7-Day Kenya Safari to Samburu, Aberdare, Lake Nakuru and Maasai Mara

7 Days Round trip from Nairobi Challenging pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Cross the Equator on the way from Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve
  • 02 Spot rare wildlife such as Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, and gerenuk in Samburu
  • 03 Explore Lake Nakuru National Park for flamingos, white rhinos, and leopards
  • 04 Spend a full day on game drives in Maasai Mara across the Mara River, plains, and woodlands

Discover the ultimate 7-day Kenya safari adventure from Nairobi through some of the country's most rewarding wildlife regions. Travel north to Samburu National Reserve to spot rare species, continue into the misty Aberdare Highlands for a stay at a unique tree lodge, and explore Lake Nakuru for flamingos, white rhinos, and leopards. The journey then leads through the Great Rift Valley to the iconic Maasai Mara for classic game drives across its plains, river, and woodlands.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Challenging
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Nairobi, Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru National Park, Samburu, Aberdare National Park
Languages English, Swahili

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Nairobi to Samburu via the Equator

  • Depart Nairobi early in the morning and drive north.
  • Pass through the Equator and enjoy the dramatic landscapes.

  • Arrive in Samburu National Reserve in the afternoon.

  • Embark on an afternoon game drive to spot wildlife.

Have dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge or camp.

2
Day 02

Rare Wildlife Encounters in Samburu

  • Start the day with a morning game drive.

  • Search for rare species such as Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, and gerenuk.

  • Visit a local Samburu village (optional).

  • Enjoy an afternoon game drive to explore more of the reserve.

  • Return for dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge or camp.

3
Day 03

Samburu to the Aberdare Highlands

  • Drive from Samburu to the Aberdare Highlands.
  • Stop for lunch at a base hotel, for example, Aberdare Country Club.

  • Transfer to a tree lodge such as The Ark or Treetops.

  • Observe wildlife at the floodlit waterhole during the evening.

Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the tree lodge.

4
Day 04

Aberdare to Lake Nakuru National Park

  • Depart Aberdare in the morning and drive to Lake Nakuru National Park.
  • Take an afternoon game drive around Lake Nakuru.

  • Look for flamingos, white rhinos, and leopards.

Overnight at a lodge near the lake.

5
Day 05

Great Rift Valley Drive to Maasai Mara

  • Depart early and drive through the Great Rift Valley towards Maasai Mara.
  • Stop for an afternoon game drive en route to the lodge or camp.

Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Maasai Mara.

6
Day 06

Full-Day Safari in Maasai Mara

  • Spend the entire day on game drives with a picnic lunch.

  • Explore the Mara River, plains, and woodlands.

  • Spot lions, elephants, cheetahs, and possibly witness a river crossing (seasonal).

  • Visit a Maasai village or opt for a hot air balloon safari (optional).

  • Return for dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge or camp.

7
Day 07

Maasai Mara Return to Nairobi

  • Take an optional early morning game drive.

  • Have breakfast at the lodge.

  • Drive back to Nairobi.

  • Arrange drop-off at the hotel or airport to conclude the trip.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Nairobi 5 cities · 7 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Transport in a custom safari 4x4 with a pop-up roof

  • A professional English-speaking guide

  • All park entry fees

  • Full-board accommodation during the safari

  • Bottled water in the vehicle

  • Pick-up and drop-off in Nairobi

  • Crater and lodge transfer fees in Aberdare

What's Not Included

  • International flights and visa

  • Travel insurance

  • Tips and gratuities

  • Drinks and personal expenses

  • Optional activities (e.g. hot air balloon, village visit)

  • Pre- and post-safari Nairobi accommodation

What to bring

  • Comfortable safari clothing in neutral colors

  • Warm jacket for Aberdare and early mornings

  • Sturdy walking shoes

  • Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses

  • Binoculars and camera

  • Insect repellent

  • Travel documents and personal medication

Know before you go

  • Samburu is hot and dry, while the Aberdares can be cold and misty.

  • Expect long but scenic drives between parks.

  • Early starts maximize game-viewing chances.

  • Balloon safaris should be booked in advance.

  • Power and Wi-Fi may be limited in remote lodges.

  • Soft-sided luggage is recommended for easy handling.

Logistics

Meeting & route

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

Your 7 days finish where they began, in Nairobi.

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