8-Day Nairobi to Aberdares, Samburu, Lake Nakuru, and Maasai Mara Safari

This journey explores four iconic Kenyan destinations: the misty forests of Aberdares National Park, the unique wildlife of Samburu National Reserve, the flamingo-lined shores of Lake Nakuru National Park, and the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve. Led by our knowledgeable guides, you’ll encounter the Big Five, rare species like the Grevy’s zebra, and the Great Wildebeest Migration (July–October).

Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi to Aberdares National Park

• Departure from Nairobi: Your knowledgeable guide from Africa Terrain Safaris picks you up from your Nairobi hotel, residence, or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in a private 4×4 Land Cruiser Jeep with a pop-up roof for optimal game viewing.
• Drive 3–3.5 hours (160 km) to Aberdares National Park via Nyeri, with a stop at a scenic viewpoint to admire the Great Rift Valley.
• Arrive for lunch at your lodge or treetop hotel (e.g., The Ark or Treetops Lodge).
• Afternoon Game Drive: Explore the park’s dense forests and moorlands, home to elephants, leopards, bongo antelopes, and over 250 bird species. Visit a floodlit waterhole for evening wildlife viewing, including bushbucks and hyenas.
• Dinner and overnight at your lodge or treetop hotel.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Aberdares to Samburu National Reserve

• Morning Game Drive: Enjoy an early game drive in Aberdares to spot forest elephants and rare bongos.
• Return for breakfast at the lodge or hotel.
• Depart for Samburu National Reserve (approx. 4–5 hours, 220 km) via Isiolo, with a packed lunch for the journey.
• Arrive for check-in at your lodge or camp (e.g., Samburu Sopa Lodge or similar).
• Afternoon Game Drive: Explore Samburu’s arid landscapes along the Ewaso Ng’iro River, home to unique species like Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, and reticulated giraffe, plus lions and crocodiles.
• Dinner and overnight at your lodge or camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Full Day in Samburu National Reserve

• Early Morning Game Drive: Start with a pre-breakfast game drive to spot active predators like leopards and cheetahs, along with herds of oryx and elephants.
• Return for breakfast at the lodge or camp.
• Full-Day Game Drive with Picnic Lunch: Explore deeper into Samburu, visiting Buffalo Springs and the riverbanks for sightings of crocodiles, hippos, and over 450 bird species. Your knowledgeable guide shares insights into the region’s unique ecosystem.
• Optional: Visit a Samburu village to learn about their culture and traditions.
• Dinner and overnight at your lodge or camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Samburu to Lake Nakuru National Park

• Morning Game Drive: Enjoy a final game drive in Samburu, seeking out rare species and birdlife.
• Return for breakfast at the lodge or camp.
• Depart for Lake Nakuru National Park (approx. 5–6 hours, 300 km) via Nyahururu, with a stop at Thomson’s Falls.
• Arrive for lunch at your lodge or camp (e.g., Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge or similar).
• Afternoon Game Drive: Explore the soda lake, famous for its flamingos, pelicans, and endangered black and white rhinos, plus Rothschild’s giraffes and over 450 bird species.
• Dinner and overnight at your lodge or camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara National Reserve

• Morning Game Drive: Embark on a final game drive in Lake Nakuru to spot rhinos and flamingos.
• Return for breakfast at the lodge or camp.
• Depart for Maasai Mara National Reserve (approx. 5–5.5 hours, 250 km) via Narok, with a packed lunch.
• Arrive for check-in at your lodge or tented camp (e.g., Keekorok Lodge or similar).
• Afternoon Game Drive: Explore the Mara’s acacia-dotted plains, renowned for the Big Five and the Great Wildebeest Migration (July–October).
• Dinner and overnight at your lodge or tented camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Full Day in Maasai Mara National Reserve

• Early Morning Game Drive: Enjoy a pre-breakfast game drive to catch predators like lions and cheetahs at their most active, along with zebras and wildebeests.
• Return for breakfast at the lodge or camp.
• Full-Day Game Drive with Picnic Lunch : Explore the Mara River area, home to hippos and crocodiles, and witness dramatic river crossings during migration season. Visit the Mara Triangle for diverse wildlife.
• Optional: Visit a Maasai village to experience their culture.
• Dinner and overnight at your lodge or tented camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Full Day in Maasai Mara National Reserve

• Early Morning Game Drive: Start with a pre-breakfast game drive to seek out elusive leopards and rhinos.
• Return for breakfast at the lodge or camp.
• Full-Day Game Drive with Picnic Lunch: Explore deeper into the reserve, focusing on areas like the Oloololo Escarpment and hippo pools, guided by our knowledgeable experts.
• Optional: Hot air balloon ride over the Mara for a unique perspective.
• Dinner and overnight at your lodge or tented camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Maasai Mara to Nairobi

• Morning Game Drive: Enjoy a final game drive in Maasai Mara, capturing sunrise views and wildlife sightings.
• Return for breakfast at the lodge or camp.
• Departure: Depart for Nairobi (approx. 5.5–6 hours, 284 km) with a packed lunch. Stop at Narok town for souvenirs or refreshments if time permits.
• Arrive in Nairobi by early afternoon and drop off at your hotel, residence, or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, concluding your unforgettable safari.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Inclusions

• Round-trip transport from Nairobi in a private 4×4 Land Cruiser Jeep with a pop-up roof.
• Services of a knowledgeable, English-speaking safari guide/driver.
• Drinking water.
• Full-board accommodation (except Day 8, which includes breakfast and lunch).
• All game drives as outlined.

Exclusions

• Park entry fees.
• Optional activities (e.g., Maasai or Samburu village visit or hot air balloon ride).
• Personal expenses, tips, and gratuities.
• Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks.

Notes

• Recommended Gear: Wear neutral-colored clothing (khaki, tan, or green), a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, an eco-friendly water bottle, a camera, and binoculars for optimal wildlife viewing.
• Best Time to Visit: June–October for the Great Wildebeest Migration in Maasai Mara and dry weather; January–March for fewer crowds and good wildlife sightings.
• Conservation Focus: Aberdares protects forest ecosystems, Samburu conserves unique species, Lake Nakuru safeguards rhinos, and Maasai Mara supports Big Five conservation.
• Accommodation Options: Choose from economy (e.g., Rhino Tourist Camp), comfort (e.g., Samburu Sopa Lodge), or luxury (e.g., Sarova Mara Camp) lodges/tented camps based on your budget.
• Booking: Contact Africa Terrain Safaris at +254 708 221 664 or visit africaterrainsafaris.co.ke to reserve your spot.

Embark on this unforgettable journey with Africa Terrain Safaris and experience Kenya’s diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes, guided by our knowledgeable experts!