$1,927 to $2,864 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve
Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve
Your safari begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel or the airport in Nairobi followed by a briefing from your professional safari guide. Depart northwards along the scenic Thika Superhighway passing coffee and pineapple plantations before reaching the lush central highlands of Kenya. After a short stop near Nanyuki town, you will cross the equator and continue north where the landscape gradually changes into the semi-arid plains of northern Kenya. Arrive at Samburu National Reserve in time for lunch at your lodge or tented camp. After some relaxation and enjoying views of the surrounding wilderness, depart for an afternoon game drive along the Ewaso Nyiro River, the lifeline of the reserve. Look out for elephants, crocodiles and the famous “Samburu Special Five” including Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and the long-necked gerenuk. Return to the lodge at sunset for dinner and overnight while listening to the sounds of the African wilderness.
- Main Destination:
- Samburu National Reserve
- Accommodation:
- Samburu Sopa Lodge
Wildlife in Samburu NR
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Exploring Samburu National Reserve
Exploring Samburu National Reserve
Spend a full day exploring the rugged beauty and unique wildlife of Samburu National Reserve. Begin with an early morning game drive when predators such as lions, leopards and cheetahs are most active. The cool morning hours also provide excellent opportunities to see large herds of elephants moving along the Ewaso Nyiro River. Your guide will drive through acacia woodlands, riverine forests and open plains while interpreting the ecosystem and pointing out wildlife and bird species. Return to the lodge mid-morning for breakfast and relaxation, enjoying views of animals visiting nearby watering points. After lunch and a short rest during the warm midday hours, head out again for an afternoon game drive to explore different sections of the reserve. Samburu is also rich in culture, and if time allows you may visit a nearby Samburu village to learn about traditional pastoralist lifestyles, beadwork and cultural practices. Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.
- Main Destination:
- Samburu National Reserve
- Accommodation:
- Samburu Sopa Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Samburu to Aberdare National Park
Samburu to Aberdare National Park
After breakfast, check out and begin your journey southwards leaving the dry northern plains behind. Drive through Isiolo and back toward the fertile central highlands with scenic views of Mount Kenya on clear days. Continue toward the forested slopes of Aberdare National Park, an area known for its misty forests, waterfalls and unique mountain wildlife. Arrive at the Aberdare region around midday and enjoy lunch at a base hotel before transferring into the park to your tree lodge, ie The Ark Lodge. The lodge is uniquely designed to resemble Noah’s Ark and overlooks a floodlit waterhole that attracts wildlife throughout the day and night. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the viewing decks or observation lounges while watching animals such as elephants, buffaloes, bushbucks and giant forest hogs come to drink. In the evening enjoy dinner at the lodge and later observe nocturnal animals that may visit the waterhole. Overnight at the lodge surrounded by the tranquil sounds of the forest.
- Main Destination:
- Aberdare National Park
- Accommodation:
- The Ark Lodge
Wildlife in Aberdare NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Aberdare to Lake Nakuru National Park
Aberdare to Lake Nakuru National Park
After breakfast and your transfer from the tree lodge, depart the Aberdare region and drive toward the spectacular Great Rift Valley escarpment. Descend into the valley with scenic viewpoints offering sweeping views of the escarpment and surrounding landscapes. Continue toward Lake Nakuru National Park, arriving around midday for lunch at your lodge overlooking the lake. After some relaxation, head out for an afternoon game drive in this compact yet wildlife-rich park. Lake Nakuru is famous for its birdlife including flamingos, pelicans, cormorants and fish eagles. The park is also one of Kenya’s best places to see both black and white rhinos, thanks to its protected sanctuary status. During the drive you may also encounter Rothschild’s giraffes, waterbucks, buffaloes, lions and occasionally leopards resting in the acacia trees. Visit viewpoints such as Baboon Cliff for panoramic views of the lake and surrounding escarpment. Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight.
- Main Destination:
- Lake Nakuru National Park
- Accommodation:
- Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge
Wildlife in Lake Nakuru NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara National Reserve
Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara National Reserve
After an early breakfast, depart Lake Nakuru and begin the scenic drive across the Rift Valley floor toward the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve. The journey takes you through small towns, farmland and rolling hills before reaching the vast savannah landscapes of the Mara ecosystem. Along the way you will see traditional Masai villages and herds of cattle tended by Masai warriors dressed in colorful shukas. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch followed by some relaxation. Later in the afternoon embark on your first game drive across the open plains of the reserve. The Masai Mara is known for its exceptional wildlife density including elephants, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras and large herds of antelope. Your guide will search for predators and other wildlife while explaining the unique ecology of the Mara. Return to the lodge at sunset for dinner and overnight surrounded by the sounds of the savannah.
- Main Destination:
- Masai Mara National Reserve
- Accommodation:
- Masai Mara Sopa Lodge
Wildlife in Masai Mara NR
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
Exploring the Mara
Exploring the Mara
Today is dedicated to exploring the incredible wildlife of Masai Mara National Reserve with extended morning and afternoon game drives. After an early breakfast, depart with picnic lunch boxes for a full day in the reserve. Drive across the sweeping plains dotted with acacia trees in search of the famous Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. The Mara is particularly renowned for its large lion prides and cheetah sightings. If traveling between July and October, you may witness the dramatic Great Migration where millions of wildebeest and zebras cross from the Serengeti into the Mara. Your guide may also take you to the Mara River where crocodiles and hippos are often seen basking along the banks. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot within the reserve before continuing with more wildlife viewing. In the evening, return to your camp for relaxation, dinner and overnight. Optional activities include a visit to a Masai village or an early morning hot air balloon safari.
- Main Destination:
- Masai Mara National Reserve
- Accommodation:
- Masai Mara Sopa Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 7
Masai Mara to Nairobi
Masai Mara to Nairobi
Enjoy an early breakfast at your camp before checking out and beginning the return journey to Nairobi. As you leave the Masai Mara National Reserve, you may have a final opportunity to spot wildlife along the way. The drive takes you through the scenic Masai countryside and up the Great Rift Valley escarpment with optional stops at viewpoints for photography and refreshments. Continue through small towns and rural landscapes before arriving in Nairobi in the afternoon. You will be dropped off at your hotel or at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward travel arrangements, marking the end of a memorable 7-day safari experience exploring some of Kenya’s most diverse and spectacular wildlife destinations.
- Main Destination:
- Nairobi (City)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
