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Classic Kenya Safari Itinerary

This 8 day road safari sees the highlights of Kenya, covering Nairobi, Samburu National Reserve, the AberdaresLake Nakuru and the Maasai Mara. Includes comfortable lodges and transport by 4×4 safari vehicle. Operates weekly starting in Nairobi on a Friday.

The tour starts with time in Nairobi, at the Tribe Hotel on bed and breakfast.

The next morning we set off for the Samburu National Reserve. This offers a breathtaking sun baked landscape surrounded by mountains – to the west, the sheer sided slopes of majestic Ol Olokwe Mountain form a perfect back drop to any photograph. Animals commonly seen are elephants, lions, cheetahs, grevy zebras, reticulated giraffes, gerenuks, buffalos, oryx, grants gazelles, dikdiks and waterbucks. There are over 350 varieties of birds. These include the famous somali ostriches (distinguished by their unique purple / blue legs during mating season), kingfishers, humming birds, eagles, guinea fowls and vultures. The reserve is also home of the Samburu tribe, cousins of the Maasai, who share the same nomadic, cattle-herding existence and a strict adherence to their age-old rites and customs.

The tour continues to the Aberdare National Park – an area of 767 Km2 covering the higher areas of the Aberdare Mountain Ranges of Central Kenya. The topography is quite diverse with deep ravines that cut through the forested eastern and western slopes. Animals easily observed in the park include; the black rhino, leopard, baboon, black and white colobus monkey and sykes monkey. Rare sightings include those of lions, the golden cat and the bongo- an elusive forest antelope that lives in the bamboo forest. Animals like the eland are spotted and melanistic serval cats can be found higher up in the moorlands. Bird viewing is rewarding, with over 250 species of birds in the park, including the Jackson’s francolin, sparry hawk, goshawks, eagles, sunbirds and plovers.

We then move on to Lake Nakuru National Park. Lake Nakuru was crowned a national park in the sixties and – in addition to its attractive lakeland scenery – it offers opportunities to see lion, leopard, black rhino, hippos, giraffe, reedbuck, waterbuck, hundreds of species of bird and much more.

The tour concludes at the Maasai Mara National Game Reserve – a magnificent landscape of open plains bisected by the Mara River and its tributaries, and punctuated by marshes and forests. This reserve supports the highest density of game to be seen anywhere considering its size. During the seasonal migrations, the reserve is home to up to a million wildebeest and an equally impressive number of zebra that move into the area from the neighbouring Serengeti National Park, in Tanzania. The reserve is home to all the “Big Five” and it is also possible to observe; baboon, eland, ostrich, bat-eared fox, jackal, and the rivers abound with hippos and crocodiles.

Outdoor dining table set in lush green garden with scenic view
Fully Escorted Small-Group Safari from Nairobi
  • This set departure road safari begins and ends in Nairobi, with pick-up from your hotel or the airport. Travel with experienced, professional guides (minimum Kenya Professional Safari Guide Association Silver Level) in a maximum of 7 guests per vehicle, ensuring a guaranteed window seat and a more personal safari experience.
Samburu National Reserve Wildlife & Culture
  • Explore the striking landscapes of Samburu National Reserve, home to elephants, lions, cheetahs, and the distinctive Grevy’s zebra. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn about the traditions and way of life of the Samburu people.
Aberdare National Park Forest Landscapes
  • Discover the contrasting scenery of Aberdare National Park, with its forested slopes and deep ravines. Look out for black rhino, leopard, baboons, and a variety of birdlife, as well as rarer species such as the bongo and golden cat.
Lake Nakuru’s Wildlife & Scenic Beauty
  • Visit Lake Nakuru National Park, known for its beautiful lake setting and diverse wildlife, including lions, leopards, black rhinos, hippos, and a wide range of bird species.
Masai Mara Big Five & Migration Experience
  • End your safari in the Masai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations. Look out for the Big Five and, in season, witness the Great Migration as herds cross the Mara River.
THIS IS A SET DEPARTURE THAT STARTS EVERY FRIDAY OF EACH WEEK
Benefits of our Set Departure Road Safaris:
  • All road transport in 4×4 safari vehicle
  • Fully escorted by friendly, professional safari guides (minimum of Kenya Professional
  • Safari Guide Association Silver Level)
  • Full Board Accommodation in superb quality, well-located lodges / camps
  • All shared game activities included in the price
  • All Park / Reserve fees included in the price
  • Maximum 7 guests per vehicle – guaranteed window seat
  • Start / End in Nairobi – pick up from a hotel or straight from the airport
  • Optional beach add-ons (supplements apply)
 
Price Includes
  • Shared Nairobi Airport transfers.
  • Transport and Game drives in a 4×4 safari vehicle.
  • All Park fees.
  • Accommodation & board basis as stated.
  • Medical evacuation service
Price Excludes
  • International airfare.
  • All Drinks.
  • Tips & gratuities
  • Visa
  • International Flights
  • Travel Insurance
  • Any personal items or anything not mentioned in the itinerary
Safari Pricing Guide (PDF)

For more information, view the Safari Pricing Guide (PDF)
– a detailed breakdown of the safari rates, inclusions, and key details.

