Exclusive Safaris · Kenya

9-Day Scenic Kenya Safari: Samburu, Rift Valley & Masai Mara

9 daysScheduled group safari

About this journey

Scenic Kenya is a 9-day road safari for travellers who want to see the country's landscapes as well as its wildlife: the arid north at Samburu, the highlands and waterfalls of Nyahururu, the lakes of the Rift Valley and three nights in the Maasai Mara.

After a night at the Tamarind Tree Hotel you drive north to Samburu Simba Lodge for two nights of game drives along the Ewaso Ng'iro River, home to reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra and beisa oryx. On the way south you cross the equator and stop at Nyahururu, with an escorted walk to Nyahururu (Thomson's) Falls and the hippo pools.

Day five takes in Lake Nakuru National Park before an afternoon boat excursion on Lake Naivasha, staying at Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge. The safari ends with three nights at Mara Simba Lodge: enough time for two full days on the plains, an optional balloon flight and an unhurried search for the big cats.

Best time to go: June to October and January to March. Three nights in the Mara make this a strong choice for the July to October migration season.

Who it suits: travellers who enjoy landscapes and slower travel as much as wildlife, and those who want plenty of time in the Mara. The route takes in the arid north, the highlands, the Rift Valley lakes and the savannah, giving a real sense of Kenya's geography.

Nyahururu sits at about 2,300 metres, one of the highest towns in Kenya, and the falls drop into a gorge surrounded by forest. With three nights at the end, you can spend a full day in a different part of the Mara each day, giving your guide the best chance of finding leopard and cheetah.

Highlights

  • Samburu's northern wildlife along the Ewaso Ng'iro River
  • Equator crossing and Nyahururu (Thomson's) Falls
  • Lake Nakuru game drive and Lake Naivasha boat ride
  • Three nights and two full days in the Maasai Mara
  • Simba lodges throughout

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
  • Escorted walk to Nyahururu Falls
  • Lake Naivasha boat excursion
  • 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: Tamarind Tree Hotel, Nairobi

Where you stay

LocationAccommodation
NairobiTamarind Tree Hotel
Samburu (2 nights)Samburu Simba Lodge
NyahururuPanari Resort Nyahururu
Lake NaivashaLake Naivasha Simba Lodge
Masai Mara (3 nights)Mara Simba Lodge

Questions about this safari

How long is the 9-Day Scenic Kenya Safari?

9 days and 8 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: Tamarind Tree Hotel. Samburu (2 nights): Samburu Simba Lodge. Nyahururu: Panari Resort Nyahururu. Lake Naivasha: Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge. Masai Mara (3 nights): Mara Simba Lodge.

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, Escorted walk to Nyahururu Falls, Lake Naivasha boat excursion 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 the Maasai Mara from Nairobi?

The Maasai Mara is about 270 km west of Nairobi: five to six hours by road through the Great Rift Valley, or about 45 minutes by scheduled flight from Wilson Airport.

Can I see the Big Five on this safari?

Lion, elephant, buffalo and leopard are seen regularly in the Maasai Mara. Black rhino are few and shy, so all five are possible but never guaranteed.

When is the best time for this safari?

The Mara is good all year. July to October brings the Great Migration and Mara River crossings; January to March is quieter with excellent resident wildlife; April and May are green and the best value.

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.

Why spend three nights in the Masai Mara?

Two full days on the plains let your guide explore different areas of the reserve and give you a much better chance of seeing leopard, cheetah and, in season, a Mara River crossing.

Destinations on this safari

Kenya’s crown jewelMaasai MaraRhinos and flamingosLake NakuruThe Rift Valley’s gentle heartLake NaivashaThe wild northSamburu

More in Kenya

Chat with us