9-Day Kenya Safari: Samburu, Ol Pejeta & Masai Mara
Location
Full Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Welcome to Kenya!
Your journey to the heart of Africa begins as you land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya’s vibrant capital city. Upon arrival, a warm welcome awaits you from our representative, who will brief you on your upcoming safari adventure. After a quick meet-and-greet, you will be transferred to your comfortable accommodation at Ibis Styles Westlands or a similar budget-friendly hotel.
Once you’ve settled in, you can either unwind at the hotel after your long flight or take the opportunity to explore some of Nairobi’s attractions. If time allows, you may visit the Giraffe Centre, where you can hand-feed the endangered Rothschild’s giraffes and learn about their conservation. For those with a passion for history, the Karen Blixen Museum, once home to the famous author of Out of Africa, offers a glimpse into Kenya’s colonial past. A stop at Kazuri Beads Women’s Cooperative gives you a chance to purchase beautiful handmade ceramic jewelry while supporting local women artisans.
As evening falls, Nairobi comes alive with a mix of cultural and culinary experiences. You can opt for a relaxing dinner at your hotel or explore one of the city’s top dining spots, such as Carnivore, renowned for its grilled meats, or Talisman, which offers an elegant mix of African and international cuisine. After a satisfying meal, return to your hotel for a restful night, preparing for the adventure that lies ahead.
Day 2: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve
After an early breakfast, your safari officially begins as you embark on a scenic journey north towards Samburu National Reserve, a hidden gem in Kenya’s rugged northern wilderness. The drive takes you through the Central Highlands, offering breathtaking views of rolling tea and coffee plantations. Along the way, you will cross the equator at Nanyuki, an excellent place to stop for photos and witness the famous water demonstration showing the Coriolis effect.
Arriving at Samburu Simba Lodge, a charming lodge nestled near the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, you will enjoy a delicious lunch and a short rest before heading out for your first thrilling game drive. Samburu is known for its diverse and unique wildlife, particularly the Samburu Special Five, which includes the rare Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk, an antelope famous for standing on its hind legs to reach high branches. As you traverse the arid landscapes, keep an eye out for large herds of elephants, lions resting in the shade, elusive leopards lurking in the trees, and cheetahs surveying the plains.
As the golden sun sets over the reserve, casting a magical glow across the acacia-dotted landscape, you will return to your lodge for a delightful dinner. The sounds of the African night—distant lion roars, chirping crickets, and the rustling of leaves—will lull you into a peaceful sleep in the heart of the wilderness.
Day 3: Full Day in Samburu
The day begins with an early morning game drive, the best time to witness the savannah’s predators in action as they hunt before the heat of the day sets in. As the sun rises, the golden light provides a perfect opportunity to capture stunning photographs of big cats, elephants, giraffes, and various bird species. The drive takes you along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, a vital water source that attracts a variety of animals, including crocodiles basking on the riverbanks and hippos emerging from their aquatic refuge.
After a hearty breakfast back at the lodge, you will have the unique opportunity to visit a traditional Samburu village, where you can immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Samburu people, close relatives of the Maasai. Here, you will witness their daily life, traditional dances, and intricate beadwork. Engage with Samburu warriors as they demonstrate their warrior training techniques, learn about their cattle-herding lifestyle, and gain insight into their deep connection with nature.
Returning to the lodge for lunch, you can take some time to relax by the pool or enjoy a siesta before setting out on another late afternoon game drive. The Samburu landscape, with its dramatic rocky outcrops, acacia woodlands, and open savannah, makes for an unforgettable safari experience. As the sun dips below the horizon, you will enjoy a classic African sundowner before heading back to your lodge for dinner and a peaceful night under a starlit sky.
Day 4: Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
After an early breakfast, you will bid farewell to Samburu and drive south towards Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a world-renowned private wildlife sanctuary located in the Laikipia region. This conservancy is famous for its groundbreaking rhino conservation efforts and is home to the last two northern white rhinos in the world.
Arriving at Comfort Gardens Sweetwaters, a charming lodge near the conservancy, you will enjoy lunch before heading out for an afternoon game drive. Ol Pejeta is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes—along with wild dogs, cheetahs, and a large population of giraffes and antelopes.
One of the highlights of your visit is a stop at the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the only place in Kenya where you can observe rescued chimpanzees in a semi-wild environment. Here, you will learn about the incredible rescue and rehabilitation efforts that provide a safe haven for chimps rescued from abusive situations.
As the sun sets over the expansive plains, you will return to the lodge for a delightful dinner, reflecting on the extraordinary wildlife encounters of the day before settling in for a restful night.
Day 5: Full Day in Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Your day begins with an early morning game drive, a fantastic opportunity to see big cats on the prowl, rhinos grazing in the misty grasslands, and herds of elephants moving gracefully through the reserve. With Ol Pejeta’s strong conservation focus, you will also have the unique chance to engage in rhino tracking, where expert rangers will teach you about their behavior and conservation challenges.
After breakfast, you will visit the Endangered Species Enclosure, where you will meet Najin and Fatu, the last two northern white rhinos in existence. Their story is a poignant reminder of the importance of wildlife conservation, and seeing them up close is a truly emotional and unforgettable experience.
Lunch will be served at the lodge before heading out for another afternoon game drive, where you may spot elusive leopards, large buffalo herds, and elegant impalas. If you're lucky, you might witness a cheetah sprinting across the open plains or a rare sighting of African wild dogs.
As the day draws to a close, enjoy a sundowner experience in the bush, savoring a refreshing drink as you watch the sky turn shades of pink and orange. Return to the lodge for a final night in Ol Pejeta, enjoying a delicious dinner before retiring for the night.
Day 6: Ol Pejeta to Lake Nakuru National Park
After an early breakfast, you will bid farewell to Ol Pejeta and embark on a scenic drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, a haven for birdwatchers and home to an array of wildlife. The journey takes you through the lush countryside of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, with spectacular viewpoints along the way where you can stop to take in the breathtaking landscapes of escarpments, rolling hills, and volcanic formations.
Arriving at Lake Nakuru Lodge, you will check in and enjoy a delicious lunch while soaking in the serene views of the park. Nestled within the park boundaries, the lodge provides an immersive experience with nature right at your doorstep.
In the afternoon, you will head out for an exhilarating game drive across the park’s diverse landscapes, from dense woodlands to sweeping savannahs and the shimmering shores of Lake Nakuru. Known for its alkaline waters that attract thousands of flamingos, the lake is a mesmerizing sight, painted pink by these elegant birds. In addition to the spectacular birdlife, Lake Nakuru National Park is one of the best places in Kenya to see both black and white rhinos, which thrive under the park’s strong conservation protection.
As you explore further, keep an eye out for majestic lions lounging on rocky outcrops, elusive leopards hidden among the acacia trees, large herds of buffalo, and the rare Rothschild’s giraffe, which is only found in a few places in East Africa. You may also encounter zebras, impalas, baboons, and the occasional hyena scavenging for food.
As the sun sets over the lake, casting a golden glow across the water, you will return to the lodge for a relaxing evening. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner while listening to the sounds of the wild before settling in for the night.
Day 7: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara National Reserve
Today, after an early breakfast, you will depart for the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s most celebrated wildlife destination. The journey takes you across the stunning landscapes of the Great Rift Valley, passing through the rich agricultural lands and Maasai villages that dot the countryside.
Upon arrival at Enkorok Mara Camp, a comfortable tented camp located near the reserve, you will check in and enjoy a hearty lunch. The camp offers an authentic safari experience, with well-appointed tents providing a balance of comfort and a close-to-nature feel.
In the afternoon, you will embark on your first thrilling game drive in the Masai Mara, a land teeming with wildlife. The vast golden plains stretch as far as the eye can see, home to an astonishing array of animals, including massive herds of elephants, towering giraffes, and powerful prides of lions. The reserve is one of the best places to witness big cats in action, with cheetahs chasing down prey and leopards stealthily navigating the trees.
During the game drive, you will explore the rolling savannah, looking for buffalo, zebras, warthogs, and gazelles, as well as scavengers such as hyenas and jackals. If you are visiting between July and October, you may be lucky to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the crocodile-infested Mara River in search of greener pastures.
As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in brilliant hues of orange and pink, you will return to the camp for a relaxing evening. After a delicious dinner, you can gather around the campfire, sharing stories of the day’s adventures under a blanket of stars before retiring for the night.
Day 8: Full Day in Masai Mara
Your day begins with an early morning game drive, the best time to witness the reserve’s predators in action. As the first light of dawn touches the savannah, lions return from their night hunts, leopards stealthily navigate the trees, and cheetahs prepare for their high-speed chases. The crisp morning air is filled with the calls of birds and the distant roars of lions staking their territory.
After an exciting morning in the wild, you will return to the camp for a leisurely breakfast and some relaxation. You may opt to take a nature walk around the camp or simply unwind and soak in the breathtaking surroundings.
Later in the day, you will set out for another extended game drive, exploring different regions of the Masai Mara. The reserve is home to over 95 species of mammals and more than 500 bird species, making every moment an opportunity for discovery. You may visit the Mara River, where hippos wallow in the water and massive crocodiles lie in wait for unsuspecting prey.
For those interested in cultural experiences, an optional visit to a traditional Maasai village can be arranged. Here, you will interact with the Maasai people, learning about their unique way of life, traditional dances, and intricate beadwork. This experience offers a deep insight into the culture of one of Africa’s most famous tribes.
As the afternoon game drive comes to an end, you will enjoy a classic sundowner experience, sipping a refreshing drink while watching the sun set over the golden plains. Return to the camp for a delicious dinner, sharing your sightings and experiences of the day before drifting off to sleep to the distant calls of the wild.
Day 9: Masai Mara to Nairobi – Departure
After an early breakfast, you will set out for a final morning game drive, making the most of your last moments in the Masai Mara. This is another opportunity to capture those final breathtaking wildlife encounters, whether it’s a last sighting of lions, elephants, or the ever-elusive leopard.
Following the game drive, you will depart for Nairobi, enjoying a scenic drive back through the rolling landscapes of the Rift Valley. Upon arrival in the city, you will have time for lunch at a popular restaurant such as Carnivore, where you can savor Kenya’s famous nyama choma (grilled meats), or Tamarind, known for its exquisite seafood dishes.
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute shopping at Maasai Market or a visit to the Nairobi National Museum before being transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight.
As you board your flight home, you will carry with you unforgettable memories of Kenya’s breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife, and the warmth of its people. We hope this adventure has left you with stories to cherish for a lifetime, and we look forward to welcoming you back for another safari in the future.
Inclusions
✔ Accommodation – 8 nights’ stay in budget lodges and tented camps, as per the itinerary.
✔ Meals – Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (except in Nairobi, where only breakfast is included).
✔ Transport – Comfortable, well-maintained 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for optimal game viewing.
✔ Professional English-speaking driver-guide with extensive knowledge of wildlife and local culture.
✔ Game drives as per the itinerary, including full-day safaris in Masai Mara and other parks.
✔ Park entrance fees for all national parks and reserves mentioned in the itinerary.
✔ Bottled drinking water during game drives to keep you hydrated.
✔ Government taxes and VAT, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Exclusions
✖ International flights to and from Nairobi.
✖ Visa fees for entry into Kenya.
✖ Personal expenses, including laundry, beverages, and souvenirs.
✖ Travel insurance (highly recommended for medical and trip cancellation coverage).
✖ Optional activities such as: Maasai village visit ($20 per person).
✖ Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and lodge staff (customary but at your discretion).
✖ Any additional services not specifically mentioned in the inclusions.
