Majestic Kenya Safaris

9-Day Mid-Range Safari

  • Visit: Samburu NR, Ol Pajeta Conservancy, Lake Nakuru NP, Masai Mara
  • 9 days
  • Private
  • Mid-Range
Giraffe sighting in Samburu National Reserve
Buffalo seen at Lake Nakuru National Reserve
2 Giraffes spotted in Samburu NR
Guinea folw
Herd of antelopes in Masai Mara
Impalas sighting in Masai Mara NR
Starts from

$4,000 pp (USD)

Overview

4.6 (147) Reviews
★★★★★ 4.6/5

This comprehensive 9-day safari takes you through some of Kenya’s most diverse and wildlife-rich destinations. Starting in Nairobi, you’ll explore the rugged beauty of Samburu National Reserve, known for its unique northern species.

Then you’ll visit the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a haven for endangered species. Continue to Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its flamingos and rhinos. The journey concludes with an extended stay in the world-famous Masai Mara for incredible game viewing, including chances to spot the Big Five.

Accommodations:

  • Nairobi: Eka Hotel or similar (1 night)
  • Samburu: Samburu Sopa Lodge or similar (2 nights)
  • Ol Pejeta: Sweetwaters Serena Camp or similar (1 night)
  • Lake Nakuru: Lake Nakuru Lodge or similar (1 night)
  • Masai Mara: Mara Sopa Lodge or similar (3 nights)

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi

    Your Kenyan adventure begins as you arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Your safari guide will greet you with a warm smile and transfer you to Eka Hotel in Nairobi. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and a fitness center, allowing you to relax after your flight.

    Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust's elephant orphanage or the Giraffe Centre (extra cost). These visits provide a great introduction to Kenya's wildlife conservation efforts.

    In the evening, gather for a welcome dinner at the hotel's restaurant. Your guide will brief you on the exciting safari ahead, covering the itinerary, what to expect, and answering any questions you may have. Enjoy a restful night's sleep in preparation for your adventure.

    Dinner and overnight stay at Eka Hotel.

  • Day 2: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve

    Estimated Travel Time: 6-7 Hour Drive
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    Wake up to your first Kenyan sunrise and enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Samburu National Reserve, driving north through changing landscapes. You'll pass through the central highlands, with its lush tea and coffee plantations, before descending into the semi-arid northern frontier.

    Your guide will make stops at scenic viewpoints, allowing you to stretch your legs and capture photos of the dramatic landscape changes. You might also pass through small towns and villages, offering glimpses into rural Kenyan life.

    Arrive at Samburu Sopa Lodge in time for lunch. The lodge is beautifully situated on a hill inside the reserve, offering panoramic views of the Samburu landscape. The rooms are designed to reflect traditional Samburu architecture while providing modern comforts.

    After settling in, embark on your first game drive in Samburu. The reserve is known for its unique northern specialist species, collectively known as the Samburu Special Five: Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, beisa oryx, and Somali ostrich. Your guide will help you spot these animals and explain their adaptations to the arid environment.

    Keep an eye out for predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs, which are often seen in the reserve. The Ewaso Nyiro River, which runs through Samburu, attracts a variety of wildlife and offers excellent bird watching opportunities.

    As the sun sets, painting the sky in vibrant hues, return to the lodge for dinner. Enjoy the evening relaxing on your private veranda or gathering in the lounge to share experiences with fellow travelers. The lodge often offers presentations on Samburu wildlife and culture in the evenings.

  • Day 3: Full Day in Samburu National Reserve

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    Rise early for a morning game drive when wildlife is most active. Watch the landscape come alive as nocturnal animals retreat and diurnal species emerge. Your guide will track fresh animal signs, positioning you for unforgettable sightings and photo opportunities.

    Look out for large herds of elephants that frequent the reserve, often seen crossing the Ewaso Nyiro River. You might spot leopards resting in the branches of acacia trees or lions prowling the savannah. The reserve is also home to a variety of antelope species, including the long-necked gerenuk, often seen standing on its hind legs to browse high branches.

    Return to the lodge for a late breakfast and some leisure time. You can relax by the pool, enjoying views of the surrounding landscape, or join a guided nature walk around the lodge grounds to learn about local plants and their traditional uses.

