Samburu, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara
An in-depth safari from the north of Kenya to its southern border - Samburu's untouristed wilderness, Lake Nakuru's rhino sanctuary, and the Masai Mara's big cats.
North to south, Kenya's full wildlife range
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, meaning fewer tourists and more wildlife for yourself, while the Masai Mara lies deep to the south by the Serengeti, where wildebeest by the thousands pour into the park.
In between, Lake Nakuru National Park adds leopards, rhinos and flamingo-dappled shores - acacia forest, waterfalls and a cobalt lake ringed with birdlife.
How this page works: as you pick a package tier, choose your accommodation, and add optional experiences, your selections build a live Trip Summary near the bottom of the page - ready to send with your inquiry. Tap any hotel's photo or the eye icon for a closer look before you choose.
Your day-by-day itinerary
Tap a day below for the full schedule, your accommodation for the night, and any optional add-ons.
Nairobi → Samburu
7:00am pickup, heading north through Kenya's central highlands past coffee, tea, sisal and pineapple plantations, with views of snow-capped Mt. Kenya along the way.
The afternoon is ours for game drives across the expanse of Samburu and neighboring Shaba and Buffalo Springs reserves - expect plenty of elephants, with over 1,000 resident in the park. Dinner and a relaxing evening at our Samburu accommodation.
Choose Your Samburu Accommodation
📍 Samburu National Reserve & neighboring Shaba/Buffalo Springs reserves, Kenya Sarova Shaba Game Lodge [dummy]
📍 Shaba National Reserve
Full Day at Samburu Reserve
A day for unlimited game drives - or relax at your accommodation and set the pace with your driver/guide. We head to the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, where thirsty wildlife come for sustenance.
Samburu is known for the "Samburu Special Five" - Grevy's zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk and Beisa oryx, with African wild dogs also found on this rugged terrain. Optional visit with the local Samburu people, related to the Maasai, available today.
Same accommodation as last night - see Day 1 for the full range of upgrade and downgrade options at this location.
Samburu → Lake Nakuru
An early morning drive as the soft light brings the wildlife into the new day, then off to Lake Nakuru along the floor of the Great Rift Valley, stopping to view Thompson's Falls at Nyahururu.
Arriving at Lake Nakuru - waterfalls, acacia forest, wooded hills and towering rock escarpments, with rich birdlife including flamingo, cormorant and stork. The park's rhino sanctuary is a highlight, home to a great population of black rhino.
Choose Your Lake Nakuru Accommodation
📍 Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge [dummy]
📍 Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru → Masai Mara
An early bird and game viewing safari through Lake Nakuru Park, then further south toward Masai country and the Masai Mara Reserve.
Arriving with time to freshen up and head out for our first Mara game drive - rolling hills and golden savannahs dappled with acacia trees, with all of Africa's Big Five found here in significant numbers.
Choose Your Masai Mara Accommodation
📍 Masai Mara National Reserve & adjacent private wildlife sanctuaries, Kenya
Mara Sopa Lodge [dummy]
📍 Masai Mara ecosystem
Also available: Olorien Mara Camp, Mara Duma Camp.
Also available: Mara Leisure Camp, Sentrim Mara Camp, Prideinn Mara Camp, Osero Camp, Enkorok Mara Camp, AA Mara Lodge, La Maison Royale Mara Camp, Mara River Lodge, Sekenani Camp, Olengoti Eco Safari Camp, Julia's River Camp, Mara Big Five Camp, Mara Sweet Acacia Lodge, Ol Kinyei Mara Tented Camp, Mara Kimana Camp.
Also available: Zebra Plains Mara Camp, Kandili Camp, Naserian Mara Camp, Emayian Camp, Mara Simba – Tent Rooms, Mara River Camp, Mara Siria Camp, Mara Maisha Camp, Matira Bush Camp, Loyk Mara Camp, Enchipai Mara Camp, Kilima Camp Mara.
Also available: Karen Blixen Camp, Mara Intrepids Camp, Neptune Mara Rianta Luxury Camp, Mara Eden Safari Camp, Ashnil Mara Camp, Mara Crossings Camp, Saruni Mara Camp, Porini Mara Camp, Entumoto Safari Camp, Kicheche Mara Camp, Mara Bushtop Luxury Camp, Entim Mara Camp, Mara Explorer Camp, Sroi Mara Bush Camp, Basecamp Eagle View Camp, Saruni Leopard Hill Camp, Governors Camp Mara. Accommodations marked with a * attract a supplement - your tour consultant will advise on the value.
Full Day at the Masai Mara
A full and busy day of game drives throughout the park - during the Great Migration season (July-October), uncountable wildebeest and zebra stream in from the neighboring Serengeti.
We head down to the Mara River, crossing site, where crocodiles lie in wait for the incoming grazers, with lions and other predators in the hills. Optional hot air balloon safari and Maasai village visit available today.
