9-Day Midrange Safari in Samburu - Naivasha-Nakuru -Mara

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve

Your adventure begins with an early morning departure from Nairobi, heading north towards Samburu National Reserve. The journey takes you through scenic landscapes, past Mount Kenya, and into the semi-arid plains of Samburu. Upon arrival, you check into your lodge and enjoy a delicious lunch before setting out on your first game drive. Samburu is known for its unique wildlife, including the “Samburu Special Five” – Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx. As the sun sets, you return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation under the starlit African sky.

Main Destination:

Samburu National Reserve

Best Time To Visit June to September and January to February

High Season December to March and July to October (Busy)

Best Weather June and December (Cool and fresh after rain)

Wildlife in Samburu NR

ElephantAbundant

GiraffeCommon

ZebraCommon

LionOccasional

LeopardOccasional

BuffaloOccasional

Show more

HippoOccasional

HyenaOccasional

CheetahRare

Wild DogRare

White RhinoNone

Black RhinoNone

WildebeestNone

Accommodation:

Samburu Sopa Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located inside Samburu NR

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Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Exploration of Samburu National Reserve

Wake up to the sounds of the wild and embark on an early morning game drive when the animals are most active. You explore the Ewaso Nyiro River, the lifeline of the reserve, attracting elephants, lions, and leopards. After breakfast back at the lodge, you have some time to relax before another game drive in the afternoon. You may visit a Samburu village to learn about their rich culture and traditions. The day ends with a sundowner experience as you enjoy panoramic views of the rugged landscape before heading back for dinner and an overnight stay.

Main Destination:

Samburu National Reserve

Accommodation:

Samburu Sopa Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located inside Samburu NR

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Samburu to Lake Naivasha – Boat Ride & Nature Walk

After breakfast, you depart Samburu and drive south through scenic landscapes to Lake Naivasha, arriving in time for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat ride on the lake, spotting hippos and a variety of bird species like fish eagles and kingfishers. Afterward, visit Crescent Island for a guided nature walk, where you walk among giraffes, zebras, and antelopes in a predator-free environment. The serene lake views and close wildlife encounters make for a memorable experience. As the sun sets, return to your lodge for a relaxing evening and dinner.

Main Destination:

Lake Nakuru National Park

Best Time To Visit June to February (Best for wildlife viewing; little rain)

High Season July to February (The park gets very busy)

Best Weather June to February (Little rainfall)

Wildlife in Lake Nakuru NP

GiraffeCommon

White RhinoCommon

BuffaloCommon

ZebraCommon

HippoCommon

Black RhinoOccasional

Show more

LionOccasional

LeopardOccasional

HyenaOccasional

ElephantNone

CheetahNone

WildebeestNone

Wild DogNone

Accommodation:

Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort

• Mid-range hotel located 1-2hr drive from Lake Nakuru NP

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Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Hell's Gate National Park & Leisure at Naivasha

After breakfast, head to Hell’s Gate National Park, known for its stunning cliffs, gorges, and geothermal features. Explore the dramatic Ol Njorowa Gorge on foot, marveling at the towering rock formations and steam vents. Keep an eye out for zebras, buffaloes, and antelopes roaming freely.

In the afternoon, return to your lodge for leisure—relax by the lake, take a nature walk, or enjoy the serene environment. As the day winds down, soak in the breathtaking sunset views before dinner, reflecting on the day's adventures.

Main Destination:

Lake Naivasha (Naivasha)

Accommodation:

Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort

• Mid-range hotel located at Lake Naivasha (Naivasha)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Naivasha to Lake Nakuru National Park

Following an early breakfast, you drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its flocks of flamingos, endangered rhinos, and tree-climbing lions. Upon arrival, you embark on a mid-morning game drive along the lake shores, where you may also see pelicans, buffaloes, and Rothschild’s giraffes. After lunch at your lodge, you continue exploring the park’s dense acacia woodlands and open savannahs. The afternoon game drive offers chances to spot leopards and other elusive predators before returning to your lodge for a restful evening and dinner.

Main Destination:

Lake Nakuru National Park

Accommodation:

Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located inside Lake Nakuru NP

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Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara National Reserve

After breakfast, you set off on a scenic drive to the legendary Maasai Mara, arriving in time for lunch at your lodge or tented camp. After some rest, you embark on an afternoon game drive in this world-renowned reserve. The Mara is home to the Big Five—lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffaloes—as well as cheetahs, hyenas, and an abundance of herbivores. You watch the golden savannah come alive as the sun sets before heading back for dinner under the vast African sky.

Main Destination:

Masai Mara National Reserve

Best Time To Visit June to October (For general wildlife viewing) and August to October (For wildebeest migration)

High Season June to October and December to March

Best Weather June to October (Sunny, but not too hot)

Wildlife in Masai Mara NR

ElephantCommon

GiraffeCommon

LionCommon

CheetahCommon

ZebraAbundant

WildebeestAbundant

Show more

BuffaloCommon

HippoCommon

HyenaCommon

LeopardOccasional

Black RhinoRare

Wild DogVery Rare

White RhinoNone

Accommodation:

Masai Mara Sopa Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located inside Masai Mara NR

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Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Game Drive in Maasai Mara

Today is dedicated to an extensive game drive in Maasai Mara, where you explore different areas of the reserve, following the wildlife migration patterns and tracking predators. You may visit the Mara River, where crocodiles and hippos reside, and if traveling during the Great Migration season, you might witness dramatic river crossings. A picnic lunch is enjoyed in the heart of the wilderness before continuing your game drive. In the late afternoon, you return to your lodge for relaxation, sundowners, and a well-earned dinner.

Main Destination:

Masai Mara National Reserve

Accommodation:

Masai Mara Sopa Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located inside Masai Mara NR

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Maasai Mara & Cultural Experience

Another exciting morning game drive awaits as you venture deeper into the Mara, searching for wildlife interactions such as lion hunts, elephant herds, and playful cheetah cubs. Midday offers some leisure time at the lodge before visiting a Maasai village, where you learn about their fascinating culture, traditional dances, and way of life. The evening is spent reflecting on your safari experiences over a farewell dinner at your lodge, enjoying the magical atmosphere of the Mara.

Main Destination:

Masai Mara National Reserve

Accommodation:

Masai Mara Sopa Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located inside Masai Mara NR

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Maasai Mara to Nairobi

On your final morning, you take a short sunrise game drive before having breakfast at the lodge. You then depart Maasai Mara, enjoying the scenic drive back to Nairobi, arriving in the afternoon. Depending on your schedule, you can opt for a visit to the Giraffe Centre or the Karen Blixen Museum before heading to the airport or your next destination, marking the end of an unforgettable 9-day safari.

This safari offers an incredible mix of unique wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural experiences, making it a perfect midrange adventure through Kenya’s most iconic destinations.

Main Destination:

Nairobi (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.