Kenya's most comprehensive safari circuit — from the remote northern frontier of Samburu (home of the exclusive Special Five) through the Great Rift Valley lakes to the legendary Masai Mara, finishing with a tranquil lakeside stay at Naivasha. A journey through every dimension of Kenya's extraordinary wildlife landscape.
The Special Five — reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, gerenuk antelope, Beisa oryx, and Somali ostrich — are unique to the Samburu ecosystem and not found in southern Kenya parks. This package is the only way to see them on the same trip as the Masai Mara's famous migration.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Nairobi → Samburu National Reserve
Depart Nairobi north through the highlands towards Samburu (350km, ~5 hours). Pass through Nanyuki and the dramatic landscape of Isiolo. Arrive at your lodge along the Ewaso Ng'iro River for lunch. Afternoon game drive in the semi-arid scrubland — first encounters with the Special Five and the extraordinary Samburu ecosystem.
Overnight: Samburu lodge (full board)
Full-Day Game Drive — Samburu
Full day in Samburu with picnic lunch. Track the Special Five — reticulated giraffe (the tallest of the giraffes, with distinctive large polygons), the magnificent Grevy's zebra (the largest wild equid), gerenuk standing on hind legs to browse, Beisa oryx, and Somali ostrich. Also: large lion prides, leopards, elephants in the river, and crocodiles. Over 350 bird species including the rare vulturine guineafowl and dry-country specials.
Overnight: Samburu lodge (full board)
Samburu → Lake Nakuru National Park
Morning game drive in Samburu. Depart south through central Kenya to Lake Nakuru (4–5 hour drive). Arrive for lunch. Afternoon game drive: the lakeshore flamingo spectacle, white rhino sanctuary (one of Kenya's best), lions, leopards, giraffe, buffalo, and waterbuck in a fenced park.
Overnight: Lake Nakuru lodge (full board)
Lake Nakuru → Masai Mara National Reserve
Morning game drive in Lake Nakuru. Depart for Masai Mara via the Mau Escarpment. Arrive for lunch at your Mara lodge. Afternoon game drive — first experience of the famous Masai Mara. Spot large lion prides, cheetah, elephant herds, and during migration season (July–October), position at the Mara River.
Overnight: Masai Mara lodge (full board)
Full-Day Game Drive — Masai Mara
Full day in the Masai Mara. Cover the main circuit, Mara Triangle, and Mara River areas. Africa's highest concentration of predators — lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas. Migration river crossings July–October. Picnic lunch served riverside. Optional hot air balloon at dawn ($480/person).
Overnight: Masai Mara lodge (full board)
Masai Mara → Lake Naivasha
Morning game drive in the Mara. Depart for Lake Naivasha. Optional stop at Hell's Gate National Park for a walking/cycling safari among dramatic volcanic cliffs. Arrive at Dove Nest Lodge, Naivasha. Afternoon boat ride on the lake among hippos and crocodiles, with the iconic African fish eagle calling overhead.
Overnight: Dove Nest Lodge, Naivasha (full board)
Lake Naivasha → Nairobi
Breakfast and check-out. Drive back to Nairobi, arriving early afternoon. Drop-off at hotel or JKIA. Safari ends.
Safari ends in Nairobi (~2:00 PM)
Included
- All park entry fees (4 parks)
- 6 nights full board accommodation
- Professional licensed safari guide
- 4WD safari vehicle throughout
- Government taxes & VAT
- All meals & mineral water
- Nairobi pickup & drop-off
Not Included
- International flights
- Pre/post Nairobi accommodation
- Tips & gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses