Day 1: Nairobi – Samburu National Reserve
Morning Departure: Depart Nairobi early in the morning and drive to Samburu National Reserve, located in the northern part of Kenya. Scenic Drive: Pass through Kenya’s scenic central highlands and view Mount Kenya along the way. Arrival & Check-in: Arrive at your lodge or camp in Samburu in time for lunch. Afternoon Game Drive: Enjoy your first game drive in Samburu. Look out for the “Samburu Special Five”—Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx. Dinner & Overnight: Stay at a luxury lodge or tented camp in Samburu.
Day 2: Full Day in Samburu National Reserve
Morning Game Drive: Start the day with an early morning game drive in Samburu to catch the predators before they retreat for the day. Breakfast & Relaxation: Return to the lodge for breakfast and relax during the heat of the day. Optional Cultural Visit: Visit a local Samburu village (extra cost) to learn about the culture and traditions of the Samburu people. Afternoon Game Drive: Set out on an afternoon game drive to explore more of the park, which is home to elephants, lions, leopards, and over 350 bird species. Dinner & Overnight: Return to your lodge or camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Samburu – Lake Nakuru National Park
Morning Game Drive & Breakfast: Take a final early morning game drive in Samburu before breakfast. Transfer to Lake Nakuru: After breakfast, depart for Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its large populations of flamingos and rhinos. Arrival & Check-in: Arrive at your lodge or camp in Lake Nakuru National Park, followed by lunch. Afternoon Game Drive: Embark on a game drive around the park. In addition to flamingos, Lake Nakuru is home to white and black rhinos, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and other wildlife. Dinner & Overnight: Stay at a lodge or camp overlooking Lake Nakuru.
Day 4: Lake Nakuru – Lake Naivasha
Morning Game Drive & Breakfast: Enjoy a morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, followed by breakfast. Drive to Lake Naivasha: Depart for Lake Naivasha, a beautiful freshwater lake located in the Great Rift Valley, arriving in time for lunch. Boat Ride on Lake Naivasha: In the afternoon, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Naivasha to spot hippos and a variety of bird species, including African fish eagles. Optional Walking Safari: Visit Crescent Island, a private game sanctuary, for a walking safari (extra cost) to get up close to giraffes, zebras, and other herbivores. Dinner & Overnight: Stay at a lodge or camp along the shores of Lake Naivasha.
Day 5: Lake Naivasha – Masai Mara National Reserve
Breakfast & Departure: After breakfast, depart Lake Naivasha and drive to the Masai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations. Arrival & Check-in: Arrive in the Masai Mara in time for lunch at your lodge or camp. Afternoon Game Drive: Embark on your first game drive in the Masai Mara, home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo), cheetahs, and other wildlife. Dinner & Overnight: Stay at a luxury tented camp or lodge in the Masai Mara.
Day 6: Full Day in Masai Mara National Reserve
Early Morning Game Drive: Begin the day with a sunrise game drive to catch predators like lions and leopards hunting in the early morning hours. Breakfast & Relaxation: Return to the lodge for breakfast and relax at the camp or by the pool. Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari: For an extra cost, experience a hot air balloon ride at dawn over the Masai Mara, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush. Afternoon Game Drive: After lunch, head out on another game drive to explore different areas of the park, following the Mara River where the great wildebeest migration takes place (July to October). Dinner & Overnight: Return to your lodge or camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7: Full Day in Masai Mara National Reserve
Morning Game Drive: Another opportunity for an early morning game drive to explore different parts of the Masai Mara, spotting more of the incredible wildlife. Bush Breakfast: Enjoy a bush breakfast as part of your day’s adventure (optional, depending on your lodge). Afternoon Game Drive: Continue exploring the Masai Mara’s diverse landscapes and wildlife during an afternoon game drive. Dinner & Overnight: Return to your lodge or camp for a relaxing evening and dinner.
Day 8: Masai Mara – Nairobi
Morning Game Drive & Breakfast: Take a final early morning game drive in the Masai Mara, followed by breakfast at your lodge. Drive Back to Nairobi: Depart for Nairobi after breakfast, with an optional stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint for photos. Arrive in Nairobi in the late afternoon for your flight or onward destination.
