7 Day Kenya North & South Safari
This one week Kenya safari is perfect for those wanting to see the best of Kenya but on a budget. Starting from Nairobi, this itinerary heads to the rugged landscape surrounding Mount Kenya, then to the open plains of Samburu, through the lakeland interior to Lake Nakuru National Park before ending in the Masai Mara, an area renowned for its big cats.
Travel is by private vehicle just for your group (minimum 2 people) and with an expert driver-guide.
Flexible departures (any day).
- 2 nights at Samburu Sopa Lodge .
- 1 night at The Ark.
- 1 night at Sarova Lion Hill Lodge.
- 2 nights at Keekorok Lodge.
Diverse Wildlife Encounters in Samburu
- Enjoy game drives in Samburu National Reserve, home to a wide range of wildlife including elephants, lions and species unique to northern Kenya such as Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe.
Unique Overnight at The Ark Lodge
- Stay at The Ark in the forested foothills of Mount Kenya, overlooking a floodlit waterhole where elephants, buffalo and other wildlife may gather throughout the night.
Lake Nakuru: Rhinos and Birdlife
- Spend a night at Sarova Lion Hill Lodge in Lake Nakuru National Park, with a game drive along the lake shore offering the chance to see rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes and a variety of birdlife.
Big Cats and Open Plains of the Maasai Mara
- Spend two nights at Keekorok Lodge in the Maasai Mara, with multiple game drives in search of lions, cheetahs and leopards across this renowned wildlife area.
Good Value Safari Experience
- This 7-day itinerary offers a well-balanced introduction to Kenya’s landscapes and wildlife, combining key destinations with comfortable lodges and travel in a private vehicle with an experienced driver-guide.
Price Includes
- Shared Nairobi Airport transfers.
- Transport in a Minivan safari vehicle with qualified silver level Kenya professional safari driver guide.
- 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.
Itinerary in Detail
DAY BY DAY
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Tour Experiences
Day 1
Begin your journey with an early morning pickup from Nairobi as we set off for Samburu National Reserve. This pristine and less-frequented destination promises an exceptional game viewing experience, away from the usual tourist crowds.
Upon arrival, you will check in at Samburu Sopa Lodge in time for a delightful lunch. In the afternoon, embark on an exhilarating game drive through the stunning landscapes of Samburu Reserve. Conclude your day with dinner and an overnight stay at Samburu Sopa Lodge, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s adventures.
Day 2
Start your day with an early breakfast at Samburu Sopa Lodge, followed by a morning game drive in Samburu National Reserve. This immersive experience will focus on spotting elephants, big cats, and the unique wildlife that Samburu is renowned for, including the endangered Grevy’s Zebra and the Reticulated Giraffe.
Return to the lodge for a leisurely lunch, and in the afternoon, continue your exploration of Samburu with another game drive, deepening your connection with the captivating landscapes and diverse wildlife. After a rewarding day, enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at Samburu Sopa Lodge where you can unwind and share stories of your adventures.
Day 3
Begin your day with breakfast at Samburu Sopa Lodge before checking out. You will then embark on a drive to Aberdare National Park, a breathtaking part of the Aberdare Mountain Range characterized by its rugged peaks reaching heights of up to 3,930 meters and deep ravines that carve through lush forested slopes.
Arrive in time for lunch at The Aberdare Country Club, where you can enjoy a meal amidst stunning surroundings. Afterward, transfer to The Ark, where you will spend the night engaged in exciting game viewing from the lodge’s precincts. The Ark features several viewing decks and balconies that overlook a floodlit waterhole and salt lick, attracting a variety of wildlife both day and night.
Conclude your day with dinner and an overnight stay at The Ark, offering a unique opportunity to observe the wonders of nature in comfort.
Day 4
Following breakfast, we will depart for the breathtaking landscapes of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. Upon arrival at Sarova Lion Hill Lodge, you will arrive in time for lunch.
In the afternoon, we will embark on an exploration of Lake Nakuru National Park, where the surrounding woodland and grassland are teeming with diverse wildlife, including black rhinos, white rhinos, hippos, leopards, lions, and the rare Rothschild giraffe. We will then return to Sarova Lion Hill Lodge for dinner and an overnight stay, offering a perfect end to a day filled with adventure.
Day 5
After an early breakfast, we will continue our safari by heading to the renowned Maasai Mara. Upon arrival, you will check in at Keekorok Lodge and enjoy a delightful lunch.
While at the lodge, you can take advantage of the scenic views from the Elephant Deck or relax at the Hippo Bar, which overlooks a nearby waterhole, providing opportunities to observe wildlife. For those looking for leisure, the lodge also features a swimming pool and offers optional activities (available at an additional cost), including spa treatments and nature walks.
In the afternoon, embark on an exciting game drive in the Maasai Mara Reserve, where you will have the chance to encounter an array of wildlife in their natural habitat. Conclude your day with dinner and an overnight stay at Keekorok Lodge, ensuring a memorable experience in this iconic landscape.
Day 6
Optional Activity: Experience the thrill of a Balloon Safari, followed by a luxurious champagne breakfast.
