7-Day Kenya Safari: Samburu, Aberdare, Lake Nakuru & Maasai Mara
Day 1: Nairobi – Samburu Game Reserve
Depart Nairobi at 7:30 AM and drive north to Samburu National Reserve, arriving in time for lunch. After settling in, embark on an afternoon game drive to spot Samburu’s unique wildlife, including black-maned lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, Grevy’s zebra, and other plains game. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight in Samburu.
Day 2: Full Day in Samburu
Spend the morning and afternoon on wildlife safaris in Samburu, exploring its arid savannahs and the Ewaso Nyiro River. Optional visits to Samburu villages allow you to experience local culture. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Samburu dance performance organized by your lodge. Meals and overnight.
Day 3: Samburu – Aberdare National Park
After breakfast, depart Samburu and drive south toward the Aberdare National Park, stopping for lunch at Aberdare Country Club. In the afternoon, explore the Aberdare forest and check in at Treetops Lodge or The Ark Safari Lodge, perched at an altitude of 2,000 meters. From the lodge, watch elephants, buffalo, and other wildlife visit the waterholes. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 4: Aberdare – Lake Nakuru National Park
Following breakfast, drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its huge flocks of flamingos and diverse birdlife. Enjoy a game drive in the park, spotting black and white rhinos, waterbucks, giraffes, zebras, and other wildlife. Dinner and overnight at Lion Hill Lodge or similar.
Day 5: Lake Nakuru – Maasai Mara National Reserve
After breakfast, travel through the scenic Great Rift Valley to Maasai Mara, Kenya’s most iconic safari destination. Arrive for lunch and a brief rest before an afternoon game drive, searching for the Big Five — lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos — along with cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and other plains game. Overnight at Mara Sarova Camp.
Day 6: Full Day in Maasai Mara
Spend the entire day on morning and afternoon game drives in the Maasai Mara. Optional activities include a hot air balloon safari at sunrise, guided nature walks, or a visit to a local Maasai village. Meals and overnight at the camp.
Day 7: Maasai Mara – Nairobi
After breakfast, check out and drive back to Nairobi, arriving in the late afternoon. Optional lunch at Carnivore Restaurant or another choice before being dropped at your hotel or the airport.
