9-Day Maono Safari – Visions of the Land

Welcome to Kenya! Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), where your Pita Safaris guide warmly greets you with a heartfelt “karibu sana.” Enjoy a scenic transfer to Sarova Panafric Hotel, a comfortable midrange lodge near Nairobi’s city center with lush gardens and a pool. Depending on your arrival time, relax or opt for an optional city tour—visit the Giraffe Centre or Karen Blixen Museum. In the evening, savor a delicious welcome dinner at the hotel or a local restaurant recommended by your guide.
- Travel Tip: Early arrivals can explore Nairobi’s vibrant craft markets and eateries.
- Ready for your Kenyan adventure? Rest well—tomorrow the wild awaits.

After breakfast, set off north (~320 km | ~6 hours) toward Samburu National Reserve. Journey through lush tea farms and local markets before entering the arid, rugged landscapes of Kenya’s northern frontier. Check in at Samburu Sopa Lodge, perched on a hillside with stunning views and ensuite rooms. In the afternoon, embark on your first game drive to encounter Samburu’s “Special Five”: Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, and beisa oryx.
- Safari Moment: Experience Samburu’s wild beauty and unique wildlife.
- Want a Kenya safari off the beaten path? Samburu delivers.

Spend a full day exploring Samburu’s diverse ecosystems. Morning and afternoon game drives offer chances to spot lions, elephants, leopards, and cheetahs. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush with spectacular views and birdwatching—over 450 species thrive here. Optional cultural visits to a Samburu village offer insight into traditional semi-nomadic life. Return to the lodge for sundowners and dinner under African stars.
- Travel Tip: Bring binoculars and a zoom lens for close wildlife views.
- Explore Kenya’s hidden northern wilderness with expert guides.

Drive (~160 km | ~4 hours) to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a conservation pioneer and home to rhinos, lions, and chimpanzees. Stay at Sweetwaters Serena Camp, a charming midrange tented camp with ensuite tents overlooking a waterhole. Afternoon game drives focus on spotting rhinos and other wildlife. Visit the Jane Goodall Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Kenya’s only chimp refuge. Optional night drives offer a thrilling look at nocturnal creatures (extra cost).
- Safari Moment: Meet endangered species and learn about conservation efforts.
- Ready for a unique Kenya safari experience? Ol Pejeta awaits.

Begin with a sunrise game drive when predators are active. Return for breakfast, then explore the conservancy’s quieter corners. Highlights include viewing the last northern white rhinos, tracking black rhinos, and visiting Morani Information Centre for conservation insights. Afternoon options include lion tracking or guided bush walks. Relax at camp with stunning wildlife views from your tent’s verandah.
- Travel Tip: Sunrise drives offer the best chances for wildlife sightings.
- Discover Kenya’s conservation success stories with Pita Safaris.

Travel southwest (~4.5 hours) to Lake Nakuru National Park in the Great Rift Valley. Famous for vast flamingo populations and rare black and white rhinos, Nakuru offers spectacular birding and wildlife. Stay at Lake Nakuru Lodge, perched above the lake with panoramic views. Afternoon game drive to spot lions, leopards, Rothschild giraffes, baboons, and abundant birdlife along the lakeshore. End your day watching sunset from Baboon Cliff.
- Photography Tip: Capture flamingo flocks during the golden hour for stunning shots.
- Looking for a rich wildlife experience near Nairobi? Nakuru delivers.

After breakfast, journey (~260 km | ~6 hours) to the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve. Pass rolling hills, Maasai villages, and farmlands en route. Check in at Mara Sopa Lodge, your midrange base on the reserve’s eastern edge. After lunch, enjoy your first game drive in the Mara’s vast plains—home to lions, elephants, and seasonal wildebeest migrations. Return for dinner around the lodge’s firepit.
- Safari Moment: Feel the thrill of Africa’s iconic Big Five habitat.
- Ready for your classic Kenya safari? The Mara is calling.

Spend a full day exploring Masai Mara’s rich ecosystem. Tailor your game drives with your guide to spot cheetahs stalking prey, elephants migrating, or crocodiles lurking in the Mara River. Enjoy a bush picnic lunch. Optional visits to Maasai villages or sunrise hot air balloon safaris are available (advance booking). This is the perfect day for wildlife photography and unforgettable safari stories.
- Travel Tip: Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light and animal activity.
- Don’t miss Kenya’s ultimate wildlife spectacle—book with Pita Safaris today.

After breakfast, begin the scenic drive back to Nairobi (~280 km | ~6–7 hours). Enjoy a picnic lunch en route with time to reflect on your incredible journey. Arrive late afternoon for your transfer to JKIA or optional hotel stay if extending.
- Safari Reflection: From Samburu’s wild north to Masai Mara’s classic plains, you’ve seen Kenya’s finest.
- Inspired to return or plan another adventure? Contact Pita Safaris to customize your next safari.