Exclusive Safaris · Kenya

7-Day Highlights of Kenya Safari: Samburu, Nakuru & Masai Mara

7 daysScheduled group safari

About this journey

Highlights of Kenya takes you north across the equator to the dry country of Samburu and Shaba, then south through the Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru and the Maasai Mara. Over seven days you see two very different Kenyas, staying throughout at Sarova lodges.

Shaba and the neighbouring Samburu reserves along the Ewaso Ng'iro River are home to the 'Samburu Special Five': Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, beisa oryx, gerenuk and Somali ostrich, none of which you will see in the Mara. Two nights at Sarova Shaba include a 'bubbly' riverside breakfast.

From the north you head to Lake Nakuru National Park for rhino and a bush lunch at a viewpoint over the lake, staying at Sarova Lion Hill. The final two nights are at Sarova Mara Game Camp, with a full day of game drives, an optional sunrise balloon safari and dinner under the skies.

Best time to go: June to October and January to March are the driest months in both the north and the Mara, and the Mara migration usually runs from July to October.

Who it suits: travellers who want variety, from the dry north to the green Rift Valley and the open Mara, and those who like the consistency of staying in one lodge group throughout. It is also a good choice for repeat visitors who have seen the Mara but not Samburu.

Crossing the equator on day two is a popular stop, where local guides demonstrate the Coriolis effect with water and a funnel. The special meals in this itinerary, a riverside breakfast at Shaba, a bush lunch at Lake Nakuru and dinner under the skies in the Mara, turn ordinary safari days into memorable ones.

Highlights

  • Samburu Special Five in Shaba and Samburu
  • Riverside 'bubbly' breakfast at Sarova Shaba
  • Bush lunch overlooking Lake Nakuru
  • Dinner under the skies at Sarova Mara
  • Sarova lodges throughout, starting at the Sarova Stanley

What's included

Included

  • Nairobi airport arrival transfer
  • Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Game drives as per itinerary
  • Park and sanctuary entry fees
  • Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
  • Riverside breakfast at Shaba, bush lunch at Lake Nakuru and dinner under the skies at Sarova Mara
  • Departure transfer to JKIA or an airport hotel

Not included

  • International flights
  • Kenya eTA and visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Drinks, tips and personal expenses
  • Hot-air balloon safari (optional, at additional cost)

Day by day

  • Pick-up at the airport and transfer to your hotel
  • Accommodation: Sarova Stanley, Nairobi

Where you stay

LocationAccommodation
NairobiSarova Stanley
Samburu / Shaba (2 nights)Sarova Shaba Game Lodge
Lake NakuruSarova Lion Hill Game Lodge
Masai Mara (2 nights)Sarova Mara Game Camp

Questions about this safari

How long is the 7-Day Highlights of Kenya Safari?

7 days and 6 nights. It starts in Nairobi and returns to Nairobi.

Is this a private or a shared safari?

It runs as a scheduled safari: you share the vehicle and game drives with other travellers on the same departure, which keeps the price down. We can also run it as a private safari on your own dates.

How do you travel?

By road in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for game viewing and photography.

Where will I stay?

Nairobi: Sarova Stanley. Samburu / Shaba (2 nights): Sarova Shaba Game Lodge. Lake Nakuru: Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge. Masai Mara (2 nights): Sarova Mara Game Camp.

What is included in the price?

Nairobi airport arrival transfer, Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof, Professional English-speaking driver-guide, Game drives as per itinerary, Park and sanctuary entry fees, Accommodation and meals as per itinerary, Riverside breakfast at Shaba, bush lunch at Lake Nakuru and dinner under the skies at Sarova Mara and Departure transfer to JKIA or an airport hotel.

Are park fees included?

Yes. Park, reserve and conservancy entry fees for every day of the itinerary are included in the price.

How far is Samburu from Nairobi?

Samburu is about 350 km north of Nairobi, five to six hours by road, or roughly an hour by scheduled flight.

Can I see the Big Five on this safari?

Elephant, lion, leopard and buffalo all live in Samburu, but the real draw is the Samburu Special Five: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, beisa oryx, gerenuk and Somali ostrich.

When is the best time for this safari?

June to October and December to March are the driest months, when wildlife concentrates along the Ewaso Ng’iro River.

Can I add a hot-air balloon safari?

Yes. A sunrise balloon flight over the Maasai Mara with a champagne bush breakfast can be added at an extra cost. It needs booking in advance, as places are limited.

Can I customise this itinerary or upgrade the accommodation?

Yes. We can change lodges, add nights or extra parks, and arrange a private version on your own dates.

What should I pack for this safari?

Pack neutral-coloured layers, a warm fleece or jacket for early-morning drives, a sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, binoculars and your camera with spare batteries. A soft-sided bag is best, and required on light-aircraft flights.

Do I need a visa for Kenya?

Most visitors need a Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), applied for online before travel. Check the requirements for your passport well before you fly.

What are the Samburu Special Five?

Five species adapted to northern Kenya's dry country and rarely seen further south: Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, beisa oryx, gerenuk and Somali ostrich.

Destinations on this safari

Kenya’s crown jewelMaasai MaraRhinos and flamingosLake NakuruThe wild northSamburu

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