Tour Overview
Experience the ultimate East African wilderness adventure on this 7-day mid-range Kenya safari. Begin with an relaxing overnight stay in Nairobi before journeying north to the rugged, sun-drenched landscapes of Samburu National Reserve, home to the unique "Samburu Special Five." Continue into the Great Rift Valley to spot rhinos and flamingos at Lake Nakuru, and culminate your trip with thrilling Big Five game drives and seasonal Great Wildebeest Migration sightings in the legendary Masai Mara Game Reserve.
Included
- Airport or hotel pick-up in Nairobi
- Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a prop up roof
- A professional English-speaking safari driver-guide
- 6 nights accommodation on a mid-range basis
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Game drives as described in the itinerary
- Park entry fees
- Bottled drinking water during game drives
- All applicable government taxes and service charges
- Drop-off in Nairobi at the end of the safari
Excluded
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International flights & visas
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Travel and medical insurance
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Tips and gratuities for driver-guides and lodge staff
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Alcoholic and soft beverages (unless specified)
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Optional activities (e.g., Maasai village visit, hot air ballooning)
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Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, telephone calls)
Tour Schedule/Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, you will be met by our representative for a warm safari briefing and transferred to your Nairobi hotel.Spend the rest of the day relaxing after your flight or taking an optional short city tour (such as visiting the Giraffe Centre or the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, depending on your arrival time.)
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast (or Dinner depending on arrival time)
Day 2: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve
After an early breakfast at your hotel, depart Nairobi and drive north through scenic pineapple and tea plantations, passing the majestic Mount Kenya. Cross the Equator line into the semi-arid northern frontier to Samburu National Reserve. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch and a brief rest. In the late afternoon, set off on your first game drive along the banks of the Ewaso Ng'iro River in search of crocodiles, elephants, and Samburu's unique wildlife species.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Full Day in Samburu National Reserve
Spend a full day exploring the rugged landscapes of Samburu. Track the famous "Samburu Special Five": the reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and the long-necked gerenuk. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives, keeping an eye out for leopards lounging in acacia branches and large elephant herds cooling off along the river. Return to the lodge at sunset for dinner and overnight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Samburu to Lake Nakuru National Park
After an early morning breakfast, check out and drive south across the Equator, descending into the floor of the Great Rift Valley toward Lake Nakuru National Park. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch. In the afternoon, head out for a game drive in Lake Nakuru, one of Kenya's premier sanctuaries for both endangered white and black rhinos.Search for Rothschild's giraffes, waterbucks, tree-climbing lions, and thousands of flamingos bordering the lake.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara Game Reserve
Enjoy an early breakfast before departing Lake Nakuru for the world-famous Masai Mara Game Reserve. Drive through the agricultural town of Narok into the vast open grasslands of the Mara. Check in to your tented camp or lodge in time for lunch. In the late afternoon, embark on an exciting introductory game drive across the sweeping plains, home to lions, cheetahs, zebras, and Wildebeest.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Full Day Big Five Safari in Masai Mara
spend a full day discovering the wildlife spectacle of the Masai Mara. Travel with packed picnic lunches deep into the reserve toward the famous Mara River, where hippos and crocodiles thrive and where the Great Migration river crossings take place between July and October. Track black-maned lions, elusive leopards, grazing elephants, and vast herds of herbivores across the savannah before returning to camp for dinner.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Masai Mara to Nairobi – Departure
Start with an early morning sunrise game drive followed by breakfast at the camp.Check out and begin your scenic return journey to Nairobi. Enjoy lunch en route in Narok town or upon arrival in Nairobi. Transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for your onward flight home or drop-off at your designated location.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Tour Activities
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Unlimited game drives
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Big Five tracking
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wildlife photography
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Searching for the "Samburu Special Five"
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Rhino sanctuary tours
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Birdwatching at Lake Nakuru
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Equator crossing stop & photo opportunities
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Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari over Masai Mara
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Optional Maasai cultural village visits
Trip Tips
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Packing Essentials: Pack lightweight clothing in neutral shades (khaki, tan, olive) for game drives, plus warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings in Samburu and the Mara.
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Camera Gear: Bring a camera with a quality telephoto zoom lens (300mm or higher) to capture crisp wildlife photos, along with extra memory cards and a portable power bank.
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Best Time to Travel: Excellent year-round! Visit between July and October to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in Masai Mara, or January to March for dry weather and vibrant wildlife viewing.
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Travel Documents: All visitors require an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before traveling to Kenya. Consult your healthcare provider regarding Yellow Fever requirements and malaria prophylaxis.
