From the rugged northern frontier of Samburu to the tranquil waters of Lake Naivasha and the legendary plains of the Maasai Mara – a safari rich in rare wildlife, scenic contrasts and unforgettable moments.
Overview
This six-day safari is a beautifully balanced journey through three of Kenya’s most diverse ecosystems, combining the remote wilderness of Samburu National Reserve, the serene freshwater landscapes of Lake Naivasha and the world-renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Starting and ending in Nairobi, the itinerary is designed to deliver variety, depth and a progressive safari experience. Samburu introduces you to a rugged, semi-arid environment home to rare northern species, while Lake Naivasha offers a peaceful interlude with close-to-nature experiences on foot and by boat. The journey culminates in the Maasai Mara, where vast savannahs and exceptional predator density provide the ultimate safari finale.
This safari is ideal for travellers seeking both exclusivity and iconic wildlife viewing, blending off-the-beaten-path destinations with globally celebrated reserves.
Trip Highlights
- Rare northern species in Samburu including Grevy’s zebra and gerenuk
- Scenic riverine landscapes along the Ewaso Nyiro River
- Boat safaris and walking experiences at Lake Naivasha
- Close encounters with hippos and birdlife
- Big Five safari experience in Maasai Mara
- Expansive savannah game drives and predator sightings
Itinerary
This six-day safari unfolds as a captivating journey from Kenya’s rugged northern frontier to the lush Rift Valley and finally into the iconic plains of the Maasai Mara, offering rich contrasts in scenery and wildlife throughout.
Distance: Approx. 350 km
Drive Time: Approx. 6 - 7 hours
07:00 a.m. - 08:00 a.m. | Departure from Nairobi
Your journey begins with a scenic drive north through the fertile highlands of central Kenya. Rolling farmland, coffee estates and small towns gradually give way to drier terrain as you approach the northern frontier.
As the landscape transitions into semi-arid plains dotted with acacia trees, the sense of entering a more remote and untamed region becomes evident - setting the tone for the adventure ahead.
01:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge or camp within or near Samburu National Reserve and enjoy lunch overlooking the wilderness, often with views of wildlife moving along the riverbanks.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Set out on your first game drive in Samburu, where the rugged terrain and sparse vegetation create excellent conditions for wildlife viewing.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Grevy’s zebra
-Reticulated giraffe
-Gerenuk standing upright to browse
-Somali ostrich
-Elephants along the Ewaso Nyiro River
-Lions and elusive leopards
The dramatic scenery, combined with specialised wildlife, offers a distinct safari experience unlike any other region in Kenya.
07:30 p.m. - 09:00 p.m. | Dinner and Overnight
Return to camp as the sun sets across the arid landscape. Dinner is served under the stars, with the sounds of the African wilderness providing a natural evening ambience. Unwind 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
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Samburu cultural village visit
-Guided nature walk
-Sundowner overlooking the river
06:30 - 08:30 | Early Morning Game Drive
Set out at sunrise when wildlife is at its most active. Predators such as lions and leopards are often returning from night hunts, while elephants gather along the river to drink.
The cool morning air and soft golden light create ideal conditions for both sightings and photography.
08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast
Return to camp for a relaxed breakfast or enjoy a picnic breakfast in the bush depending on wildlife movement and location.
10:00 - 13:00 | Extended Game Viewing
Explore deeper into the reserve, focusing on riverine forests and open plains where wildlife congregates.
The Ewaso Nyiro River provides a vital water source, attracting a wide range of species and offering dynamic wildlife interactions.
13:00 - 14:00 | Lunch
Enjoy lunch at the lodge followed by a short rest during the warmest part of the day.
15:30 - 18:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Continue exploring new areas of the reserve, tracking wildlife and observing behavioural patterns.
As the light softens, the landscape takes on a warm glow, and animals become more active once again.
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight at the lodge, with a peaceful atmosphere enhanced by the sounds of nature 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
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Guided bush walk
-Photography safari experience
-Private sundowner experience
Distance: Approx. 350 km
Drive Time: Approx. 6 - 7 hours
06:30 - 07:30 | Breakfast in Samburu
Enjoy breakfast with final views of the northern wilderness before departure.
08:00 - 01:30 | Scenic Drive to the Great Rift Valley
Travel south through changing landscapes, descending into the Great Rift Valley with sweeping views of escarpments and distant lakes.
The journey offers a visual transition from arid northern terrain to greener, more fertile regions.
01:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge near Lake Naivasha and enjoy lunch in a serene lakeside setting surrounded by acacia trees and birdlife.
03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Lake Experience
Lake Naivasha offers a peaceful contrast to the rugged north, with calm waters and rich biodiversity.
