SIX-DAY SAMBURU/LAKE NAKURU/MASAI MARA PARK –
NORTH-SOUTH SAFARI
Design Your Safari – Tsavo East or Tsavo West
Starting from/returning to Nairobi area hotels, airport, or location of your choice.
We’ll pick you up in style – your own private 4 x 4 Land Cruiser Jeep.
- Nairobi
- Samburu
- Lake Nakuru
- Masai Mara
- Nairobi
This is an in-depth African safari – plenty of time at several unique parks – from the north of Kenya to its southern border. Samburu National Reserve is off the beaten path and that means fewer tourists and more wildlife for yourself. The Masai Mara National Reserve lies deep to the south by the Serengeti, where wildebeests by the thousands pour into the park.
In between… we’ll visit a gem of a reserve, home to leopards, rhinos, and even fuchsia flamingoes – Lake Nakuru National Park. Picture acacia forests with giraffes roaming about, waterfalls, and a cobalt lake, adorned with flamingoes and other birdlife.
The elephants rule at Samburu – expect to see herds tramping about in this large, untouristed park. But you’ll also be tracking for lion, leopard, cheetah, buffalo, and some rare species as well.
The Masai Mara is known for its prides of lions and other large cats in a rich ecosystem alive with over 95 mammal species. You’ll recognize the iconic acacia trees seen in photos throughout the world in this picture-perfect safari in Africa.
What’s Cool About These Parks?
Ever hear of the Somali ostrich, the gerenuk, or the oryx? You’ll find these rare, endangered treasures grazing on the plains of Samburu Park. We’ll also have an opportunity to visit with the local indigenous tribe of Samburu people and see a completely different lifestyle up close.
Rhinos are increasingly rare, but these shy and gentle creatures are thriving at a special sanctuary at Lake Nakuru. We’ll try for a sighting but will also be on the lookout for baboon, monkey, giraffe and of course, the lovely pink flamingoes grouping on the lake’s shoreline.
Nature’s most spectacular movement of animals awaits at the Masai Mara during the season of the Great Migration. Expect tens of thousands of wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, topi, and more pouring over the Mara River in their timeless quest for water and taller grasses. It’s the ultimate expression of wildlife on your safari in Africa.
Fast & Flexible
At AKS you write the rules. Travel and explore at your own pace in you own way. We’re fast, flexible, and always ready to respond to your requests. Book in advance or even the day before. We’ll get you out on safari – pronto!
The Extras
Depending on your choice of accommodation you can enjoy extras like a bush breakfast/lunch/ dinner, traditional dances around the boma, massage, aromatherapy, Ayurveda, special dietary menus, dinner at a Maasai homestead, game walks, overlook a natural watering hole, and more.
Stay Connected or Not. Your Choice.
We realize you’re on safari to get away from the usual. Still, there are times you may want to go online… perhaps to share your photos and adventures with friends. Our safari vehicles connect with Wi-Fi, about 75% of the time so you can usually connect when you want.
The Details
No one is more important to the success of your safari than your guide. At Africa Kenya Safaris, we have the friendliest, most experienced driver/guides. They will guide, host, inform, and look after you like the special guest you are. That’s our guarantee.
You’ll safari in style out to the parks in your own private 4 x 4 Land Cruiser Jeep – the best way to experience Africa with its higher seating for better views and its rugged all-wheel drive.
We give you more at AKS – customization, flexibility, and lots of choices. Your safari includes park entrance fees, game drives, accommodations, and meals. Plus, we always offer economy, comfort, superior comfort, or luxury safari lodges or tented camps.
Please give us a shout at Africa Kenya Safaris to set up your personalized safari adventure for yourself, your family, and your friends.
Check Out Your Ride
Experience your Africa Kenya Safari in a customized pop-top roof 4x4x Safari Jeep that features: Portable fridge/Cooler Box, 4 Binoculars, long-range high-frequency radio, 4G/LTE broadband WIFI connectivity, AC 230 V Power Outlets, First Aid Kit, Safari Guide Books, Baby Seats (on request), Side steps (on request) and most importantly an expert multi-lingual safari guide who will ensure you have an incredible safari experience.
Day 1
Nairobi – Samburu
5 - 6 Hour Drive
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
7:00 am Your Africa Kenya Safaris driver/guide will come by your hotel, residence, or the Nairobi airport to pick you up in a private 4 x 4 Land Cruiser Jeep.
We’ll head north through Kenya’s central highlands, passing coffee, tea, sisal, and pineapple plantations. We’ll take in the local homesteads and a view of towering Mt. Kenya with its snow-capped summit.
Then, the afternoon is ours for game drives across the expanse of Samburu and neighboring Shaba and Buffalo Springs reserves.
