical atmosphere as you return to camp for a bush dinner by the riverbank, serenaded by the distant calls of hyenas and lions.
Accommodation: Ashnil Samburu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance & Travel Time: Varies based on game drive routes, 4-6 hours of exploration
Accommodation: Ashnil Samburu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Samburu to Lake Nakuru – Flamingos & Rhinos
After breakfast, bid farewell to Samburu and begin your journey south toward Lake Nakuru National Park. Enjoy the changing landscapes as you travel through rolling hills, acacia-dotted plains, and the breathtaking Great Rift Valley escarpment. Stop at a scenic viewpoint to capture the panoramic beauty of the Rift Valley.
Arrive at Lake Nakuru Lodge for lunch before heading out on an afternoon game drive. Lake Nakuru is famous for its flamingos and is a sanctuary for both black and white rhinos. Spot buffaloes, zebras, impalas, Rothschild’s giraffes, and possibly elusive leopards in the acacia woodlands.
As the sun sets, return to the lodge for a relaxing evening by the bonfire before enjoying a sumptuous dinner overlooking the lake.
Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance & Travel Time: Approx. 300 km, 6 hours
Day 5: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara – Into the Heart of the Wild
Wake up to the symphony of chirping birds and enjoy a leisurely breakfast before setting off on your journey to the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve. The drive takes you past scenic farmlands, Maasai villages, and vast savannahs dotted with acacia trees. Along the way, you may spot herders guiding their cattle through the golden plains—a testament to the Maasai people's deep-rooted connection with the land.
By midday, arrive at Mara Sopa Lodge (or a similar midrange safari lodge), a cozy retreat nestled in the heart of the wilderness. After checking in, indulge in a sumptuous lunch before preparing for your first thrilling game drive in the Mara.
As you venture into the expansive plains, be prepared for an extraordinary wildlife experience. The Masai Mara, renowned for its abundant wildlife, is home to the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. The landscape unfolds like a scene from a wildlife documentary, with herds of wildebeest and zebras grazing alongside elegant giraffes. If visiting between July and October, you may witness the awe-inspiring Great Migration, where thousands of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River, braving hungry crocodiles in their quest for greener pastures.
As the sun dips below the horizon, casting vibrant hues across the sky, return to the lodge for a relaxing evening. Enjoy a hearty dinner, followed by storytelling around the campfire, where you can swap safari tales under a star-studded African sky.
Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance & Travel Time: approx. 300 km, 5-6 hours
Day 6: Full Day in Masai Mara – The Ultimate Safari Experience
Rise early for a sunrise game drive, the best time to witness predators in action. As the golden light blankets the savannah, lions emerge from the grasslands, cheetahs scan the horizon for prey, and hyenas scavenge the remains of the night’s hunt. The crisp morning air carries the distant roars of a lion pride, a reminder that you are in one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife havens.
After an exhilarating morning, return to the lodge for a leisurely breakfast. Spend the late morning relaxing, enjoying the serene surroundings, or opting for an optional Maasai village visit. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with the Maasai people, known for their vibrant culture and distinctive red attire. Learn about their age-old traditions, witness a traditional dance performance, and admire their intricate beadwork.
Following lunch, embark on an afternoon game drive, exploring new regions of the Mara ecosystem. The vast open plains stretch endlessly, teeming with diverse wildlife—elephants lumbering through the grasslands, hippos basking in the Mara River, and elusive leopards resting in the shade of fig trees. Keep your camera ready, as the Mara never ceases to surprise with its dramatic wildlife encounters.
As the sun begins its descent, find a scenic spot for a magical sundowner experience. Sip on a refreshing drink as you watch the sky transform into a canvas of fiery oranges and purples. The day concludes with a farewell dinner at the lodge, where you can reflect on the unforgettable moments shared in this extraordinary wilderness.
Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance & Travel Time: Varies based on game drive routes, 4-6 hours of exploration
Day 7: Masai Mara to Nairobi – Farewell to the Wild
Your final day in the African wilderness begins with a short sunrise game drive, offering one last chance to witness the Mara’s majestic wildlife in their natural habitat. As the first rays of sunlight touch the savannah, watch as the animals awaken to another day in this untamed paradise.
Return to the lodge for breakfast, then check out and begin your journey back to Nairobi. The drive provides a chance to soak in the last glimpses of Kenya’s stunning landscapes, with scenic stops along the way for photos and souvenirs.
Upon arrival in Nairobi, you’ll be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight or dropped off at your hotel if extending your stay. As you bid farewell to Kenya, take with you cherished memories of breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife encounters, and the warmth of the people you met along the way.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Distance & Travel Time: approx. 280 km, 5-6 hours
Inclusions
✔ Accommodation: Midrange lodges and tented camps on a private basis, including Sarova Panafric Hotel, Ashnil Samburu Camp, Lake Nakuru Lodge, and Mara Sopa Lodge (or similar).
✔ Meals: Full-board meal plan (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) throughout the safari.
✔ Transport: Private 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for optimal wildlife viewing.
✔ Game Drives & Activities: Unlimited game drives in Samburu National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, and Masai Mara National Reserve.
✔ Park Entry Fees: All entrance fees to Samburu, Lake Nakuru, and Masai Mara
✔ Professional Guide: Services of an English-speaking driver-guide (other language options available upon request).
✔ Bottled Water: Complimentary bottled water provided during game drives.
✔ Airport Transfers: Private pick-up and drop-off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
✔ Government Taxes & Levies: VAT, conservation fees, and mandatory government charges included.
Exclusions
✖ International Flights: Airfare to and from Kenya is not included.
✖ Visa Fees: Travelers are responsible for obtaining and paying for their Kenya entry visas.
✖ Personal Expenses: Costs such as souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, extra snacks, and laundry services are not covered.
✖ Optional Activities: Activities such as hot air balloon rides and Maasai village visits are not included but can be arranged at an additional cost.
✖ Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended but not included in the package.
✖ Gratuities & Tips: Tipping for guides, drivers, and lodge staff is at the traveler’s discretion.
