Phronesis Tours

6 Days Samburu, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara Safari — Phronesis Travel
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⭐ Big Five Safari 🔥 Wildlife Variety 🦒 Samburu Special Five 🚙 Private 4x4 Land Cruiser

6 Days
Samburu, Lake Nakuru
& Masai Mara Safari

Experience the ultimate Kenya Big Five and northern frontier safari — from Samburu's rare species and semi-arid beauty, to Lake Nakuru's rhino sanctuary, to the legendary wildlife plains of the Masai Mara.

📅 6 Days / 5 Nights 🇰🇪 Kenya Safari Circuit 🦁 Big Five Experience 🦓 Samburu Special Five ✈️ Starts & Ends in Nairobi
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Duration
6 Days
5 nights safari
🦁
Wildlife
Big Five
Plus rare northern species
📍
Destinations
3 Parks
Samburu, Nakuru, Mara
🍽️
Meals
Full Board
Except final breakfast-only day
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Ideal For
Wildlife Lovers
Photographers & first-timers
Why This Trip

Why Choose This 6-Day Kenya Safari?

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Samburu Special Five Track rare northern species including Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Somali ostrich and Beisa oryx.
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Rhino Tracking at Lake Nakuru Visit one of Kenya's best rhino sanctuaries and search for both black and white rhinos.
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Masai Mara Big Five Game Drives Spend time in Kenya's most famous reserve with excellent chances for lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino.
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Perfect for Photography A diverse route packed with rivers, escarpments, open plains, acacia savannah and dramatic Rift Valley scenery.
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Private 4x4 Land Cruiser Travel in a customized pop-up-roof safari vehicle built for comfort, viewing and photography.
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Optional Balloon & Cultural Add-Ons Enhance your Masai Mara experience with a balloon safari or a Maasai village cultural visit.
Your Journey

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1
Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve
🚙 Northern Kenya 🌊 Ewaso Nyiro River 🍽️ Lunch & Dinner
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Safari journey through Kenya highlands
Early Morning Pick-Up in Nairobi

Your safari begins with early pick-up from your Nairobi hotel or airport. Travel north through Kenya's fertile central highlands, passing coffee, tea, pineapple and subsistence farms.

Midday Arrival in Samburu

Arrive at Samburu in time for lunch and settle into your lodge or camp before your first game drive in this distinctive semi-arid wilderness.

Afternoon First Game Drive Along Ewaso Nyiro

Head out along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, the lifeline of Samburu. Watch for elephants, crocodiles, antelope and the unique northern species that make this reserve special.

✓ Included Today
  • Nairobi pick-up
  • Private 4x4 transfer to Samburu
  • Afternoon game drive
  • Lunch and dinner
✗ Not Included
  • Breakfast in Nairobi
  • Personal drinks
  • Travel insurance
🏕️ Stay: Budget, mid-range, or luxury tiers (final quote depends on hotel) 🍽️ Meals: Lunch, Dinner 🚗 Drive: Nairobi to Samburu ~5–6 hrs
Day 2
Full-Day Game Drives in Samburu
🦓 Special Five 🐆 Leopard Country 🌄 Exclusive Safari
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Reticulated giraffe in northern Kenya landscape
Morning Search for the Samburu Special Five

Spend the day exploring Samburu's rugged terrain in search of Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx and gerenuk — the rare species that define this northern frontier reserve.

Midday Riverside Wildlife Viewing

The Ewaso Nyiro River attracts a rich mix of wildlife. Keep watch for elephants, crocodiles, buffalo and birds while your guide tracks predators using knowledge of the terrain.

Afternoon More Game Drives in Samburu

Continue with unlimited game drives. Samburu offers a less crowded and more exclusive safari atmosphere, excellent for authentic wildlife encounters and photography.

🏕️ Stay: Budget, mid-range, or luxury tiers (final quote depends on hotel) 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 📍 Area: Samburu National Reserve
Day 3
Samburu to Lake Nakuru National Park
🌊 Thomson's Falls 🦏 Rhino Sanctuary 🌿 Birdlife
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Scenic Rift Valley road and dramatic landscape
Early Morning Final Samburu Morning Drive

Enjoy one last early game drive in Samburu before breakfast and departure, with another chance for predators or rare northern wildlife.

En Route Stop at Thomson's Falls

Break the journey with a scenic stop at Thomson's Falls in Nyahururu, a dramatic 74-meter waterfall and a beautiful photography point.

Afternoon Lake Nakuru Game Drive

Arrive at Lake Nakuru National Park and head out for an afternoon game drive. Track rhinos, Rothschild's giraffes, buffalo, waterbuck and many bird species across this famous Rift Valley sanctuary.

