Ultimate Kenya Wildlife Safari – 11 Days from Samburu to the Maasai Mara

Overview – Best of Kenya Wildlife Safari

This 11-day Kenya wildlife safari offers the ultimate journey through Kenya’s most iconic national parks and wildlife conservancies. The safari combines Samburu National Reserve, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Lake Nakuru National Park, Maasai Mara National Reserve, and Lake Naivasha, delivering an unforgettable Big Five safari experience in Kenya.

Travel in a comfortable 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with an expert guide as you explore Kenya’s diverse landscapes—from the semi-arid wilderness of Samburu to the Great Rift Valley lakes and the world-famous Maasai Mara ecosystem, home to the spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration.

Highlights include:

• Big Five game viewing safari in Kenya
  • Rare wildlife sightings in Samburu including the Samburu Special Five
  • Rhino conservation experience in Ol Pejeta Conservancy
  • Flamingos and rhinos in Lake Nakuru National Park
  • Incredible wildlife safaris in Maasai Mara National Reserve
  • Boat safari and walking safari at Lake Naivasha

This safari is ideal for first-time visitors to Africa, wildlife photographers, couples, families, and adventure travelers seeking the best safari experience in Kenya.

Day 1 – Welcome to Nairobi

Your Kenya safari adventure begins in Nairobi, the vibrant capital of Kenya.

You will be picked up from your hotel at 09:00 hrs by your professional safari guide and begin exploring Nairobi’s famous wildlife attractions.

Your first stop is the Giraffe Centre, where you can interact with the endangered Rothschild giraffes. Continue to the renowned David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage, famous for rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned elephants.

After lunch at the charming Karen Blixen Coffee Garden, visit the historic Karen Blixen Museum, once home to the famous author of Out of Africa.

Later return to your hotel to relax and prepare for your safari the following day.

Accommodation:
Emara Ole Sereni Hotel – Nairobi
A luxury city hotel overlooking Nairobi National Park, offering modern rooms, fine dining restaurants, and panoramic wildlife views.

Meals: Breakfast

Included Activities
• Visit to Giraffe Centre
• David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
• Lunch at Karen Blixen Coffee Gardens
• Karen Blixen Museum visit

Day 2 – Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve

After breakfast, depart for the spectacular Samburu National Reserve, located in northern Kenya. This scenic drive takes you across the equator into Kenya’s rugged northern frontier.

Samburu is one of the best safari destinations in Kenya and is famous for its unique wildlife species known as the “Samburu Special Five”:

• Grevy’s Zebra
  • Reticulated Giraffe
  • Somali Ostrich
  • Beisa Oryx
  • Gerenuk

Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch and enjoy some relaxation before heading out for an afternoon game drive along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, an important wildlife corridor.

Keep your camera ready for elephants, lions, and possibly the elusive leopard.

Accommodation:
Samburu Simba Lodge
A comfortable safari lodge located inside the reserve with beautiful views of the surrounding wilderness, swimming pool, and spacious safari rooms.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Included Activity
• Afternoon game drive

Day 3 – Explore Samburu National Reserve

Spend the day exploring Samburu with morning and evening game drives.

Early morning is the best time for wildlife viewing, when predators are active and the temperatures are cool.

Return to the lodge for breakfast and relax at the swimming pool or enjoy the lodge facilities before lunch.

In the afternoon, head out for another exciting Kenya wildlife safari game drive in search of lions, elephants, cheetahs, and the unique Samburu species.

Accommodation: Samburu Simba Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Included Activities
• Early morning game drive
• Afternoon game drive

Day 4 – Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy

After breakfast, drive to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, one of the most successful wildlife conservancies in East Africa.

Located between the foothills of Mount Kenya, Ol Pejeta is famous for:

• The largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa
  • The last remaining northern white rhinos in the world
  • Kenya’s only chimpanzee sanctuary

Enjoy lunch at your lodge before an evening game drive.

Accommodation:
Sweetwaters Serena Camp – Ol Pejeta Conservancy
A luxury tented safari camp overlooking a busy waterhole where wildlife can often be seen directly from the camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 – Explore Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Today enjoy a full day exploring Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a 90,000-acre wildlife sanctuary known for its strong conservation programs.

Visit the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and the Morani Rhino Centre, where you will meet Baraka, a famous blind black rhino.

Game drives may reveal:

• Lions
  • African wild dogs
  • Elephants
  • Reticulated giraffes
  • Rhinos

On clear days, enjoy spectacular views of Mount Kenya.

Accommodation: Sweetwaters Serena Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Included Activities
• Morning game drive
• Chimpanzee sanctuary visit
• Morani Rhino Centre visit
• Evening game drive

Day 6 – Ol Pejeta to Lake Nakuru National Park

Drive through the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park, one of Kenya’s most famous wildlife parks.

The park is known for:

• Large populations of white and black rhinos
  • Tree-climbing lions
  • Thousands of flamingos
  • Beautiful acacia forests and lake views

Enjoy an afternoon game drive before heading to your lodge.

Accommodation:
Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge
A beautiful lodge located on the western escarpment of the park offering panoramic views of the lake.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 – Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara National Reserve

After breakfast drive to the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s most famous safari destination.

The reserve is part of the Greater Serengeti Ecosystem and is world-renowned for:

• The Great Wildebeest Migration
  • Large lion populations
  • Big Five wildlife sightings

Along the way visit Maji Moto Maasai Cultural Village where you will experience traditional Maasai culture.

Arrive at your camp in time for dinner.

Accommodation:
Loyk Mara Luxury Camp
A comfortable tented safari camp offering an authentic bush experience near the Maasai Mara ecosystem.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 & 9 – Explore Maasai Mara National Reserve

Spend two unforgettable days exploring the Maasai Mara, considered one of the best safari destinations in Africa.

Morning and afternoon game drives allow you to search for:

• Lions
  • Leopards
  • Cheetahs
  • Elephants
  • Buffalo
  • Thousands of wildebeest and zebras

Optional experience:

Hot Air Balloon Safari
Fly above the Mara plains at sunrise followed by a champagne bush breakfast.

Accommodation: Loyk Mara Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Included Activities
• Full-day game drives in Maasai Mara

Day 10 – Maasai Mara to Lake Naivasha

Drive to Lake Naivasha, a beautiful freshwater lake in the Great Rift Valley.

Enjoy a boat safari where you will see hippos and a variety of bird species including fish eagles.

Later visit Crescent Island for a guided walking safari among giraffes, zebras, and antelopes.

Accommodation:
Kongoni Lodge – Lake Naivasha
A charming lakeside lodge surrounded by nature and offering stunning views of the lake.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Included Activities
• Boat safari on Lake Naivasha
• Guided walking safari on Crescent Island

Day 11 – Return to Nairobi

After breakfast, drive back to Nairobi.

Upon arrival you will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your international departure flight.

This concludes your unforgettable Best of Kenya Safari experience.

Safari Inclusions

• Airport transfers
  • Accommodation with meals as specified
  • Private 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with professional guide
  • Park entrance fees
  • Bottled drinking water during safari
  • Flying Doctors emergency evacuation cover
  • Lake Naivasha boat ride and walking safari
  • All activities mentioned in the itinerary

Safari Exclusions

• International flights
  • Visa and travel insurance
  • Optional activities (e.g., hot air balloon safari)
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Meals not specified