7 Days Samburu, Nakuru & Masai Mara

Your 7 Days Samburu, Nakuru & Masai Mara Safari begins in Nairobi. Your professional safari driver-guide will meet you at your Nairobi hotel, residence or another agreed pickup point in the morning. After introductions and a briefing about the safari, load your luggage into the safari vehicle and begin the journey north.

The first day's transfer is part of the adventure because the landscapes change dramatically as you leave Nairobi. You travel through Kenya's central highlands, passing agricultural areas and towns before continuing toward the more arid landscapes of northern Kenya. Depending on the selected route, weather and timing, the journey may provide distant views toward Mount Kenya, Africa's second-highest mountain, although views are never guaranteed.

As you continue north, the vegetation gradually becomes drier. The fertile highlands give way to thorn scrub, open bushland and dramatic semi-arid scenery, and this transition is one of the reasons Samburu feels so different from many other Kenyan safari destinations.

Eventually, you approach the wider Samburu ecosystem. Arrive at your selected lodge or tented camp around lunchtime or during the early afternoon, depending on road and traffic conditions. After check-in, enjoy lunch and take some time to relax before heading out in the later afternoon for your first Samburu game drive.

First Game Drive in Samburu

Samburu immediately introduces a different safari environment. Instead of the broad grasslands associated with the Masai Mara, much of the reserve consists of dry bushland, acacia scrub, rocky terrain and riverine vegetation.

The Ewaso Nyiro River is one of the most important ecological features of the reserve. Water attracts wildlife from surrounding dry areas, making the river corridor particularly productive for game viewing. Elephants frequently move toward the river to drink, feed and cool themselves, and large herds may be encountered crossing dry landscapes before disappearing into riverine vegetation.

Other possible sightings on your first afternoon include: Grevy's zebra, Reticulated giraffe, Gerenuk, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, African elephant, Impala, Grant's gazelle, Common waterbuck, Kirk's dik-dik, Olive baboon, Vervet monkey, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Spotted hyena.

The first afternoon provides an introduction rather than an attempt to see everything, and sightings are never guaranteed. Your guide will begin explaining how Samburu's animals have adapted to this relatively dry environment. As the temperature falls, wildlife activity often increases: predators that spent the hottest hours resting may begin moving, and elephants can become particularly active around the river.

Continue your game drive until late afternoon before returning to your accommodation. Enjoy dinner and your first night in northern Kenya.

• Destination: Samburu National Reserve
• Main activities: Nairobi–Samburu transfer and afternoon game drive
• Safari highlights: Ewaso Nyiro River, elephants, rare northern species and dramatic semi-arid landscapes
• Meals: Lunch and dinner depending on arrival arrangements
• Accommodation: Budget, mid-range or luxury lodge/tented camp in or near Samburu

Wake early for your first complete day of game viewing. The morning light across Samburu's rugged landscape can be spectacular. After breakfast, head into the reserve with your professional guide. Today's primary objective is to explore the different habitats of Samburu while searching for the region's distinctive wildlife, including species rarely found on Kenya's more conventional southern safari routes.

The Samburu Special Five

Five animals have become particularly associated with wildlife safaris in northern Kenya and are commonly called the Samburu Special Five. These are:

1. Grevy's zebra
2. Reticulated giraffe
3. Gerenuk
4. Beisa oryx
5. Somali ostrich

Finding these species adds an exciting dimension to the safari because several are absent from the Masai Mara, though individual sightings are never guaranteed.

Grevy's Zebra

The Grevy's zebra is one of Samburu's most distinctive animals. Compared with the more widespread plains zebra, Grevy's zebras have narrower, more closely spaced stripes, large rounded ears and a white belly. They are strongly associated with the dry landscapes of northern Kenya and parts of neighboring Ethiopia, and Samburu and the surrounding conservation areas are among the important places to observe them.

Your guide can help distinguish Grevy's zebra from plains zebra if both species are encountered. Their conservation status also makes sightings particularly significant.

Reticulated Giraffe

The reticulated giraffe is another northern Kenya specialty. Its coat pattern consists of large polygonal patches separated by striking pale lines, creating a highly distinctive net-like appearance. The dry bushland and acacia vegetation around Samburu provide ideal browsing habitat.

Reticulated giraffes are frequently among the most photogenic animals of the reserve, and their patterns contrast beautifully against the muted browns and greens of the northern landscape.

