6-Days Samburu-Lake Nakuru-Masai Mara Safari

Some of Kenya’s most unforgettable safari experiences come from combining multiple destinations into one incredible journey. This carefully crafted 6-day safari takes you through three of Kenya’s most iconic wildlife destinations—Samburu National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, and the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve.

From the rugged wilderness of Northern Kenya to the flamingo-lined shores of Lake Nakuru and the endless golden plains of the Maasai Mara, this adventure offers an exciting blend of wildlife encounters, breathtaking scenery, cultural experiences, and unforgettable game drives. Along the way, you’ll discover unique ecosystems, encounter rare wildlife species, and immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Kenya’s indigenous communities.

Safari Activities

• Daily game drives in a 4×4 safari jeep
• Wildlife photography
• Birdwatching
• Cultural visits to Samburu and Maasai villages
• Scenic road trips through Kenya’s diverse landscapes
• Nature and wildlife viewing

Destinations You’ll Explore

Samburu National Reserve

Located along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River in Northern Kenya, Samburu National Reserve is one of the country’s most unique safari destinations. The reserve is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, acacia-dotted plains, riverine forests, and exceptional wildlife diversity.

Samburu is home to the famous “Samburu Special Five” — the Grevy’s Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Somali Ostrich, Beisa Oryx, and the long-necked Gerenuk. These rare species are found only in Northern Kenya and make Samburu a truly distinctive safari destination. The reserve is also home to lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species.

Towering over the landscape is the sacred Mount Ololokwe, often referred to as the “Table Mountain of Samburu,” creating one of the most picturesque backdrops in Kenya.

Lake Nakuru National Park

Nestled within the Great Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru National Park is one of Kenya’s most celebrated wildlife sanctuaries. The park is famous for its alkaline lake, which attracts thousands of flamingos and numerous other bird species, making it a paradise for bird lovers and photographers.

Beyond its birdlife, Lake Nakuru is one of Kenya’s most successful rhino sanctuaries and offers excellent opportunities to spot both black and white rhinos. The park is also home to Rothschild’s giraffes, lions, leopards, buffaloes, zebras, and a variety of antelope species.

Its diverse habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, cliffs, and lakeshore ecosystems, provide some of the most scenic game-viewing opportunities in East Africa.

Maasai Mara National Reserve

The Maasai Mara is Kenya’s most famous safari destination and one of Africa’s greatest wildlife reserves. Known for its vast open plains and incredible concentration of wildlife, the reserve offers exceptional game viewing throughout the year.

The Mara is home to the Big Five—lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, and rhino—as well as cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and countless other species.

Between July and October, the reserve hosts the world-famous Great Migration, when over two million wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles cross between Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Maasai Mara in one of nature’s most spectacular events.

The reserve’s rolling savannahs, acacia trees, dramatic sunsets, and abundant wildlife create the classic African safari experience travelers dream of.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi – Samburu National Reserve

Your safari begins with an early morning pick-up from your Nairobi hotel or the airport. After a safari briefing, depart for Samburu National Reserve in a luxury 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser.

The journey takes you through Kenya’s central highlands and rural landscapes before arriving in Samburu in time for lunch. After some relaxation at your lodge or camp, head out for an afternoon game drive.

Samburu’s rugged beauty and unique wildlife make every game drive exciting. Keep an eye out for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and the reserve’s famous northern species.

Accommodation Options

• Sarova Shaba Game Lodge (Luxury)
• Ashnil Samburu Camp (Mid-range)
• Samburu Simba Lodge
• Elephant Bedroom Camp (High End)

Day 2: Full-Day Samburu Safari

After breakfast, depart for a full-day game drive with a picnic lunch in the reserve.

Today offers excellent opportunities to spot the unique wildlife species that make Samburu famous. Search for Grevy’s zebras, reticulated giraffes, Beisa oryx, Somali ostriches, gerenuks, elephants, and predators roaming the plains.

You may also choose to visit a nearby Samburu village to learn about the traditions, culture, colorful attire, and intricate beadwork of the Samburu people.

Return to your lodge or camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Samburu – Lake Nakuru National Park

Following an early breakfast, depart Samburu and journey south through Kenya’s scenic countryside towards Lake Nakuru National Park.

Stop for lunch in Nyahururu before continuing to the park. Upon arrival, enjoy game viewing as you enter this remarkable wildlife sanctuary.

Lake Nakuru is internationally recognized for its birdlife and rhino conservation efforts. Alongside flamingos and pelicans, you may encounter white rhinos, black rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and lions.

Accommodation Options

• Lake Nakuru Lodge
• Mbweha Camp
• Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge (Luxury)
• The Cliff (High End)

Dinner and overnight at your selected accommodation.

Day 4: Lake Nakuru – Maasai Mara National Reserve

After breakfast, depart Lake Nakuru and travel through the spectacular Great Rift Valley towards the world-renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Arrive in time for lunch before relaxing at your lodge or camp. Later, enjoy an afternoon game drive across the reserve’s vast plains.

The Maasai Mara is famous for its large predator population. Lions are often seen resting beneath acacia trees while cheetahs patrol the open grasslands. Large herds of elephants, buffaloes, zebras, and giraffes are common sightings.

Accommodation Options

• Enkorok Mara Camp (Mid-range)
• Mara Maisha Camp
• Mara Serena Safari Lodge
• Sarova Mara Game Lodge
• Tipilikwani Mara Camp (Luxury)

Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5: Full-Day Maasai Mara Safari

After breakfast, depart with picnic lunch boxes for a full day exploring the Maasai Mara.

This extensive game drive allows you to venture deeper into the reserve in search of the Big Five and other remarkable wildlife. Visit the Mara River, where hippos and crocodiles inhabit the waters year-round.

Depending on the season, you may witness the spectacular Great Migration, often considered one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth.

Throughout the day, your guide will help you track lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, hyenas, wildebeests, antelopes, jackals, and numerous bird species.

Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight.

Day 6: Maasai Mara – Nairobi

After breakfast, check out and begin your return journey to Nairobi.

Enjoy your final views of Kenya’s beautiful landscapes as you travel back to the city. Upon arrival, you will be dropped off at your hotel or transferred directly to the airport for your onward flight.

End of Safari

Leave with unforgettable memories of Kenya’s diverse wildlife, spectacular landscapes, rich cultures, and incredible safari experiences.

Highlights

• Full-board accommodation throughout the safari.
• Private luxury 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser transportation.
• Services of a professional English-speaking safari guide.
• Customizable itinerary to suit your interests, travel dates, accommodation preferences, and budget.
• Suitable for couples, families, photographers, solo travelers, and private groups seeking an authentic Kenyan safari experience.