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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

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

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.
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

Short Contact Form (NEW)

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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
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.
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Dr V A profile picture
Dr V A
8 August 2026
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Best family safari experience we’ve had From the very beginning, Gamewatchers exceeded our expectations. Rick McIntyre listened to exactly what I wanted for this trip with my children and built an itinerary that balanced adventure, wildlife, comfort, and authentic experiences. Every camp—Nairobi Tented Camp, Elewana Tortilis in Amboseli, Porini Rhino Camp, and Porini Mara Camp—was excellent in its own way. What impressed me most was the logistics. Transfers, flights, guides, luggage, arrivals, departures—everything was handled for us. I could completely let go, stop managing details, and simply enjoy Kenya with my kids. Even when plans changed unexpectedly, the team immediately found solutions and made sure we were taken care of. Every guide, driver, and staff member was warm, professional, and genuinely kind. My son said it best: “This is the best vacation we’ve ever had.” We travel a lot, so that says everything. I would absolutely recommend Gamewatchers and would travel with them again.
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FarAway42686665765 profile picture
FarAway42686665765
28 July 2026
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Second trip as a great as the first! This is the second time we have used Gamewatchers on a visit to Kenya. Both times we were very pleased. Everyone who planned our trips were patient and kind and even changed our itinerary when asked. Both time we stayed at the Porini Camps as well as other hotels that were recommended by Gamewatchers The drivers we had on excursions were professional and always flexible. We had wonderful guides and drivers at the Porini Camps who are very knowledgeable and friendly. The food at the camp is delicious and the camp managers and staff did a great job of making sure we were comfortable. If we are lucky enough to return, we will be using Gamewatchers for our travel needs. I highly recommend them!
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Linae D profile picture
Linae D
27 July 2026
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Amazing Safari experience with Gamewatchers Safaris It was an amazing experience that words just cannot justify. The staff was amazing at both Porini Rhino Camp and Porini Mara Camp. Our guides at Rhino Camp, Fred and Alfred, were excellent. So full of knowledge and information. The food was excellent as was the accommodations. I highly recommend using Gamewatchers to book a safari as they were excellent in all ways.
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David J profile picture
David J
26 July 2026
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Extremely professional company We have travelled with Gamewatchers and Porini Camps a number of times and the fact that we keep going back speaks for itself I think. Using one of their dedicated booking agents makes the whole process very easy as you are able to plan your safari and are not restricted to a set itinerary . This safari we stayed at Porini Amboseli and Porini Cheetah.
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familytraveler318 profile picture
familytraveler318
26 July 2026
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Amazing experience - Big 5 and wild dogs so much more!! Our 10 day trip with Gamewatchers was amazing! Our travel consultant, Rick, was super helpful and knowledgeable in planning our two safari camp experience (Porini Rhino and Porini Mara) followed by a few days at Diani Beach. The family tent worked out great for us. The staffs at both camps were friendly and very accommodating to dietary restrictions. We felt very special having Porini Mara camps to ourselves, with no other guests. Likewise, Porini Rhino had only one other family. What an absolute wonderful vacation! The guides (Alfred and Fred) at Porini Rhino were excellent. They were very knowledgeable about animals, flora and fauna and went above and beyond. We were very fortunate to see the wild dogs at Porini Rhino camp. We knew it was a special event to see the wild dogs when the guides pulled out their phones to take pictures! We would highly recommend GameWatchers Safaris! They took excellent care of us from our arrival flight to departure flight!
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Evelyn H profile picture
Evelyn H
26 July 2026
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
A wonderful safari in Tanzania We thoroughly enjoyed our safari at two Asanja camps in Tanzania…Asanja Moru and Asanja Grumeti. Our driver, Mubarak, was extremely knowledgeable and provided an exceptional experience. We were so fortunate to see everything except the Black Rhino. The staff at both camps looked after us very well with their great service. We particularly loved their singing and dancing. Esther is a great masseuse at Grumeti camp … I would highly recommend booking one when you are there. A safari with Gamewatchers is very well organised and runs so smoothly. Hopefully we can do another safari with them in the future.
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Monica B profile picture
Monica B
25 July 2026
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
fabulous safari company I can't say enough good things about our safari with Gamewatchers! The guides were experts on the wildlife. They knew where to find the animals and where their territories are. They spotted an owl you would never find on your own and a gazelle giving birth, not to mention cheetahs and a leopard with her cub, and lions sleeping and eating. They were very friendly and professional and accommodated all our requests, and helped us get the best photos. The staff in the camps were also excellent. They met every need and request - such as extra hot water bottles. The jeeps were open for the best viewing. While it was chilly in the early morning and evening, they had flannel lined ponchos in the jeeps. The afternoon drive usually left the camp around 4 pm, and they provided a "sundowner" stop with the drink of your choice and snacks to watch the sundown. The Cheetah camp doesn't do laundry because the water is too brackish, but in the Lion camp they hand washed whatever we gave them, apart from underthings, but there is laundry detergent in the room to do those yourself. The camps are in the conservancy and we had monkeys in the camp, zebras right in front and we had a close encounter with an elephant not far from our tent. The tents were large, and the beds and bedding very comfortable. While there isn't running hot water, you just notify them when you want a shower and they bring it in buckets. They also provide an early morning wake up call, and bring coffee, tea, or hot chocolate with a couple of cookies, at your request, to your tent. The meals were communal and delicious. They also picked us up at the airport, and brought us to the hotel in Nairobi at the end. And for an extra fee, they took us to the Giraffe Center in Nairobi, to feed the giraffes, an amazing introduction!

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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