Expect to encounter:
-Hippos resting along the shoreline
-Fish eagles diving for prey
-Giraffes, zebras and antelope grazing nearby
-Abundant birdlife
07:30 - 09:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight at the lodge, with the tranquil lake environment providing a relaxing evening atmosphere at the accommodation of your choice from the options below.
Option 1 : Budget | Hotel Chambai Safari
Option 2 : Standard | Panorama Hotel
Option 3 : Luxury | Naivasha Crescent Camp
Option 4 : Above Luxury | Sawela Lodge | Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort | Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge
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
06:30 - 07:30 | Breakfast by the Lake
Enjoy breakfast with views of the calm waters and surrounding wildlife.
08:00 - 01:00 | Scenic Drive to Maasai Mara
Depart for the Maasai Mara National Reserve, travelling through rolling highlands and Maasai countryside as the landscape opens into vast savannah plains.
01:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your camp or lodge and enjoy lunch before a short rest.
03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Your first game drive introduces you to one of Africa’s most wildlife-rich ecosystems.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Lions in prides
-Cheetahs scanning the plains
-Elephants and buffalo
-Zebras and wildebeests
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight in the heart of the savannah at the accommodation of your choice from the options 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 guided game drive
06:30 - 08:30 | Early Morning Game Drive
Set out at sunrise when wildlife is at its most active. This is prime time to witness predator behaviour - lions returning from night hunts, hyenas on patrol and cheetahs preparing for morning pursuits. The golden morning light offers spectacular photographic opportunities across the vast plains.
08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast
Return to camp for a relaxed breakfast or enjoy a picnic breakfast in the bush depending on wildlife movement and location.
10:00 - 13:00 | Extended Game Viewing
Explore different sections of the reserve, including riverine habitats where hippos wallow and Nile crocodiles bask along riverbanks.
During migration season, vast herds of wildebeest and zebra dominate the landscape, creating one of nature’s most dramatic spectacles.
13:00 - 14:00 | Lunch
Enjoy a picnic lunch under a shaded tree or return to the lodge for a hot meal and rest.
15:30 - 18:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Continue tracking wildlife across new areas. The Maasai Mara’s exceptional predator density increases your chances of spotting the Big Five - lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino.
Your guide provides insights into animal behaviour, conservation and Maasai culture.
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner at the lodge followed by relaxation under the African night sky, reflecting on the day’s remarkable sightings at the accommodation of your choice from the options 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):
-Early morning Hot Air Balloon Safari (subject to availability, Pre-booking required)
-Maasai cultural village visit
-Private sundowner experience
Distance: Approx. 270 km
Drive Time: Approx. 5 - 6 hours
06:30 - 07:30 | Breakfast with Savannah Views
Enjoy your final breakfast overlooking the Mara plains, where wildlife may still be visible in the early morning light.
08:00 - 11:30 | Departure with En Route Game Viewing
Depart the reserve with a final opportunity to spot wildlife along the way.
The journey out of the Mara offers a last glimpse of its vast landscapes and roaming animals, providing a fitting conclusion to your safari.
01:00 - 02:00 | Lunch Stop En Route
Stop for lunch at a selected restaurant along the way, allowing time to relax before continuing the journey.
03:30 - 04:30 | Arrival in Nairobi
Arrive in Nairobi and drop-off at your hotel, residence or airport, marking the end of your safari experience.
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost)
-Souvenir shopping stop en-route
Inclusions / Exclusions
Package includes
- Transport in a 4x4 Land Cruiser safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Park entrance fees for all parks and reserves
- Accommodation for 5 nights
- All meals as per itinerary
- Game drives as per itinerary
- Bottled mineral water during game drives
- Government taxes and levies
Excludes
- International flights
- Personal travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Optional activities
- Lunch on Day 6 (unless specified)
- Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)
- Personal expenses
Frequently Asked Questions
Samburu offers a distinct semi-arid environment and is home to rare northern species not found in most southern parks, making it a unique and less crowded safari destination.
You may encounter the Samburu Special Five – Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Somali ostrich and Beisa oryx – all adapted to the region’s dry conditions.
Lake Naivasha offers boat safaris among hippos, guided walking safaris on Crescent Island, cycling in Hell’s Gate and relaxing lakeside experiences.
Yes, the Maasai Mara is one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five due to its high wildlife density and open landscapes.
The reserve offers excellent game viewing year-round, with the Great Migration typically occurring between July and October.
Yes, all travel is in a well-equipped 4×4 safari vehicle, with scenic routes and well-paced itineraries.
Yes, it provides a comprehensive introduction to Kenya’s diverse landscapes and wildlife.
Pack light, neutral-coloured clothing, a warm layer for early mornings, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars and a camera.
Yes, the itinerary can be tailored with upgraded accommodation, additional activities or extended stays.
