$3,528 to $4,088 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Nairobi to Masai Mara – Iconic Savannah & The Legendary Big Five Quest
Nairobi to Masai Mara – Iconic Savannah & The Legendary Big Five Quest
Your adventure begins with a prompt 6:00 AM pickup from your Nairobi hotel or the airport. Traveling in a rugged 4x4 Land Cruiser, you’ll leave the city behind and descend the scenic Great Rift Valley escarpment, stopping for breathtaking photos of the expansive valley floor.
Arrive at the world-famous Masai Mara in time for a hot lunch at your budget-friendly tented camp. After a short rest, head out for your first afternoon game drive. This will be slow-paced as we set in the pace for the upcoming big days ahead!
The Mara is renowned for its high concentration of wildlife; keep your eyes peeled for the Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino - as well as cheetahs and vast herds of zebras and wildebeest.
As the sun sets over the golden savannah, return to camp for a hearty dinner and an evening by the campfire, soaking in the authentic sounds of the African bush.
- Main Destination:
- Masai Mara National Reserve
- Accommodation:
- Elangata Olerai Tented Camp
Wildlife in Masai Mara NR
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Full-Day Masai Mara Adventure – Tracking the Big Five Across the Savannah & a Maasai Village Visit
Full-Day Masai Mara Adventure – Tracking the Big Five Across the Savannah & a Maasai Village Visit
Spend a complete day immersed in the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve. After an early breakfast, depart with a picnic lunch to maximize your time in the deep bush.
Your rugged 4x4 Land Cruiser allows you to navigate off-the-beaten-path trails where predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards often hide in the tall grass.
Traverse the vast plains toward the Mara River, keeping a lookout for massive elephant herds and the elusive Black Rhino. This full-day safari offers the best chance to witness dramatic wildlife interactions and stunning landscapes.
You will also have a chance to go to a maasai village nearby to experience the maa way of life in their enkajis (traditional houses), interract with them and even have a bite at their meals!
In the late afternoon, return to your lodge for a relaxing evening under the stars, sharing stories of the day's sightings around the campfire.
- Main Destination:
- Masai Mara National Reserve
- Accommodation:
- Elangata Olerai Tented Camp
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru – A Rhino Sanctuary & Flamingos of the Rift Valley
Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru – A Rhino Sanctuary & Flamingos of the Rift Valley
After an early breakfast, enjoy a final sunrise game drive through the Masai Mara as you depart for Lake Nakuru National Park. Your rugged 4x4 Land Cruiser will traverse the scenic floor of the Great Rift Valley, arriving at Nakuru in time for a late lunch at your budget lodge or camp.
In the afternoon, head out for a game drive in this specialized sanctuary. Lake Nakuru is world-renowned as one of the best places in Kenya to spot both Black and White Rhinos in their natural habitat.
Cruise along the lake’s edge to see thousands of pink flamingos, pelicans, and other water birds. Keep an eye out for the rare Rothschild’s giraffe and tree-climbing lions. As evening falls, settle in at your accommodation near the park for a relaxing dinner.
- Main Destination:
- Lake Nakuru National Park
- Accommodation:
- Lake Nakuru Lodge
Wildlife in Lake Nakuru NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Lake Nakuru to Aberdare NP – Misty Mountain Forests & Hidden Highland Wildlife
Lake Nakuru to Aberdare NP – Misty Mountain Forests & Hidden Highland Wildlife
After an early breakfast at Lake Nakuru, enjoy a final morning game drive before heading toward the lush, misty highlands of Aberdare National Park.
Your rugged 4x4 Land Cruiser will climb from the Rift Valley floor into the heart of the Aberdare mountain range, where the landscape shifts from golden savannah to ancient rainforests and cascading waterfalls.
Arrive at your budget-friendly lodge or camp in time for a hearty lunch. In the afternoon, explore the park’s unique ecosystem.
Aberdare is a hidden gem for spotting rare species like the Bongo antelope, giant forest hogs, and black leopards. Keep your eyes peeled for the "forest" Big Five, including massive herds of elephants and buffaloes moving through the thick canopy. As the evening chill sets in, enjoy a cozy dinner at your mountain retreat, soaking in the tranquil sounds of the highland forest.
- Main Destination:
- Aberdare National Park
- Accommodation:
- The Ark Lodge
Wildlife in Aberdare NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Aberdare to Samburu National Reserve – Entering the Wild Northern Frontier
Aberdare to Samburu National Reserve – Entering the Wild Northern Frontier
After an early mountain breakfast, descend the Aberdare highlands and head north across the equator toward the rugged Samburu National Reserve.
Your rugged 4x4 Land Cruiser will transition from lush green forests to the striking red-earth semi-desert of the north. Arrive at your budget-friendly camp along the Ewaso Ng'iro River in time for lunch.
In the afternoon, head out for your first game drive to track the unique Special Five: the Reticulated Giraffe, Grevy’s Zebra, Somali Ostrich, Beisa Oryx, and the "giraffe-necked" Gerenuk.
These species are found only in this arid northern corridor! Watch for huge elephant herds gathering at the river to drink and bathe. As the sun sets over the Ol Olokwe flat-top mountain, return to camp for a traditional safari dinner under the vast northern stars.
- Main Destination:
- Samburu National Reserve
- Accommodation:
- Samburu Simba Lodge
Wildlife in Samburu NR
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
Full-Day Samburu & Buffalo Springs – Tracking the Rare Special Five
Full-Day Samburu & Buffalo Springs – Tracking the Rare Special Five
Fuel up with an early breakfast for a full-day expedition through the rugged Samburu and Buffalo Springs ecosystem. Your rugged 4x4 Land Cruiser is essential here, navigating the sandy luggas and rocky terrain where the Special Five - the Reticulated Giraffe, Grevy’s Zebra, Somali Ostrich, Beisa Oryx, and the Gerenuk - thrive in the arid heat.
With a picnic lunch under the shade of a Doum palm, spend the day tracking the "Big Three" cats (lion, leopard, and cheetah) who frequent the riverbanks.
Visit the natural springs to watch massive red-dusted elephants congregate for a bath. This immersive day offers the best lighting for photographers and the highest chance to see the Gerenuk standing on its hind legs to graze. Here too you can visit a maasai village, but it is totally optional.
Return to your budget camp at dusk for a final farewell dinner by the Ewaso Ng'iro River.
- Main Destination:
- Samburu National Reserve
- Accommodation:
- Samburu Simba Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 7
Samburu to Nairobi – Final Sunrise Safari & Scenic Return Journey
Samburu to Nairobi – Final Sunrise Safari & Scenic Return Journey
Enjoy a final sunrise game drive through the red-earth landscapes of Samburu, catching the Special Five in the soft morning light. After a hearty bush breakfast, board your rugged 4x4 Land Cruiser for the scenic return trip toward Nairobi.
Wind your way through the vibrant central highlands, passing the rolling green hills and sprawling coffee and tea plantations near Mount Kenya. Stop for an affordable local lunch along the route (optional) before descending back into the city.
Your adventure concludes with a drop-off at your Nairobi hotel or the JKIA airport by late afternoon, filled with memories of the Big Five, the Special Five, and the diverse beauty of Kenya.
- Main Destination:
- Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
