Phronesis Tours

7 Days Ol Pejeta, Samburu, Nakuru & Masai Mara Safari — Phronesis Travel
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🦏 Last Northern White Rhinos 🐒 Chimpanzee Sanctuary 🦒 Samburu Special Five 🚙 Private 4x4 Safari Vehicle

7 Days Ol Pejeta, Samburu,
Nakuru & Masai Mara

A landmark Kenya safari that begins with the world's last northern white rhinos and a chimpanzee sanctuary at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, continues through the rare Special Five of Samburu and the flamingo-lined shores of Lake Nakuru, and culminates in the legendary Big Five plains of the Masai Mara.

📅 7 Days / 6 Nights 🇰🇪 Kenya Grand Circuit 🦏 Northern White Rhinos 🦁 Big Five & Special Five ✈️ Starts & Ends in Nairobi
🛒 Book This Safari
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Duration
7 Days
6 nights safari
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Destinations
4 Icons
Ol Pejeta, Samburu, Nakuru & Mara
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Wildlife
Big & Special 5
Rare species, rhinos & predators
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Meals
Full Board
As per itinerary
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Ideal For
All Travellers
Conservation lovers, photographers, families
Why This Trip

Safari Highlights

🦏 Ol Pejeta Conservancy
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Home of the Last Northern White Rhinos Ol Pejeta Conservancy is the last place on earth where you can see the world's remaining northern white rhinos, as well as Africa's largest population of chimpanzees in an East African sanctuary.
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Lake Naivasha AccessA freshwater lake surrounded by lush greenery and wildlife, offering peaceful and photogenic scenery at the heart of the Great Rift Valley.
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Boat SafarisPopular for birdwatching and viewing hippos in their natural habitat as you glide across the calm lake waters.
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Crescent IslandA sanctuary for giraffes, zebras, and other wildlife, perfect for walking safaris in a unique open-air setting.
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Hell's Gate National ParkFamous for its stunning landscapes, dramatic rock formations, gorges, and geothermal activities in the Rift Valley.
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Mount LongonotA dormant volcano with a challenging hiking trail offering panoramic views of the Great Rift Valley and surrounding countryside.
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Adventure ActivitiesIncluding biking, rock climbing, and exploring caves within Hell's Gate National Park — ideal for active adventurers.
🦒 Samburu National Reserve
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The Samburu Special Five Samburu is home to five unique wildlife species rarely found elsewhere in Kenya — the Grevy's zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and the beisa oryx — making it a truly one-of-a-kind safari destination.
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Samburu Special FiveEncounter the Grevy's zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and beisa oryx — unique species found in this semi-arid park.
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Ewaso Ng'iro RiverA vital lifeline for the reserve's wildlife, offering excellent opportunities for spotting elephants, crocodiles, and a wide variety of bird species.
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Bird WatchingHome to over 450 bird species, including the lesser kestrel and Taita falcon, making Samburu a paradise for bird enthusiasts.
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Leopard SightingsSamburu is one of the best places in Kenya to spot leopards, often seen resting on tree branches along the riverine forest.
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Samburu Cultural ExperienceInteract with the Samburu people and learn about their rich cultural heritage, traditional dances, and authentic crafts.
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Dramatic LandscapesDramatic scenery featuring rocky outcrops, dry riverbeds, and acacia woodland creates one of Kenya's most evocative safari backdrops.
🦩 Lake Nakuru National Park
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Big Five Game ViewingEncounter Africa's iconic wildlife including lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos — both black and white — within the park's diverse habitats.
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Rhino SanctuaryOne of Kenya's best places to see endangered black and white rhinos, with successful conservation efforts that have increased their numbers.
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Birdwatcher's ParadiseOver 450 bird species recorded in the park, including pelicans, cormorants, and various birds of prey.
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Makalia WaterfallHike to the scenic Makalia Falls nestled within the park, offering a refreshing break and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
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Baboon Cliff ViewsBreathtaking panoramic vistas of Lake Nakuru from Baboon Cliff, a popular viewpoint offering sweeping views of the lake and its surroundings.
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Flamingo SpectacleLake Nakuru is famous for spectacular gatherings of flamingos along its shores, creating one of Africa's most vivid and memorable wildlife scenes.
🦁 Masai Mara National Reserve
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The Great Migration (July – October) Witness one of nature's most incredible spectacles, where over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, cross the Mara River in search of greener pastures.
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Big FiveThe Mara is renowned for its high concentration of the Big Five — lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos.
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Scenic LandscapesMarvel at vast savannahs, rolling hills, and picturesque acacia trees that define Africa's most celebrated wildlife landscape.
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Maasai CultureExperience the rich cultural heritage of the Maasai people through village visits and interactions with Maasai warriors.
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Bird WatchingHome to over 450 bird species, including ostriches, vultures, and numerous birds of prey across the reserve's varied habitats.
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Predator ViewingThe Mara is one of the best places in Africa to see predators in action, with frequent sightings of lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.
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Sunrise & SunsetBreathtaking sunrises and sunsets over the plains make the Masai Mara one of Kenya's most photogenic destinations at any time of day.
Your Journey

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day1
Nairobi to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
🚗 Nairobi Departure🦏 Northern White Rhinos🐒 Chimp Sanctuary
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Nairobi to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
MorningPick-Up & Departure

Pick up from your hotel in Nairobi or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Depart Nairobi and drive to Ol Pejeta Conservancy (approximately 3.5 hours).

MiddayArrive at Ol Pejeta — Check-In & Lunch

Arrive at Ol Pejeta and check in at Sweetwaters Serena Camp. Enjoy lunch at the camp before heading out for the afternoon activities.

AfternoonGame Drive, Chimp Sanctuary & Northern White Rhinos

Afternoon game drive in Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Visit the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and the Endangered Species Enclosure to see the last two northern white rhinos in the world — a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

EveningDinner & Overnight

Return to the camp for dinner and overnight stay at Sweetwaters Serena Camp.

🏕️ Stay: Sweetwaters Serena Camp 🍽️ Meals: Lunch, Dinner 🚗 Drive: Nairobi → Ol Pejeta (~3.5 hrs)
Day2
Ol Pejeta to Samburu National Reserve
🚗 Scenic Transfer🦒 Special Five Drive🌄 Samburu Sunset
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Ol Pejeta to Samburu National Reserve
MorningEarly Breakfast & Departure

Early breakfast at the camp. Depart for Samburu National Reserve (approximately 4 hours drive) through Kenya's scenic central highlands.

MiddayArrive at Samburu — Check-In & Lunch

Arrive at Samburu and check in at Samburu Sopa Lodge. Enjoy lunch at the lodge before the afternoon game drive.

AfternoonAfternoon Game Drive — Samburu Special Five

Afternoon game drive in Samburu National Reserve. Look out for the unique Samburu Special Five: Grevy's zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx.

EveningDinner & Overnight

Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay at Samburu Sopa Lodge.

🏕️ Stay: Samburu Sopa Lodge 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 🚗 Drive: Ol Pejeta → Samburu (~4 hrs)
Day3
Full Day in Samburu National Reserve
🌅 Sunrise Drive🌊 Ewaso River🐆 Leopard Country
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Full day Samburu National Reserve
MorningEarly Morning Game Drive

Early morning game drive to catch the animals at their most active. Enjoy the golden Samburu sunrise and the best photography light of the day.

BreakfastReturn to Lodge for Breakfast

Return to the lodge for a relaxed breakfast after your morning game drive.

MiddayLeisure Time & Lunch

Relax at the lodge, enjoy the pool, or choose optional activities. Lunch at the lodge before heading back out for the afternoon drive.

AfternoonAfternoon Game Drive — Exploring the Reserve

Afternoon game drive exploring different areas of the reserve, including the Ewaso Ng'iro River where wildlife gathers to drink — a superb spot for elephants, crocodiles, and birdlife.

EveningDinner & Overnight

Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay at Samburu Sopa Lodge.

🏕️ Stay: Samburu Sopa Lodge 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 📍 Area: Samburu National Reserve
Day4
Samburu to Lake Nakuru National Park
🚗 Rift Valley Drive🦩 Flamingos🦏 Rhino Sanctuary
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Samburu to Lake Nakuru National Park
MorningBreakfast & Departure

Breakfast at the lodge. Depart for Lake Nakuru National Park (approximately 6 hours drive), journeying south through Kenya's diverse landscapes.

MiddayArrive at Lake Nakuru — Check-In & Lunch

Arrive at Lake Nakuru and check in at Lake Nakuru Lodge. Enjoy lunch at the lodge before heading out for the afternoon game drive.

AfternoonAfternoon Game Drive in Lake Nakuru

Afternoon game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. Spot the famous flamingos and rhinos, and keep an eye out for lions, leopards, buffaloes, and the park's exceptional birdlife.

EveningDinner & Overnight

Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay at Lake Nakuru Lodge.

🏕️ Stay: Lake Nakuru Lodge 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 🚗 Drive: Samburu → Lake Nakuru (~6 hrs)
Day5
Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara National Reserve
🚗 Mara Transfer🦁 First Big Five Drive🌅 Mara Sunset
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Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara National Reserve
MorningEarly Breakfast & Departure

Early breakfast at the lodge. Depart for Masai Mara National Reserve (approximately 5 hours drive) through the rolling Great Rift Valley landscape.

MiddayArrive at Masai Mara — Check-In & Lunch

Arrive at Masai Mara and check in at Mara Serena Safari Lodge. Enjoy lunch at the lodge as the vast Mara plains stretch out around you.

AfternoonAfternoon Game Drive in the Masai Mara

Afternoon game drive in the Masai Mara. Look for the Big Five and other wildlife across this world-renowned and endlessly exciting savannah reserve.

