Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel in Nairobi, before preparing for the journey ahead. 

The scenic drive takes you through Kenya’s countryside, passing by rolling hills, bustling market towns, and offering glimpses of Mount Kenya’s snow-capped peaks. Enjoy the journey as you make your way north, with wildlife and landscapes unfolding along the way.

After approximately 6 hours, you’ll arrive at the Samburu National Reserve, a place known for its striking landscape of rugged hills, arid savannahs, and the life-giving Ewaso Nyiro River. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed at your lodge with a refreshing drink before checking in and settling into your accommodation.

After a satisfying lunch, you’ll embark on an afternoon game drive, where you’ll have the chance to witness the rare "Samburu Special Five"—the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and the gerenuk—alongside herds of elephants, prides of lions, and elusive leopards.

As the sun sets, casting a golden glow over the rugged landscape, you’ll stop for a traditional sundowner, enjoying a refreshing drink while marveling at the wild beauty around you.

Return to your lodge after the game drive, where a delicious dinner awaits. Unwind around the campfire, surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness, before retiring to your room for a restful night. Dinner is served until 10:00 PM, providing you with the perfect opportunity to enjoy the flavors of the region before retiring for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Samburu Simba Lodge

Wake up to the sound of birds and wildlife as the African dawn breaks over Samburu. After an early breakfast, you’ll head out for a full-day exploration of the reserve, starting with a morning game drive. This is the ideal time to spot predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs, who are most active during the cooler hours of the day. The elusive African wild dogs may also make a rare appearance.

As the sun rises over the dramatic Samburu landscape, you’ll witness the park’s unique wildlife, including the Grevy’s zebras, reticulated giraffes, and the graceful oryx grazing peacefully by the riverbanks. Your expert guide will share fascinating insights into the animals’ behaviors and the intricate ecosystem that sustains them.

Around midday, you’ll return to your lodge for a relaxing lunch, followed by some leisure time to unwind. From the comfort of your lodge, enjoy the serene views of the Ewaso Nyiro River, where you might spot elephants and crocodiles cooling off by the water, or observe vibrant bird species soaring overhead.

In the afternoon, continue your game drive in search of Samburu’s rich wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for the rare Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and the giraffe-necked gerenuk as they browse the sparse vegetation. Samburu’s stunning landscape—complete with dry riverbeds, rocky outcrops, and dramatic skies—forms a perfect backdrop for your safari adventure.

As the day comes to a close, enjoy a sundowner in a scenic location within the park, watching the sunset bathe the reserve in golden light. Afterward, return to your lodge for a well-deserved dinner.

The evening is yours to enjoy—whether you choose to gather around the campfire to share stories with fellow travelers or simply listen to the sounds of the African night. Drift off to sleep with the thrill of the day’s wildlife encounters still fresh in your mind, ready for another day of adventure in Samburu.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Samburu Simba Lodge or similar

Journey to the Rift Valley

After an early breakfast, you’ll bid farewell to the rugged beauty of Samburu and begin your scenic journey to Lake Nakuru National Park. Leaving the arid landscapes behind, you’ll traverse through the stunning vistas of the Great Rift Valley, passing lush highlands, farmlands, and rolling hills along the way. The drive offers breathtaking views, including a chance to stop at Thomson's Falls, a picturesque waterfall cascading from the Ewaso Narok River, perfect for a quick photo and leg stretch.

Arriving at Lake Nakuru in the early afternoon, you’ll check into your lodge nestled within the park, where a delightful lunch awaits you. After settling in and relaxing, you’ll set out for an afternoon game drive around the famous soda lake. Known for its large population of flamingos that paint the lake pink, Lake Nakuru also hosts a diverse array of wildlife. You’ll have the opportunity to spot white and black rhinos, Rothschild giraffes, buffaloes, and tree-climbing lions that roam the acacia woodlands and the lakeshore. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 450 species of birds.

