8 days
This 8-day, 7-night safari offers an unforgettable journey through Kenya’s most diverse and wildlife-rich destinations. Starting in Samburu, you’ll encounter rare species found only in the north before moving to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, renowned for its rhino and chimpanzee sanctuaries. The adventure continues to Lake Nakuru, famous for its rhinos and birdlife, before heading into the legendary Masai Mara for thrilling game drives and the chance to spot the Big Five. The safari concludes at the tranquil Lake Naivasha, where you can enjoy boat rides and walking safaris in a picturesque setting. With carefully selected accommodations, full-board meals, and guided game drives, this itinerary balances adventure, comfort, and scenic beauty, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a complete Kenyan safari experience.
Activities
8 Days, 7 Nights – Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara & Lake Naivasha Safari
Day 1: Nairobi – Samburu National Reserve (320 km / ~5 hrs)
Your safari adventure begins with a scenic drive north from Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve. On arrival, check in at your lodge and enjoy lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive. Samburu is famous for its unique wildlife, including the Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, and gerenuk, along with elephants and predators such as lions and leopards.
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation (choice of): Samburu Sopa Lodge, Ashnil Samburu Camp, Sarova Shaba Game Lodge
Day 2: Full Day in Samburu National Reserve
Spend the day exploring Samburu with morning and afternoon game drives. This semi-arid park offers striking scenery with the Ewaso Nyiro River cutting through the landscape, attracting a rich variety of wildlife. It’s also an excellent place to spot crocodiles basking along the riverbanks.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Samburu Sopa Lodge, Ashnil Samburu Camp, Sarova Shaba Game Lodge
Day 3: Samburu – Ol Pejeta Conservancy (145 km / ~3 hrs)
After breakfast, depart for Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a sanctuary that combines wildlife conservation with community development. Famous for its rhino conservation efforts, it is home to the last two northern white rhinos in the world. You’ll also enjoy game drives with chances to see the Big Five and visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation (choice of): Ol Pejeta Bush Camp, Mount Kenya Safari Club
Day 4: Ol Pejeta – Lake Nakuru National Park (173 km / ~4 hrs)
Drive through the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park. After lunch, head out on a game drive in search of rhinos, Rothschild giraffes, buffalos, and a variety of birdlife. Lake Nakuru is also known for its seasonal flocks of flamingos.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation (choice of): Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge
Day 5: Lake Nakuru – Masai Mara National Reserve (210 km / ~4 hrs)
Today, set out for the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve, arriving in time for lunch at your camp or lodge. In the afternoon, head into the reserve for your first game drive in this iconic safari destination, known for its abundance of wildlife and rolling savannahs.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation (choice of): Sarova Mara Camp, Ashnil Mara Camp, Mara Serena Safari Lodge, PrideInn Mara Camp, AA Mara Lodge, Sentrim Mara Camp, Mara Sopa Lodge, Mara Leisure Camp, Basecamp Masai Mara
Day 6: Full Day in Masai Mara National Reserve
Enjoy a full day of adventure in the Masai Mara. Morning and afternoon game drives provide excellent opportunities to see lions, cheetahs, elephants, and possibly the elusive leopard. During the Great Migration (July–October), you may witness thousands of wildebeest and zebras crossing the Mara River.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Same as Day 5
Day 7: Masai Mara – Lake Naivasha (216 km / ~4 hrs)
After breakfast, drive to Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake surrounded by lush greenery and dramatic escarpments. In the afternoon, take an optional boat ride to spot hippos and abundant birdlife, or visit Crescent Island for a guided walking safari among giraffes and antelopes.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation (choice of): Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort, Naivasha Simba Resort, Lake Naivasha Country Club, Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort
Day 8: Lake Naivasha – Nairobi (101 km / ~2 hrs)
After a leisurely breakfast by the lake, return to Nairobi. Drop-off at your hotel or at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward flight.
- Meals: Breakfast
This itinerary combines diverse landscapes, unique wildlife encounters, and comfortable lodge stays, making it a perfect 8-day safari for families, couples, or groups seeking an authentic Kenyan adventure.