7 Days Samburu, Nakuru,
Naivasha & Masai Mara
Kenya's ultimate safari circuit — from the sun-scorched wilderness of Samburu and its rare Special Five, through the flamingo shores and rhino sanctuary of Lake Nakuru, the hippo-rich waters of Lake Naivasha, and finally the legendary Big Five plains of the Masai Mara.
Safari Highlights
Samburu, Nakuru, Naivasha & Masai Mara in Pictures
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Depart Nairobi early in the morning and drive to Samburu National Reserve, passing through the scenic landscapes of central Kenya.
Check into your lodge or camp and enjoy a welcome drink as you settle into one of Kenya's most atmospheric and remote wilderness settings.
Enjoy a sumptuous lunch at the lodge or camp before heading out for your first Samburu game drive.
Embark on your first game drive in Samburu National Reserve. Look out for the unique wildlife found in this semi-arid park, such as Grevy's zebras, Somali ostriches, and reticulated giraffes.
Return to the lodge or camp for dinner and overnight stay at Samburu Lodge or a similar accommodation.
Early morning game drive to catch the animals during their most active time. Enjoy the breathtaking sunrise over the Samburu landscape and the best light for wildlife photography.
Return to the lodge or camp for a relaxed breakfast after your memorable morning in the bush.
Relax at the lodge or camp, enjoy the pool, or choose a guided nature walk to explore Samburu's fascinating flora and smaller wildlife up close.
Enjoy lunch at the lodge or camp before heading back out for the afternoon game drive.
Another game drive exploring different areas of the reserve. Visit the Ewaso Ng'iro River, where wildlife gathers to drink — a superb spot for elephant, crocodile, and bird sightings.
Return to the lodge or camp for dinner and overnight stay at Samburu Lodge or a similar accommodation.
After breakfast, depart for Lake Nakuru National Park. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley with a brief stop at the viewpoint for photos.
Check into your lodge or camp in Nakuru and enjoy lunch before heading out for the afternoon game drive.
Embark on a game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, known for its large population of flamingos and rhinos. Keep an eye out for lions, leopards, buffaloes, and the park's impressive birdlife.
Return to the lodge or camp for dinner and overnight stay at Lake Nakuru Lodge or a similar accommodation.
After breakfast, depart for Lake Naivasha, a beautiful freshwater lake set in the heart of the Great Rift Valley.
Check into your lodge or camp and relax, enjoying the lush lakeside setting, before lunch is served.
Take a guided boat ride on Lake Naivasha to see hippos and a variety of bird species in their natural habitat. Then visit Crescent Island for a guided walking safari among freely roaming wildlife.
Return to the lodge or camp for dinner and overnight stay at Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort or a similar accommodation.
After an early breakfast, depart for the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa's greatest wildlife destinations.
Check into your lodge or camp and enjoy a welcome drink as the vast Mara plains stretch out around you.
Enjoy lunch at the lodge or camp before setting out for your first game drive in the Masai Mara.
Head out for your first game drive in the Masai Mara. Look for the Big Five and other wildlife across this expansive and world-renowned savannah reserve.
Return to the lodge or camp for dinner and overnight stay at Mara Serena Lodge or a similar accommodation.
Early morning game drive to witness the wildlife during their most active time — with excellent chances of spotting lions, cheetahs, elephants, and the vast wildebeest herds in the best light.
Return to the lodge or camp for a relaxed breakfast after your unforgettable morning safari.
Option to visit a local Maasai village to learn about their fascinating culture and traditions at an additional cost.
Enjoy lunch at the lodge or camp before heading out for the afternoon game drive.
Another game drive in the Masai Mara, including a visit to the legendary Mara River — especially spectacular during the Great Migration season (July–October) when wildebeest make their dramatic crossings.
Return to the lodge or camp for dinner and overnight stay at Mara Serena Lodge or a similar accommodation.
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive as you exit the reserve — a last chance to soak in the magnificent Mara landscapes and wildlife.
Depart for Nairobi with a stop for lunch en route, reflecting on an extraordinary 7-day Kenya safari adventure.
Arrive in Nairobi in the late afternoon. Drop off at your hotel or transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- 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
- 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)
Recommended Packing List
What to Know Before You Go
Samburu's Special Five are not found in most other Kenyan parks — plan extra time here for sightings of the reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, and gerenuk.
Samburu is one of Kenya's best reserves for leopard sightings, often spotted resting in trees along the riverine forest near the Ewaso Ng'iro River.
Lake Nakuru is Kenya's premier rhino sanctuary and is also famous for its flamingos — numbers vary seasonally but the park always offers rich, diverse wildlife viewing.
Lake Naivasha provides a welcome change of pace — the boat ride and Crescent Island walking safari offer a completely different dimension to the classic game drive experience.
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.
The ultimate Kenya circuit for travelers who want to experience the country's full wildlife and landscape diversity — from northern semi-arid plains to classic Rift Valley lakes and the legendary Mara.
More Kenya Safari Itineraries
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Ask us about Samburu's Special Five, Lake Nakuru's flamingos and rhinos, Naivasha's boat rides, the Masai Mara's Big Five, the Great Migration season, or which Kenya circuit best matches your travel style and budget.