Overview

This 8 days Safari in Kenya (including a night in Nairobi at the start or end) with a road safari in a customised 4×4 safari vehicle with expert guide visiting Samburu Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park and the Masai Mara.

This itinerary includes some of Kenya’s best known wildlife locations: Samburu, Nakuru and the Mara.

Trip Highlights

Samburu National Reserve: Located in northern Kenya, Samburu is known for its unique wildlife, including species not commonly found in other parts of Kenya, such as the Grevy’s zebra, Reticulated giraffe, and Beisa oryx. The reserve is also home to elephants, lions, cheetahs, and leopards, making it a fantastic destination for wildlife photography and game viewing.
Lake Nakuru National Park: Famous for its large populations of flamingos (when present), Lake Nakuru is also a sanctuary for rhinos (both black and white) and boasts a variety of other wildlife, including buffalo, giraffes, and leopards. The park is also renowned for its birdlife, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Masai Mara National Reserve: This iconic reserve is part of the Serengeti ecosystem and is world-renowned for its stunning landscapes and incredible wildlife, including the Big Five. The Mara is especially famous for the Great Migration (from July to October) when millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River, attracting numerous predators. The reserve is home to abundant lions, cheetahs, and leopards.

Day 01 :

Nairobi

You’ll be met on arrival at Nairobi International Airport by our friendly Bashem Safaris representative and transferred to your hotel.

Accommodation: Eka Hotel

Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast

Day 02 :

Nairobi – Samburu National Reserve

After breakfast we depart Nairobi and head North to Samburu National Reserve – arrive Samburu in time for lunch, during our early evening game drive we will stop for drinks at a scenic point to watch the sun go down over the African wilderness. Dinner and overnight at camp.

Accommodation: Elephant Bedroom Camp

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 03 :

Full day in Samburu National Park

This morning we wake early for a morning game drive to explore Samburu National Reserve on the look-out for elephants and big cats as well as the unusual animals for which Samburu is noted such as the endangered Grevy’s Zebra and the Reticulated Giraffe. Breakfast and lunch* at camp. In the afternoon we take another game drive in this beautiful landscape.

Accommodation: Elephant Bedroom Camp – click here for more info about your lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 04 :

Samburu – Lake Nakuru National Park

After breakfast we set off towards the stunning scenery of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. Check in to Mbweha Safari Camp for 2 nights. The camp is a high quality safari camp set on the private 6400 acre Congreve Conservancy near the southern border of Lake Nakuru National Park and has spectacular views of the surrounding mountainous landscape. We will take an escorted nature walk from the camp for a close-up view of the local flora and fauna.

Accommodation: Mbweha Safari Camp

Meals Plan: Full Board

Day 05 :

Full day in Lake Nakuru National Park

Early breakfast at the Camp and then set off with a picnic lunch for a full day to explore the Lake Nakuru National Park. The woodland and grassland surrounding the lake are home to an abundance of wildlife including black rhino, white rhino, hippo, leopard, lion and the rare Rothschild’s giraffe.

Accommodation: Mbweha Safari Camp
Meals Plan: Full Board

Day 06 :

Lake Nakuru – Masai Mara Game Reserve

After an early breakfast we continue our safari by heading to the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, arriving at Tipilikwani Mara Camp for lunch where we will stay for 2 nights (Full Board). Tipilikwani Mara Camp has 20 luxury riverfront tents located on the banks of the Talek River overlooking the iconic Mara plains. After lunch there will be a game drive for the first chance to see the wildlife of the Mara.

Accommodation: Tipiikwani Mara Camp

Meals Plan: Full Board

Day 07 :

Full day in The Mara

A full day with morning and afternoon game drives in the Maasai Mara in search of the big cats for which the Mara is renowned. We will also see a wide variety of Kenya’s other species – great and small – such as elephants, buffalo, giraffe, plains game and much more.

Accommodation: Tipiikwani Mara Camp

Meals Plan: Full Board

Day 08 :

Departure

After breakfast we depart the Maasai Mara and make our way back to Nairobi arriving approx. 1.30pm to 2pm. Drop off at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward flight via lunch at the Carnivore or Karen Blixen Coffee Gardens for a farewell Lunch.

Accommodation: No accommodation pre-booked on this day

Meal Plan: Breakfast and a farewell lunch – dinner not included

FAQs

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa to visit Kenya?

Yes, most visitors will need a visa to enter Kenya. You can apply for an eVisa online or get one on arrival, depending on your nationality.

What is the best time to go on this safari?

The safari is available year-round, but the dry season (from June to October) is ideal for game viewing, as animals are more concentrated around waterholes. July to October is also the best period to witness the Great Migration in Masai Mara.

What animals can I expect to see?

You’ll have the chance to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, and elephant), along with a variety of other species, such as cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, hyenas, and numerous antelope species. In Samburu, you may also see rarer species like Grevy’s zebra and Reticulated giraffe.

How physically demanding is this safari?

The safari involves game drives, which are not physically demanding. You may also enjoy short walks in the parks. The roads may be rough in some areas, but the game drives will be conducted in a customised 4×4 safari vehicle for comfort.

What should I pack for the safari?

Light, comfortable clothing (preferably neutral colors like khaki or brown), a warm jacket for cool mornings and evenings, sunscreen, a hat, binoculars, a camera, insect repellent, and a small backpack for personal items. If staying in lodges with pools, bring a swimsuit.

Is malaria a risk during the safari?

Yes, malaria is a risk in Kenya. It’s recommended to take malaria prophylaxis and use insect repellent during the safari, especially in areas like Samburu and Masai Mara.

What is the group size for this safari?

Safari groups are typically small, ranging from 4 to 12 people. This allows for a more intimate and personalized experience, and ensures easier game viewing.

Can I see the Great Migration in Masai Mara?

If you visit during the July to October period, you may witness the Great Migration in Masai Mara, where over a million wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River in search of fresh grazing areas, attracting large numbers of predators.

Is this safari family-friendly?

Yes, this safari is suitable for families. However, children should be at least 6 years old to enjoy the experience. Some lodges may have age restrictions on certain activities, such as walking safaris.

What kind of vehicles are used for game drives?

The safari will be conducted in customised 4×4 safari vehicles, which are perfect for game viewing and provide comfort on both rough and smooth roads.