Discover the unmatched beauty of Kenya’s wilderness on this classic 6-day wildlife and birding safari. From the arid landscapes of Samburu to the flamingo-fringed shores of Lake Nakuru, and the rolling savannah of the Maasai Mara, this journey offers exceptional game viewing and bird watching opportunities in some of Africa’s most iconic reserves.
Day 1: Nairobi – Samburu National Reserve
Drive Time: Approx. 6 hours
Your safari begins with an early morning pick-up from Nairobi at 06:30 hrs and a scenic drive north to Samburu National Reserve. This arid region is famed for its rare northern species including the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx, and Somali ostrich.
Enjoy views of pineapple plantations and fertile farmland along the way. Arrive in time for lunch at your lodge. After a brief rest, enjoy your first game drive at 16:00 hrs in search of Samburu’s unique wildlife.
Accommodation: Samburu Sopa Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Full Day in Samburu National Reserve
Start the day with a morning game drive at 06:30 hrs, followed by breakfast at the lodge. Spend the rest of the day relaxing by the pool, enjoying birding walks, or watching wildlife from the comfort of your lodge.
In the late afternoon, embark on another game drive at 16:00 hrs to spot more wildlife.
Accommodation: Samburu Sopa Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Samburu – Lake Nakuru National Park
Drive Time: Approx. 6.5 hours
After an early breakfast, depart at 07:00 hrs for Lake Nakuru National Park, with a brief stop at the scenic Thomson’s Falls in Nyahururu.
Lake Nakuru is famous for its dense population of flamingos and over 450 bird species, as well as white and black rhino sanctuaries. Arrive in time for lunch and enjoy a late afternoon game drive at 16:00 hrs.
Accommodation: Flamingo Hill Tented Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Lake Nakuru – Maasai Mara Game Reserve
Drive Time: Approx. 5.5 hours
Depart after an early breakfast for the world-renowned Maasai Mara Game Reserve, arriving in time for lunch. The Mara is celebrated for its dramatic landscapes, rich biodiversity, and the chance to see the Big Five along with exceptional birdlife.
Enjoy a late afternoon game drive at 16:00 hrs in search of wildlife.
Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Full Day in Maasai Mara
Experience the magic of the Mara with an early morning game drive at 06:30 hrs. Return to the lodge for breakfast and relax during the heat of the day.
Later, set out for an afternoon game drive at 16:00 hrs. The reserve teems with lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards, rhinos, zebras, wildebeest, and hundreds of bird species.
Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Maasai Mara – Nairobi
Drive Time: Approx. 6 hours
Enjoy a final early morning game drive at 06:30 hrs, followed by breakfast at the lodge. Check out by 10:00 hrs and drive back to Nairobi, with a brief stop at the Great Rift Valley Viewpoint for panoramic photos.
Arrive in Nairobi in the early afternoon.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
- Private transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Full board accommodation (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Park entrance fees to all listed parks
- Daily game drives as per itinerary
- Services of an experienced English-speaking safari driver/guide
- Bottled water in the safari vehicle
- International airfare and visas
- Travel and medical insurance (highly recommended)
- Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, and lodge staff
- Soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and bottled water at lodges
- Personal expenses (e.g., laundry, souvenirs, phone calls)
- Any meals or activities not mentioned in the itinerary