Kenya · Safari

9-Day Kenya Wildlife Safari through Samburu, Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru

9 Days Round trip from Kenya Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Discover the Big Five during exciting game drives in the world-famous Maasai Mara
  • 02 Explore Samburu National Reserve and spot rare northern species known as the Special Five
  • 03 Experience remarkable birdlife and flamingo-filled shores at Lake Nakuru National Park
  • 04 Enjoy a scenic boat ride on Lake Naivasha while observing wildlife and beautiful Rift Valley landscapes

Discover the incredible wildlife and landscapes of Kenya on a 9-day safari through iconic reserves and scenic lakes. Travel from Nairobi to Samburu, Sweetwaters, Lake Nakuru, and the world-famous Maasai Mara while enjoying thrilling game drives in search of the Big Five and unique northern species. Witness spectacular birdlife around Lake Nakuru and enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Lake Naivasha. This journey offers an unforgettable introduction to Kenya's diverse ecosystems, breathtaking scenery, and remarkable wildlife encounters across the country.

Observe elephants, reticulated giraffes, Beisa oryx, Somali ostriches, and other unique northern Kenya species.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Nanyuki, Nyahururu, Naivasha, Nairobi, Masai Mara, Mount Kenya, Lake Nakuru National Park, Samburu, Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Languages English, French, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Nairobi

  • Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, where you will be welcomed by a representative and receive a short briefing about your safari.
  • Transfer to your hotel in Nairobi and settle in after your journey.
  • Spend the remainder of the day relaxing and preparing for the safari adventure ahead.
2
Day 02

Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve

  • Depart from Nairobi after breakfast and travel north via Nanyuki and Mount Kenya towards Samburu National Reserve.
  • Arrive in time for lunch at the camp and relax before the afternoon safari activities.
  • Head out for an afternoon game drive along the Ewaso Nyiro River, where large numbers of wildlife gather.
  • Observe elephants, reticulated giraffes, Beisa oryx, Somali ostriches, and other unique northern Kenya species.
3
Day 03

Full Day in Samburu National Reserve

  • Start the day with an early breakfast at the camp before departing for a full day of game drives in Samburu National Reserve.
  • Explore the contrasting landscapes of riverine forests and arid plains along the Ewaso Nyiro River.
  • Look out for the Special Five of Samburu, including the gerenuk, Beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, and Grevy's zebra.
  • Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch before continuing wildlife viewing and birdwatching activities.
4
Day 04

Samburu to Sweetwaters Game Sanctuary

  • Depart after breakfast and drive to Sweetwaters Game Sanctuary, located in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
  • Arrive at the camp for lunch and spend some time relaxing in the peaceful surroundings.
  • Enjoy an afternoon game drive in the sanctuary and visit the unique chimpanzee sanctuary located within the reserve.
5
Day 05

Sweetwaters to Lake Nakuru National Park

  • Travel to Lake Nakuru National Park after breakfast, stopping at Thompson Falls and the Equator for photographs.
  • Arrive at the lodge and enjoy lunch before heading out for an afternoon game drive in the park.
  • Discover the lake's remarkable birdlife, including large flocks of flamingos and many other bird species.
  • Observe wildlife such as rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes within the park.
6
Day 06

Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara Game Reserve

  • Depart after breakfast and journey towards the famous Maasai Mara Game Reserve.
  • Arrive at the camp and enjoy a warm welcome before settling into your accommodation.
  • Relax after lunch before heading out for your first game drive across the vast savannah plains.
  • Discover the diverse wildlife and spectacular landscapes of this world-renowned reserve.
7
Day 07

Full Day in Maasai Mara

  • Spend the day exploring Maasai Mara with morning and afternoon game drives across the reserve.
  • Search for the Big Five, including lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffaloes.
  • Observe cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and numerous other animals across the open savannah.
  • Enjoy the remarkable scenery of woodlands, rivers, and plains that support abundant wildlife.
8
Day 08

Maasai Mara to Lake Naivasha

  • Depart after breakfast and drive to the beautiful Lake Naivasha, located in the Great Rift Valley.
  • Arrive at the resort in time for lunch and relax in the tranquil lakeside surroundings.
  • Enjoy a scenic boat ride on Lake Naivasha while observing birdlife and wildlife along the shores.
9
Day 09

Lake Naivasha to Nairobi Departure

  • After breakfast, drive back to Nairobi through the scenic landscapes of the Rift Valley.
  • Enjoy lunch at the famous Carnivore Restaurant before preparing for departure.
  • Transfer to the airport for your onward flight home, concluding the safari experience.
Samburu National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, Masai Mara

Where this trip takes you

Samburu National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, Masai Mara

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Kenya 9 cities · 9 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Arrival and departure airport transfers in Nairobi
  • Full-board accommodation while on safari, and bed and breakfast at the Nairobi hotel
  • Safari in a private 4WD safari vehicle with a pop-up roof and English-speaking driver-guides
  • All park entrance fees and game drives as indicated in the itinerary above
  • Driver and vehicle park entry fees and allowance
  • Lunch at Carnivore Restaurant on the last day
  • Complimentary mineral water in the vehicle throughout the safari

What's Not Included

  • International flight tickets and visa cost
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Personal expenses such as tips, porterage, bar bills, telephone, mineral water, and laundry
  • Any other services not mentioned in the itinerary

What to bring

  • Binoculars
  • Camera
  • Goggles
  • Safari hat
  • T-shirts
  • Jackets

Know before you go

  • Apply for a visa online before travel.
  • Yellow fever vaccination is recommended.
  • Malaria tablets are optional but advisable for travellers.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) (NBO), Embakasi, Nairobi, Kenya
Tour start
Kenya
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 9 days finish where they began, in Kenya.

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