The 11 Day Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Maasai Mara & Serengeti Conservation Safari is a premium East African wildlife journey designed for travelers seeking a deeper, more meaningful safari experience beyond traditional game drives.

Unlike standard migration-focused itineraries, this safari places strong emphasis on wildlife conservation, endangered species protection, and ecological diversity, while still delivering exceptional Big Five encounters across Kenya and Tanzania’s most iconic safari landscapes.

The journey begins in the rugged and less-crowded ecosystems of Samburu National Reserve, continues into the world-renowned Ol Pejeta Conservancy, and then transitions into the classic safari circuit of the Maasai Mara National Reserve and the Serengeti National Park, before concluding in Arusha.

This itinerary is highly recommended for conservation-minded travelers, wildlife photographers, repeat safari guests, educational groups, and international visitors  seeking a more exclusive and purpose-driven safari experience.

WHY THIS CONSERVATION SAFARI IS DIFFERENT

Most East Africa safaris focus only on the Maasai Mara–Serengeti migration circuit. This itinerary goes beyond that by introducing northern Kenya’s unique ecosystems and endangered species protection zones, making it one of the most biologically diverse safari combinations available.

Core Differentiators

• Combines three distinct ecosystems: northern Kenya, savannah plains, and migration corridors
• Includes Africa’s most important rhino conservation hub (Ol Pejeta)
• Features the Samburu Special Five species (found only in northern Kenya)
• Blends conservation tourism with Big Five safari experiences
• Reduces tourist congestion compared to standard routes
• Adds educational and ethical wildlife engagement opportunities

KEY DESTINATIONS OVERVIEW

Samburu National Reserve (Northern Kenya)

Samburu is a semi-arid ecosystem located along the Ewaso Ng’iro River, known for rare wildlife species not found in southern Kenya parks.

Unique Species

• Grevy’s Zebra
• Reticulated Giraffe
• Beisa Oryx
• Somali Ostrich
• Gerenuk (giraffe antelope)

Experience Value

• Remote safari environment
• Authentic cultural encounters
• Predator sightings with fewer vehicles

Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Ol Pejeta is East Africa’s leading private conservancy and a global model for wildlife protection.

Conservation Highlights

• Largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa
• Home to the last two northern white rhinos in the world
• Chimpanzee sanctuary (only one in Kenya)
• Advanced anti-poaching programs

Experience Value

• Guided rhino tracking
• Conservation education
• Exclusive private conservancy game drives

Maasai Mara National Reserve

One of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations and part of the Great Migration ecosystem.

Highlights

• Big Five sightings
• Large lion populations
• Seasonal wildebeest migration
• Iconic African savannah landscapes

Serengeti National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important wildlife ecosystems on Earth.

Highlights

• Endless plains ecosystem
• Predator-prey interactions
• Migration herds (seasonal)
• Exceptional photographic opportunities

DETAILED 11 DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1: Arrival in Nairobi

Arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Meet your safari representative and transfer to hotel.

Overnight

Nairobi

DAY 2: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve

Depart for northern Kenya, passing through scenic central highlands.

Arrive in Samburu and enjoy an afternoon game drive.

Wildlife Highlights

• Elephants along the river
• Lions and leopards
• Rare northern species

Overnight

Samburu lodge

DAY 3: Full Day Samburu Safari

Explore Samburu ecosystem with full-day game drives.

Key Experience

• Tracking rare species (Samburu Special Five)
• River-based wildlife viewing
• Cultural visits (optional Samburu village)

Overnight

Samburu

DAY 4: Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Drive south to Ol Pejeta Conservancy.

Afternoon game drive with rhino viewing focus.

Overnight

Ol Pejeta

DAY 5: Full Day Ol Pejeta Conservation Experience

Dedicated conservation day.

Activities

• Black rhino tracking
• Chimpanzee sanctuary visit
• Anti-poaching education tours
• Wildlife photography sessions

Overnight

Ol Pejeta

DAY 6: Ol Pejeta to Maasai Mara

Travel to Maasai Mara via the Great Rift Valley.

Arrive for evening game drive.

Overnight

Maasai Mara

DAY 7: Full Day Maasai Mara Safari

Explore the rich predator ecosystem.

Wildlife

• Lions
• Leopards
• Elephants
• Buffalo

Overnight

Maasai Mara

DAY 8: Maasai Mara Migration Exploration

Full-day exploration of migration zones.

Seasonal Highlights

• Wildebeest herds
• River crossings (seasonal)
• Predator hunts

Overnight

Maasai Mara

DAY 9: Maasai Mara to Serengeti via Isebania

Cross into Tanzania and enter Serengeti National Park.

Begin game viewing en route.

Overnight

Serengeti

DAY 10: Full Day Serengeti Safari

Explore Serengeti ecosystems.

Highlights

• Predator tracking
• Migration herds
• Big Five sightings

Overnight

Serengeti

DAY 11: Serengeti to Arusha

Morning game drive, then transfer to Arusha for departure.

CONSERVATION VALUE

This safari directly supports:

• Rhino conservation programs (Ol Pejeta)
• Endangered species protection (northern Kenya)
• Anti-poaching initiatives
• Community conservation tourism models
• Habitat preservation across two countries

This makes it one of the most ethical safari itineraries in East Africa.

WHO THIS SAFARI IS FOR

• Wildlife conservation travelers
• Photographers seeking rare species
• Repeat safari guests
• Educational groups
• Luxury travelers wanting unique routes
• High-end international safari clients

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL

June – October

Dry season, best general wildlife viewing

July – October

Migration activity in Maasai Mara and Serengeti

January – March

Best predator activity and clear photography conditions

PRICE RANGE (ESTIMATED)

FAQ

What makes this safari different from a normal migration safari?

It includes northern Kenya conservation areas and rare species ecosystems not found in typical routes.

Can I see rhinos on this safari?

Yes, Ol Pejeta Conservancy offers some of the best rhino viewing in Africa.

Is Samburu worth visiting?

Yes, it offers unique wildlife species not found in Maasai Mara or Serengeti.

Is this safari good for photographers?

Absolutely. It includes rare species, predators, and migration landscapes.