7 days Samburu, Lake Naivasha, Masai Mara Adventure
Overview
Combining Samburu, Lake Naivasha, and Masai Mara
Diverse Landscapes: This itinerary covers a range of Kenya’s landscapes, from the arid beauty of Samburu to the freshwater lake and geothermal activity at Lake Naivasha, and the expansive savannah of the Masai Mara.
Unique Wildlife: Experience distinct wildlife in each destination—Samburu’s unique species, Lake Naivasha’s birdlife and hippos, and the Big Five in Masai Mara.
Scenic Beauty: Enjoy a variety of scenic environments, including river valleys, lake shores, volcanic landscapes, and rolling plains.
Cultural and Natural Richness: Engage with different local cultures, from the Samburu people in Northern Kenya to the Masai in the Mara. Explore Kenya’s natural wonders through game drives, boat rides, and hikes.
This combination provides a rich and varied safari experience, highlighting Kenya’s diverse ecosystems, unique wildlife, and cultural heritage.
Day 1: Arrival at Samburu NP
Morning
Departure from Nairobi: Drive from Nairobi to Samburu National Park, approximately 5 to 6 hours (350 km) away.
Arrival and Check-In: Check into your lodge or camp within or near the park.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at your lodge or campsite.
Afternoon
Game Drive: Begin with an afternoon game drive in Samburu. Explore the park's arid landscapes and spot unique wildlife such as the Samburu Special Five—Grevy's zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, and gerenuk.
Evening
Relaxation: Return to your accommodation for dinner and relaxation. Enjoy the serene environment and views of the surrounding landscape.
Day 2: Full Day in Samburu NP
Morning
Early Game Drive: Start with an early morning game drive to maximize wildlife sightings. This is a good time to see predators and other wildlife as they are more active.
Breakfast: Enjoy packed breakfast at a picninc site within the park.
Afternoon
Lunch: Return to your lodge or camp for lunch and rest.
Additional Game Drive: Head out for an afternoon game drive to explore more of the park and observe its diverse wildlife.
Evening
Cultural Visit: Visit a nearby Samburu village to learn about their culture and traditions.
Dinner and Relaxation: Return to your accommodation for dinner and unwind.
Day 3: Samburu to Lake Naivasha
Morning
Final Game Drive: Enjoy a final morning game drive in Samburu to capture any last sightings.
Breakfast and Checkout: Have breakfast and check out of your accommodation.
Midday
Travel to Lake Naivasha: Depart for Lake Naivasha, a drive of approximately 4 to 5 hours (300 km) from Samburu.
Lunch: Enjoy your packed lunch en route to Lake Naivasha.
Afternoon
Arrival and Check-In: Check into your lodge or camp near Lake Naivasha.
Boat Ride: Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Naivasha to see hippos, various bird species, and the lake’s beautiful surroundings.
Evening
Relaxation: Return to your accommodation for dinner and relaxation.
Day 4: Explore Lake Naivasha
Morning
Crescent Island: Take a guided walk on Crescent Island, where you can see giraffes, zebras, and antelopes in a predator-free environment.
Birdwatching: Explore the lake’s shoreline to observe diverse birdlife.
Afternoon
Lunch: Have lunch at your lodge or a local spot.
Hells Gate National Park: Visit Hells Gate for hiking,cycling, and exploring its dramatic landscapes and geothermal features.
Evening
Return to Accommodation: Return to your lodge or camp for dinner and relaxation.
Day 5: Lake Naivasha to Masai Mara
Morning
Breakfast and Checkout: Have breakfast and check out of your accommodation.
Travel to Masai Mara: Depart for Masai Mara National Reserve, a drive of approximately 5 to 6 hours (300 km) from Lake Naivasha.
Afternoon
Arrival and Check-In: Check into your safari lodge or tented camp in Masai Mara.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at your lodge or campsite.
Game Drive: Take an afternoon game drive to begin exploring the Masai Mara. Look for the Big Five and other wildlife.
Evening
Dinner and Relaxation: Return to your lodge or camp for dinner and relaxation.
Day 6: Full Day in Maasai Mara
Morning
Early Morning Game Drive: Start with an early morning game drive to maximize wildlife sightings. This is a prime time to see predators and enjoy the savannah landscape.
Breakfast: Enjoy packed breakfast at a picnic site within the park.
Afternoon
Lunch: Return to your lodge or camp for lunch and rest.
Evening
Additional Game Drive: Continue your safari with a late afternoon game drive. If visiting during the Great Migration (July-October), you may witness the spectacular river crossings.
Dinner
Details: Return to your lodge or camp for dinner and relaxation.
Day 5: Lake Naivasha to Masai Mara
Morning
Breakfast and Checkout: Have breakfast and check out of your accommodation.
Travel to Masai Mara: Depart for Masai Mara National Reserve, a drive of approximately 5 to 6 hours (300 km) from Lake Naivasha.
Afternoon
Arrival and Check-In: Check into your safari lodge or tented camp in Masai Mara.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at your lodge or campsite.
Game Drive: Take an afternoon game drive to begin exploring the Masai Mara. Look for the Big Five and other wildlife.
Evening
Dinner and Relaxation: Return to your lodge or camp for dinner and relaxation.
Summary
Samburu National Park
Northern Kenya, approximately 350 km north of Nairobi.
Key Attractions
Unique Wildlife: Home to the "Samburu Special Five"—Grevy's zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, and gerenuk (a long-necked antelope). The park also hosts elephants, lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
Scenic Landscapes: Features arid landscapes with the Ewaso Nyiro River running through, providing critical water sources for wildlife.
Birdwatching: Over 450 bird species, including the endangered vulture species and various raptors.
Cultural Encounters: Opportunities to interact with the Samburu people, a semi-nomadic ethnic group closely related to the Masai.
Lake Naivasha
In Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, about 90 km northwest of Nairobi.
Key Attractions
Biodiversity: Known for its diverse birdlife, including flamingos, pelicans, and fish eagles, as well as hippos.
Crescent Island: A wildlife sanctuary where visitors can walk among giraffes, zebras, and antelopes in a predator-free environment.
Hells Gate National Park: Nearby park offering dramatic landscapes, geothermal activity, and activities like hiking and cycling.
Flower Farms: The area is renowned for its large flower farms, significant to Kenya’s flower export industry.
Activities: Popular for boat rides on the lake, birdwatching, and exploring nearby attractions like Crescent Island and Hells Gate.
Masai Mara National Reserve
Southwestern Kenya, part of the Greater Mara-Serengeti ecosystem.
Key Attractions
Wildlife: Renowned for its high density of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino), as well as cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and various antelopes.
Great Migration: One of the most spectacular wildlife events, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles cross the Mara River from the Serengeti (July-October).
Game Drives: Offers exceptional game drives with opportunities to see predators and prey in their natural habitat.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris: Provides a unique aerial view of the savannah, followed by a champagne breakfast.
Cultural Visits: Opportunities to visit Masai villages and learn about Masai culture and traditions.
Inclusions
Transport: 4x4 safari vehicle with a professional driver-guide.
Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp in Masai Mara.
Meals: Full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Park Fees: Entry fees to the Masai Mara National Reserve.
Optional Flight: Masai Mara to Nairobi (if included).
Exclusions
International Flights
Visa Fees
Travel Insurance
Optional Activities: Hot air balloon safari, Maasai village visit, etc.
Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, tips, and additional activities not included in the itinerary.