Kenya · Safari

8-Day Kenya Safari through Samburu, Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara

8 Days Round trip from Kenya Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 See the remaining Northern white rhino and visit the chimpanzee sanctuary at Ol Pejeta
02 Look out for Grevy's Zebra and the long-necked Gerenuk in Samburu's semi-arid landscape
03 Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Naivasha followed by a walk on Crescent Island
04 Explore Masai Mara's rolling hills and plains in search of black-maned lions and other wildlife

Embark on an 8-day safari through Kenya's diverse landscapes, from Nanyuki and Samburu to Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, and Masai Mara. Encounter remarkable wildlife, including the remaining Northern white rhino and chimpanzees at Ol Pejeta, as well as Grevy's Zebra and the long-necked Gerenuk in Samburu's semi-arid habitat. Enjoy game drives along the Ewaso River, a boat ride on Lake Naivasha, and a walk on Crescent Island. In Masai Mara, look out for black-maned lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, buffalos, and other wildlife across the rolling plains.

Enjoy game drives along the Ewaso River, a boat ride on Lake Naivasha, and a walk on Crescent Island.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Nanyuki, Naivasha, Narok, Nairobi, Masai Mara, Mount Kenya, Lake Nakuru National Park, Samburu, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Aberdare National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Nairobi and Transfer to Nanyuki

Pick-up from JKIA by our tour guide/driver and proceed to the Mount Kenya region. Check in at Sweet Waters Ol Pejeta for lunch, followed by an evening game drive where you get to see the chimpanzee sanctuary and the Northern white rhino, among other wildlife species.
Later, head back to the camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 02

Mount Kenya Region to Samburu National Park

After breakfast, check out of the lodge and depart for Samburu National Park, driving through the plantation fields of Timau and crossing the thorny landscape of Samburu country. Look out for unique species such as Grevy's Zebra and the long-necked Gerenuk, among the wildlife that shares this semi-arid habitat. Arrive in time, check in at Samburu Sopa Lodge, and have lunch followed by an evening game drive in the park. Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 03

Game Drives in Samburu

Samburu is a hot, semi-arid countryside. We recommend doing an early morning drive and returning to the lodge for breakfast. Spend the rest of the midday hours indoors or by the pool to cool off. In the late afternoon, you will venture out again for another drive until 18:00 hrs. Most of the drives will be along the Ewaso River, for the apparent reason that animals come here to drink water and prefer the soft vegetation along the river. Head back to the lodge in time for dinner.

Day 04

Samburu to Lake Nakuru via the Great Rift Valley

After breakfast, check out of the lodge and depart for Lake Nakuru as you drive past the northern tip of the Aberdare Mountains to descend into the Great Rift Valley, where Lake Nakuru National Park is located. It is a world-famous bird sanctuary. Arrive in time for lunch at Lake Nakuru Lodge and check in. Head out for an evening game drive and return in time for dinner.

Day 05

Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha and Crescent Island

After breakfast, check out of the lodge and enjoy a game drive en route to Lake Naivasha. You will arrive in time for lunch at Sawela Lodge and check in. Later in the afternoon, enjoy a boat ride and take a walk on Crescent Island. Return to the lodge in time for dinner.

Day 06

Lake Naivasha to Masai Mara

After breakfast, check out of the lodge and head to Maasai Mara. Driving across the Great Rift Valley, you will reach Kenya's most famous game reserve, Masai Mara. You will have a stopover at Narok town for lunch or refreshments and later proceed to Keekorok Lodge. This will be your home for the next three days. After check-in, you will have an evening game drive exploring the rolling hills and plains for a chance to spot black-maned lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, and buffalos, along with varied wildlife species. Head back to the lodge in time for dinner.

Day 07

Full-Day Safari in Masai Mara National Reserve

After breakfast, you will head out for a full-day game drive. You can carry a picnic lunch and spend more time out in the wild, or break the day by coming back for lunch and doing another safari in the afternoon. Dinner will be served at the lodge.

Day 08

Morning Game Drive and Return to Nairobi

The day will begin at 6:00 a.m. with a morning game drive followed by breakfast. After that, check out of the lodge and transfer to Nairobi, with an en route visit to a Masai Village, for your outbound flight or other arrangements.