8 Days Exclusive Kenya Safari: Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Maasai Mara & the Great Rift Lakes

Spend a full day exploring Samburu National Reserve with morning and afternoon game drives. Samburu is known for its striking landscapes and for hosting unique species found only in northern Kenya, such as the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx. The Ewaso Ng’iro River flows through the reserve, attracting herds of elephants and other wildlife to its banks. You will enjoy meals and overnight accommodation at your lodge, immersing yourself in the serenity and wild charm of Samburu.

After breakfast and a final morning game drive in Samburu, you will travel south toward Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a drive of about three hours. On arrival, check into your lodge and visit the famous Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the only place in Kenya where you can see these fascinating primates. Later, enjoy an afternoon game drive across Ol Pejeta’s open plains, home to the largest population of black rhinos in East Africa and a stronghold for the Big Five. As the sun sets over Mount Kenya, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, depart Ol Pejeta and drive through the scenic central highlands toward the Great Rift Valley, arriving at Lake Nakuru National Park in time for lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a game drive around the lake, which is famous for its flocks of flamingos, pelicans, and rich wildlife that includes white and black rhinos, buffalo, giraffes, and sometimes leopards. The day ends with dinner and an overnight stay at your lodge overlooking the lake.

Following breakfast, leave Lake Nakuru and travel southwest toward the world-renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve, a drive of about five hours through the Great Rift Valley. Upon arrival, check into your camp or lodge and enjoy lunch before heading out for your first game drive in the Mara. The reserve is known for its breathtaking open plains, diverse wildlife, and the spectacular annual wildebeest migration. In the evening, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Spend this day fully exploring the Maasai Mara on morning and afternoon game drives. The Mara offers some of Africa’s best wildlife viewing, with high chances of encountering the Big Five—lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino. You’ll also see cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, and countless antelope species. During the migration season, you may witness thousands of wildebeest crossing the Mara River in dramatic fashion. For an extra special experience, you can choose an optional hot air balloon safari at sunrise, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush. Overnight at your camp or lodge in the Maasai Mara.

After breakfast, depart the Maasai Mara and drive toward Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake located in the Great Rift Valley, approximately five hours away. Upon arrival, check into your lakeside lodge and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, experience a relaxing boat ride on Lake Naivasha, where you’ll see hippos, waterbirds, and possibly fish eagles in action. You can also take an optional walking safari on Crescent Island, where you can stroll among giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. Enjoy a peaceful evening and overnight stay by the lake.

On your final day, enjoy breakfast overlooking the calm waters of Lake Naivasha before departing for Nairobi, a drive of about two hours. You’ll then be dropped off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or your preferred hotel, marking the end of an unforgettable eight-day safari through Kenya’s most diverse and captivating landscapes. From the arid beauty of Samburu to the rolling plains of the Maasai Mara, this journey offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the very best of Kenya’s wildlife and natural wonders.