7-Day Nyumba Safari – Highlands to Mara

Welcome to Kenya! Land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), where your Pita Safaris representative will greet you with a warm “karibu sana.” Begin your journey with a scenic transfer to Sarova Panafric Hotel, a comfortable midrange hotel just outside Nairobi’s city center. Relax in spacious ensuite rooms surrounded by lush gardens—the perfect spot to unwind after your flight. If time allows, take an optional visit to Nairobi’s Giraffe Centre, Karen Blixen Museum, or National Museum for a cultural introduction.

Travel Tip: Early arrivals can explore Nairobi’s vibrant craft markets and local eateries with your guide’s recommendations.
- Ready to begin your Kenyan wildlife adventure? Rest well—tomorrow the wild awaits.

Distance: ~15 km | Drive Time: ~30 minutes

After breakfast, journey north into the arid beauty of Samburu National Reserve. Traverse equatorial landscapes dotted with coffee and tea farms before reaching your base at Samburu Sopa Lodge, perched on a hillside with panoramic views and ensuite rooms. In the afternoon, embark on your first game drive with expert guides seeking Samburu’s unique wildlife—the rare “Samburu Special Five” including Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, and reticulated giraffe—alongside elephants, lions, and leopards.

Safari Moment: Experience Samburu’s serene desert landscapes and exceptional wildlife photography opportunities.
- Want an authentic Kenya safari off the beaten path? Samburu awaits you.

Distance: ~340 km | Drive Time: ~6–7 hours

Spend a full day exploring Samburu’s rugged terrain with morning and afternoon game drives. Watch elephants bathing in the Ewaso Nyiro River, cheetahs stalking prey, and lions resting under acacias. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted by over 450 species. Enjoy a hot lunch at the lodge or pack a picnic to maximize your time in the bush. Optional visits to a local Samburu village offer insight into semi-nomadic Maasai life.

Travel Tip: Bring binoculars for birdwatching and a camera with a zoom lens for wildlife close-ups.
- Discover Kenya’s hidden wilderness with Pita Safaris’ expert guides.

After breakfast, travel south through scenic highlands, stopping at Thomson Falls for photos. Arrive at Lake Nakuru Lodge, set within the park for convenient access to afternoon game drives. Explore this birdwatcher’s paradise, home to spectacular flamingo flocks and a thriving rhino sanctuary. Search for Rothschild’s giraffes, buffaloes, and the rare tree-climbing lions inhabiting the area.

Safari Moment: Witness thousands of flamingos painting the lake’s shores pink during the right season.
- Looking for a Kenya safari combining affordability and wildlife thrills? Lake Nakuru delivers.

Distance: ~310 km | Drive Time: ~6–7 hours

After breakfast, drive to the legendary Masai Mara. Pass rolling hills, Maasai villages, and farmland en route to Mara Sopa Lodge, a midrange lodge on the eastern edge of the reserve. Following lunch and a short rest, set out on your first Mara game drive to encounter the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—plus zebras, giraffes, and wildebeest roaming the open savannah.

Travel Tip: Late afternoon provides golden light for dramatic wildlife photography.
- Ready for a classic Kenya safari adventure? The Mara is calling.

Distance: ~260 km | Drive Time: ~5–6 hours

Spend the day on morning and afternoon game drives, tracking the Big Five and witnessing predator-prey dynamics. From July to October, marvel at the Great Wildebeest Migration crossing the Mara River. Other wildlife highlights include hippos, crocodiles, and elephant families across the plains. Enjoy a bush picnic lunch or return to the lodge for a hot meal. Optional experiences include sunrise hot air balloon safaris or Maasai village visits.

Safari Moment: Float over the Mara plains at dawn for unforgettable aerial views.
- Don’t miss Kenya’s ultimate wildlife spectacle—book your Masai Mara safari today.

After breakfast, enjoy a short morning game drive for last glimpses of Big Five wildlife. Then, drive back to Nairobi with a scenic picnic lunch en route. Arrive in the late afternoon for your transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for departure. For those extending their stay, optional hotel rooms, dinners, and activities are available.

Safari Reflection: From Samburu’s unique wildlife to the Mara’s iconic plains, you’ve experienced Kenya’s finest.
- Inspired to relive the adventure or plan your next safari? Contact Pita Safaris to customize your next African journey.

Distance: ~260 km | Drive Time: ~5–6 hours