Day 1: Nairobi – Samburu National Reserve
Your adventure starts with an early morning road trip from Nairobi, moving through ever-changing landscapes toward the rugged north. As you approach Samburu, the scenery shifts to a warm, arid wilderness dotted with acacia trees and dramatic riverbeds.
Arrive in time for lunch, settle in, and later head out for an afternoon game drive. Samburu is home to unique wildlife you won’t easily find elsewhere—Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich and the elegant gerenuk.
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Samburu Riverside Camp
- Mid-range: Samburu Sopa Lodge
- Luxury: Ashnil Samburu Camp
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Full Day Exploring Samburu
Kick off the morning with a drive along the Ewaso Nyiro River, where elephants love gathering to cool off. Spend the full day exploring Samburu’s open plains, rocky outcrops and riverine forests.
You have a good chance of spotting lions, leopards and cheetahs. Between the drives, relax at your lodge and enjoy the peaceful views of this northern gem.
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Samburu Riverside Camp
- Mid-range: Samburu Sopa Lodge
- Luxury: Ashnil Samburu Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Samburu – Ol Pejeta Conservancy
After breakfast, head south toward Ol Pejeta, a celebrated wildlife stronghold known for its rhinos, big cats and thriving conservation work.
Arrive for lunch, then take an afternoon game drive. Visit the rhino sanctuary area and explore the vast savannah teeming with elephants, buffaloes and spotted hyenas.
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: The Stables at Ol Pejeta
- Mid-range: Sweetwaters Serena Camp
- Luxury: Ol Pejeta Bush Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Ol Pejeta – Lake Nakuru National Park
Start the day with one more morning drive, then head toward the Great Rift Valley. The scenery opens into dramatic cliffs, rolling ridges and breathtaking viewpoints.
Arrive at Lake Nakuru for lunch. In the afternoon, explore the park, famous for its rhinos, tree-climbing lions and lively birdlife along the shimmering lakeshore.
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Citymax Hotel Nakuru
- Mid-range: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge
- Luxury: Sarova Lion Hill Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Lake Nakuru – Lake Naivasha
Take a slow morning drive through the park, enjoying the scenery and spotting wildlife along the lakeside forest.
Afterward, head to Lake Naivasha, a peaceful freshwater lake surrounded by farms and acacia woodland. In the afternoon, take an optional boat ride to see hippos and stunning birdlife. You may also visit Crescent Island for a guided walking safari among giraffes, zebras and antelopes.
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Taphe Guest Resort
- Mid-range: Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp
- Luxury: Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Naivasha – Masai Mara National Reserve
Drive through scenic countryside and traditional Maasai settlements as you make your way to the world-famous Masai Mara.
Arrive for lunch and later head out for an afternoon game drive. The Mara is the ultimate wildlife destination—rolling grasslands full of elephants, predators and endless photo opportunities.
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Miti Mingi Eco Camp
- Mid-range: Jambo Mara Safari Lodge
- Luxury: Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Full Day Game Viewing in Masai Mara
Spend the entire day exploring the Mara’s vast plains. Your guide will follow fresh wildlife tracks, giving you a strong chance of watching lions, cheetahs or leopards in action.
Visit the Mara River, home to hippos and crocodiles, and experience the raw beauty of one of Africa’s greatest ecosystems.
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Miti Mingi Eco Camp
- Mid-range: Jambo Mara Safari Lodge
- Luxury: Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: More Adventures in Masai Mara
Enjoy another full day in the Mara, capturing sunrise moments and spotting wildlife when animals are most active. The sweeping savannah, scattered acacias and dramatic skies create powerful scenes all day long.
Optional: Visit a Maasai village to learn more about the tribe’s culture, traditions and lifestyle.
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Miti Mingi Eco Camp
- Mid-range: Jambo Mara Safari Lodge
- Luxury: Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Masai Mara – Nairobi
After a relaxed breakfast, take a final morning drive as you exit the reserve. Enjoy one last look at the wildlife-filled plains before starting your journey back to Nairobi.
Arrive in the late afternoon and check in to your hotel to relax or explore the city at your own pace.
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Kenya Comfort Hotel
- Mid-range: Tamarind Tree Hotel
- Luxury: Hemingways Nairobi
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10: Nairobi – Departure
Spend the morning shopping, relaxing or visiting local markets depending on your departure schedule. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Estimated Cost Per Person (Based on 6 People Sharing)
| Category | Price Per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| Budget | $1,850 – $2,150 |
| Mid-range | $2,450 – $2,950 |
| Luxury | $3,550 – $4,350 |
Best Time to Travel
- July to October – peak wildlife season and Great Migration in Masai Mara.
- January to March – excellent game viewing and warm weather.
- November to December – green landscapes with newborn wildlife.