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8 Day Kenya Escapes Safari – Samburu, Lake Nakuru & Maasai Mara

Discover the best of Kenya on an 8-day road safari. Travel by customised 4×4 safari vehicle with an experienced guide, enjoying game drives, full-board accommodation and some of Kenya’s most iconic wildlife, including elephants, rhinos and big cats.

Sundowner at Tipilikwani Mara Camp

Our Kenya Escapes itinerary offers a well-balanced introduction to Kenya’s most recognised wildlife regions, combining Samburu Reserve’s unique northern species, the ecological richness of Lake Nakuru National Park, and the predator-filled plains of the Maasai Mara.

Travelling by 4×4 vehicle with an experienced guide, the Kenya Escapes Safari prioritises consistent wildlife viewing, varied landscapes, and a smooth logistical flow from start to finish.

Accommodation is thoughtfully selected to provide comfort and proximity to key habitats, while the inclusion of park fees, game drives, and full-board stays ensures clarity and value. This is a practical, well-paced safari suited to first-time visitors or those seeking a comprehensive overview of Kenya without the need for internal flights.

All game drives are in a shared customised 4×4 safari vehicle with our experienced driver-guide, giving a better safari experience than travelling in a minibus or van.

African elephant eating grass with calf in herd
Diverse Wildlife Encounters
  • Explore Samburu National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park and the Maasai Mara, offering opportunities to experience Kenya’s rich wildlife diversity, including both rare and iconic species.
Comfortable Accommodations
  • Stay at well-regarded camps and lodges each offering a comfortable base in key wildlife locations.
Expert Guided Safaris
  • Travel in a custom 4×4 safari vehicle with an experienced driver-guide who enhances your wildlife viewing through knowledge of the landscapes and animal behaviour.
Natural Wonders and Scenic Experiences
  • Experience the varied landscapes of Lake Nakuru National Park, home to lions, rhinos and leopards, and enjoy a guided nature walk at Mbweha Safari Camp.
Weekly Departures with Flexible Travel
  • This tour operates on a weekly basis, departing on Saturdays, with a minimum of just two guests required, making it a flexible option for small group travel.

This is a set departure safari, that starts every Saturday of each week.

Price Includes
  • Accommodation & board basis as stated.
  • All park & conservancy fees.
  • Transport and Game drives in a 4×4 safari vehicle.
  • Emergency Flying Doctors medical evacuation cover
  • Gamedrives, sundowners.
Price Excludes
  • Hot air ballooning
  • Tips & gratuities
  • Visa
  • International Flights
  • Travel Insurance
  • Any personal items or anything not mentioned in the itinerary
Safari Pricing Guide (PDF)

For a detailed breakdown of the safari rates, inclusions, and key details, see our safari pricing guide pdf

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)
 

LENGTH

7 Nights I 8 Days

PRICE GUIDE

FROM

Itinerary in Detail

DAY BY DAY

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Tour Experiences

Day 1 - Saturday

You’ll be met on arrival at Nairobi International Airport by our friendly Gamewatchers representative and transferred to the Tamarind Tree Hotel for 1 night (Bed & Breakfast).

Days 2 & 3 - Sunday & Monday

After breakfast we depart Nairobi by 4×4 safari vehicle (with expert guide) and head North to Samburu National Reserve – checking in to Elephant Bedroom Camp where we will spend 2 nights (Full Board basis). Lunch en route or at camp. This exclusive camp of just 12 luxury tents has a lovely setting within the Reserve, on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River surrounded by doum palms and indigenous trees and shrubs. Enjoy morning & afternoon / early evening game drives.
Dinner and overnight at Elephant Bedroom Camp.

Days 4 & 5 - Tuesday & Wednesday

After breakfast we set off towards the stunning scenery of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. Check in to Mbweha Safari Camp for 2 nights (Full Board basis). This is a high quality safari camp set on the private 6400 acre Congreve Conservancy near the southern border of Lake Nakuru National Park and has spectacular views of the surrounding mountainous landscape. We will take an escorted nature walk from camp for a close-up view of the local flora and fauna and game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park with a picnic lunch.
Dinner and overnight at Mbweha Safari Camp. 

Days 6 & 7 - Thursday & Friday

After an early breakfast we continue our safari by heading to the world-famous Maasai Mara Reserve, arriving at Tipilikwani Mara Camp for lunch where we will stay for 2 nights (Full Board). Tipilikwani Mara Camp has 20 luxury riverfront tents located on the banks of the Talek River overlooking the iconic Mara plains. Enjoy morning & afternoon / early evening game drives in the Maasai Mara Reserve. Dinner and overnight at Tipilikwani Mara Camp. 

Day 8 - Saturday

After breakfast we depart the Maasai Mara and make our way back to Nairobi (arriving approx. 1.30pm to 2pm). Drop off at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to check in for your onward flight.

NB  depending on your international flight times, the night in Nairobi (shown here at the start) could be moved to the end (Saturday). Or additional nights can be added (at a supplement).

Alternative Option: For those wishing to extend their adventure, you may choose to fly directly from the Maasai Mara to the stunning Kenya coast. Enjoy a few days of relaxation on the beach in one of Kenya’s Beach Resorts before returning to Nairobi (this option is available at an additional cost). 

Tour Experiences

Day 1 - Saturday

You’ll be met on arrival at Nairobi International Airport by our friendly Gamewatchers representative and transferred to the Tamarind Tree Hotel for 1 night (Bed & Breakfast).

Days 2 & 3 - Sunday & Monday

After breakfast we depart Nairobi by 4×4 safari vehicle (with expert guide) and head North to Samburu National Reserve – checking in to Elephant Bedroom Camp where we will spend 2 nights (Full Board basis). Lunch en route or at camp. This exclusive camp of just 12 luxury tents has a lovely setting within the Reserve, on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River surrounded by doum palms and indigenous trees and shrubs. Enjoy morning & afternoon / early evening game drives.
Dinner and overnight at Elephant Bedroom Camp.

Days 4 & 5 - Tuesday & Wednesday

After breakfast we set off towards the stunning scenery of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. Check in to Mbweha Safari Camp for 2 nights (Full Board basis). This is a high quality safari camp set on the private 6400 acre Congreve Conservancy near the southern border of Lake Nakuru National Park and has spectacular views of the surrounding mountainous landscape. We will take an escorted nature walk from camp for a close-up view of the local flora and fauna and game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park with a picnic lunch.
Dinner and overnight at Mbweha Safari Camp. 

Days 6 & 7 - Thursday & Friday

After an early breakfast we continue our safari by heading to the world-famous Maasai Mara Reserve, arriving at Tipilikwani Mara Camp for lunch where we will stay for 2 nights (Full Board). Tipilikwani Mara Camp has 20 luxury riverfront tents located on the banks of the Talek River overlooking the iconic Mara plains. Enjoy morning & afternoon / early evening game drives in the Maasai Mara Reserve. Dinner and overnight at Tipilikwani Mara Camp. 

Day 8 - Saturday

After breakfast we depart the Maasai Mara and make our way back to Nairobi (arriving approx. 1.30pm to 2pm). Drop off at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to check in for your onward flight.

NB  depending on your international flight times, the night in Nairobi (shown here at the start) could be moved to the end (Saturday). Or additional nights can be added (at a supplement).

Alternative Option: For those wishing to extend their adventure, you may choose to fly directly from the Maasai Mara to the stunning Kenya coast. Enjoy a few days of relaxation on the beach in one of Kenya’s Beach Resorts before returning to Nairobi (this option is available at an additional cost). 

Send An Enquiry

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What Our Clients Say About Us...

In our commitment to excellence, we not only strive to exceed our clients’ expectations but also value their feedback. We are proud to present our latest clients’ feedback from Gamewatchers Safaris Clients posted on Trip Advisor.

What Our Clients Say About Us...

In our commitment to excellence, we not only strive to exceed our clients’ expectations but also value their feedback. We are proud to present our latest clients’ feedback  posted on Trip Advisor.

Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
laurence s profile picture
laurence s
1 November 2026
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Best Porini Camps A once in a lifetime experience ( if you have the money you WILL go back with them) we felt safe, up early long days lots to see, good food, great drivers great spotters, fantastic team. It all went like clockwork, this is in the wild , not the Zoo so ever day is different , you might see something in the first 5 minutes or it takes them an hour to find the game, but on the way you will see something even if it’s a sunrise, Sunset, you meet local people, they speak English, may be French Spanish or German. They are knowledgeable, and are willing to share, max 6 people ( plus driver and spotter) but most day it was just us 2, fully air conditioned ( no windows!) but safe. Just ask questions, tell them what you want! Only 5 jeeps allowed around the Animals at at mostly it was only us, but if they find A kill you will get others just be wait your turn. They will be 3 m ( 10 feet) from you! You are safe we were never worried, saw some great yhingsy
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Saurabh S profile picture
Saurabh S
13 October 2026
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
A very memorable experience My partner and I visited in late September/early October of 2026. We had a really wonderful time and the entire trip surpassed all our expectations. We are greatly appreciative of the warmth, kindness and hospitality we received and will certainly plan to come back again. Thank you for the memories!
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Meander231878 profile picture
Meander231878
12 October 2026
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Epic adventure! Our experience at both the Nairobi Tented Camp and Giraffe camp were outstanding! Africa has been on my bucket list for some time and it did not disappoint! From our initial inquiries to Gamewatcher Safaris with our rep here in Ontario, to all of the well executed pickups etc., to the lovely, friendly and professional staff at both camps, the delicious food and lovely accommodations, the totally amazing game drives and seeing soo much wildlife up close(even the great migration), to getting to know our Maasai guides and being so very well taken care of…it was truly an experience of a lifetime! And, now that Kenya has gotten under our skin we are hoping to return in 2 years to experience more of Kenya and likely Tanzania!
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gcherian13032 profile picture
gcherian13032
12 October 2026
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
What a great experience This was a wonderful experience for us (first-time safari-goers) - everything from the moment we landed in Nairobi was handled in the most professional way, and the stay at both the camps (Rhino camp and Mara camp) was beyond exceptional. The amount of opportunities to view wildlife was endless, and we saw everything that we were dreaming about seeing and beyond. There were zero surprises - everything was included, and the scheduling and logistics were done with zero issues. The camp food was the most surprising part - every day we had great food and drink options. Beyond all this, it was the staff, their dedication and friendliness, that made this trip memorable for us. Thank you, Gamewatchers and Porini team. We will be back soon to enjoy your hospitality.
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Fearless68500445745 profile picture
Fearless68500445745
6 October 2026
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Highly recommend Game watchers safari Our first trip to Africa was with Gamewatchers safari and it was to Masai Mara. We absolutely loved the way our trip was organized. Everything was taken care of and there were zero issues to complain about. Special shout to out Pranay who was very patient in addressing all our queries. He used to call us during the trip to check if things were going as per plan. We enjoyed the first time experience very much and choose game watchers safari again for our next trip to Botswana. Needless to say, this was also exceptionally handled. Highly recommend Game watchers safari
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Yvette W profile picture
Yvette W
30 September 2026
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Excellent safari with an emphasis on sustainability and ecotourism Another excellent safari from Gamewatchers safaris.Exceptional and professional service from the time of booking to the final farewell at the end of the trip. The warm and personal welcome from the office staff to greet us on our arrival into Kenya sets the tone for the trip. Knowledgeable, friendly and experienced guides to support us on game drives and trips between lodges. Gamewatchers is an ethical company with an emphasis on eco tourism and sustainability which is also an important element to us , when booking a safari to ensure conservation is at the heart of our visit.
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Kate H profile picture
Kate H
15 September 2026
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Incredible safari experience and everything was taken care of Gamewatchers looked after us so well, and everything was fantastic, from the booking experience with Tom, to the quality of the lodges. We only had time for a short (three-day) safari in Nakuru and the Masai Mara, and it was incredible. From the moment he picked us up from Nairobi, our guide Antony was incredible - welcoming, patient and kind, and his love for the animals and the landscape was clear. He made us feel so comfortable and we didn't want to leave. We couldn't have wished for a better experience. Gamewatchers even organised a few days for us by the coast after the safari, and transferred us back to Nairobi. We will definitely be back!
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Brett D profile picture
Brett D
3 September 2026
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Amazing Safari Experience Gamewatchers team designed the most amazing holiday and looked after us every inch of the way...lovely people, camps and food not to mention excellent game drives and very knowledgeable game spotters and drivers. 5 star service at affordable prices.
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monicasteinolson profile picture
monicasteinolson
20 August 2026
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
An Unforgettable Maasai Mara Safari with Gamewatchers We had an absolutely incredible safari experience in the Maasai Mara with Gamewatchers. From beginning to end, the whole trip was beautifully organized, and the team made our time in Kenya truly unforgettable. A huge thank you to Wycliffe, Wayne, Sammy, James, Stanley, Joseph and Anthony. Everyone was warm, knowledgeable, professional and genuinely passionate about the Mara and its wildlife. The game viewing was spectacular. We saw so many cats — lions, cheetahs and leopards — and every drive seemed to bring another amazing encounter. One of the biggest highlights was witnessing the wildebeest crossing, an experience we will never forget. What really made the safari special, though, were the people. Their knowledge, patience and enthusiasm added so much to every sighting and every day. Thank you, Gamewatchers, for an extraordinary Maasai Mara adventure. We came hoping for a great safari and left with memories that will stay with us forever. Highly recommended!
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Mandy M profile picture
Mandy M
13 August 2026
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Seamless We had an absolutely seamless trip. Every single member of staff we met from Gamewatchers Safaris were superb. I would highly recommend using Gamewatchers to plan your trip.

Talk to a Specialist

Our experienced Safari Consultants—based in Nairobi and around the world—are here to guide you every step of the way. From expert advice to seamless planning, we’ll take care of every detail to create a safari that’s perfectly tailored to you.

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

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.

FAQs — 8 Day Kenya Escapes Value Safari

The safari includes Samburu Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park and the Maasai Mara in Kenya’s premier wildlife regions. It also includes one night in Nairobi at the start or end of the trip.
The itinerary is 8 days and 7 nights, including game drives and wildlife activities across three iconic Kenyan wildlife destination.
Guests may see elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, giraffes and a variety of plains game and birdlife during game drives in Samburu, Nakuru and the Maasai Mara.
Travel is by customised 4×4 safari vehicle with an experienced guide, providing shared game drives throughout the itinerary.
Yes — this safari is well suited for first-time visitors and value-focused travellers looking for an authentic Kenya safari experience across multiple ecosystems.

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