7-Day Kenya Safari Samburu – Ol Pejeta – Lake Naivasha – Masai Mara
Kenya is known as the best safari destination in the world because of its biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and a rich mixture of cultures. This 7-day itinerary takes you through some of Kenya’s most iconic wildlife regions—Samburu National Reserve, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Lake Naivasha, and the popular Masai Mara National Reserve. This journey comprises of vast savannah plains, wetlands and acacia creating perfect backdrops for wildlife photography. On this safari expect to see the Big Five, the Samburu Special Five and a variety of bird species. Day 1: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve (Approx. 6-7 hours drive or 1-hour flight) Morning The safari will start with a pick up from hotel in Nairobi or at the airport and start the journey either by road or by a charter flight. The journey by road takes you through the central highlands, passing coffee and tea plantations viewing Mount Kenya. Afternoon After travelling for some time you will arrive at your lodge just in time for lunch and rest before your first game drive. Samburu is characterized by dramatic landscapes and Ewaso Nyiro River as the main source of water for the wildlife. Evening Game Drive Explore Samburu’s unique ecosystem on a game drive. During the games drive you may spot the Samburu Special Five which consists of the :Grevy’s Zebra , Beisa oryx, gerenuk , Somali ostrich, Reticulated giraffe, Other wildlife includes elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and crocodiles. Birders will be thrilled by over 350 species recorded here. Return to your lodge or luxury tented camp for dinner and overnight stay. Day 2: Full Day in Samburu National Reserve Early Morning Game Drive Start with a pre-dawn game drive, the best time to see predators like lions and leopards active before the heat sets in. Catch sight of herds of elephants bathing in the river or reticulated giraffes feeding on acacias. Midday Cultural Visit (Optional) Visit a Samburu village to learn about the pastoralist culture, traditional dances, and the semi-nomadic way of life. This enriching cultural experience adds depth to your kenya safari. Afternoon Game Drive As the heat cools, animals become active again. You may witness hunting scenes, playful elephant calves, and dazzling birdlife like the vulturine guinea fowl or superb starling. Evening Return to camp for a bush dinner or sundowners by the riverbank, reflecting on the unique beauty of this arid wilderness. Day 3: Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Approx. 3-4 hours drive) Morning Start the day with an early breakfast and depart Samburu and taking south journey to Ol Pejeta Conservancy which is located on the equator in Laikipia County. En route, enjoy views of Mount Kenya, Kenya’s highest peak. Midday Arrival & Lunch Arrive in Ol Pejeta, a 90,000-acre private conservancy and a model for wildlife conservation. Settle in and enjoy lunch with views of plains and nearby wildlife. Afternoon Game Drive Ol Pejeta is home to the Big Five and is especially known for: The last two northern white rhinos on Earth, protected under 24/7 surveillance. Large populations of black rhinos. Chimpanzees at the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the only one of its kind in Kenya. Spot elephants, buffalos, lions, leopards, rhinos, zebras, and antelope. Cheetahs and wild dogs are occasionally seen too. Evening Dinner and overnight at your lodge, with options for a night game drive to spot nocturnal creatures like aardvarks, bat-eared foxes, and bush babies. Day 4: Ol Pejeta to Lake Naivasha (Approx. 5-6 hours drive) Morning Depart Ol Pejeta after breakfast and head southwest to the Great Rift Valley. Stop at viewpoints to admire the escarpment and possibly visit Thomson’s Falls near Nyahururu. Midday Arrival Arrive at Lake Naivasha around lunchtime. Check into your lodge set along the lake’s shores or within private conservancies. Afternoon Boat Safari Take a relaxing boat safari on Lake Naivasha which is home to: Large number of Hippos and Hundreds of bird species, including African fish eagles, kingfishers, pelicans, and herons You can also spot wildlife along the shores, like waterbuck, giraffes, and buffalo. Optional Nature Walk Visit Crescent Island, a private sanctuary where you can walk among herbivores like zebras, wildebeests, and giraffes—without predators. Evening Enjoy a peaceful evening with sunset views over the lake, followed by dinner and overnight stay. Day 5: Lake Naivasha to Masai Mara (Approx. 5-6 hours drive) Morning After breakfast, depart for Masai Mara National Reserve, passing through the town of Narok and scenic Maasai plains. Arrive at your camp or lodge in time for lunch. Afternoon Game Drive The Masai Mara is arguably Africa’s most famous safari in kenya destination and home to: The Big Five Massive lion prides Thousands of plains game Cheetahs and leopards Seasonal Great Wildebeest Migration (July to October) Head out for your first game drive across its golden savannahs, teeming with life. It’s not unusual to see a cheetah chase, a lion kill, or elephants dust-bathing. Evening Return to camp for dinner and have story by the campfire Day 6: Full Day in Masai Mara National Reserve Morning Early breakfast followed by a full-day game drive with packed lunch. Explore different regions of the Mara, including the Mara River, where dramatic crocodile-wildebeest interactions take place during the migration season. Expect to see: Wildebeests and zebras in massive herds (if in season) Lions stalking prey Cheetahs using termite mounds for spotting game Hippos and crocodiles in the Mara and Talek Rivers Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari Start the day with a sunrise balloon ride over the Mara followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush—an unforgettable experience (advance booking required). Afternoon Continue exploring the Mara, possibly spotting elusive species like the caracal, serval cat, and black rhino. Evening Return to camp for a final night in the bush. Maasai warriors may entertain you with traditional songs and dances. Day 7: Masai Mara to Nairobi (Approx. 6-7 hours drive or 1-hour flight) Morning Game Drive (Optional) Squeeze in one last early morning game drive to catch the sunrise and any missed species especially the predators. Breakfast & Departure








