8-Day Budget Safari: Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara Adventure
Location
Full Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi
Welcome to Kenya! Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be greeted by your private safari guide and driver. Enjoy a warm Kenyan welcome and transfer to Ibis Styles Nairobi Westlands, a contemporary hotel known for its vibrant ambiance and convenient location. After check-in, relax and recover from your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore Nairobi’s attractions, such as the Giraffe Centre or Karen Blixen Museum (at an additional cost). In the evening, savor a delicious dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.
Accommodation Option: Ibis Styles Nairobi Westlands
Meals: Dinner at the hotel’s rooftop restaurant featuring international and local cuisine.
Day 2: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve
After breakfast, depart Nairobi and drive north to Samburu National Reserve. The scenic journey takes you through Kenya's lush central highlands, passing coffee and tea plantations. As you approach Samburu, the landscape shifts to arid savannahs and rocky outcrops. Arrive at Samburu Simba Lodge in time for lunch.
In the afternoon, embark on your first game drive. Samburu is renowned for its rare wildlife species, including the Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk. The Ewaso Ng'iro River flowing through the reserve attracts a variety of animals, making it a prime spot for wildlife viewing. Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation Option: Samburu Simba Lodge
Meals: Breakfast at Ibis Styles Nairobi, lunch, and dinner at Samburu Simba Lodge.
Day 3: Full Day in Samburu National Reserve
Spend the entire day exploring the diverse habitats of Samburu. Start with an early morning game drive to spot predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards, as well as large herds of elephants. Birdwatchers will delight in the vibrant vulturine guinea fowl and martial eagle.
Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the late afternoon, head out on another game drive, capturing the stunning landscape and wildlife in the golden glow of sunset. Return to the lodge for dinner and a peaceful night in the African wilderness.
Accommodation Option: Samburu Simba Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Samburu Simba Lodge.
Day 4: Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
After breakfast, depart Samburu and head to the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a 3-hour drive. Arrive at Comfort Gardens Sweetwaters in time for lunch. This conservancy is home to the largest population of black rhinos in East Africa and offers a unique opportunity to see rescued chimpanzees at the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
In the afternoon, enjoy a game drive in the conservancy. Highlights include sightings of the Big Five, an abundance of wildlife, and panoramic views of Mount Kenya. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Option: Comfort Gardens Sweetwaters
Meals: Breakfast at Samburu Simba Lodge, lunch, and dinner at Comfort Gardens Sweetwaters.
Day 5: Ol Pejeta to Lake Nakuru National Park
After an early breakfast, journey south across the equator to Lake Nakuru National Park, stopping for photos at the equator crossing. Arrive at Lake Nakuru Lodge in time for lunch.
In the afternoon, embark on a game drive around the lake, famed for its massive flamingo flocks and diverse birdlife. The park is also a sanctuary for black and white rhinos and home to Rothschild giraffes, waterbucks, and buffaloes. After your game drive, return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation Option: Lake Nakuru Lodge
Meals: Breakfast at Comfort Gardens Sweetwaters, lunch, and dinner at Lake Nakuru Lodge.
Day 6: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara National Reserve
After breakfast, depart Lake Nakuru and drive to the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve via the Great Rift Valley. Arrive at Sentrim Mara Camp in time for lunch.
In the afternoon, embark on a game drive to experience the incredible biodiversity of the Mara. Famous for its wildebeest migration and predator-prey dynamics, the reserve also boasts an array of other wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, and a variety of antelope. Return to the camp for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation Option: Sentrim Mara Camp
Meals: Breakfast at Lake Nakuru Lodge, lunch, and dinner at Sentrim Mara Camp.
Day 7: Full Day in Masai Mara National Reserve
Enjoy a full day exploring the Masai Mara. Start with an early morning game drive to witness the Mara's wildlife at its most active. You might spot the Big Five and countless other animals.
An optional hot air balloon safari (additional cost) offers breathtaking aerial views of the Mara at sunrise, followed by a champagne breakfast. After a packed picnic lunch in the reserve, continue with an afternoon game drive. You may also visit a Maasai village to learn about the Maasai culture and traditions. Return to the camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Option: Sentrim Mara Camp
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner at Sentrim Mara Camp.
Day 8: Masai Mara to Nairobi and Departure
After an early breakfast, enjoy your final game drive in the Masai Mara, capturing any last wildlife sightings. Return to the camp to check out and begin the drive back to Nairobi.
Upon arrival, transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight. If time permits, stop at a local market for souvenirs or enjoy some last-minute shopping in Nairobi.
Meals: Breakfast at Sentrim Mara Camp.
Inclusions:
- Accommodation: 7 nights in carefully selected lodges and camps (Ibis Styles Nairobi Westlands, Samburu Sopa Lodge, Comfort Gardens Sweetwaters, Lake Nakuru Lodge, Enkorok Mara Camp).
- Meals: Full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) throughout the safari.
- Transport: Comfortable, air-conditioned 4x4 safari vehicle with a professional guide and driver for game drives and transfers.
- Game Drives: Morning and afternoon game drives in Samburu, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Lake Nakuru, and Masai Mara, led by an experienced safari guide.
- Park Fees: All entrance fees to national parks and reserves (Samburu National Reserve, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Lake Nakuru National Park, and Masai Mara).
- Bottled Water: Complimentary bottled water during the safari.
- Guided Tours: Guided game drives and activities with an expert local safari guide.
Exclusions:
- International Flights: Flights to and from Nairobi are not included.
- Personal Expenses: Items such as souvenirs, personal tips, and extra drinks or snacks.
- Travel Insurance: Travel and medical insurance are not included.
- Optional Activities: Optional activities such as a visit to a Samburu or Maasai village or additional excursions.
- Gratuities: Tips for the driver/guide and lodge staff are not included.
- Alcoholic Beverages: Alcoholic drinks and beverages are at an extra cost.
Important to Know
- Children aged between 0-2 years are free of charge.
- Children aged 3-12 years pay 50% of the adult rate when sharing the same room with adults
- Children between 3-12 years pay 75% of the adult rate when staying in their separate room from adults
- Children 13 years and above are recognized as adults