Same accommodation as last night - see Day 4 for the full range of upgrade and downgrade options at this location.
Masai Mara → Nairobi
Breakfast at your accommodation, then out of the park and north back to Nairobi, with time to enjoy the vistas along the route.
A lunch stop to soak up the scenery, arriving at about 4:30pm - Kenya's parks from the north near Mt. Kenya to its southern reaches in the Mara, behind you.
Everything handled, nothing hidden
Private 4x4 Land Cruiser transport, Nairobi airport/hotel pickup and drop-off, your choice of economy/comfort/luxury lodges or tented camps, an experienced English-speaking driver-guide, bottled water, park entrance fees, all game drives, all meals on safari, government taxes, and Flying Doctors emergency evacuation cover.
Not included: bottled/soft drinks beyond water, items of a personal nature, and tips. Maasai village visit ($25pp) and hot air balloon safari ($460pp) are optional add-ons.
Request a Tailored Quote
Per person, sharing a double/twin en-suite room
All safari prices are listed by season, number of persons and comfort tier. Pick a package tier below to add its price to your Trip Summary.
| Group Size | Economy | Comfort | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person (solo) | $2,905 | $3,040 | $3,465 |
| 2 persons | $1,960 | $2,065 | $2,260 |
| 3 persons | $1,710 | $1,810 | $2,010 |
| 4 persons | $1,580 | $1,685 | $1,880 |
| 5 persons | $1,505 | $1,610 | $1,805 |
| 6-7 persons | $1,455 | $1,560 | $1,755 |
| Single Room Supplement | $185 | $210 | $445 |
Shoulder A season: 3 Jan – 31 Mar, and 1 – 15 June.
| Group Size | Economy | Comfort | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person (solo) | $3,135 | $3,245 | $3,695 |
| 2 persons | $2,190 | $2,295 | $2,490 |
| 3 persons | $1,940 | $2,040 | $2,240 |
| 4 persons | $1,810 | $1,915 | $2,110 |
| 5 persons | $1,735 | $1,840 | $2,035 |
| 6-7 persons | $1,685 | $1,790 | $1,985 |
| Single Room Supplement | $185 | $210 | $445 |
Shoulder B season: 1 Nov – 22 Dec.
| Group Size | Economy | Comfort | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person (solo) | $3,550 | $3,950 | $4,825 |
| 2 persons | $2,435 | $2,685 | $3,200 |
| 3 persons | $2,150 | $2,400 | $2,910 |
| 4 persons | $2,005 | $2,255 | $2,770 |
| 5 persons | $1,920 | $2,170 | $2,680 |
| 6-7 persons | $1,860 | $2,110 | $2,625 |
| Single Room Supplement | $250 | $410 | $765 |
Peak season: 16 June – 31 Oct, and 23 Dec – 2 Jan. Christmas and festive supplements apply on selected hotels.
| Group Size | Economy | Comfort | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person (solo) | $2,600 | $2,765 | $2,745 |
| 2 persons | $1,730 | $1,900 | $1,975 |
| 3 persons | $1,500 | $1,670 | $1,745 |
| 4 persons | $1,385 | $1,555 | $1,630 |
| 5 persons | $1,315 | $1,485 | $1,560 |
| 6-7 persons | $1,270 | $1,440 | $1,515 |
| Single Room Supplement | $180 | $175 | $115 |
Low season: 1 Apr – 31 May. Easter supplements apply on selected hotels over the Easter weekend.
Easter Supplement: $35/$45/$80 for Economy/Comfort/Luxury (per person per night). Christmas/New Year Supplement (Dec 25, 26, 31, Jan 1): $35/$45/$80 for Economy/Comfort/Luxury (per person per night). Children under 3: free. Children 3-11: 75% of adult rate. Children 12 and above are treated as adults.
Your Trip Summary
Send Your Inquiry
Sarova Shaba Game Lodge [dummy]
[Dummy description] A game lodge on the Shaba/Samburu ecosystem's riverine plains, with elevated views over the Ewaso Nyiro River.
Use the tier tabs above to browse other tiers at this location. Final hotel assignment confirmed by your travel consultant at booking.
Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge [dummy]
[Dummy description] Set on a hillside among acacia forest with sweeping views over the lake, within easy reach of the park's rhino sanctuary and birdlife-rich shoreline.
Use the tier tabs above to browse other tiers at this location. Final hotel assignment confirmed by your travel consultant at booking.
Mara Sopa Lodge [dummy]
[Dummy description] A spacious lodge with traditional round-hut styled rooms and wide savannah views.
Use the tier tabs above to browse other tiers at this location. Final hotel assignment confirmed by your travel consultant at booking.
Final hotel details, photos and descriptions will be confirmed by your travel consultant at booking.