06 Days Best of Maasai Mara/Lake Nakuru/ Samburu National Reserve

Location: Samburu Accommodation: Samburu Lodge (e.g., Samburu Sopa or Ashnil)

You will be picked up from your Nairobi hotel early in the morning. We drive north, passing the equator and the majestic snow-capped Mount Kenya. As we descend into the semi-arid landscape of Samburu, the scenery changes dramatically to thorny acacia trees and red soil. We arrive at our lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, we enjoy our first game drive in this rugged wilderness, looking for the unique wildlife of the region.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Location: Samburu Accommodation: Samburu Lodge

We spend the full day in Samburu. The Ewaso Ng'iro river provides a lifeline for the animals, drawing them to its banks. We will search for the "Special Five", which include the long-necked Gerenuk and the Grevy’s Zebra. The park is also home to large herds of elephants and the elusive leopard. We return to the lodge for dinner under the African stars.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: Lake Nakuru Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Lodge (e.g., Flamingo Hill)

After breakfast, we drive south through the highlands of Mount Kenya and down into the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park. This park is famous for its millions of pink flamingos that carpet the shallow alkaline lake. It is also a sanctuary for both Black and White Rhinos and the endangered Rothschild giraffe. We enjoy a game drive along the lakeshore and up to the Baboon Cliff for panoramic views.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: Masai Mara Accommodation: Masai Mara Lodge (e.g., Mara Sopa or Basecamp)

We depart Lake Nakuru and drive south, descending further into the Great Rift Valley to the Masai Mara National Reserve. The drive is scenic, passing through the Masai town of Narok. Upon arrival, we check into our lodge and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, we head out for a game drive in the endless plains. The Masai Mara is known for its exceptional population of big cats and the annual Great Migration.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: Masai Mara Accommodation: Masai Mara Lodge

We dedicate this entire day to exploring the Masai Mara. You have the option of taking a packed picnic lunch to maximize your time in the bush, searching for the elusive leopard and cheetah. Between July and October, witness the dramatic river crossings of the wildebeest migration. In the evening, you can opt to visit a Maasai Manyatta (village) to learn about their culture.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner