9-Day Kenya Wildlife Safari: Samburu to Masai Mara
Location
Full Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Welcome to Kenya
Your adventure begins as you land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, where our friendly safari representative will be waiting to greet you. After a warm welcome and a brief introduction to your upcoming journey, you will be transferred to Sarova Panafric Hotel (or a similar midrange hotel) for check-in. Here, you can relax after your flight and settle into the comfort of your accommodations.
Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to explore some of Nairobi’s iconic attractions. Visit the Giraffe Centre, where you can interact with endangered Rothschild’s giraffes and even feed them from a raised platform. Another popular option is the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where you can observe rescued baby elephants during their feeding and playtime. If you’re interested in culture, take a trip to the Karen Blixen Museum, the former home of the famous Danish author of Out of Africa. Alternatively, you can explore Nairobi’s vibrant craft markets for handmade souvenirs. In the evening, unwind with a delicious dinner at your hotel’s restaurant, offering a blend of Kenyan and international cuisine. Rest well and prepare for the thrilling safari adventure ahead.
Day 2: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve – The Northern Frontier
After an early breakfast, embark on a scenic drive toward Samburu National Reserve, a remote and breathtaking destination in Kenya’s northern region. The journey takes approximately six hours, winding through lush highlands, rural farmlands, and the foothills of Mount Kenya. Along the way, take in the picturesque landscapes and observe local communities tending to their farms, while roadside vendors offer fresh produce for passing travelers.
Upon arrival at Ashnil Samburu Camp, check in and indulge in a delicious lunch while taking in stunning views of the Ewaso Nyiro River, the lifeline of this semi-arid ecosystem. After a short period of relaxation, prepare for your first exhilarating game drive in the afternoon. Samburu’s rugged terrain and unique wildlife make it a standout safari destination. Be on the lookout for the renowned Samburu Special Five: the Grevy’s zebra, distinguished by its larger size and narrow stripes; the reticulated giraffe, adorned with striking geometric patterns; the beisa oryx, a majestic antelope with long, straight horns; the Somali ostrich, recognized by its bluish legs; and the gerenuk, an antelope with an elongated neck that stands on its hind legs to browse.
In addition to these rare species, the reserve is home to a variety of other iconic wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and crocodiles. As the sun sets over the vast landscape, return to camp for a delightful dinner under the stars, immersing yourself in the tranquil ambiance of the African wilderness before retreating to your comfortable tent for a restful night.
Day 3: Full Day in Samburu – Wildlife & Culture
Wake up to the breathtaking views of Samburu’s rugged terrain as the first rays of sunlight illuminate the landscape. After a refreshing cup of Kenyan coffee or tea, embark on an early morning game drive when wildlife is most active. The cool morning hours offer the best chances of spotting predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs prowling through the grasslands in search of prey. Along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, you may find elephants quenching their thirst or crocodiles basking in the morning sun. Return to camp for a leisurely breakfast, followed by a mid-morning break where you can relax by the pool or on your private veranda. Take in the tranquil surroundings while watching bird species such as kingfishers, hornbills, and secretary birds flutter through the trees.
In the afternoon, venture out for another exciting game drive, exploring different sections of the park. Samburu is home to unique species not found in many other Kenyan parks—the Samburu Special Five: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk, an antelope that stands on its hind legs to browse leaves.
For a cultural experience, visit a Samburu village, where you will meet the semi-nomadic Samburu people, closely related to the Maasai. Learn about their traditions, witness their vibrant dances, and admire their intricate beadwork. The Samburu are known for their strong warrior culture, and you’ll gain fascinating insights into their way of life. As the sun sets, return to camp for a delightful dinner. Gather around the bonfire for an evening of storytelling, where your guide may share fascinating folklore and tales of the wild. Fall asleep to the distant calls of hyenas and the rustling of the African bush.
Day 4: Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy – Rhino Sanctuary Experience
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before bidding farewell to Samburu’s golden landscapes. Depart for Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a scenic four-hour drive through the picturesque Laikipia region, with stunning views of Mount Kenya along the way. This journey takes you through lush farmlands and rolling hills before arriving at the heart of one of Kenya’s most successful wildlife conservation areas.
Upon arrival at Sweetwaters Serena Camp, check in and enjoy a delicious lunch overlooking the plains. After some rest, embark on an afternoon game drive in Ol Pejeta, a conservancy known for its exceptional biodiversity. Home to the highest number of black rhinos in East Africa, Ol Pejeta is also famous for being the last refuge of the world’s two remaining northern white rhinos. A visit to the Endangered Species Enclosure offers a rare and emotional encounter with these magnificent creatures.
Another highlight of the day is a visit to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the only place in Kenya where rescued chimpanzees are rehabilitated. Learn about the incredible work being done to protect these primates, many of whom have been saved from illegal pet trade and poaching. Return to camp in the evening for a sumptuous dinner and a peaceful night under the African sky, surrounded by the sounds of nature.
Day 5: Full Day in Ol Pejeta – Game Drives & Conservation Tours
Today is dedicated to exploring the vast wilderness of Ol Pejeta. Start the day with an early morning game drive, when wildlife is most active. The conservancy is home to a high density of predators, including lions, leopards, hyenas, and cheetahs. Elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and zebras are also commonly spotted.
For a more immersive experience, opt for a rhino tracking excursion, where expert rangers teach you how to track these endangered creatures while sharing insights into conservation efforts. Alternatively, take a guided bush walk to learn about animal tracks, bird calls, and the medicinal plants used by local communities.
After lunch at the camp, enjoy an afternoon game drive, exploring different habitats within the conservancy. For those interested in conservation, a behind-the-scenes tour provides an in-depth look at the anti-poaching measures, ranger training programs, and wildlife monitoring projects that make Ol Pejeta a model for sustainable conservation. As the sun sets, return to camp for a relaxing evening. Enjoy dinner under the starlit sky before retreating to your tent for a restful night.
Day 6: Ol Pejeta to Lake Nakuru – The Flamingo Paradise
After an early breakfast, depart for Lake Nakuru National Park, a four-hour drive through the breathtaking Great Rift Valley. Along the way, stop at the Equator crossing for a quick photo before descending into the valley. Upon arrival at Lake Nakuru Lodge, check in and enjoy a leisurely lunch with panoramic views of the lake. The afternoon game drive takes you through diverse landscapes, from acacia woodlands and open grasslands to rocky escarpments.
Lake Nakuru is world-famous for its flamingo populations, which paint the shoreline pink when their numbers are high. The park is also a sanctuary for both black and white rhinos and is home to the rare Rothschild’s giraffe. Keep an eye out for tree-climbing lions, a rare phenomenon in Kenya, as well as leopards, which are sometimes seen lounging on tree branches. After an exciting day, return to the lodge for dinner and an evening of relaxation.
Day 7: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara – Into the Wild
After an early breakfast at the lodge, bid farewell to the scenic landscapes of Lake Nakuru National Park and embark on a five-hour journey to the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve. The drive takes you through the breathtaking Great Rift Valley, passing small towns and vast open plains dotted with acacia trees. Along the way, you will see traditional Maasai villages, where the local people live in harmony with nature, herding cattle and maintaining their centuries-old customs.
Arriving at Mara Sopa Lodge just in time for lunch, you’ll check in and enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the stunning views of the rolling savanna. After some rest, gear up for your first game drive in the Masai Mara, a thrilling introduction to one of Africa’s most famous wildlife reserves. The reserve is home to a staggering concentration of wildlife, including the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos. Keep an eye out for cheetahs scanning the plains, hyenas lurking near prey, and majestic giraffes gracefully moving through the golden grasslands. If you are visiting between July and October, you may witness the Great Migration, a spectacular event where over 1.5 million wildebeests and zebras make a perilous crossing of the Mara River, braving the hungry crocodiles that lurk beneath the surface. As the sun begins to set, return to the lodge for a delicious dinner and an evening of relaxation. You may choose to unwind by the bonfire, listening to stories about the Maasai culture and the fascinating history of the Mara. Rest well—tomorrow promises an even more immersive safari experience.
Day 8: Full Day in Masai Mara – The Ultimate Safari Experience
Rise early to witness the sunrise over the vast Masai Mara, an unforgettable sight as the golden light illuminates the savanna. This is the best time for a morning game drive, as predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards are most active, hunting for their morning meal. You might even spot a thrilling chase as a pride of lions stalks a herd of unsuspecting zebras. After a rewarding game drive, return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast before venturing out again for a full-day safari adventure. With its diverse landscapes—open plains, riverine forests, and rolling hills—the Masai Mara offers incredible game-viewing opportunities. Large elephant herds roam the plains, hippos and crocodiles bask in the Mara River, and giraffes browse on the tops of acacia trees.
Midday, enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush, perhaps near the river, where you can watch hippos and crocodiles in their natural habitat. During the migration season, this is the perfect vantage point to witness a dramatic river crossing, as wildebeests and zebras take a leap of faith into the water, dodging the snapping jaws of lurking crocodiles. In the afternoon, continue exploring new sections of the reserve, tracking herds of buffalo, elands, impalas, and gazelles. If you’re lucky, you may even come across a coalition of cheetahs, known for their incredible speed and precision while hunting.
For those interested in culture, an optional visit to a Maasai village provides a unique opportunity to interact with the Maasai people. Witness traditional dances, learn about their warrior customs, and see the intricate beadwork that the Maasai women create. As evening falls, return to the lodge for a farewell dinner, reminiscing about the extraordinary wildlife encounters of the day. You may opt for a bush dinner under the stars, an unforgettable experience where you dine in the heart of the wilderness, surrounded by the sounds of nature.
Day 9: Masai Mara to Nairobi – Departure
Your final day in the Masai Mara begins with an early morning game drive, a last chance to spot any elusive wildlife before saying goodbye to this spectacular landscape. Sunrise in the Mara is a truly magical experience, with golden hues stretching across the horizon as the savanna awakens.
After the game drive, return to the lodge for breakfast, followed by check-out. You will then embark on a five to six-hour drive back to Nairobi, passing through the picturesque Great Rift Valley. Along the way, you can stop at viewpoints to capture breathtaking photos of the escarpment and the lush valleys below.
Upon arrival in Nairobi, you will enjoy a farewell lunch at a local restaurant or at the famous Carnivore Restaurant, known for its delicious grilled meats and vibrant atmosphere. After lunch, you will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your unforgettable 9-day Kenyan safari adventure. As you board your flight, carry with you cherished memories of Kenya’s diverse landscapes, incredible wildlife encounters, and rich cultural experiences.
Karibu tena! (Welcome again!)
Inclusions:
✔ Accommodation: 8 nights in midrange lodges & tented camps as per itinerary (Sarova Panafric Hotel, Ashnil Samburu Camp, Sweetwaters Serena Camp, Lake Nakuru Lodge, Mara Sopa Lodge).
✔ Meals: Full-board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) throughout the safari.
✔ Transport: Transport in a customized 4x4 safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for game viewing.
✔ Game Drives: Unlimited game drives in Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru, and Masai Mara as per itinerary.
✔ Park Fees: All government park entry fees and conservation fees for the mentioned parks.
✔ Professional Safari Guide: Services of an experienced, English-speaking driver-guide.
✔ Cultural Experience: Visit to a Samburu village and an optional Maasai village visit.
✔ Ol Pejeta Experiences: Visit to Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary & Endangered Species Enclosure (home to the last two northern white rhinos).
✔ Bottled Water: Complimentary bottled water during game drives.
✔ Airport Transfers: Private transfers from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to hotel and back on departure day.
Exclusions:
✘ International Flights: Airfare to and from Nairobi, Kenya.
✘ Visa Fees: Kenya entry visa and related travel documents.
✘ Optional Activities: Hot air balloon safari in Masai Mara, Maasai village visit, bush walks, or rhino tracking experiences.
✘ Personal Expenses: Laundry, souvenirs, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and tips for guides/staff.
✘ Travel Insurance: Comprehensive insurance covering medical, trip cancellations, and personal belongings.
✘ Additional Meals: Any extra meals or snacks not mentioned in the itinerary.
✘ Extra Accommodation: Additional nights before or after the safari (can be arranged at an extra cost).