Gerenuk

The gerenuk, sometimes called the giraffe gazelle, is one of Samburu's most unusual antelopes. It has an exceptionally long neck and slender body, and one of its most remarkable behaviors is standing upright on its hind legs to reach leaves that other small antelopes cannot access.

Seeing a gerenuk feeding in this manner is a memorable wildlife encounter. Your guide will scan dry bushland carefully because gerenuks can blend surprisingly well into the surrounding vegetation.

Beisa Oryx

The Beisa oryx is a powerful antelope adapted to arid environments. Its long, straight horns and distinctive facial markings make it immediately recognizable. Oryx can survive in relatively dry conditions and may be encountered in open bushland and plains, and their presence further distinguishes Samburu from the greener ecosystems visited later in the safari.

Somali Ostrich

The Somali ostrich is the fifth member of the Samburu Special Five. Males can display striking blue-gray skin on the neck and legs, helping distinguish them from other ostrich populations, and they are well adapted to northern Kenya's dry landscapes. Watching these enormous flightless birds moving through open country adds another distinctive species to your Samburu experience.

Elephants of Samburu

Although the Special Five receive considerable attention, elephants are among Samburu's greatest attractions. The Ewaso Nyiro River provides a vital source of water, and elephant families often move toward the river during the day. You may watch elephants:

• Drinking
• Crossing the river
• Bathing
• Feeding on riverine vegetation
• Dust bathing
• Protecting calves
• Interacting within family groups

Because vegetation near the river can be relatively open, photographic opportunities can be excellent. Watching a herd descend toward the water against Samburu's rugged hills is one of northern Kenya's classic safari scenes.

Samburu Predators

Samburu supports a healthy predator community. Possible sightings include the following, although none can be guaranteed:

Lions

Lions may be encountered resting under acacia trees, walking through open country or near concentrations of prey.

Leopards

The riverine vegetation along the Ewaso Nyiro provides suitable leopard habitat. Leopards are naturally secretive, but Samburu is regarded as a rewarding location for searching for them.

Cheetahs

Cheetahs may occur in more open areas where visibility is good and suitable prey is available.

Spotted Hyenas

Hyenas can be encountered throughout the ecosystem. They are effective hunters as well as scavengers and play an important ecological role.

Samburu Birdlife

The reserve is also excellent for birdwatchers, and its northern location introduces species that may not be encountered farther south. Depending on season and habitat, possible birds include: Somali ostrich, Vulturine guineafowl, Eastern yellow-billed hornbill, Secretary bird, Martial eagle, Bateleur, Vultures, Kingfishers, Bee-eaters, Rollers, Sunbirds, Weavers.

The Ewaso Nyiro River attracts numerous water-associated species, and birdwatchers can request a slower pace that allows more time for identification.

Full-Day or Split Game Drives?

Today's schedule can generally be organized in two ways.

Full-Day Game Drive

Leave after breakfast with a packed lunch and remain in the wildlife area for much of the day. This maximizes exploration time.

Morning and Afternoon Drives

Undertake an early morning game drive, return to the lodge for breakfast or lunch and relaxation, then return for another drive later in the afternoon. This option can be particularly comfortable during hotter periods, and the final program can be adjusted according to your interests and lodge arrangements.

Return to your accommodation in the evening for dinner.

• Destination: Samburu National Reserve
• Main activity: Full-day wildlife exploration
• Safari highlights: Samburu Special Five, elephants, predators, Ewaso Nyiro River and northern Kenya birdlife
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Accommodation: Same Samburu lodge or tented camp

Enjoy breakfast before checking out and beginning the journey south toward Lake Nakuru National Park. Today's transfer takes you through another dramatic transition in Kenya's landscapes, as the dry northern environment gradually gives way to greener highland areas. Depending on the route and weather, you may again have distant views toward Mount Kenya, although these are never guaranteed.

Continue through Kenya's central regions toward the Great Rift Valley. The journey is substantial, so your driver-guide will make appropriate comfort and refreshment stops. Eventually, you descend toward the Lake Nakuru region, arriving during the afternoon depending on road conditions. After entering the national park, begin your game drive.

Rhino Safari in Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru is particularly important for rhinoceros conservation, and both white rhinos and black rhinos can occur within the park. This makes Nakuru a strategically important destination on this itinerary, because neither Samburu nor the Masai Mara should be relied upon as the principal rhino destination. By including Lake Nakuru, travelers substantially improve their opportunity to encounter rhinoceros during the seven-day safari, although sightings can never be guaranteed.

