Majestic Kenya Safaris

7-Day Best of Kenya Luxury Flying Safari

Starts from

$4,000 pp (USD)

Overview

4.6 (32) Reviews
4.6/5

This comprehensive 7-day safari takes you on a journey through three of Kenya’s most iconic ecosystems, offering a rich tapestry of landscapes, wildlife, and cultural experiences. Beginning in the arid north, you’ll explore the rugged beauty of Samburu National Reserve, home to unique species adapted to the semi-desert environment. From there, you’ll travel to the lush highlands of Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a sanctuary for endangered rhinos and a model for conservation. Your adventure culminates in the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve, where vast savannas teem with diverse wildlife, including the Big Five.

Throughout your journey, you’ll have opportunities to witness Kenya’s spectacular wildlife in their natural habitats, from the rare Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe in Samburu to the great herds of the Mara. You’ll also gain insights into conservation efforts and have the chance to engage with local cultures. Comfortable lodges and camps serve as your bases, providing excellent viewing points and a taste of safari luxury. Whether you’re a first-time safari-goer or a seasoned wildlife enthusiast, this itinerary promises an unforgettable exploration of Kenya’s natural wonders.

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve

    Flight Time: 1 hour

    Meals: Lunch & Dinner

    Your Kenyan adventure begins with a morning flight from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to Samburu. As you fly north, watch the landscape transform from the green highlands around Nairobi to the rugged, semi-arid terrain of Samburu. Upon landing, you'll be met by your guide and transferred to Samburu Sopa Lodge. The lodge, perched on a hill, offers panoramic views of the surrounding Samburu hills and valleys.

    After lunch and some time to settle into your room, you'll set out on your first game drive into Samburu National Reserve. The late afternoon light casts a golden glow over the landscape as you begin to discover Samburu's unique wildlife. Your guide will be on the lookout for the "Samburu Special Five": Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, beisa oryx, and Somali ostrich.

    These species have adapted in fascinating ways to the harsh environment, and your guide will share insights into their behavior and survival strategies. As the sun starts to set, return to the lodge for dinner and your first night surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.

    Dinner and overnight stay at Samburu Sopa Lodge.

  • Day 2: Full Day Exploring Samburu National Reserve

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    Wake early to make the most of the cool morning hours when animals are most active. After a quick coffee or tea, head out for a morning game drive. The landscape comes alive as nocturnal animals retreat and diurnal species emerge. Keep your eyes peeled for big cats – perhaps lions still lingering around a night-time kill or a leopard draped languidly over a tree branch. Elephants are often seen making their way to the life-giving Ewaso Nyiro River, which acts as a magnet for wildlife, especially during the dry season.

    Return to the lodge for a late breakfast and some time to relax during the heat of the day. You might choose to cool off in the pool or simply enjoy the views from your private veranda.

    In the afternoon, set out for another game drive, this time perhaps focusing on some of the smaller or more elusive inhabitants of the reserve. Your guide will help you spot and identify various antelope species, primates, and some of the hundreds of bird species that call Samburu home. As the day cools, you might encounter the peculiar gerenuk, an antelope known as the "giraffe-necked gazelle" due to its habit of standing on its hind legs to browse. Return to the lodge as the sun sets for dinner and overnight stay.

  • Day 3: Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy

    Drive Time: 3 hours

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    After an early breakfast, bid farewell to Samburu and begin your journey to Ol Pejeta Conservancy. The drive offers a fascinating transition through Kenya's varied landscapes. As you leave Samburu, the arid scrubland gradually gives way to more lush terrain, with Mount Kenya occasionally visible on the horizon. Your guide will point out interesting sights along the way and you may make brief stops in local towns, offering a glimpse into rural Kenyan life.

    Arrive at Sweetwaters Serena Camp in time for lunch. The camp, set within the 90,000-acre conservancy, overlooks a waterhole that attracts a variety of wildlife. After settling into your tent and enjoying lunch with a view, set out for an afternoon visit to Ol Pejeta's rhino sanctuary. Here, you'll have the chance to see both black and white rhinos, including the world's last two northern white rhinos. Your guide will explain the critical conservation efforts underway to protect these endangered species, including cutting-edge scientific techniques. As you explore the sanctuary, you'll gain insight into the challenges of wildlife conservation and the success stories of Ol Pejeta.

    End your day with a game drive back to camp, keeping an eye out for the conservancy's other residents, including the Big Five. Dinner at Sweetwaters is served with a view of the waterhole, where you might spot animals coming to drink as night falls.

  • Day 4: Full Day Exploring Ol Pejeta

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    Your day in Ol Pejeta begins early with a morning game drive. The conservancy is known for its healthy predator populations, so be on the lookout for lions, cheetahs, and even the elusive leopard. The varied landscape of Ol Pejeta, from open plains to woodland and riverine habitat, supports a diverse range of wildlife. Your guide will help you spot and identify various species, explaining their roles in the ecosystem.

