Grand Kenya Safari — Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara
Kenya's full range in one trip — northern desert wildlife at Samburu, rhino conservation at Ol Pejeta, flamingos at Lake Nakuru, and the Masai Mara to finish.
Samburu National Reserve · Ol Pejeta Conservancy · Lake Nakuru National Park · Masai Mara National Reserve
Our most complete Kenya circuit, for travelers who want to see the country’s range rather than one region — northern desert wildlife at Samburu, rhino and chimpanzee conservation at Ol Pejeta, flamingos and rhino at Lake Nakuru, and the Masai Mara to finish. The photo above is one of our vehicles at the Samburu National Reserve gate, the first stop on the northern leg.
Day by day
Day 1 — Nairobi to Samburu. Depart Nairobi and drive north across the Equator into Kenya’s semi-arid northern frontier, arriving at Samburu National Reserve in time for lunch. Afternoon game drive along the Ewaso Nyiro River. Overnight at the camp, full board.
Day 2 — Samburu. A full day of morning and afternoon game drives, tracking elephant, lion, leopard and cheetah alongside the Samburu Special Five — Grévy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and gerenuk. Overnight at the camp, full board.
Day 3 — Samburu to Ol Pejeta. Drive to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, arriving for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive and a visit to the chimpanzee sanctuary. Overnight at the camp, full board.
Day 4 — Ol Pejeta. A full day exploring the conservancy — home to the last two northern white rhinos and a large black rhino population. Optional guided walk or night game drive. Overnight at the camp, full board.
Day 5 — Ol Pejeta to Lake Nakuru. Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park in the Great Rift Valley (or Lake Naivasha, depending on the season). Afternoon game drive — over 400 bird species recorded here, including flamingos, plus black and white rhino. Overnight at the lodge, full board.
Day 6 — Lake Nakuru to the Masai Mara. Drive to the Masai Mara, arriving in time for lunch and an afternoon game drive — Masai giraffe, buffalo, eland, impala, zebra and gazelle. Overnight at the camp, full board.
Day 7 — Masai Mara. A full day of game drives across the reserve’s plains, tracking lion, leopard, cheetah and, in season, the wildebeest migration. Optional Maasai village visit available at additional cost. Overnight at the camp, full board.
Day 8 — Masai Mara. Another full day in the Mara, with time to seek out anything you’ve missed — from big cats to a possible river crossing in season. Overnight at the camp, full board.
Day 9 — Masai Mara to Nairobi. Early morning game drive and breakfast, then transfer back to Nairobi, arriving in the afternoon.
What’s included
Full-board accommodation throughout, transport in a 4x4 safari van with pop-up roof, an English-speaking driver-guide, park entry fees and taxes, and airport transfers.
What’s excluded
Visa costs, laundry, beverages, tips, insurance, international taxes and personal expenses. Optional activities: hot air balloon safari (from $400), Maasai village visit ($30).