8 Days Kenya Explorer Safari
Safari Introduction
Experience the ultimate Kenyan adventure on this immersive 7-day safari, taking you to some of the country’s most diverse and breathtaking wildlife reserves. From the captivating rhinos of Ol Pejeta to the rugged landscapes of Samburu, the lush forests of Aberdare, the flamingo-filled shores of Lake Nakuru, and the iconic savannahs of Masai Mara, this tour offers a rich tapestry of Kenya’s natural beauty and wildlife.
This 7-day safari offers an unforgettable exploration of Kenya’s most diverse ecosystems, each with its own unique wildlife and scenery. From rhino conservation at Ol Pejeta to the remote beauty of Samburu and the world-class game viewing of Masai Mara, this journey promises adventure, cultural encounters, and a deep connection with the wild wonders of Kenya.
Safari Highlights
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a pioneering wildlife sanctuary that is home to the largest population of black rhinos in East Africa. You can also visit the Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the only one in Kenya.
- Aberdare offers a different safari experience, where you can spot elephants, buffaloes, and other animals from elevated treetop lodges as they visit waterholes below.
- Samburu is famous for its unique wildlife, often referred to as the “Samburu Special Five”—Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx.
- Lake Nakuru is a birds heaven and also has a sanctuary for both black and white rhinos, and offers excellent sightings of lions, leopards, buffaloes, and the endangered Rothschild giraffe.
- Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s most renowned safari destination. Famous for the Great Migration (if visiting during the season) and home to the “Big Five”—lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo
Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi – Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Depart Nairobi in the morning and drive north to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, located near Mount Kenya.
Arrive in time for lunch at your camp or lodge.
In the afternoon, enjoy your first game drive in the conservancy, home to the largest population of black rhinos in East Africa, as well as lions, elephants, and the rare Grevy’s zebra.
Visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the only one of its kind in Kenya.
Return to the camp for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Ol Pejeta Camp or similar
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Ol Pejeta – Aberdare National Park
After breakfast, take a scenic drive to the Aberdare National Park.
Arrive at your lodge in the Aberdare region, where you’ll enjoy lunch before transferring to one of the iconic treetop lodges.
Spend the afternoon and evening viewing wildlife from the comfort of the lodge’s decks as animals come to drink at nearby waterholes. Look out for elephants, buffalo, bushbucks, and possibly the rare bongo.
Relax at the lodge as you listen to the sounds of the forest.
Accommodation: The Ark Lodge / Treetops Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Aberdare – Samburu National Reserve
Early breakfast before departing for Samburu National Reserve, a rugged park located in Kenya’s semi-arid northern region.
Arrive at your lodge/camp for lunch.
In the afternoon, embark on your first game drive in Samburu, where you will search for the “Samburu Special Five”: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, and gerenuk. You might also see elephants, lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
Return to the lodge/camp for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Samburu Lodge / Ashnil Samburu Camp or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Full Day in Samburu National Reserve
Spend a full day exploring Samburu National Reserve. Enjoy both morning and afternoon game drives.
During the cooler morning hours, animals are more active, increasing your chances of seeing predators on the hunt. Visit the Ewaso Nyiro River, a lifeline for the wildlife in this arid landscape.
Optional: Visit a Samburu village for a cultural experience, where you’ll learn about the traditions of the Samburu people.
Lunch is at the camp, with time to relax before the evening game drive.
Accommodation: Samburu Lodge / Ashnil Samburu Camp or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Samburu – Lake Nakuru National Park
After an early breakfast, depart for Lake Nakuru National Park, located in the Great Rift Valley.
Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch.
In the afternoon, enjoy a game drive around Lake Nakuru, famous for its flocks of flamingos (depending on the season) and pelicans. The park is also a sanctuary for both black and white rhinos.
Look out for lions, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, and a wide variety of birdlife.
Accommodation: Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Lake Nakuru – Masai Mara National Reserve
After breakfast, depart for the iconic Masai Mara National Reserve, arriving in time for lunch at your lodge or camp.
In the afternoon, embark on your first game drive in the Masai Mara, renowned for its vast open savannahs, incredible wildlife, and, during certain times of the year, the Great Migration.
Spot lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and more as you explore this world-famous reserve.
Return to the camp for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Mara Serena Safari Lodge / Ashnil Mara Camp or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Full Day in Masai Mara
Spend a full day exploring Masai Mara. You will enjoy morning and afternoon game drives, where you may spot the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), as well as cheetahs, hyenas, and a variety of herbivores.
During the Great Migration season (July-October), witness the incredible spectacle of millions of wildebeest and zebras crossing the Mara River, while predators wait in the shadows.
Optional: Visit a Masai village to learn about the customs and culture of the Masai people.
Enjoy a sundowner in the Mara as the sun sets over the savannah, followed by dinner at the lodge.
Accommodation: Mara Serena Safari Lodge / Ashnil Mara Camp or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Masai Mara – Nairobi
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive as you bid farewell to Masai Mara.
Depart for Nairobi, arriving in the afternoon where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel or the airport for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast
Safari Price Includes
- Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel or the airport in Nairobi
- Transport in a comfortable safari vehicle with a pop-up roof.
- Game drives as per itinerary.
- Park entrance fees.
- Full-board accommodation at a safari lodge/camp.
- Services of a professional, English-speaking driver/guide.
- Bottled water.
Safari Price Excludes
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, extra snacks, etc.).
- Optional lodge lunch (can be arranged in advance).
- Tips and gratuities.