7 Days Samburu, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha & Maasai Mara Safari

Distance: Approx. 350 km
Drive Time: Approx. 6 - 7 hours

06:30 - 08:00 | Departure from Nairobi - Northern Frontier Journey
Depart Nairobi and head north through Kenya’s central highlands, passing coffee plantations, fertile farmlands and the foothills of Mount Kenya before gradually transitioning into drier, more rugged terrain.

01:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch in Samburu
Arrive at Samburu National Reserve and enjoy lunch overlooking the Ewaso Nyiro River, the lifeline of this semi-arid ecosystem.

03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Drive - Northern Special Species
Samburu introduces a completely different wildlife profile.
Grevy’s zebras with their narrow stripes graze alongside gerenuk - the long-necked antelope often seen standing upright to feed. Reticulated giraffes move elegantly across the landscape, while Beisa oryx and Somali ostriches roam the open plains.
Elephants gather along the riverbanks, often digging into sandy riverbeds for water, while crocodiles and hippos dominate deeper sections of the river.
Predators such as lions and leopards are present, often using riverine vegetation as cover.

19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner in a remote wilderness setting, with the sounds of the river and nocturnal wildlife creating a truly immersive northern safari atmosphere followed by overnight stay at the accommodation of your choice from the options below.

Option 1: Budget Umoja Campsite | Samburu Riverside Tented Camps
Option 2: Standard Sopa Lodge | Ashnil Samburu Camp | Samburu Intrepids Tented Camp
Option 3: Luxury Elephant Bedroom Camp | Shaba Lodge |
Option 4: Above Luxury Sasaab | Saruni Samburu | Simba Lodge | Soroi Larsens Camp 

06:30 - 08:30 | Early Morning Game Drive - Riverine Wildlife Activity
At sunrise, Samburu becomes active with wildlife movement concentrated along the Ewaso Nyiro River.
Elephants gather in large numbers, predators move through riverine vegetation, and birdlife becomes highly active, including kingfishers, hornbills and raptors.

08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast
Return to camp for breakfast surrounded by the raw beauty of Samburu.

10:00 - 13:00 | Extended Game Viewing - Arid Landscape Exploration
Explore deeper into the reserve’s dry plains and rocky outcrops where rare species continue to thrive.
Gerenuks browse elevated vegetation, oryx graze in open areas, and predators utilise the terrain for ambush hunting.

13:00 - 14:00 | Lunch
Lunch at camp with views of the surrounding wilderness.

15:30 - 18:30 | Afternoon Game Drive - Predator Tracking
Continue tracking wildlife movement as temperatures cool.
Lions become more active, elephants cross riverbeds, and giraffes move between feeding zones as golden light enhances the landscape.

19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Evening under star-filled skies in a truly remote safari environment. Enjoy dinner and overnights stay at the accommodation of your choice from the options below.

Option 1: Budget | Umoja Campsite | Samburu Riverside Tented Camps
Option 2: Standard | Sopa Lodge | Ashnil Samburu Camp | Samburu Intrepids Tented Camp
Option 3: Luxury |  Elephant Bedroom Camp | Shaba Lodge |
Option 4: Above Luxury |  Sasaab | Saruni Samburu | Simba Lodge | Soroi Larsens Camp |

Distance: Approx. 300 km
Drive Time: Approx. 5 - 6 hours

06:30 - 08:00 | Early Morning Game Drive - Final Encounters in Samburu’s Riverine Wilderness
Begin your final morning in Samburu National Reserve with a sunrise game drive along the Ewaso Nyiro River, where life in this semi-arid ecosystem is most concentrated.
As the first light spreads across the rugged terrain, elephants gather in large numbers along the riverbanks, often seen drinking, bathing or digging into sandy beds to reach underground water sources.
The cooler morning temperatures bring renewed activity - lions may still be on the move after nocturnal hunts, while leopards retreat quietly into dense riverine vegetation.
The Samburu “Special Five” continue to define the experience - Grevy’s zebras graze in scattered groups, reticulated giraffes move elegantly between acacia trees, and gerenuks stand upright to browse on higher branches, showcasing their unique adaptation to this harsh environment.
Birdlife is equally vibrant, with kingfishers darting along the river, hornbills calling from treetops and raptors circling above the plains in search of prey.
This final drive offers a last opportunity to absorb the raw, untamed beauty of northern Kenya before transitioning into a completely different ecosystem.

08:00 - 09:00 | Breakfast - A Calm Pause Before Departure
Return to camp for breakfast overlooking the river, where wildlife continues to move through the landscape, creating a seamless continuation of the morning’s safari experience.

09:30 a.m. - 02:00 p.m. | Scenic Transfer to the Great Rift Valley - A Journey Through Changing Landscapes
Depart Samburu and begin a visually dynamic journey south toward Lake Nakuru National Park.
The landscape gradually transforms from dry, rugged terrain into the greener highlands of central Kenya, passing through agricultural regions, rolling hills and eventually descending into the dramatic escarpments of the Great Rift Valley.
This transition highlights the extraordinary ecological diversity of Kenya, where each region presents a distinct climate, vegetation pattern and wildlife habitat.