As the sun sets, turning the lake’s waters a golden hue, you’ll return to your lodge for dinner and a relaxed evening. The tranquil surroundings of Lake Nakuru provide the perfect setting to unwind after a day of travel and wildlife encounters. Spend the night surrounded by nature, listening to the sounds of the wild as you reflect on the day’s adventure and prepare for the days ahead.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Lodge / Similar

After a hearty breakfast at your lodge, you’ll depart from the serene shores of Lake Nakuru and set off for one of the world’s most iconic wildlife destinations: Maasai Mara National Reserve. Your journey takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of the Great Rift Valley, offering sweeping views of rolling hills, expansive plains, and vibrant rural communities along the way. As you approach the Mara, the scenery transforms into the classic African savannah – endless golden grasslands stretching as far as the eye can see.

Upon arrival at your lodge or camp, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch before heading out for your first afternoon game drive. The Maasai Mara is renowned for its spectacular wildlife, including the famous Big Five – lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos – as well as an array of other species like cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest. This reserve is also home to the Great Migration, one of the most extraordinary natural events in the world, where millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River in search of greener pastures.

As you explore the park, your experienced guide will help you track the animals and provide fascinating insights into their behaviors and the unique ecosystem of the Maasai Mara. As the sun sets over the vast savannah, casting a golden glow over the plains, you’ll stop for a sundowner, savoring the magic of the African wilderness.

Afterward, return to your lodge for a hearty dinner and some relaxation. Whether it’s gathering around the campfire to share stories with fellow travelers or simply unwinding under the starry African sky, the Maasai Mara promises a night of peaceful rest and anticipation for more wildlife encounters to come.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Maasai Mara Simba Lodge or similar

Start your day with the opportunity to embark on one of the most magical experiences in Africa: an early morning hot air balloon safari over the Maasai Mara. As the balloon rises with the dawn, you’ll float peacefully above the vast savannah, watching the sun bathe the plains in golden light. From this bird's-eye view, witness herds of elephants, wildebeest, zebras, and giraffes as they move across the Mara, and perhaps spot lions or cheetahs starting their day. The experience culminates with a luxurious champagne bush breakfast, set amidst the natural beauty of the reserve.

For those who prefer to skip the balloon ride, your day begins with an early morning game drive, the best time to spot predators like lions and leopards as they take advantage of the cool morning hours. Afterward, enjoy a hearty breakfast back at the lodge before preparing for a full-day game drive in the heart of the Mara.

Your full-day game drive will take you deeper into the Maasai Mara National Reserve, where your expert guide will help you track the Big Five and other wildlife. Whether it's watching elephants strolling through the savannah or witnessing a cheetah sprint in the distance, each moment offers a fresh perspective of Africa’s untamed wilderness. For lunch, you’ll enjoy a picnic in a scenic spot within the park, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature.

In the afternoon, you’ll take a break from the wildlife to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Maasai people with a visit to a traditional Maasai village. Here, you’ll have the unique opportunity to meet the local Maasai community, learning about their ancient customs, way of life, and the significance of their beaded jewelry and vibrant attire. Experience a traditional Maasai dance and gain insight into their deep connection with the land and the animals they coexist with. The visit is both educational and heartwarming, providing a deeper understanding of the people who call the Mara home.

After the village visit, you’ll return to the lodge for a relaxing evening. As the day comes to a close, gather around the campfire for stories and reflections, followed by a delicious dinner under the stars.

Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Maasai Mara Simba Lodge or similar

After a final breakfast in the heart of the Maasai Mara, you’ll bid farewell to the wilderness and embark on your journey back to Nairobi. Enjoy one last game drive as you exit the park, giving you a final chance to spot wildlife along the way. The scenic drive takes you through the rolling plains and picturesque landscapes of the Great Rift Valley.

Upon arrival in Nairobi, you’ll have lunch at the iconic Carnivore Restaurant, famous for its unique dining experience where a variety of meats are roasted over an open flame and served at your table. After a satisfying meal, your driver will transfer you to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your incredible safari adventure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch at Carnivore