Day 1 – Arrival in Nairobi
On arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your driver-guide and transferred to your hotel in Nairobi. This first day is for rest after your flight. Depending on your arrival time, you may relax at the hotel or explore Nairobi city at your own pace.
You will spend the night at 680 Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.
Day 2 – Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve
After an early breakfast, you will leave Nairobi and drive north towards Samburu National Reserve. The journey takes you through beautiful highland scenery and rural towns. As you move further north, the landscape becomes drier and more dramatic.
You will arrive at Samburu Sopa Lodge in time for lunch. After some rest, you will go for your first evening game drive in the reserve. Samburu is special because it is home to rare animals that are not commonly found in other parks. These include Grevy’s zebra, the long-necked gerenuk, and the reticulated giraffe. You may also see elephants, lions, leopards, and many bird species.
Dinner and overnight stay at Samburu Sopa Lodge on full board.
Day 3 – Full Day in Samburu National Reserve
Today you will spend the whole day exploring Samburu National Reserve. After breakfast, you will head out for a morning game drive when animals are most active. The Ewaso Nyiro River attracts many animals, especially elephants.
You will return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. Later in the afternoon, you will go for another game drive to explore more areas of the reserve. The park is known for its peaceful atmosphere and fewer crowds, which gives you a more private safari experience.
All meals and overnight stay at Samburu Sopa Lodge.
Day 4 – Samburu to Aberdare National Park
After breakfast, you will depart Samburu and drive towards Aberdare National Park. The scenery changes again as you enter a cooler and greener area with forests and mountains.
You will arrive at The Ark Lodge, which overlooks a waterhole. From the lodge’s viewing decks, you can watch animals such as elephants, buffaloes, and sometimes rhinos as they come to drink water, especially in the evening and at night. This gives you a unique wildlife viewing experience without leaving the lodge.
Dinner and overnight stay at The Ark Lodge.
Day 5 – Aberdare to Lake Nakuru National Park
After breakfast, you will travel to Lake Nakuru National Park. You will arrive in time for lunch at Lake Nakuru Lodge.
In the afternoon, you will go for a game drive around the lake. Lake Nakuru is famous for its many bird species, including flamingos and pelicans. It is also an important sanctuary for both black and white rhinos. During your drive, you may also see lions, giraffes, buffaloes, and other animals.
Dinner and overnight stay at Lake Nakuru Lodge.
Day 6 – Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara National Reserve
You will begin the day with an early morning game drive before breakfast. After breakfast, you will check out and drive towards the famous Maasai Mara National Reserve.
You will arrive at Olmoran Tented Camp in time for lunch. In the afternoon, you will visit a local Maasai cultural village where you will learn about their traditions, lifestyle, and culture. Later, you will enjoy an evening game drive in the reserve.
Dinner and overnight stay at Olmoran Tented Camp.
Day 7 – Full Day in Maasai Mara National Reserve
Today you will spend the entire day exploring the vast plains of Maasai Mara. After breakfast, you will go for a long game drive across the reserve. The Mara is well known for its large number of lions, cheetahs, and leopards. It is also home to elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, and many other animals.
If you visit during the migration season, you may witness thousands of wildebeests and zebras crossing the Mara River. This is one of the most exciting wildlife events in the world.
You will enjoy lunch at the camp or as a packed picnic inside the park. Later in the afternoon, you will continue with wildlife viewing before returning to the camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 8 – Maasai Mara to Nairobi – Departure
After breakfast, you will check out and enjoy a final game drive as you leave Maasai Mara. You will drive back to Nairobi, arriving in the late afternoon.
Depending on your flight time, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your 8 Days Kenya Wildlife Safari.