Start your day with an early breakfast at Keekorok Lodge, after which you will embark on a morning game drive in the Maasai Mara. Return to the lodge for lunch and some relaxation. In the late afternoon, you will set out for another exhilarating game drive in the Maasai Mara Reserve. This is an excellent opportunity to encounter a diverse array of Kenya’s wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and various plains game, as well as the iconic big cats for which the Mara is renowned.
Conclude your day with dinner and an overnight stay at Keekorok Lodge, where you can reflect on the day’s adventures in this extraordinary landscape.
Day 7
After breakfast, we will transfer back to Nairobi, where you will have lunch at carnivore restaurant before drop off at the international airport for your flight home.
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
Begin your journey with an early morning pickup from Nairobi as we set off for Samburu National Reserve. This pristine and less-frequented destination promises an exceptional game viewing experience, away from the usual tourist crowds.
Upon arrival, you will check in at Samburu Sopa Lodge in time for a delightful lunch. In the afternoon, embark on an exhilarating game drive through the stunning landscapes of Samburu Reserve. Conclude your day with dinner and an overnight stay at Samburu Sopa Lodge, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s adventures.
Day 2
Start your day with an early breakfast at Samburu Sopa Lodge, followed by a morning game drive in Samburu National Reserve. This immersive experience will focus on spotting elephants, big cats, and the unique wildlife that Samburu is renowned for, including the endangered Grevy’s Zebra and the Reticulated Giraffe.
Return to the lodge for a leisurely lunch, and in the afternoon, continue your exploration of Samburu with another game drive, deepening your connection with the captivating landscapes and diverse wildlife. After a rewarding day, enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at Samburu Sopa Lodge where you can unwind and share stories of your adventures.
Day 3
Begin your day with breakfast at Samburu Sopa Lodge before checking out. You will then embark on a drive to Aberdare National Park, a breathtaking part of the Aberdare Mountain Range characterized by its rugged peaks reaching heights of up to 3,930 meters and deep ravines that carve through lush forested slopes.
Arrive in time for lunch at The Aberdare Country Club, where you can enjoy a meal amidst stunning surroundings. Afterward, transfer to The Ark, where you will spend the night engaged in exciting game viewing from the lodge’s precincts. The Ark features several viewing decks and balconies that overlook a floodlit waterhole and salt lick, attracting a variety of wildlife both day and night.
Conclude your day with dinner and an overnight stay at The Ark, offering a unique opportunity to observe the wonders of nature in comfort.
Day 4
Following breakfast, we will depart for the breathtaking landscapes of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. Upon arrival at Sarova Lion Hill Lodge, you will arrive in time for lunch.
In the afternoon, we will embark on an exploration of Lake Nakuru National Park, where the surrounding woodland and grassland are teeming with diverse wildlife, including black rhinos, white rhinos, hippos, leopards, lions, and the rare Rothschild giraffe. As the day draws to a close, we will pause for a sundowner at a scenic viewpoint, allowing you to soak in the stunning views. We will then return to Sarova Lion Hill Lodge for dinner and an overnight stay, offering a perfect end to a day filled with adventure.
Day 5
After an early breakfast, we will continue our safari by heading to the renowned Maasai Mara. Upon arrival, you will check in at Keekorok Lodge and enjoy a delightful lunch.
While at the lodge, you can take advantage of the scenic views from the Elephant Deck or relax at the Hippo Bar, which overlooks a nearby waterhole, providing opportunities to observe wildlife. For those looking for leisure, the lodge also features a swimming pool and offers optional activities (available at an additional cost), including spa treatments and nature walks.
In the afternoon, embark on an exciting game drive in the Maasai Mara Reserve, where you will have the chance to encounter an array of wildlife in their natural habitat. Conclude your day with dinner and an overnight stay at Keekorok Lodge, ensuring a memorable experience in this iconic landscape.
Day 6
Optional Activity: Experience the thrill of a Balloon Safari, followed by a luxurious champagne breakfast.
Start your day with an early breakfast at Keekorok Lodge, after which you will embark on a morning game drive in the Maasai Mara. Return to the lodge for lunch and some relaxation. In the late afternoon, you will set out for another exhilarating game drive in the Maasai Mara Reserve. This is an excellent opportunity to encounter a diverse array of Kenya’s wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and various plains game, as well as the iconic big cats for which the Mara is renowned.
Conclude your day with dinner and an overnight stay at Keekorok Lodge, where you can reflect on the day’s adventures in this extraordinary landscape.
Day 7
After breakfast, we will transfer back to Nairobi, where you will be dropped off at the international airport for your flight home.
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).
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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.
Head Office in Nairobi
We have an experienced team of Safari Consultants based in Kenya.
You can contact our Nairobi team at info@gamewatchers.com or call at +254-722-509-200.