🏨 Stay: Budget, mid-range, or luxury tiers (final quote depends on hotel) 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 🚗 Drive: Samburu to Nakuru ~5 hrs
Day 4
Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara National Reserve
🦏 Early Rhino Search 🌾 Mara Plains 🌅 Evening Drive
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Masai Mara savannah plains
Early Morning Final Lake Nakuru Game Drive

Start with an early game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park to maximize chances of seeing rhinos and other wildlife before breakfast.

Midday Journey to the Masai Mara

Travel onward to the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve, passing through scenic countryside on the way to Kenya's premier safari destination.

Afternoon First Masai Mara Game Drive

Arrive for lunch followed by an afternoon game drive across the vast acacia-dotted savannah. The Mara's wildlife density makes every drive exciting from the very first evening.

🏕️ Stay: Budget, mid-range, or luxury tiers (final quote depends on hotel) 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 🚗 Drive: Nakuru to Masai Mara ~4–5 hrs
Day 5
Full-Day Masai Mara Safari — Big Five Experience
🦁 Big Five 🐊 Mara River 🎈 Optional Balloon
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Wildlife safari in Masai Mara
Full Day Explore Big Five Territory

Dedicate the entire day to game viewing in the Masai Mara. Search for lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino alongside cheetah, giraffe, zebra, hyena, jackal and many antelope species.

Midday Picnic Lunch Near the Mara River

Enjoy lunch near the Mara River, where hippos and Nile crocodiles are often seen. Between July and October, this region becomes one of Africa's great migration stages.

Optional Extras Cultural or Balloon Upgrade

Optional activities at extra cost include a Maasai village cultural visit or a sunrise hot air balloon safari with bush breakfast.

✓ Included
  • Full-day Masai Mara game drives
  • Picnic lunch
  • Park entrance fees
  • Private guide and vehicle
✗ Extra Cost
  • Maasai village cultural visit
  • Sunrise balloon safari
  • Premium drinks
🏕️ Stay: Budget, mid-range, or luxury tiers (final quote depends on hotel) 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 📍 Area: Masai Mara National Reserve
Day 6
Masai Mara to Nairobi
🌄 Rift Valley Views 🌋 Mount Longonot ✈️ Airport Drop-Off
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Great Rift Valley scenic view
Morning Breakfast & Departure

After breakfast, leave the Masai Mara and begin the drive back to Nairobi through the scenic Great Rift Valley.

En Route Great Rift Valley Highlights

Your guide will point out notable landmarks along the way, including Mount Longonot rising above the valley floor.

Optional Stop Kiambethu Farm Experience

You may choose an optional tea farm tour and buffet lunch at Kiambethu Farm before continuing into Nairobi.

Afternoon Arrival in Nairobi

Arrive in Nairobi for hotel drop-off or transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight.

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast 🚗 Drive: Masai Mara to Nairobi ~5 hrs ✈️ End: Hotel or Airport Drop-Off
What's Covered

Full Inclusions & Exclusions

✓ What's Included
  • Transport in a customized 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
  • Professional English-speaking safari driver guide
  • Accommodation on Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
  • All park entrance fees
  • Unlimited game drives
  • Bottled drinking water during safari
  • Pick-up and drop-off in Nairobi
  • All government taxes and VAT
✗ Not Included
  • International and domestic flights
  • Kenya visa / travel authorization costs
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
  • Optional activities (balloon safari, Maasai village visit, boat rides)
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Items of personal nature
  • Optional tea farm tour and lunch stop
Important Information

What to Know Before You Go

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What to Pack

Bring neutral lightweight clothing, comfortable closed shoes, a fleece for cool mornings, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, camera and binoculars for the best wildlife experience.

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Samburu's Unique Appeal

Samburu is drier, more rugged and less crowded than southern parks. It offers rare northern species and a distinctive safari atmosphere unlike the Masai Mara.

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Lake Nakuru Wildlife

Lake Nakuru is especially famous for rhinos, Rothschild's giraffes and birdlife. Flamingo numbers vary depending on water levels, but the park remains excellent for wildlife viewing.

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Best for Photography

This route is superb for photographers because it combines the riverine contrast of Samburu, the escarpments of the Rift Valley and the sweeping open plains of the Mara.

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Ideal For

Perfect for wildlife safari lovers, Big Five seekers, Great Migration travelers, honeymooners, photographers and first-time Africa safari visitors.

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Travel Essentials

Ensure you carry your passport, travel documents, insurance details, personal medication and sufficient battery storage for long game drive days.

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✦ Still Deciding?

Talk to a Kenya Safari Expert — It's Free

Ask us about Samburu wildlife, rhino tracking in Nakuru, Masai Mara game drives, the Great Migration season, or the best time to travel for photography and wildlife variety.