12 Day Kenya Big Five & Samburu Safari
OVERVIEW
Northern Kenya reveals a completely different safari atmosphere. Samburu’s rugged landscapes are home to rare species found nowhere else in Kenya, while the southern parks deliver the classic Big Five safari experience.
This journey moves gradually from the remote north through the Rift Valley and into the Masai Mara, creating one of the most complete wildlife safaris available in Kenya.
Your Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Nairobi
Arrival in Nairobi marks the beginning of your safari. After meeting your guide you are transferred to your hotel where the remainder of the day is left open to rest after your international journey.
The city offers a calm introduction before heading into Kenya’s remote northern landscapes.
Accommodation Options
Luxury
- Hemingways Nairobi
Mid-Range
- Tamarind Tree Hotel
Budget
- Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 – Nairobi to Samburu
The road travels north across the Laikipia plateau where the scenery becomes increasingly wild. Acacia woodland and open plains dominate the landscape as you approach Samburu National Reserve.
Arrival introduces a completely different ecosystem where wildlife gathers along the life-giving Ewaso Nyiro River.
Accommodation Options
Luxury: Elephant Bedroom Camp
Mid-Range: Samburu Serena Safari Lodge
Budget: Samburu Sopa Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 – Samburu Wildlife Safari
Game drives explore the rugged terrain searching for Samburu’s unique species including Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe and Somali ostrich.
Elephants frequently gather along the river while lions and leopards patrol the surrounding woodland.
Accommodation: Same as Day 2
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – Samburu Exploration
Another day reveals the dramatic beauty of Samburu’s semi-arid landscapes where wildlife thrives around the permanent river.
The slower pace allows time to absorb the region’s quiet wilderness and exceptional wildlife diversity.
Accommodation: Same as Day 2
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 – Samburu to Lake Nakuru
The journey heads south toward the Great Rift Valley lakes where the landscape becomes greener and more fertile.
Lake Nakuru National Park is one of Kenya’s best places to see both black and white rhinos along with abundant birdlife.
Accommodation Options
Luxury
- The Cliff Nakuru
Mid-Range
- Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge
Budget
- Lanet Matfam Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 – Lake Nakuru Wildlife Safari
Morning game drives explore the park’s acacia forests and lakeshore grasslands where rhinos and Rothschild’s giraffes roam.
Predators occasionally appear in the woodland while flamingos gather along the lake’s shallow waters.
Accommodation: Same as Day 5
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 – Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara
The road continues south into the Masai Mara ecosystem where Kenya’s most famous wildlife landscapes unfold.
An afternoon game drive begins exploring the reserve’s vast plains.
Accommodation Options
Luxury
- Angama Mara
Mid-Range
- Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Budget
- Enkorok Mara Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 – Masai Mara Safari Experience
Morning game drives reveal lions returning from the night hunt while cheetahs scan the savannah from elevated vantage points.
The afternoon explores riverine forests and open plains where elephants and buffalo gather near water sources
Accommodation: Same as Day 7
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 – Masai Mara Wildlife Exploration
Another full day allows deeper exploration of the reserve where wildlife movement constantly reshapes the landscape.
Massive herds of herbivores roam the plains while predators follow closely behind.
Accommodation: Same as Day 7
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 – Masai Mara Game Drives
Your guide explores new regions of the reserve tracking wildlife across the ecosystem.
As sunset approaches the savannah glows gold while wildlife silhouettes against the horizon.
Accommodation: Same as Day 7
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 – Return to Nairobi
The journey returns through the Rift Valley toward Nairobi where the landscapes gradually transition from wilderness to cultivated countryside.
Arrival offers a relaxed final evening before departure.
Accommodation Options
Luxury
- Hemingways Nairobi
Mid-Range
- Tamarind Tree Hotel
Budget
- Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12 – Departure
Transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast
What to expect
Includes
- Private 4×4 Land Cruiser safari vehicle with professional guide
- All park entry fees
- All scheduled game drives and activities
- Accommodation and meals as listed
- Bottled drinking water in vehicle
- Airport transfers
Excludes
- International flights and visas
- Tourist visa
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic drinks and personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities