7-Day Samburu, Lake Nakuru & Maasai Mara Safari | Kenya

Explore Samburu, Lake Nakuru and Maasai Mara on a 7-day Kenya safari with the Samburu Special Five, rhinos, Big Five wildlife and diverse landscapes.

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Northern Kenya Wildlife, Rhinos & Maasai Mara Predators

Experience three very different Kenyan safari environments on a 7-day Samburu, Lake Nakuru and Maasai Mara safari from Nairobi.

This itinerary combines the distinctive semi-arid landscapes and northern specialist wildlife of Samburu National Reserve with the rhino-rich habitats of Lake Nakuru National Park and the open savannahs of Maasai Mara National Reserve.

The result is a varied Kenya safari covering northern Kenya, the Great Rift Valley and the Mara ecosystem in one journey.

Samburu is the major point of difference. The reserve is associated with the Samburu Special Five, a group of northern species that gives this safari a wildlife experience quite different from a traditional Mara-only itinerary.

The safari is well suited to first-time visitors, photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, couples and travelers looking for a more diverse Kenya safari route.

Safari Highlights

Explore Samburu National Reserve
Look for the Samburu Special Five
Search for Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe
See gerenuk and Beisa oryx in Samburu
Experience Samburu’s distinctive semi-arid landscapes
Visit Lake Nakuru National Park
Opportunities to see black and white rhinos
Seasonal flamingo and waterbird sightings
Spend two full days exploring the Maasai Mara
Look for lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants and buffaloes
Great Migration activity in the Mara ecosystem during the appropriate season
Excellent wildlife photography opportunities
Private 4×4 Land Cruiser safari
Nairobi pick-up and drop-off

Detailed 7-Day Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve

Your safari begins with pick-up from your Nairobi hotel, residence or airport.Travel north toward Samburu National Reserve, passing through changing landscapes as you leave Nairobi and head toward Kenya's northern safari region.Arrive in time for lunch before heading out for your first afternoon game drive.The reserve's dry landscapes and distinctive wildlife make it immediately different from the more open grasslands of the Maasai Mara.Depending on current wildlife movements, you may begin looking for:Grevy's zebraReticulated giraffeGerenukBeisa oryxSomali ostrichElephantsGiraffesZebrasBuffaloesLionsReturn to your lodge or camp after the afternoon game drive.Overnight: Samburu Meals: Lunch and dinner

Day 2: Full-Day Samburu Safari

Spend a full day exploring Samburu National Reserve.An early morning game drive provides an opportunity to search for the reserve's northern specialist species while wildlife is active.Your guide can adapt the route according to recent sightings and your interests.Wildlife to Look ForGrevy's zebraReticulated giraffeGerenukSomali ostrichBeisa oryxElephantsLionsLeopardsBuffaloesWarthogsGiraffesThe semi-arid scenery also provides excellent opportunities for landscape photography.Spend the afternoon continuing your wildlife exploration before returning to your accommodation.Overnight: Samburu Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3: Samburu to Lake Nakuru National Park

After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive or begin the journey toward Lake Nakuru National Park, depending on your departure time.The landscape changes significantly as you travel south toward Kenya's Great Rift Valley.After arriving in the Nakuru area, enjoy an afternoon game drive if time permits.Lake Nakuru offers opportunities to look for:Black rhinosWhite rhinosLionsBuffaloesGiraffesZebrasBaboonsWaterbirdsReturn to your accommodation after the day's activities.Overnight: Lake Nakuru area Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4: Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara National Reserve

Start the morning with a game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park.The early hours can be productive for wildlife viewing before you leave the park and continue toward the Maasai Mara.Travel through the Great Rift Valley and toward southwestern Kenya.Arrive in the Maasai Mara National Reserve later in the day and enjoy an introductory game drive if time and road conditions allow.The Mara provides a dramatic contrast to the dry northern landscapes of Samburu.Overnight: Maasai Mara Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5: Full-Day Maasai Mara Safari

Spend a full day exploring the Maasai Mara.The reserve is known for its large predator populations and extensive grasslands.Possible wildlife sightings include:LionsLeopardsCheetahsElephantsBuffaloesGiraffesZebrasWildebeestHipposHyenasYour guide can adjust the route according to current wildlife activity and your interests.For photographers, the combination of open plains, wildlife behavior and changing light provides many opportunities throughout the day.Overnight: Maasai Mara Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6: Full-Day Maasai Mara Safari

Enjoy another full day in the Maasai Mara.A second full day allows you to explore additional areas of the reserve and spend more time observing wildlife behavior.The day can be tailored around:PredatorsElephantsBig Five wildlifeBirdlifePhotographyWildebeest and zebra herdsA Maasai cultural visit can also be arranged as an optional experience, allowing travelers to learn more about local community traditions and daily life.Migration SeasonIf traveling during the period when the wildebeest migration is moving through the Mara ecosystem, you may encounter large herds and associated predator activity.The main Mara migration period is generally around July to October, but the timing varies from year to year.River crossings are unpredictable and cannot be guaranteed.Overnight: Maasai Mara Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7: Maasai Mara to Nairobi

Enjoy a final morning game drive before leaving the Maasai Mara.The morning provides one last opportunity to look for wildlife before beginning the journey back to Nairobi.Continue through the Kenyan countryside toward the capital.Arrive in Nairobi and conclude your 7-day Samburu, Lake Nakuru and Maasai Mara safari with drop-off at your hotel or airport.Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

Your safari package can include:

Nairobi pick-up and drop-off
Transport in a 4×4 Land Cruiser
Professional safari driver-guide
Accommodation for six nights
Meals as specified
Game drives
Park entrance and applicable conservation fees
Bottled drinking water

What’s Not Included

International flights
Travel insurance
Visa fees
Alcoholic beverages
Personal expenses
Tips and gratuities
Optional activities
Items not specifically mentioned under inclusions

Can This Safari Be Customized?

Yes. The itinerary can be adapted around your travel dates, accommodation preferences and wildlife interests.

Possible options include:

Budget, mid-range or luxury accommodation
Private safari arrangements
Additional nights in Samburu
Additional nights in Maasai Mara
Fly-in or fly-out connections where practical
Maasai cultural experiences
Additional Nairobi excursions
Beach extensions to Diani or Mombasa

For travelers particularly interested in the Samburu Special Five, additional time in Samburu can be considered.