A striking journey from the rugged, wildlife-rich north to the flamingo-lined Rift Valley and the legendary savannahs of the Maasai Mara – an adventure defined by rare species, dramatic landscapes and unforgettable encounters.
Overview
This six-day safari offers a remarkably diverse exploration of Kenya’s northern wilderness, Rift Valley lakes and premier savannah ecosystem. The journey takes you through the semi-arid beauty of Samburu National Reserve, the compact yet wildlife-rich Lake Nakuru National Park and the iconic Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Beginning and ending in Nairobi, this itinerary is uniquely rewarding due to its contrasting ecosystems and specialised wildlife. Samburu introduces you to rare northern species such as the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe and gerenuk, while Lake Nakuru offers rhino encounters and vibrant birdlife. The journey culminates in the Maasai Mara, where vast plains and exceptional predator density create one of Africa’s finest safari experiences.
This safari is ideal for travellers seeking variety, exclusivity and depth, combining lesser-visited regions with world-renowned wildlife destinations.
Trip Highlights
- Rare northern species in Samburu (Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, reticulated giraffe)
- Scenic semi-arid landscapes and the Ewaso Nyiro River
- Rhino sanctuary and birdlife at Lake Nakuru
- Big Five safari experience in Maasai Mara
- Expansive savannah game drives and predator sightings
Itinerary
This six-day safari unfolds as a dramatic transition from the rugged north to the lush Rift Valley and finally into Kenya’s most iconic wildlife reserve, offering depth, variety and continuous visual interest.
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 from Nairobi, passing through the fertile highlands of central Kenya. The landscape gradually transitions from lush farmland to drier, more rugged terrain as you move towards Samburu.
Along the way, you pass small towns, coffee and tea plantations, and eventually the dramatic shift into semi-arid northern Kenya becomes evident - a landscape defined by open skies, acacia trees and raw natural beauty.
01:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge or camp within or near Samburu National Reserve and enjoy lunch overlooking the surrounding wilderness, often with views of the Ewaso Nyiro River.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Your first game drive introduces you to Samburu’s unique ecosystem and specialised wildlife.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Grevy’s zebra
-Reticulated giraffe
-Gerenuk (giraffe-necked antelope)
-Somali ostrich
-Elephants along the riverbanks
-Lions and leopards in riverine forests
The reserve’s rugged terrain and riverine vegetation create a distinct safari atmosphere, markedly different from southern parks.
07:30 p.m. - 09:00 p.m. | Dinner and Overnight
Return to camp as the sun sets over the arid landscape. Dinner is served under the stars, accompanied by the distant sounds of wildlife and the flowing river nearby. Enjoy 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
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Samburu cultural village visit
-Guided nature walk
-Sundowner experience overlooking the river
06:30 - 08:30 | Early Morning Game Drive
Set out at sunrise when the reserve is at its most active. Predators such as lions and leopards are often returning from night hunts, while elephants move towards the river to drink.
The cool morning air and soft golden light create ideal conditions for both wildlife viewing and photography.
08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast
Return to camp for a relaxed breakfast or enjoy a bush breakfast surrounded by Samburu’s wild landscapes.
10:00 - 13:00 | Extended Game Viewing
Explore deeper into the reserve, focusing on riverine habitats where wildlife congregates.
The Ewaso Nyiro River acts as a lifeline, attracting a wide range of species and offering excellent opportunities for close encounters.
13:00 - 14:00 | Lunch
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 different sections of the reserve, tracking wildlife and discovering new habitats.
The shifting light enhances the rugged beauty of the landscape, while animals become more active as temperatures cool.
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight at the lodge, with the sounds of the African wilderness creating a peaceful and immersive evening atmosphere 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-focused safari
-Private sundowner experience
Distance: Approx. 300 km
Drive Time: Approx. 5 - 6 hours
06:30 - 07:30 | Breakfast in Samburu
Enjoy breakfast with final views of the northern wilderness before departure.
08:00 - 01:00 | Scenic Drive to the Great Rift Valley
Travel south through changing landscapes, descending into the Great Rift Valley with its dramatic escarpments and panoramic viewpoints.
01:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge near Lake Nakuru National Park and enjoy lunch overlooking the park’s scenic surroundings.
03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Explore Lake Nakuru, renowned for its rich biodiversity and striking scenery.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-White and black rhinos
-Flamingos and other water birds
-Lions and leopards
-Rothschild giraffes
-Buffalo and zebras
07:30 - 09:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight at the lodge within the tranquil Rift Valley setting at the accommodation of your choice from the options below.
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,
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Guided nature walk
-Birdwatching excursion
06:30 - 07:30 | Breakfast with Lake Views
Enjoy breakfast overlooking the lake and surrounding acacia woodland.
08:00 - 01:00 | Scenic Drive to Maasai Mara
Depart for the Maasai Mara National Reserve, travelling through rolling hills 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 in the Mara introduces you to its incredible wildlife density.
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 exceptional photographic opportunities across the open 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 sectors of the reserve, including riverine areas where hippos wallow and Nile crocodiles bask along the banks.
During migration season, vast herds of wildebeest and zebra dominate the plains, creating one of the most dramatic wildlife spectacles on earth.
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 of the reserve. The Maasai Mara’s exceptional density of predators increases your chances of spotting the Big Five - lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino.
Your guide shares insights into animal behaviour, conservation and the cultural heritage of the Maasai people.
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 expansive Mara plains, where wildlife may still be visible in the distance.
08:00 - 11:30 | Departure with En Route Game Viewing
Depart the reserve with a final chance to spot wildlife along the way.
The journey out of the Mara offers a last glimpse of its sweeping landscapes and roaming animals, bringing the safari experience to a memorable close.
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.
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 unique semi-arid ecosystem and is home to rare northern species not commonly found in southern parks, making it a distinctive and less crowded safari experience.
They include the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Somali ostrich and Beisa oryx – species specially adapted to the region’s environment.
Yes, Lake Nakuru is one of Kenya’s best locations to see both black and white rhinos in a protected sanctuary environment.
While Samburu is rugged and exclusive, the Maasai Mara offers expansive plains and one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa, especially predators.
Yes, the combination of northern and southern parks provides a deeper and more varied safari experience ideal for both first-time and seasoned travellers.
The Mara is excellent 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 stops and well-paced transitions.
Pack light clothing in neutral colours, a warm layer for mornings, comfortable footwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars and a camera.
Yes, accommodation upgrades, additional nights or private experiences can be arranged based on your preferences.
Yes, it is suitable for families, couples and small groups seeking a diverse and engaging safari experience.
