Overview

This 7 day safari by road covering many of Kenya’s key areas including Samburu National Reserve, Aberdare National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park and the famous Masai Mara. This one week Kenya safari is perfect for those wanting to see the best of Kenya but on a small budget. Starting from Nairobi, this itinerary heads to the rugged landscape surrounding Mount Kenya, then to the open plains of Samburu, through the lake land interior to Lake Nakuru National Park before ending in the Masai Mara, an area renowned for its big cats.

Trip Highlights

Samburu National Reserve (2 Nights): Samburu is renowned for its unique wildlife, including the Grevy's zebra, Reticulated giraffe, and Beisa oryx, all of which are rare in other parts of Kenya. The reserve also boasts large populations of elephants, lions, cheetahs, and leopards. The area’s dramatic landscape and diverse wildlife offer incredible game-viewing opportunities.
Aberdare National Park (1 Night): A beautiful and less-visited park, the Aberdare National Park is part of the Mount Kenya region and features lush forests, waterfalls, and highland moorlands. The park is home to various species of wildlife, including elephants, baboons, buffalos, and even leopards. Treetop lodges offer a unique experience, with wildlife often visible from the comfort of the lodge.
Lake Nakuru National Park (1 Night): Known for its flamingo populations, the park is also a sanctuary for both black and white rhinos and boasts a variety of other species like giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. Lake Nakuru is a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 400 bird species recorded.
Masai Mara National Reserve (2 Nights): The Masai Mara is famous for its Big Five, along with cheetahs, leopards, and countless other animals. The Mara is especially known for its exceptional wildlife viewing and, during the Great Migration (July to October), the reserve offers a front-row seat to witness the dramatic river crossings. This is the ultimate safari experience for game viewing.

Day 01 :

Nairobi – Samburu National Reserve

Early morning pick up from Nairobi and head to Samburu National Reserve – a relatively remote and less-visited area away from the crowds and one that offers excellent game viewing. Check in your lodge where we will spend 2 nights on Full Board basis. Lunch at the lodge. Afternoon Game drive in the Samburu Reserve

Accommodation: Sarova Shaba Game Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 02 :

Full day in Samburu

Early breakfast at the lodge followed by morning and afternoon game drives exploring 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. Lunch is at the lodge.

Accommodation: Sarova Shaba Game Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 03 :

Samburu – The Aberdare National Park

Breakfast and then drive to The Aberdare National Park, part of the Aberdare Mountain Range and a region of stunning and diverse landscape where jagged peaks soar up to 3,930m and deep ravines cut through the forested slopes. Lunch at The Aberdare Country Club and then later transfer to The Ark for a night of game viewing from the lodge’s precincts. There are viewing decks and balconies that overlook a floodlit waterhole and salt lick to which many animals are attracted by day and night.

Accommodation: The Ark Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 04 :

Abadare – Lake Nakuru National Park

After a cup of tea or coffee check out of the Tree Lodge and board the transfer vehicle to the Aberdare Country Club for breakfast after which our driver will assist you with collecting the rest of your luggage. Continue down the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park with an en route game drive, arriving your lodge for check in and lunch. After relaxation, proceed on an afternoon game drive in the park returning later for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Sarova Lion Hill Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 05 :

Lake Nakuru – Seven Wonders of the World – Masai Mara Game Reserve

After breakfast, the tour continues to its climax or rather highlight where we conclude at The Masai Mara National Game Reserve – a magnificent landscape of open plains bisected by the Mara River and its tributaries, and punctuated by marshes and forests. This reserve supports the highest density of game to be seen anywhere considering its size. During the seasonal migrations, the reserve is home to up to a million wildebeest and an equally impressive number of zebra that move into the area from the neighbouring Serengeti National Park, in Tanzania. The reserve is home to all the “Big Five” and it is also possible to observe; baboon, eland, ostrich, bat-eared fox, jackal, and the rivers abound with hippos and crocodiles.

Accommodation: Sarova Mara Game Camp

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 06 :

Full day in the home of wonders – The Mara

Full day in Masai Mara National Game Reserve with early morning, mid-morning and afternoon game drives.

Note: in between game drives a visit to a masai village can be arranged at an extra cost or a balloon safari as opposed to an early morning game drive

Accommodation: Sarova Mara Game Camp

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 07 :

Depart

After breakfast, check out and drive back to Nairobi city in 4×4 pop-up roof safari vehicle arriving in the mid afternoon. Drop off in Nairobi or at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport via Karen Blixen Coffee Gardens for a farewell lunch.

FAQs

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to go on this safari?

The best time to visit is during the dry season (June to October), which is ideal for game viewing as animals gather around waterholes. The Great Migration in the Masai Mara happens between July and October, providing a spectacular wildlife experience.

Do I need a visa to visit Kenya?

Yes, most visitors need a visa. You can apply for an eVisa online before your trip, or in some cases, you can get a visa on arrival depending on your nationality.

What wildlife can I expect to see on this safari?

Samburu: Grevy’s zebra, Reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, elephants, lions, cheetahs, and leopards.
Aberdare National Park: Elephants, buffalo, baboons, leopards, and various birds.
Lake Nakuru: Flamingos (seasonal), rhinos, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and leopards.
Masai Mara: Lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and the Big Five.

How physically demanding is this safari?

The safari is relatively easy, with game drives in comfortable 4×4 safari vehicles. There are no strenuous activities, although some parks have walking safari options (optional).

What should I pack for the safari?

Light, comfortable clothing (preferably neutral colors like khaki or brown), a warm jacket for cool evenings, sunscreen, a hat, binoculars, a camera, insect repellent, and a small backpack for personal items. If staying in lodges with pools, don’t forget your swimsuit.

Is there a malaria 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.

Can I see the Great Migration in Masai Mara?

If you visit between July and October, you may witness the Great Migration in Masai Mara, when over a million wildebeest and zebras migrate through the Mara, crossing the river and attracting predators.

Is this safari suitable for families?

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

What are the group sizes for this safari?

The safari typically includes small groups ranging from 4 to 12 people to ensure a more personalized experience.

How will I travel between parks?

The safari is conducted in a 4×4 safari vehicle, which offers comfort and flexibility for game viewing. The road journeys between parks are part of the adventure, with game drives during the transfer times.