Safari in Samburu, Nakuru & Masai Mara

Today, you’ll depart from your selected airport and fly to Kenya, with connecting flight(s) along the way.

You’ll be met at the airport by our local guide, who will arrange your transfer to the hotel.

Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to spend the rest of the day relaxing and looking forward to the safari that begins tomorrow. Perhaps a dip in the pool will tempt you? If you arrive later in the day, you might simply prefer to head straight to bed.

You’ll also have the option to purchase an excursion today and experience what this fascinating metropolis, Nairobi, has to offer.

After breakfast, you’ll leave the hotel and set off towards Samburu.

Along the way, you’ll cross the equator near Mount Kenya, where you’ll enjoy a demonstration of the Coriolis effect and an explanation of why winds are deflected to the right in the northern hemisphere and to the left in the southern hemisphere.

After straddling the equator with one foot in each hemisphere, your journey continues north. Along the way, you’ll experience an ever-changing landscape of climates and vegetation – from high plains and mountainous regions to drier terrain. Upon arrival, you’ll check in to your lodge where lunch will be waiting for you.

After lunch, it’s time for the tour’s first proper game drive.

Samburu offers truly unique and breathtaking scenery. The reserve sits at around 1,000 metres above sea level and features a plateau-like landscape. The colours range from soft greys to deep reddish-browns, with the area often touched by drought. Yet, hidden amongst it all are green oases, and in the southern part flows the so-called “brown river”, Ewaso Ng’iro. Both the river and the oases are vital to the area’s wildlife, attracting many animals in search of water.

Samburu is particularly famous for several unique species found only here: Grevy’s zebra, the graceful gerenuk, the striking oryx antelope, the Somali ostrich, and the reticulated giraffe.

In addition to these “special five”, you may also spot elephants, leopards, lions, cheetahs, impalas, and an abundance of birdlife. The locals even say that Samburu has its own distinct bird song.

After your safari, you’ll return to the lodge where dinner awaits.

Look forward to a full day of game drives in the reserve. You’ll bring along your lunch – and possibly even breakfast too – giving you more time to enjoy the safari itself.

In addition to the stunning scenery and the wild animals, you may also be lucky enough today to encounter the Samburu people, who have given their name to the reserve.

They are known for their traditional way of life, which revolves around their livestock. As the Samburu region is dry, they move periodically in search of fresh grazing. The Samburu are related to the Maasai people and, like the Maasai, they dress in brightly coloured clothing. Their traditional garments are mainly red and adorned with a variety of colourful jewellery.

Back at the lodge, another dinner awaits – perhaps followed by a drink around the fire as you take in the day’s many experiences.

After breakfast, it’s time to head south. You’ll pass Mount Kenya once again, and as you approach the Great Rift Valley, you’ll notice a striking change in the landscape.

The 5,000 km long Great Rift Valley stretches all the way through East Africa, filled with ancient volcanic craters.

There are a few stops en route, including Thompson Falls, where you’ll take a lunch break, stretch your legs, and enjoy a meal in the cosy café.

The day’s final destination is the beautiful Lake Nakuru National Park, where an afternoon game drive awaits.

Lake Nakuru National Park is particularly famous for its many rhinos. In fact, it’s one of the best places to spot the endangered black rhino, and we’d go as far as to say that the park offers a virtual guarantee of rhino sightings.

Along the shores of the lake, you may also be lucky enough to witness the spectacular sight of thousands of flamingos, which at certain times of the year tint the shoreline a soft pink hue.

Once you arrive at the lodge, you can take in the stunning views and perhaps enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool before dinner.

You’ll begin the day with a morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park.

In addition to rhinos, the park is home to more than 450 species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. The unique combination of lake, forest and savannah attracts both waterfowl and birds of prey.

You may also be lucky enough to spot waterbucks, impalas, buffaloes, giraffes, and zebras. The only animal you definitely won’t see here is the elephant – but don’t worry, you’ll encounter plenty of them in both Samburu and the Masai Mara.

Take a moment to enjoy the magnificent scenery, which, thanks to its location in the Great Rift Valley, is wonderfully diverse.

Late in the morning, you’ll bid farewell to Lake Nakuru and head towards the spectacular Masai Mara Game Reserve – the Kenyan section of the vast Serengeti ecosystem, which during the rainy season hosts what is likely the highest concentration of wildlife anywhere.

Be prepared for the drive to take up much of the afternoon. Sit back and enjoy the ever-changing landscapes of Kenya as they glide past. You’ll pass through several small villages, where bustling street markets create a lively atmosphere, and there will be a few stops along the way.

You’ll arrive in the late afternoon and can spend the rest of the day relaxing.

Ahead lies a full day of game drives in the extraordinary Masai Mara.

The nature reserve was established in 1961 and forms part of the unique Serengeti ecosystem. The wildlife here is truly unparalleled – elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, antelopes, lions, cheetahs, and leopards – they’re all here.

But it isn’t just the wildlife that impresses; the landscape of the Masai Mara offers beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons. From north to south, the Mara River winds its way through a picture-perfect setting, featuring vast plains stretching as far as the eye can see, gently rolling grasslands and areas dotted with acacia trees.

To make the most of your day, you’ll bring along a picnic lunch to enjoy right in the heart of the wild countryside.

You can never get enough of the Masai Mara, because the savannah is ever-changing – the light, the colours, the scents, the mix of animals – everything shifts constantly.

Sadly, it’s time to say farewell to the savannah. You’ll set off early this morning, heading towards Nairobi. A packed lunch is provided to enjoy along the way, and of course, there will be a few toilet stops en route.

From Nairobi, you’ll board your flight home – filled with memories and wonderful experiences.

You’ll arrive at your selected airport after a delightful tour.