Rick Mcintyre
Hello, I’m Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I’ve journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you’re dreaming of a “once in a lifetime” vacation or you’re a seasoned safari traveler, I’m here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure.
You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014, and together, we’ll make your African dreams a reality.

Rachel Chambers
Hi, I’m Rae, based on the West Coast of Canada, on beautiful Vancouver Island. I’m a passionate traveler who has explored nearly 30 countries, but it was a solo journey to Africa that truly transformed my perspective. From the moment I arrived in Botswana, I felt an undeniable connection to the continent and was inspired to spend more time experiencing its extraordinary wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultures. My solo travels have since taken me through Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, Namibia, and Kenya, where I experienced Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps firsthand. It was during these immersive and unforgettable journeys that my passion for Africa evolved into a clear vision: to join the Gamewatchers team and help others discover the magic of safari. I’d love to connect and plan your wildest dreams!.
You can reach me by email at rae@gamewatchers.com

Julie Roggow
Greetings, I’m Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me.
My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your very first safari, I’m here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience.
Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014. Let’s embark on an unforgettable safari journey together, where the wild beauty of Africa awaits to enchant and inspire you.

Tom Mees
Jambo, I’m Tommy Mees, most people call me Tom.
My connection with Africa began through years of travelling across the continent.
I later spent more than twelve years managing safari camps and lodges while supporting conservation initiatives including beekeeping and tree-planting projects.
Having travelled extensively throughout Eastern and Southern Africa, I developed a deep appreciation for authentic wilderness experiences and the conservation-focused approach of the Porini Camps.
I am originally from Belgium and now based in Spain, though my heart has always remained in Africa.
Alongside my safari background, I am also a professional photographer and enjoy helping travellers experience and capture the extraordinary wildlife, landscapes and cultures that make Africa so special.
If you are considering an African safari, feel free to contact me at tom@gamewatchers.com

Andrea Landaeta
Hola, I’m Andrea and my love affair with the captivating world of safaris began during my teenage years when I embarked on my very first safari in Kenya. There, amidst the awe-inspiring wildlife and expansive plains, I found my true passion. Over the years, Kenya has called me back time and time again, leading me to explore its myriad camps, conservancies, and renowned parks. More recently, I’ve had the privilege of staying at all the Porini Camps, where the spotlight shines on wildlife conservation—a cause close to my heart as I traverse the globe. While Kenya holds a special place in my wanderlust-filled heart, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda have also woven their magic into my soul.
If you’re eager to embark on your own safari adventure or share your passion for conservation, please feel free to contact me at andrea@saririterra.com

Kristy Thomson
Hello, I’m Kristy, your Australian-based Safari Advisor with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps. My background in ecology and conservation management, combined with a deep passion for nature and the great outdoors, led me to Kenya where I instantly fell in love with its spectacular wildlife and warm-hearted people. Having spent significant time at our Porini Camps and explored other camps we offer, I bring intricate knowledge to help craft your ultimate wildlife safari adventure. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of the savannah or the serenity of the wilderness, I’m here to make your safari dreams a reality.
Feel free to reach out to me on the Gold Coast, Australia, at kristy@gamewatchers.com or call on +61 419 175 672.

Pranay Chandra
Hello, I’m Pranay Chandra, a veteran of the Indian Armed Forces whose profound passion for nature and wildlife led me to the world of wildlife photography. My lens has captured the essence of the wild, earning recognition in esteemed competitions like the Sanctuary Asia annual wildlife awards and the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards. Beyond photography, I’ve dedicated myself to conservation efforts, collaborating with Ecological Task Forces and supporting WWF India’s training initiatives in tiger reserves. In the realm of education, I’ve partnered with CEC, New Delhi, to create informative video programs on Human-Wildlife Conflicts. I’ve ventured to Kenya, embracing the splendours of Africa while staying at Porini camps and other renowned lodges.
You can connect with me via email at pranay@gamewatchers.com or call on +91 801 788 5256.

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.