White Rhinoceros

White rhinos are primarily grazers and are often encountered in relatively open grassland. Their broad mouths are adapted for feeding on grasses, and although enormous, white rhinos can appear surprisingly peaceful when grazing. Your guide will maintain a respectful viewing distance while providing opportunities for photography.

Black Rhinoceros

Black rhinos are browsers that feed on leaves, shrubs and woody vegetation and often use areas with thicker cover. Their hooked upper lip helps them grasp vegetation. Black rhinos can therefore be more difficult to locate than white rhinos, and finding one can be a particularly rewarding experience.

Rothschild's Giraffes

Lake Nakuru also provides opportunities to see Rothschild's giraffes, which gives the safari an extraordinary giraffe dimension. Across the complete seven-day route, travelers may encounter different giraffe populations: Reticulated giraffe in Samburu, Rothschild's giraffe around Lake Nakuru, Masai giraffe in the Masai Mara.

For wildlife enthusiasts, this geographic variation is one of the itinerary's hidden strengths.

Other Lake Nakuru Wildlife

Possible mammals include: African buffalo, Plains zebra, Waterbuck, Impala, Common warthog, Olive baboon, Vervet monkey, Hippopotamus, Lion, Leopard.

Buffaloes can be particularly abundant, and large groups may be encountered near open grasslands and wetland areas.

Flamingos and Lake Nakuru Birdlife

Lake Nakuru became internationally famous for enormous flamingo concentrations. Flamingo numbers fluctuate according to ecological conditions, particularly water levels and food availability, so travelers should not assume that the shoreline will always contain the immense numbers seen in historic photographs. Nevertheless, birdlife remains exceptionally diverse. Possible sightings include: Greater flamingos, Lesser flamingos, Pelicans, Cormorants, Herons, Egrets, Storks, African fish eagles, Kingfishers, Raptors, Numerous woodland birds.

After completing your game drive, proceed to your accommodation. Enjoy dinner and overnight in or around Lake Nakuru.

• Destination: Lake Nakuru National Park
• Main activities: Samburu–Nakuru transfer and afternoon wildlife viewing
• Safari highlights: White and black rhinos, Rothschild's giraffes, buffaloes, flamingos and Rift Valley scenery
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp in or near Lake Nakuru

After breakfast, check out and begin the journey toward the Masai Mara National Reserve. Today's transfer introduces another dramatic ecological transition as you leave the lake and woodland environments of Nakuru and travel through the Great Rift Valley toward southwestern Kenya.

The route passes through agricultural landscapes, settlements and towns before approaching the wider Mara ecosystem. You will normally travel through or near Narok before continuing toward your chosen reserve gate, conservancy or lodge. As you approach the Masai Mara, the landscape opens dramatically and rolling grasslands begin stretching toward the horizon. Maasai settlements and livestock may be visible in community areas outside the reserve.

Arrive at your lodge or tented camp in the afternoon. After check-in, embark on your first Masai Mara game drive.

First Masai Mara Wildlife Experience

The difference from Samburu is immediately apparent. The Mara is characterized by broad grasslands interspersed with riverine forest, drainage lines and scattered acacia trees, and the ecosystem supports an extraordinary concentration of herbivores. Possible first sightings include: Wildebeest, Plains zebras, Topis, Impalas, Thomson's gazelles, Grant's gazelles, Masai giraffes, African buffaloes, African elephants, Common warthogs.

The abundance of prey supports an equally impressive predator population, and your guide will search for lions, cheetahs, leopards and spotted hyenas, although no species can be guaranteed. Late afternoon can be particularly productive as temperatures cool. Continue game viewing until the permitted closing time before returning to your lodge or camp.

• Destination: Masai Mara National Reserve
• Main activities: Lake Nakuru–Masai Mara transfer and afternoon game drive
• Safari highlights: First Mara predators, plains game and classic savannah landscapes
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Accommodation: Budget, mid-range or luxury lodge/tented camp in or around the Masai Mara

Wake early for your first complete day in the Masai Mara. After breakfast, depart with your safari guide for extensive game viewing. Morning is one of the most productive periods because temperatures are cooler and predators may still be active.

Lions of the Masai Mara

The Masai Mara is internationally famous for lions, and prides may occupy territories containing open plains, rivers, woodland and drainage lines. A morning drive might reveal:

• Lions walking across the plains
• A pride resting after feeding
• Cubs playing
• Females hunting
• Adult males patrolling territory
• Lions interacting around a kill

Your guide will observe animal behavior carefully rather than simply driving randomly across the reserve.