Expect to find plenty of elephants here – the park holds over 1000 of them!
Dinner and a relaxing evening will be at our Samburu safari lodge or tented camp.
Day 2
Full-Day at Samburu Reserve
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This is your day to adventure out with unlimited game drives. But you can schedule relaxing time as well at your accommodation. Just discuss with your driver/guide. You create the safari you desire.
We’ll head out to the banks of the Ewaso Nyriro River, where the park’s thirsty wildlife come for sustenance. The game viewing here is active and varied.
Samburu is known for sightings of the “Samburu Special Five” – unique and endangered species like the Grevy’s Zebra, Somali ostrich, the reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx. African wild dogs are also found on the rugged terrain of this expansive park.
The nearby Shaba and Buffalo Springs Reserves offer a bit more greenery, plus lava terraces and other volcanic formations.
We can also take a visit with the local peoples of this ancient land, the Samburu. Related to the Maasai, you can meet these indigenous tribes and see their lifestyle and homes up close.
The evening will be spent at our Samburu accommodation.
Day 3
Samburu – Lake Nakuru
4 - 5 Hour Drive
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
We’ll be up early to take in the park as the soft light brings the wildlife into the new day.
Then we’re off to Lake Nakuru, traveling along the floor of the Great Rift Valley. Along our route, we’ll stop to view the swirling mists of Thompson’s Falls at Nyahururu.
Arriving at Lake Nakuru, take in the peaceful lake and its surrounding environs – waterfalls, acacia forest, wooded hills, and towering rock escarpments. The park is varied in landscapes and birdlife – flamingoes, cormorants, kingfishers, ostriches, storks, and eagles.
Plus its acacia woods hold species like baboon, monkey, leopard, giraffe… and by the shoreline, white rhinos.
The special sanctuary here is home to a great population of black rhinos. Color, variety, and wildlife make this small park a living treasure.
It’s been a busy day so let’s relax over dinner at our Lake Nakuru accommodation.
Day 4
Lake Nakuru – Masai Mara
6 Hour Drive
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This will be an active day so let’s start early with a bird and game viewing safari through Lake Nakuru Park.
Then we’ll head further south toward Masai country on our way to the Masai Mara Reserve.
We’ll get to the park with plenty of time to freshen up at our accommodation and head out for our first Mara game drive.
Scenes of rolling hills and golden savannahs, dappled with acacia trees will greet us. And before too long we should spot some of the great park’s thousands of wildlife – all of Africa’s “Big Five” are found here in significant numbers. The park is known for its many prides of lions, as well as leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, jackals and so much more.
Look out for the birdlife as well, which is rich, colorful, and found extensively throughout the park.
Toward evening, we’ll retire at our Mara safari lodge or tented camp.
Day 5
Full Day at the Masai Mara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Just like at Samburu, expect a full and busy day of game drives throughout the park. Your guide may have suggestions as to his favorite viewing spots.
During the season of the Great Migration (July – October) expect to witness the largest movement of animals on the planet. From the neighboring Serengeti, uncountable wildebeests, and zebra stream in on their yearly trek.
We’ll go down to the Mara River, site of the crossing, where crocodiles lie in wait for the steady influx of incoming grazers. Waiting as well in the hills are lions and other predators in this stark display of nature at its most primal.
But the spectacle of the migration is an undeniable drama. Should you wish to view these innumerable herds from a different perspective, we offer an optional early morning hot air balloon safari over the Mara. You’ll rise with the sun to watch the park come alive with light and wildlife – simply unforgettable.
Here’s another opportunity to enjoy a cultural moment with the local indigenous peoples. Take advantage of an optional visit with the Maasai where you’ll meet the people, learn about their lives and maybe pick up some of their beaded handicrafts. Just ask your guide.
As evening approaches look to the west for a glorious African sunset.
Our final safari evening will be spent at our Mara accommodation.
Day 6
Masai Mara – Nairobi
5 - 6 Hour Drive
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
It’s our final safari day so let’s enjoy the views and the wildlife – we’ll go for a pre-breakfast game drive to see new areas of the park or perhaps revisit favorite spots.
Breakfast follows and then a final game drive as we exit the Masai Mara.
We’ll head north back to Nairobi and should arrive at your hotel, residence, or the airport at about 4:30 pm.
We have explored Kenya’s parks from the north near Mt. Kenya to its southern reaches in the Mara and have experienced every sort of wildlife. As an experienced safari-goer, you can talk about your adventures with newfound knowledge. All of us at Africa Kenya Safaris thank you for your participation in this exciting journey.
