Kenya · Safari

5-Day Kenya Safari to Samburu, Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha

5 Days Round trip from Nairobi Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Spot Samburu's 'Special Five' alongside elephants and lions
  • 02 Full-day game viewing in Samburu with views of the Mathew's Range
  • 03 See Lake Nakuru's world-renowned birdlife, rhinos, and Rothschild giraffes
  • 04 Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Naivasha and visit Crescent Island
  • 05 Swim at Olkaria Geothermal Spa before returning to Nairobi

Embark on a 5-day safari adventure through Samburu National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, and Lake Naivasha. Spot Samburu's 'Special Five' alongside other iconic wildlife, discover Lake Nakuru's world-renowned birdlife and rare rhinos, and enjoy a boat ride on Lake Naivasha with a visit to Crescent Island. Along the way, take in the incredible Great Rift Valley scenery and round off your journey with a relaxing swim at Olkaria Geothermal Spa before returning to Nairobi.

After lunch, proceed for an evening game drive with a chance to see Samburu's 'Special Five' - the Reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, gerenuk, Beisa oryx, and Somali ostrich - among other big game such as elephant and lion.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Naivasha, Nairobi, Lake Nakuru National Park, Samburu
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve Safari

  • Upon arriving in Nairobi at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, our local guide will meet and greet you. Depending on your arrival time, you will be transferred to a city hotel (accommodation at an extra cost) or commence your safari.
  • Depart from Nairobi and drive north through cultivations of sisal and pineapple to the northern frontier district and on to Samburu National Reserve, arriving in time for lunch.
  • After lunch, proceed for an evening game drive with a chance to see Samburu's 'Special Five' - the Reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, gerenuk, Beisa oryx, and Somali ostrich - among other big game such as elephant and lion.

Dinner and overnight stay at Samburu Sopa Lodge.

2
Day 02

Full-Day Game Viewing in Samburu and Buffalo Springs

  • Have an early breakfast, then head out for a full day of game-viewing with a packed lunch in this dry semi-arid park, set against the striking backdrop of the Mathew's Range. The surrounding terrain is renowned for rare game, including the long-necked gerenuk, Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, and Beisa oryx. Leopards are frequent passers-by. Drive along the gently flowing Uaso Nyiro River, which traverses the park and provides evergreen vegetation for the wildlife found here. Game drives and bird-watching safaris are the ideal way to experience the native wildlife in its natural splendour.
  • In the evening, continue for a game drive in Buffalo Springs National Reserve, positioned on the southern side of the Ewaso Nyiro River. It is known for its biodiversity of animals, making it a pleasant destination for a game drive in this incredible reserve.
  • Later, head back to Samburu Sopa Lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
3
Day 03

Samburu to Lake Nakuru National Park

  • Enjoy an early morning game drive in Samburu National Reserve, have breakfast, and then depart by road for Lake Nakuru National Park.
  • After lunch, go for an exciting afternoon game drive. The birdlife here is world-renowned, with over 400 bird species, including White Pelicans, Plovers, Egrets, and Marabou Storks. It is also one of the very few places in Africa where you can see both the White and Black Rhino, as well as the rare Rothschild giraffe.
  • Later, have dinner and an overnight stay at Lake Nakuru Lodge.
4
Day 04

Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha and Crescent Island

  • Enjoy an early morning breakfast. After breakfast and a game drive en route, leave Lake Nakuru National Park for Lake Naivasha. There will be a stop to view the incredible Rift Valley scenery and for photo sessions as you proceed to Naivasha.
  • You will arrive in time for lunch. Check in at your lodge or camp and have lunch.
  • Later in the afternoon, enjoy a boat ride as you spot a family of hippos basking in the sun.
  • Afterwards, visit Crescent Island.

Later, dinner and overnight stay at Lake Naivasha Country Club.

5
Day 05

Lake Naivasha to Nairobi via Olkaria Geothermal Spa

  • Have an early morning breakfast. Check out from the hotel and drive to the Olkaria Geothermal Spa for swimming.
  • Later, leave Lake Naivasha for Nairobi and drop off at your respective Nairobi city hotel or airport.
Samburu National Reserve, Mathew's Range, Lake Nakuru National Park, Crescent Island

Where this trip takes you

Samburu National Reserve, Mathew's Range, Lake Nakuru National Park, Crescent Island

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Nairobi 4 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Park fees (for non-residents)
  • All activities (unless labelled as optional)
  • All accommodation (unless listed as an upgrade)
  • A professional driver/guide
  • All transportation (unless labelled as optional)
  • All taxes/VAT
  • Round-trip airport transfer
  • Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
  • Drinking water (on all days)

What's Not Included

  • International flights (from/to home)
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Tips (tipping guideline: US$10.00 pp per day)
  • Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees
  • Anything extra

What to bring

  • Personal items

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Nairobi, Kenya
Tour start
Nairobi, Kenya
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 5 days finish where they began, in Nairobi.

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Starting from

USD 1,425 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $1,425.00 — $2,698.00
Double Sharing $1,425.00 — $1,816.00

When

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