    After lunch, head out for another game drive, exploring a different area of the reserve. Visit the Ewaso Nyiro River, a lifeline for wildlife in this arid region. Here, you might see crocodiles basking on the banks and various animals coming to drink.

    In the late afternoon, you have the option to visit a local Samburu village (extra cost). This cultural experience offers insights into the traditional lifestyle of the Samburu people, cousins to the Maasai, who have maintained their pastoral way of life in this harsh environment.

    As the day winds down, return to the lodge for dinner. The evening might feature a presentation by a local conservationist about wildlife protection efforts in the region or a stargazing session, taking advantage of the clear, unpolluted skies.

  • Day 4: Full Day 4: Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy

    Estimated Travel Time: 3-4 Hour Drive

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    After an early breakfast, enjoy a final game drive in Samburu as you exit the reserve. This drive offers last chances to spot any wildlife you might have missed and to soak in the unique beauty of the Samburu landscape.

    Begin your journey to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, located in the foothills of Mount Kenya. The drive takes you through changing scenery, from the arid north back to the greener central highlands. Your guide will make stops at scenic points, including a viewpoint of snow-capped Mount Kenya, Africa's second-highest peak.

    Arrive at Sweetwaters Serena Camp in time for lunch. The camp is situated within Ol Pejeta Conservancy, offering views of a water hole frequented by wildlife. The tented rooms provide a perfect blend of comfort and closeness to nature.

    In the afternoon, set out for a game drive in the conservancy. Ol Pejeta is a pioneering wildlife conservancy, famous for its successful rhino breeding program. It's one of the best places in Kenya to see both black and white rhinos. The conservancy is also home to the last two northern white rhinos in the world, protected in a special sanctuary.

    During your game drive, you'll have the chance to see a wide variety of wildlife, including the Big Five. The conservancy also houses a chimpanzee sanctuary, the only place in Kenya where these great apes can be seen.

    As night falls, you have the option of taking a night game drive (extra cost), offering the chance to spot nocturnal animals like aardvarks, servals, and even the elusive leopard.

    Return to the camp for dinner and overnight. The camp often arranges evening talks by resident researchers about the conservancy's various conservation projects.

  • Day 5: Ol Pejeta to Lake Nakuru National Park

    Estimated Travel Time: 4-5 Hour Drive

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    Begin your day with an early morning game drive in Ol Pejeta. This is a great opportunity to visit the rhino sanctuary and learn about the conservation efforts to protect these endangered species. You might also visit the chimpanzee sanctuary to observe these fascinating primates during their morning feeding time.

    After breakfast at the camp, depart for Lake Nakuru National Park. The drive takes you through the Great Rift Valley, offering stunning views of the escarpment and valley floor. Your guide will stop at viewpoints along the way, allowing you to stretch your legs and capture photos of the dramatic landscapes.

    Arrive at Lake Nakuru Lodge in time for lunch. The lodge is perched on a hill overlooking the lake and the national park, offering panoramic views of the area.

    In the afternoon, set out for a game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. The park is famous for its flamingo population, which can sometimes number in the millions, creating a stunning pink fringe around the lake's shores. However, flamingo numbers can vary greatly depending on water and food conditions.

    Beyond the flamingos, Lake Nakuru is an important rhino sanctuary, protecting both black and white rhinos. Look out for these prehistoric-looking creatures as well as other wildlife like Rothschild's giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species. The park is also home to tree-climbing lions, which can sometimes be spotted lounging in the branches of acacia trees.

    As the sun begins to set, return to the lodge for dinner. The evening might include a presentation on the park's flamingo ecology or rhino conservation efforts. Alternatively, enjoy a sundowner on the lodge's terrace, watching the sky change colors over the lake.

  • Day 6: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara National Reserve

    Travel Time: 5-6 Hour Drive

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    Wake up early for a final game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, offering another chance to spot the park's diverse wildlife in the soft morning light. Return to the lodge for breakfast before checking out.

