Kenya · Safari

7-Day Kenya Giraffe Safari across Maasai Mara, Nakuru and Samburu

7 Days Round trip from Nairobi Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Identify all three giraffe species across Kenya's most diverse landscapes
02 Explore the Mara Triangle for close observation of Masai giraffe herds
03 Observe endangered Northern giraffes within the protected sanctuary of Lake Nakuru
04 Track Reticulated giraffes along the Ewaso Ngiro River in Samburu and Buffalo Springs

Explore Kenya on a seven-day safari dedicated to discovering all three giraffe species across their natural habitats. Track Masai giraffes in the Maasai Mara and the wildlife-rich Mara Triangle, observe endangered Northern giraffes in Lake Nakuru, and follow Reticulated giraffes through Samburu and Buffalo Springs. Travel from Rift Valley lakes to arid northern landscapes while enjoying focused game drives, scenic journeys, meaningful wildlife conservation stories, expert guiding, immersive observation opportunities, and diverse ecosystems encountered each day.

Explore Kenya on a seven-day safari dedicated to discovering all three giraffe species across their natural habitats.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Luxury

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Nanyuki, Nyahururu, Nairobi, Masai Mara, Mount Kenya, Lake Nakuru National Park, Samburu

Languages English, German

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Nairobi and First Maasai Mara Game Drive

Morning: Your guide meets you at your Nairobi hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). Depart on the scenic drive southwest to the Maasai Mara.
Afternoon: Arrive at Zebra Plains Mara Camp or an equivalent premium camp. Settle into your tent overlooking the plains.
Late Afternoon (4:00 PM onwards): First Mara game drive. Enter the reserve to find the Masai Giraffe (Giraffa tippelskirchi). Observe their jagged patterns against the golden savannah.
Evening: Sundowner drinks, followed by dinner and overnight at camp.

Day 02

Full-Day Exploration of the Mara Triangle

After an early breakfast, depart with packed lunches for a full-day immersion into the pristine Mara Triangle, the western section of the reserve bounded by the Mara River and the Oloololo Escarpment.
Morning (6:30 AM - 1:00 PM): We cross the Serena or Oloololo Gate and explore the lush riverine woodlands and open savannahs. This area is famed for its high density of Masai Giraffe. We'll focus on observing their behavior in this rich habitat, watching them feed on the diverse acacia species and studying the social structure of large herds in the rolling terrain.
Picnic Lunch: Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch at a designated site along the Mara River, often with giraffe and other wildlife in view.
Afternoon (2:00 PM onwards): Continue our exploration, driving along the riverbanks where giraffes come to drink - a careful and vulnerable ritual. The Triangle's woodlands offer spectacular photography opportunities, with dappled light filtering through the trees onto the giraffes' distinctive coats.
Late Afternoon: Exit the Triangle and return to camp, with game viewing en route.
Evening: Dinner and overnight at your camp, recounting the day's sightings.

Day 03

From Maasai Mara to Lake Nakuru

Morning (6:30 AM - 10:00 AM): Farewell Mara game drive. A final morning drive in the eastern sectors of the reserve for a last look at the Masai Giraffe.
Late Morning: Breakfast and check out.
Afternoon (11:30 AM): Scenic drive east into the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park.
Arrival (Approx. 4:00 PM): Check into your classic tented camp.
Evening Game Drive: Introductory drive to spot the Northern Giraffe (Rothschild's) in the fever tree forests.
Evening: Dinner and overnight at your tented camp.

Day 04

Lake Nakuru Giraffes, Rhinos, and Panoramic Views

Morning Game Drive (6:30 AM start): Photograph Rothschild's giraffe against flamingo-lined shores (water levels permitting) and search for black and white rhino.
Midday: Lunch and rest at camp.
Afternoon Game Drive (3:30 PM onwards): Visit Baboon Cliff for panoramic views, then seek out giraffe in the acacia forests.
Evening: Sundowner in the park before dinner and overnight at camp.

Day 05

Scenic Transfer to Samburu National Reserve

Morning (8:00 AM): After breakfast, depart Nakuru for Samburu via the picturesque route through Nyahururu.
Lunch: Picnic lunch en route.
Afternoon (Approx. 3:00 PM): Arrive at your Samburu camp and check in.
Late Afternoon (4:00 PM onwards): First Samburu game drive. Enter Samburu National Reserve to find the Reticulated Giraffe along the Ewaso Ng'iro River.
Evening: Dinner and overnight at your camp.

Day 06

Reticulated Giraffes and Buffalo Springs

Morning (6:30 AM - 10:30 AM): Reticulated Giraffe Behavior Drive. Focus on their adaptations to the arid environment.
Midday: Breakfast and leisure at camp.
Afternoon (3:30 PM onwards): Buffalo Springs exploration. Cross into Buffalo Springs National Reserve to compare habitats and spot the Samburu Special Five.
Farewell Sundowner: Celebrate your three-species quest in the bush.
Evening: Final dinner and overnight at your Samburu camp.

Day 07

Shaba Safari and Return to Nairobi

Morning (6:30 AM - 10:00 AM): Final game drive in Shaba. After an early breakfast and packing, we depart for a final safari in the dramatic Shaba National Reserve. We'll seek out the Reticulated Giraffe amidst the lava rocks and springs, appreciating their adaptability in this starkly beautiful landscape.
Late Morning (10:30 AM): We exit Shaba and begin our journey south, descending from the arid lowlands into the lush, cool highlands of Laikipia.
Midday (Approx. 1:00 PM): Arrive in Nanyuki for a memorable farewell lunch. We will dine at a unique Trout Tree Restaurant (subject to booking availability), enjoying freshly prepared trout with spectacular views of Mount Kenya and the surrounding forests - a perfect, serene contrast to the wilderness of the past week.
Afternoon (2:30 PM): Continue the final leg of the drive to Nairobi, reflecting on the journey.
Evening (Approx. 5:30 PM): Arrive in Nairobi. Drop-off at your hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for your onward evening flight.

Where this trip takes you

Mara Triangle riverbanks, Lake Nakuru National Park and Baboon Cliff, Samburu National Reserve and the Ewaso Ng'iro River

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Nairobi 7 cities · 7 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Accommodation as specified in the itinerary: exclusive tented camps/lodges in the Maasai Mara (2 nights), Lake Nakuru (2 nights), and Samburu (2 nights).
All meals from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 7.
All ground transportation in a dedicated 4x4 safari vehicle with an English-speaking professional driver-guide.
Drinking water provided throughout the journey in the vehicle.
All guided game drives as per the itinerary, including full-day exploration in the Mara Triangle.
Picnic lunches on specified travel days.
Final farewell lunch at a premier tree-top restaurant in Nanyuki.
All applicable government taxes and levies.

What's Not Included

International flights and visas.
Park fees, conservancy fees, and activity fees: all national park entry fees, reserve fees, and vehicle fees are excluded and payable directly.
Optional activities not specified in the itinerary (e.g. Maasai village visit, hot air balloon safari).
Beverages (alcoholic, soft drinks, and bottled juices) at lodges and camps.
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, and communications.
Travel insurance (highly recommended).
Gratuities for your driver-guide and camp staff (discretionary).