8-Day Kenya Safari through Samburu, Rift Valley and Maasai Mara

8 Days Round trip from Nairobi Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Search for Samburu's famous Special Five along the Ewaso Ng'iro River
  • 02 Enjoy views of snow-capped Mount Kenya and stop at the Equator Crossing
  • 03 Track black and white rhinos in Lake Nakuru National Park
  • 04 Cruise among hippos on Lake Naivasha and walk among wildlife on Crescent Island
  • 05 Explore Hell's Gate National Park by cycling, hiking, or walking
  • 06 Experience outstanding Big Five viewing in the Maasai Mara
  • 07 Visit the Mara River, home to hippos and Nile crocodiles
  • 08 Witness the Great Migration in season across the Mara's golden plains

Your unforgettable Kenyan safari begins and ends in Nairobi, where your professional safari guide will meet you at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) or your Nairobi hotel. Travel in comfort aboard your own private 4x4 Land Cruiser Safari Jeep from the rugged wilderness of Samburu National Reserve through the breathtaking Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Hell's Gate National Park, and the legendary Maasai Mara. Along the way, cross the Equator, enjoy views of snow-capped Mount Kenya, cruise among hippos on Lake Naivasha, explore wildlife on foot at Crescent Island, and search for the Big Five and the seasonal Great Migration. This carefully crafted 8-day safari combines diverse landscapes, remarkable wildlife encounters, and authentic cultural experiences across some of Kenya's most iconic destinations.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Naivasha, Nairobi, Masai Mara, Mount Kenya, Lake Nakuru National Park, Samburu, Hell's Gate National Park

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve Safari

  • Depart from Nairobi and travel through Kenya's central highlands toward Samburu National Reserve.

  • Stop at the Equator Crossing and enjoy views of Mount Kenya along the way.

  • Arrive for lunch before an afternoon game drive in search of elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and Samburu's Special Five.

Dinner and overnight stay at a safari lodge or tented camp.

2
Day 02

Full-Day Safari in Samburu's Unique Landscapes

  • Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives across Samburu's unique landscapes.

  • Search for Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, gerenuk, Somali ostrich, and other wildlife.

  • Optional visit to a traditional Samburu village for a cultural experience.

Dinner and overnight stay in Samburu.

3
Day 03

Samburu to Lake Nakuru via the Great Rift Valley

  • Travel south through the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park.

  • Enjoy an afternoon game drive to spot black and white rhinos, Rothschild's giraffes, lions, buffaloes, and a variety of birdlife.

Dinner and overnight stay near Lake Nakuru.

4
Day 04

Lake Nakuru Game Drive and Lake Naivasha Boat Safari

  • Enjoy a morning game drive before heading to Lake Naivasha.

  • Take a boat safari to see hippos and waterbirds.

  • Visit Crescent Island for a guided walking safari among giraffes, zebras, and antelopes.

Dinner and overnight stay at Lake Naivasha.

5
Day 05

Hell's Gate Adventure to Maasai Mara

  • Explore Hell's Gate National Park by cycling, walking, or game drive.

  • Continue to the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

  • Enjoy an afternoon game drive across the famous savannah.

Dinner and overnight stay in the Maasai Mara.

6
Day 06

Full-Day Big Five Safari in Maasai Mara

  • Spend the day exploring the Maasai Mara in search of the Big Five.

  • Visit the Mara River and enjoy a picnic lunch in the wilderness.

  • Optional hot air balloon safari or Maasai village visit.

Dinner and overnight stay in the Maasai Mara.

7
Day 07

Another Full Day of Wildlife Viewing in Maasai Mara

  • Continue exploring different areas of the reserve on morning and afternoon game drives.

  • Look for big cats, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and other iconic wildlife.

  • Relax at your lodge after another rewarding day on safari.

Dinner and overnight stay in the Maasai Mara.

8
Day 08

Maasai Mara to Nairobi Return Journey

  • Enjoy breakfast and an optional final morning game drive.

  • Drive back to Nairobi through the Great Rift Valley.

  • Stop for lunch en route before being transferred to your Nairobi hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for your onward journey.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Nairobi 7 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Courtesy airport pick-up and drop-off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)

  • Courtesy hotel or residence transfers within Nairobi

  • Private customized 4x4 pop-up roof Land Cruiser Safari Jeep

  • Professional English-speaking safari driver/guide (other languages available upon request)

  • Accommodation in Economy, Comfort, Luxury, or Superior Luxury lodges/tented camps (as selected)

  • Unlimited private game drives

  • Guided walking safari at Crescent Island Game Sanctuary

  • Boat safari on Lake Naivasha

  • All National Park and Reserve entrance fees

  • All meals as specified in the itinerary

  • Bottled drinking water during the safari

  • Government taxes and statutory levies

What's Not Included

  • International and domestic flights (unless otherwise specified)

  • Kenya visa fees (where applicable)

  • Travel and medical insurance

  • Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, souvenirs, etc.)

  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages not included with meals

  • Tips and gratuities for the safari guide, lodge staff, and porters

  • Optional activities and excursions, including: Hot Air Balloon Safari - US$480 per person; Maasai Village Visit - US$25 per person; Hell's Gate Cycling, Hiking & Walking Experience - US$65 per person

  • Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary

  • Additional accommodation before or after the safari

  • Medical expenses and emergency treatment not covered by Flying Doctors

  • Passport fees and visa processing charges

  • Any increase in park fees, government taxes, or fuel surcharges imposed after booking confirmation

  • Any services not specifically mentioned under Safari Includes

What to bring

  • Valid passport and travel documents

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing

  • Light jacket or fleece for cool mornings and evenings

  • Comfortable walking shoes or sandals

  • Sun hat or cap

  • Sunglasses

  • Sunscreen (high SPF)

  • Insect repellent

  • Camera with extra batteries or charger

  • Binoculars for wildlife viewing

  • Personal medications

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Swimwear and beachwear

  • Light rain jacket (seasonal)

  • Power bank and charging cables

  • Small backpack or daypack

  • Cash or credit card for personal expenses, souvenirs, and optional activities

Know before you go

  • Kenya's weather is generally warm during the day and cooler in the mornings and evenings, especially during game drives.

  • Game drives are conducted in custom-built 4x4 safari vehicles with experienced professional driver-guides.

  • Wildlife sightings are natural and cannot be guaranteed, although the itinerary visits some of East Africa's best wildlife destinations.

  • Respect wildlife by remaining inside the safari vehicle unless instructed otherwise by your guide.

  • Carry your camera at all times - every game drive offers unique photography opportunities.

  • Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing is recommended for comfort during safari activities.

  • Stay hydrated throughout your journey by drinking plenty of bottled water.

  • Domestic flights have luggage restrictions; soft-sided bags are recommended where applicable.

  • Always follow your guide's instructions to ensure a safe and enjoyable safari experience.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) or your Nairobi hotel
Tour start
Nairobi
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 8 days finish where they began, in Nairobi.

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

Create your own adventure

Can't find the perfect tour? Tailor your dream trip.

  • Tell us your destination, dates and group size.
  • Our travel experts and local guides design a tailored itinerary, just for you.
  • Enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
Plan my holiday

Say goodbye to travel stress.

Starting from

USD 3,580 /person
Book This Tour

When

Travellers

Total