    Begin your journey to the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve. This longer drive takes you through the picturesque Rift Valley and Maasai country, offering glimpses of traditional Maasai villages and herds of cattle along the way. Your guide will share insights into the Maasai way of life and their significance to the region's ecosystem.

    You'll pass through the town of Narok, the gateway to the Masai Mara, where you can see the blend of modern life and Maasai culture. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant, giving you a taste of authentic Kenyan cuisine.

    Arrive at Mara Sopa Lodge in the late afternoon. The lodge is located on the slopes of Oloongams Hills, offering panoramic views of the Mara plains. The rooms are designed to blend with the natural environment, providing comfort without disturbing the landscape.

    Embark on your first game drive in the Masai Mara. The reserve is famous for its exceptional population of big cats and abundant herbivores. Your guide will help you spot lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and various antelope species. Learn about the Mara ecosystem and its vital role in the Great Migration.

    As the sun begins to set, painting the sky in vibrant hues, return to the lodge for dinner. The evening might include a presentation on the Mara's big cats or a traditional Maasai dance performance.

  • Day 7 & 8: Full Days in Masai Mara National Reserve

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    For the next two days, immerse yourself in the wonders of the Masai Mara. Each day will begin with an early morning game drive, often the best time for wildlife viewing. Watch the sunrise over the Mara plains as nocturnal animals conclude their nightly activities and diurnal species begin to stir.

    During your game drives, you'll have the opportunity to explore different areas of the vast reserve. The Masai Mara is home to all of the Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. Your guide will share fascinating facts about these iconic species and their roles in the ecosystem.

    If you're visiting during the Great Migration (typically July to October), you might witness the spectacular sight of thousands of wildebeest and zebras crossing the Mara River. Even outside migration season, the Mara offers incredible year-round game viewing.

    Between morning and afternoon game drives, return to the lodge for meals and relaxation. You can cool off in the pool, enjoy a massage at the spa (extra cost), or simply relax on your private veranda, watching wildlife on the plains below.

    Optional activities during your stay might include:

    • A visit to a local Maasai village to learn about their traditional way of life
    • A hot air balloon ride over the Mara (extra cost), offering a breathtaking bird's eye view of the landscape and wildlife, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush
    • A guided nature walk around the lodge grounds, learning about smaller flora and fauna often missed on game drives

    On one of the evenings, you might enjoy a special bush dinner under the stars, complete with traditional Maasai entertainment. Alternatively, you could opt for a night game drive (extra cost) to spot nocturnal animals like aardvarks, bat-eared foxes, and prowling predators.

  • Day 9: Masai Mara to Nairobi

    Travel Time: 4 – 5 Hour Drive

    Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

    On your final morning, enjoy one last early game drive in the Masai Mara, soaking in the beauty of the African wilderness one last time. Return to the lodge for breakfast and check-out.

    Begin your journey back to Nairobi, with the drive offering final views of rural Kenyan life and changing landscapes. Your guide will be happy to answer any last questions you might have about the wildlife, landscapes, or cultures you've encountered during your safari.

    Stop for lunch en route, perhaps at a viewpoint overlooking the Great Rift Valley. Arrive in Nairobi in the late afternoon. Depending on your departure flight time, you might have the opportunity for some last-minute souvenir shopping at a local craft market.

    Finally, transfer to your Nairobi hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your unforgettable 9-day Kenyan safari adventure.

Accommodation

Eka Hotel in Nairobi Kenya
Eka Hotel
Samburu Sopa Lodge swimming pool
Samburu Sopa Lodge
Sweet Serene Camp, chef cooking
Sweetwaters Serena Camp
Comfortable bed at Mara Sopa Lodge
Mara Sopa Lodge

Rates

Season2 Pax3 Pax4 Pax5 Pax6 Pax
Jan - Jun$4800$4600$4400$4200$4000
Jul - Dec$6000$5800$5600$5400$5200

Includes & Excludes

  • Park entry fees
  • All meals
  • Comprehensive game drives
  • The services of a professional tour guide
  • Pick up and drop off from your hotel/Airport
  • Transportation in a customized Landcruiser
  • All government levies and taxes
  • International airfares and flights
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Travel insurance
  • Single room supplement
  • Tips and other expenses of personal nature
  • Visa fees

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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