02:00 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch - Rift Valley Welcome
Arrive at Lake Nakuru and enjoy lunch at your lodge, set against a backdrop of acacia woodland and the shimmering lake below, where birdlife can often be seen gathering along the shoreline.

03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Drive - Rhino Sanctuary and Lake Ecosystem
The afternoon introduces the lush and wildlife-rich environment of Lake Nakuru National Park, renowned as one of Kenya’s most important rhino sanctuaries.
White rhinos graze openly across grasslands, offering excellent photographic opportunities, while the more elusive black rhinos browse within denser vegetation.
Rothschild giraffes move gracefully through the park’s acacia woodland, and large herds of buffalo roam the open areas.
Lions are frequently spotted resting in trees or hidden within tall grass, while leopards occasionally emerge along forest edges.
The lake itself supports an impressive variety of birdlife - pelicans glide across the water, cormorants gather along the shores, and during certain seasons, flamingos form vibrant pink fringes along the lake’s edge.
The contrast between Samburu’s arid wilderness and Nakuru’s green, water-rich ecosystem creates a striking shift in both scenery and wildlife behaviour.

19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight - Rift Valley Tranquillity
Return to your lodge as evening settles over the Rift Valley.
Dinner is served in a peaceful setting surrounded by forest and distant wildlife sounds, offering a calm and reflective atmosphere after a day of contrasting landscapes and rich wildlife encounters.

Option 1 : Standard | Lake Nakuru Lodge | Flamingo Hill Camp

Option 2 : Luxury | Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge | Sarova Lion Hill

Option 3 : Above Luxury | The Cliff, Nakuru,

Distance: Approx. 70 - 100 km
Drive Time: Approx. 2 - 3 hours

06:30 - 08:30 | Early Morning Game Drive - Forest, Plains and Rhino Encounters
Begin the morning in Lake Nakuru National Park as the park awakens under soft golden light.
White rhinos move steadily through open grasslands, their presence a testament to the park’s conservation success, while the more elusive black rhinos browse quietly within dense acacia thickets.
Rothschild giraffes glide gracefully between trees, occasionally pausing to feed on high branches, while buffalo gather in protective formations near watering points. Lions, often active through the night, may still be seen retreating into shaded woodland, and baboons line the roadside, already active and social.
The diverse habitats - from forested areas to open plains and lake shoreline - create a layered wildlife experience that evolves with every turn.

08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast - Rift Valley Calm
Return to your lodge for breakfast overlooking the park, where birdlife continues to animate the surroundings and distant wildlife movement remains visible.

10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Scenic Transfer to Lake Naivasha - Into the Freshwater Ecosystem
Depart Nakuru and travel through the heart of the Great Rift Valley toward Lake Naivasha.
The journey unfolds through rolling farmland, volcanic ridges and geothermal landscapes, gradually transitioning into a greener, more tranquil environment dominated by freshwater ecosystems.

01:00 p.m. | Arrival and Lakeside Lunch - A Change of Pace
Arrive at Naivasha and enjoy lunch in a peaceful lakeside setting where wildlife often roams freely.
Giraffes move between acacia trees, zebras graze near open lawns, and waterbucks linger close to the shoreline, creating an almost seamless blend between lodge and wilderness.

03:00 - 06:30 | Lake Naivasha Experience - Water, Wildlife and Walking Safari
Lake Naivasha offers a refreshing contrast to traditional game drives.
A boat safari glides across the lake’s calm waters, bringing you within close proximity to pods of hippos that surface with surprising proximity, while African fish eagles soar overhead before diving with precision to catch fish.
Pelicans and cormorants line the shores, and the surrounding vegetation supports a rich variety of birdlife that fills the air with movement and sound.
On Crescent Island, a guided walking safari transforms the experience entirely, allowing you to move quietly among giraffes, zebras and antelope species in a natural, unfenced environment. Walking at ground level creates an intimate and immersive perspective rarely experienced on safari.

19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight - Lakeside Serenity
Dinner is served in a tranquil setting beside the lake, where the atmosphere shifts into calm evening stillness, punctuated by the distant sounds of hippos grazing along the shoreline and birds settling into the night. Overnight stay at the accommodation of your choice from the options below.

Options 1 : Budget | Hotel Chambai Safari

Options 2 : Standard | Panorama Hotel

Options 3 : Luxury | Naivasha Crescent Camp

Optional Activities (At Extra Cost)
-Boat Safari on Lake Naivasha
-Guided Walking Safari on Crescent Island
-Cycling or Hiking in Hell’s Gate National Park
-Visit Olkaria Geothermal Spa
-Birdwatching Experience

Distance: Approx. 250 - 300 km
Drive Time: Approx. 5 - 6 hours

06:30 - 08:00 | Departure from Lake Naivasha - Journey Across the Rift Valley
Depart Naivasha and begin a scenic drive across the Rift Valley floor, gradually ascending through rolling hills and descending again toward the vast plains of southwestern Kenya.
The journey passes through Maasai pastoral lands, where traditional villages, grazing cattle and open savannah landscapes define the cultural and visual experience.

01:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch in Maasai Mara - Gateway to the Savannah
Arrive at Maasai Mara National Reserve and enjoy lunch overlooking sweeping plains that stretch endlessly toward the horizon, immediately signalling entry into one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife ecosystems.

03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Drive - First Immersion into the Mara
The Mara delivers an immediate sense of scale and abundance.
Large herds of wildebeest and zebras spread across the landscape, forming grazing patterns that shift continuously as they respond to predator presence.
Elephants move in well-structured family groups, often crossing open plains in slow, deliberate formations, while giraffes stride elegantly between acacia trees.
Predators are never far - lions rest in prides after early hunts, cheetahs scan the open plains from elevated vantage points, and hyenas move with purpose across the terrain, creating a dynamic ecosystem where every moment holds potential for interaction.

19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight - Into the Heart of the Wilderness
Return to camp as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the savannah in deep hues of orange and gold.
Dinner is served in a warm, inviting setting, while the distant calls of lions and hyenas create an unforgettable safari soundtrack. Overnight stay at the accommodation of your choice from the oiptions below.

Option 1: Budget Rhino Tourist Camp | Lenchada Tourist Camp | Mara Ntulele Camp | Enchoro Wildlife Camp | Sunset Camp Masai Mara | Greenwood Safari Camp

Option 2: Standard Jambo Mara Safari Lodge | Aruba Mara Camp | Osero Camp | Enkorok Mara Camp | Simba + Oryx Nature Camp

Option 3: Luxury Mara Sopa Lodge | Sentrim Maasai Mara | AA Lodge | Sekenani Camp

Option 4: Above Luxury Sarova Mara Game Camp | Ashnil Mara Camp | Muthu Keekorok Lodge | Mara Serena Safari Lodge | Mara Simba Lodge | Fig Tree Camp

Optional Activities (At Extra Cost)
Maasai cultural village visit
Private sundowner experience

06:30 - 08:30 | Early Morning Game Drive - Predator Behaviour at Sunrise
Set out at first light when the Mara is at its most dramatic.
Lions return from night hunts, often interacting within pride structures, while hyenas patrol territories in organised clans and cheetahs prepare for high-speed pursuits across the plains.
Herbivores graze cautiously in large formations - zebras, wildebeest and gazelles constantly scanning for danger as they feed on nutrient-rich grasses.

08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast - Bush or Lodge Experience
Enjoy breakfast in the bush or return to camp, with wildlife still visible across the surrounding landscape.

10:00 - 13:00 | Extended Game Viewing - River Systems and Migration Corridors
Explore the Mara River system, one of the most dramatic wildlife theatres in Africa.
Hippos crowd into deep pools, their presence marked by constant movement and sound, while Nile crocodiles lie in wait along muddy banks.
During the migration season, vast herds of wildebeest and zebras gather at crossing points, creating intense scenes of movement, survival and predator anticipation.
Beyond the river, the plains continue to teem with life - elephants traverse open terrain, buffalo cluster in large groups, and giraffes browse across woodland edges.

13:00 - 14:00 | Lunch - Wilderness Pause
Pause for a picnic lunch beneath a shaded tree or return to camp, allowing time to absorb the vastness of the surrounding ecosystem.

15:30 - 18:30 | Afternoon Game Drive - Big Five Territory Exploration
Continue exploring different sectors of the reserve, each offering new perspectives and wildlife encounters.
Lions rest in shaded grasslands, cheetahs maintain watch over open plains, and hyenas continue their strategic movements across territories.
Elephants gather at watering points, engaging in social behaviours such as bathing and dusting, while birdlife remains constant across the sky with vultures, eagles and storks circling above.

19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight - Final Night in the Mara
Return to camp for your final evening in the Mara.
Dinner is served under expansive African skies, where the sounds of the wild continue long into the night, creating a powerful and lasting impression of the savannah.

Enjoy overnight stay at your designated accommodation.

Optional Activities (At Extra Cost)
Early morning Hot Air Balloon Safari
Maasai cultural village visit
Private sundowner experience

Distance: Approx. 270 km
Drive Time: Approx. 5 - 6 hours

06:30 - 07:30 | Sunrise Game Drive - A Final Safari Moment
Your final morning in Maasai Mara National Reserve begins with a peaceful sunrise across the savannah.
Wildlife slowly emerges into the golden light - elephants move across open plains, giraffes browse quietly among acacia trees, and distant predators retreat after nocturnal activity.
This final drive offers a reflective and unhurried conclusion to your safari experience, capturing the essence of the Mara one last time.

08:00 a.m. - 02:00 p.m. | Scenic Return to Nairobi - Landscapes and Culture
Depart the Mara and journey back toward Nairobi, passing through Maasai lands where traditional lifestyles continue alongside modern Kenya.
The route ascends through the Great Rift Valley escarpment, offering sweeping panoramic views that serve as a fitting visual finale to the journey.

02:00 - 04:00 p.m. | Arrival and Drop-Off in Nairobi
Arrive in Nairobi and transfer to your hotel, residence or airport, marking the end of a richly immersive safari that has taken you through Kenya’s most iconic landscapes - from the remote beauty of Samburu to the world-renowned plains of the Maasai Mara.