Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through some of Kenya’s most diverse and wildlife-rich destinations, beginning in Nairobi and traveling north to the spectacular Samburu National Reserve. Your adventure starts with a scenic drive through Kenya’s countryside toward Samburu, a rugged wilderness renowned for its distinctive landscapes and unique northern wildlife. Spend Day 2 exploring Samburu National Reserve, where you may encounter elephants, lions, leopards, Grevy’s zebras, reticulated giraffes, gerenuks, Beisa oryx, and Somali ostriches. On Day 3, continue to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a renowned wildlife conservation area set against the backdrop of Mount Kenya. Spend the following day exploring the conservancy, with opportunities to see black and white rhinos, elephants, lions, buffaloes, chimpanzees, and other wildlife. The safari then proceeds to Lake Nakuru National Park, located within the scenic Great Rift Valley. Explore its diverse habitats and look out for rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, buffaloes, lions, and abundant birdlife. On Day 6, travel from Lake Nakuru to the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve, one of Kenya’s most celebrated wildlife destinations. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as you enter the Mara ecosystem and prepare for an exciting wildlife experience. Day 7 is dedicated to a full-day exploration of the reserve, offering excellent opportunities to observe lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and other wildlife across the open savannah plains. With an experienced safari guide accompanying you throughout the journey, you will gain valuable insights into Kenya’s wildlife, ecosystems, and conservation efforts. On Day 8, enjoy your final morning in the Mara before traveling back to Nairobi, concluding a diverse safari that combines the unique landscapes of northern Kenya, the conservation-focused Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the Great Rift Valley, and the iconic wilderness of the Masai Mara.
Itinerary
Exploring all that Africa has to offer is a dream for many. From epic Kenya safari adventures spotting Africa’s Big Five, going on a Gorilla trekking in Uganda or relaxing at Diani Beach: Africa has it all. Good news: Africa Safari Trips can build a custom-made itinerary that suits all your wishes.
Our most popular itineraries can help you find some inspiration. A lot of our clients love to end their exciting safari with a few days of relaxation on Africa’s most stunning beaches. Would you like that as well?
Whether you choose one of our popular itineraries or prefer to customize your journey, we are here to assist you. Come aboard and get ready to explore Africa at your own pace, exactly the way you like it!
Day 1
Nairobi – Samburu National Reserve
Your Kenya Big Five Safari begins with a meet-and-greet at the airport by our representative before departing Nairobi for Samburu National Reserve. Travel north through the scenic landscapes of central Kenya, with beautiful views of Mount Kenya along the way. Upon arrival in Samburu, check in and enjoy lunch at your camp.
Later in the afternoon, head out for your first game drive in Samburu National Reserve. Explore the reserve’s rugged scenery and look for elephants, buffaloes, lions, giraffes, zebras, and other wildlife. Samburu is also known for its unique wildlife species and rich birdlife. Return to camp in the evening for dinner and overnight.
Activities:
Accommodations:
- Gold Ashnil Samburu
Day 2
Samburu National Reserve
Spend the entire day exploring Samburu National Reserve with morning and afternoon game drives. The reserve features dramatic landscapes, open plains, riverine areas, and diverse habitats that support a variety of wildlife.
During the game drives, keep watch for predators and large herbivores while your guide helps you identify the different animals and bird species encountered along the way. An optional Samburu village visit can also be arranged for travelers interested in learning more about the local culture and traditions. Return to camp for dinner and overnight.
Activities:
Accommodations:
- Gold Ashnil Samburu
Day 3
Samburu – Ol Pejeta Conservancy
After breakfast, depart the Samburu region and travel toward Ol Pejeta Conservancy in the Laikipia Plateau near Nanyuki. Enjoy the changing scenery along the journey, with opportunities for stops along the way.
Upon arrival, check in and have lunch before heading out for an afternoon game drive in Ol Pejeta Conservancy. The conservancy is particularly renowned for its rhino conservation efforts, including the protection of black and white rhinos. You may also encounter elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and other wildlife.
Return to the camp in the evening for dinner and overnight.
Activities:
Accommodations:
- Platinum Maisha Sweetwaters
Day 4
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Enjoy a full day exploring Ol Pejeta Conservancy, with morning and afternoon game drives. This is an important day of your Kenya Big Five Safari, offering opportunities to search for the Big Five alongside other plains game and predators.
The conservancy provides a combination of wildlife viewing and conservation experiences. Optional activities such as a visit to the chimpanzee sanctuary or a guided nature walk can be arranged for an additional experience beyond the regular game drives.
Return to Maisha Sweetwaters Camp for dinner and overnight.
Activities:
Accommodations:
- Platinum Maisha Sweetwaters
Day 5
Ol Pejeta – Lake Nakuru National Park
After a relaxed breakfast, depart Nanyuki and travel toward Lake Nakuru National Park. Upon arrival, check in and enjoy lunch before heading out for an afternoon game drive.
Lake Nakuru is known for its diverse wildlife and is particularly notable for its rhino population. During your drive, look for giraffes, white rhinos, buffaloes, zebras, hippos, and, with luck, black rhinos. Enjoy the scenery around the lake and the surrounding landscapes before returning to the lodge.
Activities:
Accommodations:
- Platinum Lake Nakuru Lodge
Day 6
Lake Nakuru – Masai Mara National Reserve
After breakfast, depart Lake Nakuru and travel toward the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve, passing through the scenic Great Rift Valley.
Arrive in the Mara in time for lunch and settle into your camp. Later in the afternoon, begin a game drive across the expansive savannah plains. The Masai Mara is renowned for its abundant wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, and other species.
Return to camp in the evening for dinner and overnight.
Activities:
Accommodations:
- Gold Ashnil Mara
Day 7
Masai Mara National Reserve
Spend a full day exploring the magnificent Masai Mara National Reserve. After breakfast, depart with a packed lunch for a full-day game drive across the rolling plains and expansive savannah.
The Mara is famous for its exceptional wildlife diversity and the annual wildebeest migration, which generally takes place between July and October. Your guide will help you explore different areas of the reserve while searching for predators, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and other wildlife. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated site within the park before continuing your game drive.
Activities:
Accommodations:
- Gold Ashnil Mara
Day 8
Masai Mara – Nairobi
After breakfast, leave the Masai Mara and begin your journey back to Nairobi. Enjoy the changing scenery along the way and have lunch en route.
Arrive in Nairobi during the afternoon, where you will be transferred to the airport for your scheduled flight. This marks the end of your 8-Day Kenya Big Five Safari, featuring wildlife experiences across Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru, and the Masai Mara.
