View the Big 5, Special 5 and other wildlife in this 8 Days Classic Kenya Safari

Samburu is home to a third of Kenya’s giraffe species including the rare reticulated giraffe which is only found in the northern parks. Other rare wildlife present in the park include gravy zebras, the long-necked gerenuk gazelle, the blue-legged Somali ostrich, and the straight-horned Beisa Oryx antelope. Lake Naivasha is well known as a world-class birding destination as well as a shelter for large hippo populations that sleep the day out in the shallows. The greatest wildebeest migration which takes place annually happens in the Mara, to and from Serengeti as the millions of zebras and wildebeest search for greener pastures.

Samburu is home to a third of Kenya’s giraffe species including the rare reticulated giraffe which is only found in the northern parks. Other rare wildlife present in the park include gravy zebras, the long-necked gerenuk gazelle, the blue-legged Somali ostrich, and the straight-horned Beisa Oryx antelope. Lake Naivasha is well known as a world-class birding destination as well as a shelter for large hippo populations that sleep the day out in the shallows. The greatest wildebeest migration which takes place annually happens in the Mara, to and from Serengeti as the millions of zebras and wildebeest search for greener pastures.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival

Stop At: Nairobi, Nairobi
Meet and greet upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by our representative and transferred to the Panafric Hotel for the overnight stay.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at the Panafric Hotel

Day 2: Nairobi – Samburu National Reserve (320km – Approx. 5-6hrs)

Stop At: Samburu National Reserve, Samburu National Reserve, Samburu District, Rift Valley Province
After Breakfast, we drive north of Nairobi passing through the Equator and the majestic Mount Kenya en-route to the open savannah of Samburu National Reserve. Arrive in time for lunch at Samburu Sopa Lodge. After lunch, you will have some time to relax before you go for an evening game drive. Come back to your accommodation for dinner and overnight. It is an area where the local people have a rich and colorful heritage.

The reserve has numerous a wealth of wildlife which includes leopards, hippos, elephants, lions, Grevy zebras and crocodiles in the Ewaso Nyiro River. Over 365 species of birds have been identified in the reserve.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Samburu Sopa Lodge

Day 3: Samburu National Reserve – Full Day Game Drives

Stop At: Samburu National Reserve, Samburu National Reserve, Samburu District, Rift Valley Province
Full day in Samburu National Reserve with morning and afternoon game drives.

Samburu is home to a third of Kenya’s giraffe species – the rare Reticulated Giraffe (only found in the Northern parks). This is also where you see the blue-legged Somali Ostrich, the long-necked Gerenuk Gazelles, and the straight-horned Beisa Oryx Antelope.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Samburu Sopa Lodge

Day 4: Samburu National Reserve – Lake Naivasha  (330 km – Approx. 5-6 hrs.)

Stop At: Lake Naivasha, Naivasha Road Nakuru County Kenya
Rise early for a game drive and then return for breakfast and check out. Depart for Naivasha, on the way, you will stop for views of the beautiful Thomson Falls. Arrive in Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge in the afternoon for lunch and afterward enjoy boat rides at Lake Naivasha where you can spot hippos as well as a variety of birds common to this area.

Visit Crescent Island which is about 15 minutes by boat away from the shores of Lake Naivasha and is one of the few places where you can enjoy a nature walk alongside wild animals Proceed to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.

Lake Naivasha is one of the freshwater lakes in the Great Rift Valley. The lake has a dense population of hippos and birds. Other attractions include a visit to the Hell’s Gate National Park to explore gorges, climb rocks, view wildlife, and enjoy nature walks. Ol Karia Geothermal Spa which has naturally heated water and is a great recreation spot among many other activities.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge

Day 5: Lake Naivasha – Maasai Mara Game Reserve  (240 km – Approx. 4-5hrs)

Stop At: Maasai Mara National Reserve, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Rift Valley Province
After breakfast, depart Lake Naivasha for the Maasai Mara arriving in time for lunch at Mara Sopa Lodge. Relax in the lodge after lunch till 1600hrs for a late afternoon game drive returning before dusk for dinner and your overnight stay.

The Maasai Mara offers wildlife in such variety and abundance that it is difficult to comprehend – indeed, over 450 species of animals have been recorded here! You will easily spot lions, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, giraffe, wildebeests, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, hyenas, jackals, wild dogs, buffalo, leopard, many kinds of antelopes and elephants.
It is in the Mara that perhaps the most spectacular event of the natural world takes place: the annual migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra from the Serengeti (Tanzania) in search of water and pasture. Following on their heels are the predators of the savanna – lion, cheetah, wild dog, jackal, hyena, and vultures.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Mara Sopa Lodge

Day 6: Full Day at Maasai Mara Game Reserve

Stop At: Maasai Mara National Reserve, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Rift Valley Province
Enjoy a full day game viewing with picnic lunch on the Mara River over-looking the Hippo Pools and the savannah.
In addition to the game drive offerings, you can also decide to take an optional hot air balloon ride or visit a local Maasai village at an extra fee. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Maasai warriors are famously known as the proud nomadic tribe whose legendary prowess in battle and single-handed acts of bravery in fights with the wild animals are known across the world. A visit reveals the singing and dancing that are part of their daily lives and sacred rituals. A glimpse into their homes and social structure is a poignant experience.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Mara Sopa Lodge

Day 7: Maasai Mara – Nairobi (265 km – Approx. 5-6 hrs.)

Pass By: Nairobi, Nairobi
After breakfast, you will leave the park with morning game en-route for Nairobi arriving in the afternoon. You will be dropped to the Panafric Hotel for overnight.

Optional Activities

You may decide to have your dinner at the famous Carnivore Restaurant for Game Meat- GBP 25

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at the Panafric Hotel

Day 8: Drop off at the airport

Pass By: Nairobi, Nairobi
After breakfast, you will get to enjoy some leisure time and do some last-minute shopping. You will then be transferred to the airport for your international departure flight.

This marks the end of the safari full of unforgettable memories.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.