LENGTH

7 NIGHTS / 8 DAYS

PRICE GUIDE

FROM

LENGTH

7 NIGHT / 8 DAYS

PRICE GUIDE

FROM

Itinerary in Detail

DAY BY DAY

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Tour Experiences

Day 1

Meet and greet at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. After clearance with customs, transfer (minivan) to The Tribe Hotel (or Trademark Hotel in a Suite) for check in. Time at leisure. Overnight on bed and breakfast.

Day 2

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and board the 4×4 safari vehicle to drive north to Samburu National Reserve, arrive for check in and lunch at Samburu Sopa Lodge. After relaxation, proceed on an afternoon game drive in the reserve returning later for dinner and overnight.

Day 3

Full day in Samburu National Reserve with early morning, mid morning and afternoon game drives in 4×4 pop-up roof safari vehicle. All meals and overnight at Samburu Sopa Lodge.

Day 4

After breakfast, check out and drive by 4×4 pop-up roof safari vehicle to the Aberdare National Park arriving at Aberdare Country Club for lunch. Later in the afternoon you will be transferred to The Ark Tree Lodge where you will spend the evening observing wildlife from the lodge as the animals come to the nearby saltlick and waterhole. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 5

After a cup of tea or coffee check out of the Tree Lodge and board the transfer vehicle to the Aberdare Country Club for breakfast after which our driver will assist you with collecting the rest of your luggage. Continue by the 4×4 pop-up roof safari vehicle down the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park with an en route game drive, arriving at Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge for check in and lunch. After relaxation, proceed on an afternoon game drive in the park returning later for dinner and overnight.

Day 6

After breakfast, check out and drive Southwest in the 4×4 pop-up roof safari vehicle to Masai Mara National Game Reserve arriving for check in and lunch at Keekorok Lodge. After relaxation, proceed on an afternoon game drive returning later for dinner and overnight.

Day 7

Full day in Masai Mara National Game Reserve with early morning, mid morning and afternoon game drives in 4×4 pop-up roof safari vehicle. All meals and overnight at Keekorok Lodge.

Day 8

After breakfast, check out and drive back to Nairobi city in 4×4 pop-up roof safari vehicle arriving in the mid afternoon. Drop off in Nairobi or at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. (Optional excursion and lunch at Karen Blixen Coffee Garden – at an extra cost, on request).

Tour Experiences

Day 1

Meet and greet at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. After clearance with customs, transfer (minivan) to The Tribe Hotel (or Trademark Hotel in a Suite) for check in. Time at leisure. Overnight on bed and breakfast.

Day 2

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and board the 4×4 safari vehicle to drive north to Samburu National Reserve, arrive for check in and lunch at Samburu Sopa Lodge. After relaxation, proceed on an afternoon game drive in the reserve returning later for dinner and overnight.

Day 3

Full day in Samburu National Reserve with early morning, mid morning and afternoon game drives in 4×4 pop-up roof safari vehicle. All meals and overnight at Samburu Sopa Lodge.

Day 4

After breakfast, check out and drive by 4×4 pop-up roof safari vehicle to the Aberdare National Park arriving at Aberdare Country Club for lunch. Later in the afternoon you will be transferred to The Ark Tree Lodge where you will spend the evening observing wildlife from the lodge as the animals come to the nearby saltlick and waterhole. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 5

After a cup of tea or coffee check out of the Tree Lodge and board the transfer vehicle to the Aberdare Country Club for breakfast after which our driver will assist you with collecting the rest of your luggage. Continue by the 4×4 pop-up roof safari vehicle down the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park with an en route game drive, arriving at Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge for check in and lunch. After relaxation, proceed on an afternoon game drive in the park returning later for dinner and overnight.

Day 6

After breakfast, check out and drive Southwest in the 4×4 pop-up roof safari vehicle to Masai Mara National Game Reserve arriving for check in and lunch at Keekorok Lodge. After relaxation, proceed on an afternoon game drive returning later for dinner and overnight.

Day 7

Full day in Masai Mara National Game Reserve with early morning, mid morning and afternoon game drives in 4×4 pop-up roof safari vehicle. All meals and overnight at Keekorok Lodge.

Day 8

After breakfast, check out and drive back to Nairobi city in 4×4 pop-up roof safari vehicle arriving in the mid afternoon. Drop off in Nairobi or at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. (Optional excursion and lunch at Karen Blixen Coffee Garden – at an extra cost, on request).

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Get in touch today, and a dedicated Safari Specialist in your time zone will start crafting your personalised safari to Africa.

Looking to unwind after your safari?

A stay at one of Kenya’s beach resorts is the ideal add-on to your wildlife safari. 

Discover our recommended beach hotels and complete your journey with the perfect coastal escape.

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