Searching for Leopards

Leopards are more elusive and often use riverine woodland and areas with mature trees. Your guide may investigate known territories and locations where fresh tracks or recent sightings have been reported. Leopards sometimes drag prey into trees to protect it from competing predators, and a leopard resting on a branch is one of the most sought-after photographic encounters in the Mara. However, sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Cheetahs on the Open Plains

The Masai Mara's grasslands provide excellent cheetah habitat. Cheetahs rely heavily on sight and speed, and they frequently use small rises or termite mounds to scan for prey and threats. Thomson's gazelles and other small antelopes are important prey species. Watching a cheetah moving gracefully across open grassland can be one of the day's highlights, though sightings are never guaranteed.

Elephants and Buffaloes

Elephants occur throughout the ecosystem, and family groups may feed quietly through woodland or move across open grasslands. Buffaloes can occur individually or in large herds, while older bulls are sometimes encountered in smaller groups. Both species are members of the traditional African Big Five.

Hippos and Rivers

The Mara's river systems support hippopotamuses. Depending on the game-drive route, you may visit sections of the Mara or Talek rivers where hippos can be observed, and Nile crocodiles also occur within major river systems. During migration season, these rivers become particularly significant because wildebeest herds may attempt crossings, but crossings are unpredictable and never guaranteed.

Picnic Lunch

A full-day game drive usually includes a packed picnic lunch at an appropriate designated area chosen by your guide. Eating lunch within the reserve saves considerable time that would otherwise be spent returning to the lodge.

After lunch, continue wildlife exploration. The afternoon may bring completely different sightings from the morning, as predators begin becoming active again when temperatures decline. Return to your accommodation in the evening.

• Destination: Masai Mara National Reserve
• Main activity: Full-day game drive
• Safari highlights: Lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffaloes, hippos and plains game
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Accommodation: Same Masai Mara lodge or tented camp

Your second complete day in the Masai Mara significantly improves the quality of the safari. Wildlife viewing is unpredictable, so a second day allows you to explore different sectors, return to productive locations and spend longer observing particularly interesting animals. After an early breakfast, depart again with your guide.

Great Wildebeest Migration

If your safari occurs while the migratory herds are in the Kenyan section of the ecosystem, today's game drive may concentrate partly on the Great Wildebeest Migration. The migration involves enormous numbers of wildebeest accompanied by zebras and other grazers, which continuously move through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem following rainfall, water and fresh pasture.

The Masai Mara is traditionally associated with significant migration activity during approximately July through October, but these dates are not fixed. Rainfall can change movement patterns: some years substantial herds arrive earlier, while in others they may remain longer farther south or return south earlier.

Mara River Crossings

River crossings are among the most dramatic events associated with the migration. Wildebeest may gather near the riverbank in large numbers and remain there for hours without crossing. Then, sometimes suddenly, animals begin entering the water and large numbers may follow. The river contains Nile crocodiles, and strong currents can create additional challenges.

However, it is essential to understand that river crossings are never guaranteed. They cannot be scheduled, and a guide may locate a large herd near the river only for the animals to move away. The safari should therefore be appreciated as a complete wildlife experience rather than judged solely by whether a crossing occurs.

Wildlife Behavior and Extended Observation

Because this is your second full Mara day, you can spend more time observing behavior. Instead of immediately leaving after identifying an animal, you may watch: Lion pride interactions, Elephant family behavior, Cheetah hunting preparation, Hyenas communicating, Giraffes browsing, Buffalo herd movements, Wildebeest social behavior, Vultures gathering around carcasses, Herbivores reacting to predators.

These longer encounters often become the most memorable moments of a safari.

Optional Masai Mara Hot-Air Balloon Safari

Day 6 is an excellent opportunity to add an optional hot-air balloon safari. The experience generally begins before sunrise, when guests are transferred from their lodge or camp to the launch area. After inflation and a safety briefing, the balloon takes off as daylight spreads across the Mara, and from above the landscape takes on an entirely different character. You may see:

• Herds moving across grassland
• Elephants
• Giraffes
• River systems
• Acacia woodland
• Wildebeest during migration season
• The enormous scale of the ecosystem

The flight normally lasts around an hour, although actual duration depends on wind and operating conditions, and flights can be delayed or cancelled when conditions are unsuitable. A breakfast experience typically follows landing. Balloon safaris carry an additional cost and should preferably be reserved in advance.