Tour Highlights
- Views of snow-capped Mt. Kenya
- The Samburu Five – Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, oryx, gerenuk, Somali ostrich
- Visit the local Samburu people – see their homes and culture
- 1000’s of elephants
- Flamingos and other birds
- Rhino sanctuary
- Rothschild’s giraffes
- The Great Rift Valley escarpment – dramatic towering formations & scenery
- Unlimited game drives in your own comfortable Safari pop-up top vehicle
- The Big 5 – elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo & leopard… plus zebra, cheetah and much more
- Experience the Masai Mara, home to an ancient culture
- Your choice of accommodations – from budget to luxury – stay in lodges or tented camps
- Optional Masai village – Please arrange with your driver/guide – $20 per person
- Optional Hot Air Balloon Ride – please ask us about this unique opportunity – $420 per person
- Private dedicated English or other language speaking driver/guide
Accommodations
Samburu
Samburu Simba Lodge, Ashnil Samburu Camp, Sarova Shaba Game Lodge, Samburu Game Lodge
Samburu Sopa Lodge
Samburu Sopa Lodge
Lake Nakuru
Sarova Lionhill Game Lodge, Flamingo Hill Tented Camp
Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge.
Lake Nakuru Lodge
Masai Mara
Ashnil Mara Camp, Mara Eden Safari Camp, Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Sarova Mara Game Camp, Mara Engai Lodge, Ilkeliani Camp.
Mara River Camp, Tipilikwani Mara Camp, Matira Camp, Wilderness Camp, Keekorok Lodge
Zebra Plains Mara Camp, Osero Camp, Mara Sopa Lodge, Losokwan Luxury Camp, Enkorok Mara Camp, Elangata Olerai Camp
Mara Chui Camp, Jambo Mara Safari Lodge
ALL SAFARI PRICES ARE LISTED BY SEASON, NUMBER OF PERSONS, AND COMFORT TIER
Please check out our prices for these private safaris – you’ll see they are the most reasonable anywhere for each tour. There are no hidden fees, plus you’ll travel in safari-style in a 4 x 4 Land Cruiser Jeep.
Prices are in USD per person for a double/twin en-suite room.
To view our tour prices for the 3 Safari Seasons, please click High, Peak or Low
High Season (3rd Jan-31st Mar) & (16th Oct-22nd Dec)
| No. Of Pax | Economy | Comfort | Luxury |
| 2 | USD1360 | USD1470 | USD1570 |
| 4 | USD1130 | USD1240 | USD1340 |
| 6 | USD1050 | USD1160 | USD1260 |
| SRS* | USD140 | USD210 | USD300 |
Peak Season (1st Jul-15th Oct.) & (23rd Dec-2nd Jan)
Xmas Supplement to apply on selected hotels on 24th -26th Dec & 31st Dec-1st Jan
| No. Of Pax | Economy | Comfort | Luxury |
| 2 | USD1480 | USD1630 | USD2060 |
| 4 | USD1260 | USD1410 | USD1830 |
| 6 | USD1180 | USD1330 | USD1750 |
| SRS* | USD220 | USD250 | USD530 |
Low Season (1st Apr – 30th June Excluding Easter Weekend)
| No. Of Pax | Economy | Comfort | Luxury |
| 2 | USD1290 | USD1330 | USD1370 |
| 4 | USD1070 | USD1100 | USD1140 |
| 6 | USD990 | USD1030 | USD1070 |
| SRS* | USD0 | USD0 | USD0 |
*Safari price per person for 3 persons shall be 6% less the per person price of 2 persons.
*Safari price per person for 5 persons shall be 3% less the per person price of 4 persons.
*Solo person safari price: add 50% to per person price based on 2 persons.
*Easter Supplement: USD 35 Per Person Per Night.
*Christmas / New Year Supplement on Dec 25th, 26th, 31st and Jan 1st: USD 35 Per Person Per Night.
Your Tour Includes
- Transport in a private 4 x 4 Landcruiser Jeep
- Nairobi airport/hotel pick up and drop off
- Stay in economy, comfort or luxury lodge/tented camps (your choice)
- Our experienced and friendly English speaking/other language guide/driver
- Bottled drinking water
- Park entrance fees
- Game viewing drives
- All meals on safari
- Government taxes and local levies
- The Flying Doctors emergency medical evacuation/rescue insurance cover
– Bottled & Soft Drinks
– Items and services of a personal nature
– Tips & Gratuities
Lots of Ways To Stay
Safari Lodge or Tented Camp?
Economy, Comfort, or Luxury?
We offer lots of ways to settle into your safari evening. Some people like the familiar four walls of a traditional lodge. Others go for the outdoors feel of a tented camp. Either way, both lodge or tented camp come in economy, comfort, and lux editions. Choose the accommodation style that suits your needs. And then, which level of service works for you.
