Wildlife Safaris
9-Day Kenya Safari: Aberdare, Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara
Our most comprehensive circuit at 9 days and 8 nights, linking five distinct regions - the forested waterholes of Aberdare, the arid beauty of Samburu, the rhino conservancy of Ol Pejeta, the flamingo-lined shores of Lake Nakuru, and two full days on the plains of the Masai Mara.
Itinerary
Download Itinerary (PDF)Itinerary at a Glance
| Day | Destination | Travel | Key Sightings | Overnight | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Nairobi
Arrival in Nairobi
|
Drive |
-
|
- | B L D |
| 2 |
Aberdare National Park
Nairobi to Aberdare National Park
|
Drive |
African Elephant
Cape Buffalo
Bongo Antelope
|
The Ark, Aberdare | B L D |
| 3 |
Samburu National Reserve
Aberdare to Samburu National Reserve
|
Drive |
Grevy's Zebra
Reticulated Giraffe
African Elephant
|
Samburu Sopa Lodge | B L D |
| 4 |
Samburu National Reserve
Full Day in Samburu National Reserve
|
Drive |
Grevy's Zebra
Gerenuk
Beisa Oryx
+1
|
Samburu Sopa Lodge | B L D |
| 5 |
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
|
Drive |
Black Rhinoceros
Chimpanzee
African Elephant
+1
|
Sweetwaters Serena Camp, Ol Pejeta | B L D |
| 6 |
Lake Nakuru National Park
Ol Pejeta to Lake Nakuru National Park
|
Drive |
White Rhinoceros
Black Rhinoceros
Flamingo
|
Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge | B L D |
| 7 |
Masai Mara National Reserve
Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara
|
Drive |
Lion
African Elephant
Topi
|
Mara Sopa Lodge | B L D |
| 8 |
Masai Mara National Reserve
Full Day in Masai Mara
|
Drive |
Lion
Leopard
Cheetah
+1
|
Mara Sopa Lodge | B L D |
| 9 |
Nairobi
Departure
|
Drive |
-
|
- | B L D |
Full Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.
After breakfast, drive north through rolling farmland and coffee plantations to Aberdare National Park, stopping for lunch en route. In the afternoon, transfer to a forest lodge built around its own floodlit waterhole and salt lick, where elephant, rhino, buffalo, bushbuck and, if you're fortunate, the rare bongo antelope come to drink after dark. Overnight on a full-board basis (lunch, dinner and breakfast). A warm jacket is recommended for the cool highland evenings.
Drive north via Nanyuki to the Samburu National Reserve, a rugged, semi-arid landscape along the Ewaso Nyiro River. Arrive in time for lunch, then head out on an afternoon game drive. Overnight on a full-board basis.
A full day of game drives across Samburu, home to species found nowhere else in Kenya's southern parks - Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk and Beisa oryx among them. An optional visit to a local Samburu village can be arranged. Overnight on a full-board basis.
Drive south on a scenic route towards Mount Kenya to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, arriving in time for lunch. This private, non-profit conservancy is one of East Africa's leading black rhino sanctuaries and also shelters a sanctuary for rescued chimpanzees. Afternoon game drive across its plains, home to the Big Five alongside its rhino population. Overnight on a full-board basis.
Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, arriving for a late lunch. Afternoon game drive around the lake shore for its rhino sanctuary and, in good years, dense flocks of flamingos. Overnight on a full-board basis.
Continue west across the Rift Valley to the Masai Mara, the northernmost extension of the Serengeti ecosystem, arriving in time for an afternoon game drive. Overnight on a full-board basis.
A full day of game drives across the Mara's plains, with the best chance of the trip for lion, leopard, cheetah and, in season, the Great Migration. An optional Maasai manyatta visit or sunrise hot air balloon safari can be arranged locally. Overnight on a full-board basis.
After breakfast, check out and drive back to Nairobi for your transfer to JKIA and onward flight.
Best Time to Visit
July - October for the Great Migration; dry seasons (Jun-Oct, Jan-Feb) for the clearest game viewing
High Season - Jun-Oct & Jan-Feb
Dry weather makes for the clearest game viewing, with animals gathering at rivers and waterholes. Masai Mara river crossings peak July-October. Expect busier parks and the highest rates of the year.
Low Season - Mar-May & Nov
The "green season" brings lush scenery, dramatic skies and newborn wildlife, with far fewer visitors and the lowest accommodation rates. Expect afternoon showers, muddier roads and a handful of camps closed for maintenance.
What to Expect
Our longest circuit links six distinct areas of Kenya:
Nairobi is your arrival and departure point, and the usual base for onward transfers to the parks that follow.
Aberdare National Park is a forested mountain range in Kenya's central highlands, known for its unique tree-lodge style of game viewing after dark at a floodlit waterhole - elephant, rhino, buffalo and, occasionally, the elusive bongo antelope all pass through.
Samburu National Reserve lies in Kenya's arid north along the Ewaso Nyiro River. It's the best place in the country to find the "Samburu Special Five" - Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx and the Somali ostrich - alongside a Samburu culture with deep ties to the Maasai.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy, near the base of Mount Kenya, is a private, non-profit wildlife conservancy and one of Africa's most important black rhino sanctuaries. It also hosts a sanctuary for chimpanzees rescued from elsewhere in Africa, alongside healthy populations of lion, elephant and the rest of the Big Five.
Lake Nakuru National Park is a compact, fenced sanctuary built around its alkaline lake in the Great Rift Valley, known for its rhino sanctuary and, in good years, dense flocks of flamingos along the shoreline.
The Masai Mara is Kenya's best-known reserve, part of the same ecosystem as Tanzania's Serengeti. Visitors come for the Big Five, resident prides of lion, and - from around July to October - the Great Migration, when huge herds of wildebeest and zebra cross the Mara River in search of fresh grazing. A visit to a local Maasai village or a sunrise balloon safari over the plains are popular optional additions here.
Route Map
Approximate route followed during this safari.
What's Included
- All transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Park and conservancy entry fees for Aberdare, Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara
- 8 nights' accommodation as per itinerary (full board throughout, except bed & breakfast on arrival night)
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
What's Excluded
- International flights
- Hot air balloon safari and village visits (optional, paid locally)
- Travel insurance and visa fees
- Tips and gratuities
- Drinks and items of a personal nature
Get your free, no-obligation plan
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