    Return to camp for a late breakfast and some time to relax. In the afternoon, visit the chimpanzee sanctuary, a refuge for chimps rescued from the black market. Although not native to Kenya, these charismatic primates serve as ambassadors in the fight against wildlife trafficking. You'll learn about their individual stories and the broader issues of the illegal wildlife trade.

    Later, enjoy another game drive in the conservancy, this time focusing on how Ol Pejeta balances wildlife conservation with cattle ranching to create a sustainable model for conservation. As darkness falls, you have the option of taking a night game drive (at an extra cost) to spot nocturnal animals such as aardvarks, bat-eared foxes, and bushbabies.

    Return to camp for dinner and a chance to share the day's experiences with fellow travellers.

    Dinner and overnight stay at Sweetwaters Serena Camp.

  • Day 5: Ol Pejeta to Masai Mara National Reserve

    Flight Time: 1 hour

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    After breakfast, bid farewell to Ol Pejeta and transfer to the nearby airstrip for your flight to the Masai Mara. The aerial journey provides a stunning perspective on Kenya's diverse landscapes, from the central highlands to the vast savannas of the Mara.

    Upon landing in the Masai Mara, you'll be met by your new guide and transferred to Mara Base Camp, your home for the next two nights. The camp offers comfortable accommodation in the heart of the Mara ecosystem. After lunch and some time to settle in, set out for an afternoon game drive in the Masai Mara National Reserve. The Mara is renowned for its exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly its big cat populations. Your guide will use their expertise to track recent sightings, potentially leading to close encounters with lions, cheetahs, and if you're lucky, the more elusive leopards. The open savanna landscape of the Mara allows for excellent visibility, and you're likely to see a wide variety of animals, from herds of elephants and Cape buffalo to towers of giraffes and dazzles of zebras.

    Dinner and overnight stay at Mara Base Camp.

  • Day 6: Exploring the Masai Mara

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    Start your day with an early morning game drive to catch the wildlife when they are most active. This is an excellent time to spot predators like lions and cheetahs on the hunt or search for elusive leopards.

    After returning to camp for a late breakfast, you'll have some time to relax. If you'd like a unique aerial perspective, you can opt for a hot air balloon ride over the Mara (additional cost).

    In the afternoon, head out on another game drive. If you're visiting during the annual Great Migration (typically July to October), you may be able to witness the dramatic river crossings of thousands of wildebeest and zebra. Even outside of migration season, the Mara is teeming with wildlife, including elephants, hippos, and a variety of antelope species.

    As the day winds down, visit a local Maasai village. Learn about their traditional way of life, customs, and interactions with the wildlife that shares their land. This cultural encounter provides valuable insights into the region.

    Return to camp for dinner and your final night in the Mara.

  • Day 7: Final Safari and Departure

    Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

    Make the most of your last morning with a sunrise game drive. The soft, golden light is perfect for photography, and you may spot some of the wildlife you haven't seen yet.

    After the drive, return to camp for a leisurely breakfast. Depending on your departure time, you may have the opportunity to take a short nature walk near the camp before checking out.

    Following lunch, you'll transfer to the airstrip for your flight back to Nairobi. As you leave the Mara behind, take a moment to reflect on the incredible wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes you experienced during your Kenyan safari.

    Upon arrival in Nairobi, you'll be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or your Nairobi hotel, depending on your onward travel plans.

Accommodation

Samburu Sopa Lodge
Samburu Sopa Lodge
Sweetwaters Serena Camp
Sweetwaters Serena Camp
Base Camp Masai Mara
Base Camp Masai Mara
Base Camp Masai Mara National Reserve
Base Camp Masai Mara

Rates

Season2 Pax3 Pax4 Pax5 Pax6 Pax
Jan - Jun$6500$6000$5500$5000$4000
Jul - Dec$7000$6500$6000$5500$5000

Includes & Excludes

A Family Safari to Remember

Our Kenya safari exceeded expectations! Expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and unforgettable wildlife sightings. Highly recommend!

Kenya safari testimonial - The smiths

The Smiths

USA

An Unforgettable Solo Adventure

Solo traveler, felt safe and well-cared for. Guides were knowledgeable and friendly. Beautiful scenery and wildlife.

Mark Davis testimonial of our Kenya safaris

Mark Davis

Australia

Honeymoon Paradise in Kenya

Honeymoon was a dream come true! Luxurious accommodations, personalized service, and romantic atmosphere. Perfect!

The Harris Testimonial

David & Emily Harris

UK

Budget-Friendly Safari Adventure

Budget-friendly safari with incredible wildlife sightings. Knowledgeable guides and comfortable accommodations. Highly satisfied!

Family-Safari-Review (1)

Théo Martin

France

A Luxury Safari Experience

Best safari experience ever! Saw the Big Five, learned about Maasai culture, and enjoyed delicious food. Amazing!

Jennifer Lee Testimonial

Jennifer Lee

Canada

Luxury Honeymoon in the Wild

Our Kenya safari was unforgettable! Expert guides, luxurious accommodations, and incredible wildlife sightings. Highly recommend!

Testimonial by David and Emily Johnson

David and Emily Johnson

United States

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