Kenya · Safari

7-Day Kenya Wildlife Safari from Nairobi with Samburu and Masai Mara

7 Days Round trip from Nairobi Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Enjoy a safari in the Samburu National Reserve
02 See the Big Five on a thrilling adventure in Masai Mara
03 Explore Lake Nakuru National Park and its seasonal flamingos
04 Embark on a boat ride on Lake Naivasha with hippos and birdlife

This 7-day safari from Nairobi explores Samburu National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Naivasha, and the world-renowned Masai Mara. Along the way, look out for rare northern species such as the Grevy's zebra, Somali ostrich, and reticulated giraffe, as well as large predators, abundant birdlife, and the infamous Big Five. With rich wildlife habitats and varied landscapes, this journey is a treat for wildlife photography enthusiasts and naturalists alike.

This 7-day safari from Nairobi explores Samburu National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Naivasha, and the world-renowned Masai Mara.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

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

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Nairobi to Samburu National Park Safari

Depart from Nairobi heading north, past pineapple and banana plantations and the Tana River, towards the fertile Mt Kenya region. You will pass tea and coffee farms, citrus orchards, and many regional towns bustling with day-to-day activity. A stop will be made for photography at the Equatorial crossing line.
Arrive at Ashnil in time for lunch. Check in, have lunch, and set out for an afternoon game drive in Samburu National Park. This area has a rich concentration of animals along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, where much of the wildlife, such as elephants, leopards, hippos, reticulated giraffes, Grevy's zebras, and crocodiles, can be found. Over 365 species of birds have been identified in the sanctuary, some of which we will come across on our game drive. Be prepared for hot temperatures, as they regularly reach 40 centigrade during the day, even if it rains. In the evening, return to the lodge or camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 02

Early Game Drive in Samburu National Park

Depart on an early game drive to try to spot the early risers in the park before returning for breakfast. After breakfast, you can choose to relax at your accommodation or undertake a full-day game drive in Sarova Shaba or equivalent. Return to your accommodation for meals and overnight.

Day 03

Samburu to Lake Nakuru National Park

Rise early for a game drive, then return for breakfast and check out of your accommodation. Depart for Nakuru, stopping for a picnic lunch en route. On the way, you can stop to savour views of the beautiful Thomson Falls. Arrive late afternoon at Punda Milia Camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 04

Lake Nakuru Safari and Lake Naivasha Boat Ride

After breakfast, set out to explore Lake Nakuru National Park, which is famous for the thousands of flamingos that seasonally inhabit the shores of the lake. The park has been a successful habitat for introducing endangered species, including black rhino, white rhino, Rothchild giraffe, and the elusive leopard - all of which are frequently seen on game drives. You can spot these along with buffalo, lion, zebra, waterbuck, gazelle, impala, hyrax, and hippo.
Head on towards Lake Naivasha National Park and stop en route at Simba Lodge in time for lunch. You may even have the pleasure of the company of a family of black and white colobus monkeys, as well as a variety of birds, who also happen to have a sweet tooth! After lunch, you will enjoy an hour-long boat ride on Lake Naivasha (or Lake Olodian), where you can spot hippos as well as a variety of birds common in this area. Proceed to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.

Day 05

Lake Naivasha to Masai Mara National Reserve

After breakfast, depart Lake Naivasha for the Masai Mara. Initially, you will head around the lake and then turn west along the floor of the Great Rift Valley. After a stop in the Maasai town of Narok for fuel, supplies, and snacks, proceed to the Masai Mara Game Reserve, arriving at Sentrim Lodge in time for lunch.
Then, set out for an afternoon game drive before returning to your accommodation for dinner and overnight. And don't forget, the Masai Mara is not fenced! You can be on the lookout for animals not long after departing Narok.

Day 06

Full-Day Game Viewing in Masai Mara

Enjoy a full day of game viewing with a picnic lunch on the Mara River overlooking the Hippo Pools and the savannah. One of Kenya's premier reserves, the Masai Mara is an extension of the Serengeti and is world-famous for the spectacular migration of thousands of wildebeest and zebra during the months of July to October. The Mara is also rich in resident game, with over 95 species recorded, including the 'Big Five' - elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, and rhino - as well as giraffe, cheetah, hyena, and numerous species of antelope. The reserve is also rich in birdlife, with over 480 species. Return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.

Day 07

Morning Game Drive and Return to Nairobi

Wake up for breakfast and enjoy the morning game drive. Mid-morning, depart for Nairobi, stopping for lunch en route. You will arrive in Nairobi around 17:00.