Optional Maasai Cultural Experience

A Maasai community visit can also be arranged. A responsible cultural experience can introduce travelers to:

• Traditional homestead structures
• Livestock keeping
• Family and community organization
• Traditional clothing
• Songs and dances
• Contemporary Maasai life
• Community conservation

The experience should be conducted respectfully and support the participating community.

Birding in the Masai Mara

Although famous for mammals, the Mara is also an excellent birding destination. Possible sightings include: Secretary birds, Southern ground hornbills, Martial eagles, Bateleurs, Tawny eagles, Vultures, Ostriches, Bustards, Crowned cranes, Storks, Rollers, Bee-eaters, Kingfishers.

Bird enthusiasts can request additional identification assistance from their guide. After a final extensive day in the Mara, return to your lodge or camp and enjoy dinner on your final night in the wilderness.

• Destination: Masai Mara National Reserve
• Main activity: Full-day wildlife viewing
• Optional activities: Balloon safari and Maasai cultural visit
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Accommodation: Same Masai Mara lodge or tented camp

Wake for your final morning on safari. Depending on your accommodation location, departure arrangements and international flight time, you may have a relaxed breakfast or arrange an early final game drive.

A final morning drive can produce completely new encounters: predators may still be active, hyenas may be returning from nighttime activity, and elephants and giraffes begin moving toward feeding areas. The early morning light also provides excellent photographic conditions.

Return for breakfast if necessary, check out and begin the road journey toward Nairobi. Travel through the Narok region and continue toward the Great Rift Valley, with comfort stops along the way. Arrive in Nairobi during the afternoon or early evening depending on road conditions and traffic. Your guide will transfer you to:

• Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
• Wilson Airport
• Your Nairobi hotel
• Another agreed city location

If your international flight leaves early on Day 7, the itinerary should be adjusted to include a flight from the Mara or an additional Nairobi night. Your arrival in Nairobi marks the end of the 7 Days Samburu, Nakuru & Masai Mara Safari.

• Destination: Nairobi
• Main activity: Masai Mara–Nairobi transfer
• Meals: Breakfast and lunch depending on arrangements
• Accommodation: Not included after the safari unless requested

Safari Destinations Included

Samburu National Reserve

Samburu provides the northern Kenya component of the safari. Its primary attractions include: Grevy's zebra, Reticulated giraffe, Gerenuk, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, Elephants, Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Ewaso Nyiro River, Arid landscapes, Excellent birdlife.

Samburu is particularly valuable for repeat safari travelers because it offers wildlife species not normally encountered in the Masai Mara.

Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru introduces Rift Valley scenery and an important rhinoceros sanctuary. Highlights include:

• White rhinos
• Black rhinos
• Rothschild's giraffes
• Buffaloes
• Lions
• Leopards
• Flamingos
• Pelicans
• Lake scenery
• Woodland
• Escarpment views

The park strengthens the Big Five potential of the itinerary.

Masai Mara National Reserve

The Masai Mara provides the classic East African savannah experience. Highlights include: Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Elephants, Buffaloes, Wildebeest, Zebras, Giraffes, Hippos, Hyenas, Seasonal migration herds (never guaranteed), Mara River, Excellent photography.

Spending three nights in the Mara provides significantly more depth than a single overnight visit.

Three Different Giraffe Experiences

One of the most interesting features of this itinerary is the possibility of observing different giraffe populations across Kenya.

Reticulated Giraffe

Encountered primarily in northern Kenya, including Samburu, the reticulated giraffe has a coat of distinctive polygon-shaped patches separated by bright pale lines.

Rothschild's Giraffe

Lake Nakuru is an important location for this giraffe population.

Masai Giraffe

The Masai Mara supports the Masai giraffe, recognizable by its irregular, leaf-like coat markings. Travelers interested in biodiversity therefore receive an unusually varied giraffe experience within a single week.

Big Five Opportunities

The traditional African Big Five are:

1. Lion
2. Leopard
3. Elephant
4. African buffalo
5. Rhinoceros

This safari provides strong opportunities to search for all five.

Lions

Samburu and the Masai Mara both support lions, and the Mara generally provides particularly strong opportunities.

Leopards

Leopards occur in Samburu, Lake Nakuru and the Masai Mara, but they remain elusive everywhere.

Elephants

Samburu and the Masai Mara both provide excellent elephant opportunities.

Buffaloes

Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara can support substantial buffalo populations.

Rhinoceros

Lake Nakuru is the primary rhino destination, and both black and white rhinoceros occur within the park. Seeing all five is possible but never guaranteed.