8 Days Safari to Mount Kenya and Samburu, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, & Maasai Mara

Day 1: Nairobi – Mount Kenya National Park

Our driver will comfortably pick you from your hotel or the Nairobi airport in the early morning. We then begin our journey towards marvelous Mount Kenya National Park. On arrival, we check in at our lodge, enjoy lunch and marvel at the resident wildlife grazing in close vicinity to the lodge. After lunch, we set out on a spectacular afternoon game drive in this one-of-a-kind national park.

Climbing to 5,199 meters, Mount Kenya is the second tallest mountain in Africa. The scenery surrounding this designated World Heritage site is breathtaking: pristine wilderness with lakes, tarns, glaciers, dense forest, mineral springs and unique montane and alpine vegetation. Rare species of animals are found here, we encounter high-altitude adapted plain’s game, Forest Hogs, Cape Buffaloes, and a myriad of astonishing bird species. All against the stunning backdrop of the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya.

Overnight at the Serena Mountain Lodge

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Mount Kenya National Park – Samburu National Reserve

After breakfast, we depart Mount Kenya in direction of the beautiful Samburu National Reserve. After entering the reserve, we enjoy a game drive en-route to our lodge, where we are served a delicious lunch. Filled with food, but hungry for more adventures, we embark on an afternoon game drive. A safari through Samburu will show you the strange and out-of-the-ordinary species of northern Kenya. It is ideal for people who are not just after the Big Cats and the Great Migration, but love remote areas and unique landscapes. If you are looking for a tour off the beaten tracks, Samburu is a perfect choice.

Samburu is home to a number of very unique animals. You can marvel at beautiful Reticulated Giraffes, Grevy’s Zebras, Beisa Oryx, Blue Legged Somali Ostriches and Gerenuks (especially beautiful long-necked antelopes). Those stunning animals are referred to as the “Samburu Five”.

Overnight at the Samburu Sopa Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Samburu National Reserve

This full day in the Samburu Game Reserve will be spent searching for the Big Five, the Samburu Five, and with observing the vast unspoiled scenery during morning and afternoon game viewing drives. Kenya’s north is characterized by hot and dry climates. Yellow grass, red earth and huge old trees paint a romantic picture of African beauty. But the environment within Samburu National Reserve is as challenging for its inhabitants, as it is beautiful.

Water is scarce here, and the Ewaso Ng’iro, the gently flowing river in Samburu, is the reserve’s only lifeline. Buffaloes, Elephants, Giraffes, Gazelles and occasionally Wild Dogs are indulging in the refreshing wet. Leopards and Lions are waiting for the heat of the day to wear off, as they patiently gaze at their evening prey. But they are not the only predators at the scene. Huge Nile Crocodiles await everyone who is all too impatient to get to the river’s shores….

Overnight at the Samburu Sopa Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Samburu National Reserve – Lake Nakuru National Park

We enjoy an energizing early morning breakfast, then depart Samburu for marvelous Lake Nakuru National Park. Taking lunch on the way, we arrive in the early afternoon hours. “Lake in pink” is probably the best way to describe Lake Nakuru. Up to two million Flamingos nest around its shores, giving the lake its unique colour. Sometimes the birds are present in such numbers that the lake’s surface cannot be seen!

The lake is home to more than 450 species of birds. There are no Elephants in the park, but in a afternoon game drive we can spot the other members of the Big Five, including tree-climbing Lions. Special attention is paid to a conservation area for White and Black Rhino. In one of Kenya’s largest Rhino sanctuaries, rangers protect the endangered species from poaching. Towards the east of the lake, we take a look at Africa’s biggest Euphorbia forest, tall, cactus-like trees which are not only visually appealing, but are also providing a unique habitat for the park’s wildlife.

Overnight at the Lake Nakuru Lodge or Flamingo Hill Camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Lake Nakuru National Park – Lake Naivasha National Park

We wake up early for a spectacular morning game drive within Lake Nakuru National Park, then we continue our journey towards Lake Naivasha. Nakuru and Naivasha may be close in geographical terms, but the two lakes are very different when it comes to their ecosystems and the wildlife they host. While Lake Nakuru’s water is saline, Naivasha is a freshwater lake. It is the highest-lying lake in the eastern arm of the East African Rift Valley and one of only two freshwater lakes in Kenya. Naivasha is a paradise for all sorts of water birds: Pelicans, Herons, Eagles, and Geese are found here.

We arrive in good time for a boat ride (optional, at an extra cost) to watch the sun set over Lake Naivasha. Navigating right through herds of Hippos is a rather special experience that – we guarantee for that – you won’t easily forget. Alternatively, a nature walk at Crescent Island is an excellent way to see wild animals. The island is home to Zebras, Gazelles, Monkeys, Hares, Bucks and Giraffes.

Overnight at the Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge or Naivasha Kongoni Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Lake Naivasha – Maasai Mara Game Reserve

After a comfortable breakfast, we depart stunning Lake Naivasha for the famous Maasai Mara Game Reserve, the jewel among Kenya’s game reserves. The enormous reserve is actually part of the vast Serengeti plains and is well-known for its spectacular wildebeest migration. It is the true home of the BIG FIVE: Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Rhino and Cape Buffalo. Its name derives from the Maasai people, the ancestral inhabitants of the area, who still call the wide plains of Kenya and northern Tanzania home. As we travel through Maasai land, we occasionally come across a solitary Maasai Moran (=Warrior) standing on one foot while herding hundreds of cows, goats and sheep. His only defense against the dangerous wildlife surrounding him to all sides is a single stick or spear!

Upon arrival in the Maasai Mara, we comfortably take lunch at our camp before exploring the huge reserve on a late afternoon game drive. In the evening, we relax around the campfire and enjoy an excellent dinner.

Overnight at the Osero Camp or Oloshaiki Camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7: Maasai Mara Game Reserve

This day of safari adventure is exclusively spent in the Maasai Mara. We look out for the park’s Big Cats, the Big Five and the abundance of wildlife and natural wonders found in Kenya’s most famous game reserve. Remember to keep a sharp lookout; you may witness a dramatic hunt, a solitary Leopard retrieving its kill from the high branches of an acacia tree, or a herd of Elephants protecting their young from predators. The Maasai Mara has one of the richest wildlife ensembles in the world, hosting over 95 species of mammals and over 400 species of birds. Game viewing is never dull here, and patience is usually rewarded with unique sightings.

Between July and October (usually best in July and August), we can witness the famous Wildebeest and Zebra migration from the Serengeti to the Maasai Mara. A massive accumulation of 1.5 million Wildebeest, 200,000 Zebras and 350,000 Gazelles stretches their legs over 2000km in an annual race to find enough water and green grass for their survival.

Overnight at the Osero Camp or Oloshaiki Camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8: Maasai Mara Game Reserve – Nairobi

After a good night’s sleep, we wake up early for a spectacular morning game drive. The Maasai Mara has been the setting of the well-known movie ‘Out of Africa’. Its astonishing wildlife is the star of the show, providing drama and intrigue against the backdrop of a spectacular scenery. Fueled by our impressions, we take breakfast in the mid-morning hours. After breakfast, we start our journey back to Nairobi, enjoying lunch on the way. In Nairobi, our driver safely brings you back to your hotel or the airport. Your safari ends here, but you take home a big smile and a lifetime of memories – that much is certain!

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

Program includes:

• Drive in a Private Safari Van with English speaking tour driver/guide
• All park entry fees
• Accommodation and meals as mentioned in program
• Government taxes
• Mineral water on the van

Not included:

• Tips and gratuities
• Laundry
• Drinks and beverages and any other item of personal nature