EveningDinner & Overnight

Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay at Mara Serena Safari Lodge.

🏕️ Stay: Mara Serena Safari Lodge 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 🚗 Drive: Lake Nakuru → Masai Mara (~5 hrs)
Day6
Full Day in Masai Mara National Reserve
🌅 Sunrise Drive🎈 Optional Balloon🐃 Final Mara Drive
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Full day Masai Mara National Reserve
MorningEarly Morning Game Drive

Early morning game drive to witness the wildlife during their most active time — with excellent chances of spotting lions, cheetahs, elephants, and the massive wildebeest herds in the golden morning light.

BreakfastReturn to Lodge for Breakfast

Return to the lodge for a relaxed breakfast after your memorable morning safari.

MiddayLeisure Time & Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari

Leisure time at the lodge or choose optional activities such as a hot air balloon ride over the Mara (extra cost) for a truly unforgettable bird's-eye view. Lunch at the lodge.

AfternoonFinal Game Drive in the Masai Mara

Final game drive in the Masai Mara, soaking in every last sighting across one of Africa's most spectacular wilderness reserves.

EveningDinner & Overnight

Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay at Mara Serena Safari Lodge.

🏕️ Stay: Mara Serena Safari Lodge 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 📍 Area: Masai Mara National Reserve
Day7
Masai Mara to Nairobi
🌅 Final Morning Drive🍽️ Lunch En Route✈️ Airport Drop-Off
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Masai Mara to Nairobi return
MorningEarly Breakfast & Final Drive

Early breakfast at the lodge. Enjoy a final morning game drive as you exit the reserve — one last chance to experience the Mara's magnificent wildlife before heading home.

Mid-MorningDepart for Nairobi

Depart for Nairobi (approximately 5–6 hours drive), with a stop for lunch en route, reflecting on an extraordinary 7-day Kenya safari adventure.

Midday / AfternoonArrive in Nairobi

Arrive in Nairobi. Drop off at your hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight.

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 🚗 Drive: Masai Mara → Nairobi (~5–6 hrs) ✈️ End: Hotel or Airport Drop-Off
What's Covered

Inclusions & Exclusions

✓ What's Included
  • Transportation in a comfortable 4x4 safari vehicle
  • Accommodation in a lodge/camp for 6 nights
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) as specified in the itinerary
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Park entrance fees
  • Game drives as per the itinerary
  • Bottled water during game drives
✗ Not Included
  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Items of personal nature (laundry, tips, souvenirs)
  • Optional activities (Maasai village visit, balloon safari)
  • Drinks (soft drinks, alcoholic beverages)
Preparation

Recommended Packing List

👕 Comfortable safari clothing (neutral colors)
👟 Sturdy walking shoes
🧢 Hat and sunglasses
🧴 Sunscreen and insect repellent
📷 Camera and binoculars
🧼 Personal toiletries and medications
🧥 Light jacket or sweater for cool evenings
🔋 Power bank and charging cables
Important Information

What to Know Before You Go

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Northern White Rhinos at Ol Pejeta

Ol Pejeta is home to the world's last two remaining northern white rhinos, making this the only place on earth you can see this critically endangered subspecies.

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Chimpanzee Sanctuary

The Ol Pejeta Chimpanzee Sanctuary is East Africa's largest, housing rescued chimpanzees and offering a unique and moving conservation experience.

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Samburu's Unique Wildlife

Samburu's Special Five are not found in most other Kenyan parks — allow enough time here for sightings of the reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, and gerenuk.

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Lake Nakuru's Wildlife

Lake Nakuru is Kenya's premier rhino sanctuary and is also famous for its flamingos — numbers vary seasonally but the park always delivers rich wildlife viewing.

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Great Migration Timing

The spectacular Mara River crossings typically occur between July and October. The Mara offers world-class wildlife viewing year-round even outside the migration season.

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Ideal For

Perfect for travelers who want Kenya's full spectrum — rare conservation encounters at Ol Pejeta, the Special Five of Samburu, Nakuru's rhinos, and the Mara's legendary wildlife.

From $3,396 per person · 7 days / 6 nights
$35000Save $104
👤 Adults
2
$3,396 × 2 guests$6,796
🎈 Balloon safari / extrasOptional
🛡️ 30% deposit to confirm$
Total (full amount)$6,792
Book this Safari 💬 Talk to an Expert First
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🚙Private 4x4 safari vehicle
🦏Northern white rhinos, Special Five & Big Five
📞Support before and during your trip
Your Route
Nairobi Ol Pejeta Samburu Nakuru Masai Mara Nairobi
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✦ Still Deciding?

Talk to a Kenya Safari Expert — It's Free

Ask us about Ol Pejeta's northern white rhinos and chimpanzees, Samburu's Special Five, Lake Nakuru's flamingos and rhino sanctuary, the Masai Mara's Big Five and Great Migration, or which Kenya circuit best matches your travel style and budget.