8 Day Kenya Safari Samburu Aberdare Baringo Nakuru Masai Mara from Nairobi
Starting and ending in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, this 8-day road safari visits the top game Parks of Kenya – Samburu, Aberdare, Lake Baringo, Lake Nakuru, and the Masai Mara National Reserve.
The tour opens with game drives in Samburu National Reserve located on the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River in northern Kenya. Samburu offers a remarkable opportunity to see the rare 5 reticulated giraffe, the Somali ostrich, the gerenuk, the Beisa oryx, and the Grevy’s zebra. Samburu is a great habitat for birdlife, hosting over 350 species.
Next, we travel to the mountainous highlands of Kenya, to the towering Aberdare Mountain Range, and spend a night at the Ark Lodge or the Treetops Hotel inside the Aberdare National Park.
Watch the animals that frequently visit the lively waterhole beside the lodge from a series of viewing decks and areas at different levels. Common visitors include Elephants, buffalo, rhinos, and even Leopards.
The journey continues by road to Lake Baringo – a bird watchers’ paradise. Lake Baringo is a beautiful freshwater lake and is home to one of the world’s highest densities of bird species, with over 500 recorded in the area. Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Baringo (optional extra) in search of a Hippo, Crocodile, and an array of birds, including fish and Eagles.
Lake Baringo is the most northerly of Kenya’s small Great Rift Valley lakes; covered with papyrus and well-developed acacia forest. Hippos, crocodiles, and monitor Lizards are easily seen from the shore, as is a magnificent display of water birds.
After Lake Baringo, we visit Lake Bogoria, located 30 km south of Lake Nakuru National Park. Lake Bogoria’s main attractions are its natural hot springs and geysers.
The lake has been called ‘the new home of the flamingoes’, hosting a migratory population of up to two million of these pink birds at certain times. It is the high salt and mineral content of this scenic soda lake that attracts huge numbers of flamingos, making the lake a visual delight.
Lake Nakuru National Park is an important wildlife sanctuary covering 180 km². This compact game park is home to Giraffes, Warthogs, Waterbuck, buffalo, reedbuck, white and black rhinos, and the occasional Leopard.
The park has also retained its reputation as an ornithologist’s delight, with more than 400 bird species. Bird species include the Great White Pelican, African Spoonbill, Yellow-billed Stork, Lesser and Greater Flamingo, and Long-crested Eagle.
We then head south via the Rift Valley to Kenya’s premier National Reserve – Masai Mara. Spend 2 days in search of the abundant wildlife that makes the Masai Mara Reserve one of the top game parks in Africa.
Wherever you go in the vast Masai Mara, you will see a frequent amount of wildlife such as Masai Giraffes, Baboons, Warthogs, bat-eared Foxes, Grey Jackals, spotted Hyenas, Topis, Impala, Hartebeests, Wildebeest. Elephants, Buffaloes, Zebras and Hippos are also found in great numbers.
We keep an eye out for the big cats that are particularly common in this beautiful game reserve, and if we are lucky, we will get to witness the Wildebeest Migration – a wildlife event like no other.
Hot-air balloon trips are an outstanding way to see the savannah plains teeming with wildlife. These Masai Mara balloon trips can be arranged at extra cost.
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi to Aberdares National Park
0730 Hours – Depart Nairobi: Drive north through Central Kenya’s lush tea and coffee plantations
1230 Hours – Base Hotel Arrival: Check in at your base hotel (e.g., Aberdare Country Club) for lunch
1430 Hours – Tree Lodge Transfer: Transfer into Aberdares National Park to unique canopy lodges like The Ark
1600 Hours onwards – Balcony Game Viewing: Watch elephants, rhinos, and leopards visit the floodlit waterholes directly from the lodge deck
Day 2: Aberdares to Samburu National Reserve
0730 Hours – Travel North: Drive past Mount Kenya and cross the Equator into the arid northern frontier
1230 Hours – Lodge Arrival: Check into your safari camp along the Ewaso Ng’iro River for lunch and rest
1600 Hours – Evening Game Drive: Enter Samburu National Reserve to spot local predators and unique desert wildlife
Day 3: Full Day in Samburu National Reserve
0630 Hours – Sunrise Safari: Track the “Samburu Special Five”—Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and the long-necked gerenuk
0830 Hours – Breakfast: Eat back at the lodge or pack a bush breakfast
1000 Hours – Midday Leisure: Relax by the pool or visit a traditional Samburu cultural village
0400 Hours – Sunset Safari: Explore the riverbanks where elephants congregate to drink
Day 4: Samburu to Lake Baringo
0700 Hours– Great Rift Valley Descent: Head southwest over the Laikipia Escarpment toward the floor of the Rift Valley
1300 Hours – Arrival & Lunch: Check into your lakeside camp or lodge at Lake Baringo
1530 Hours – Boat Safari: Cruise the freshwater lake to view massive hippo pods, crocodiles, and diving fish eagles
Day 5: Lake Baringo to Lake Nakuru National Park
0800 Hours – Move to Nakuru: Drive south past Lake Bogoria’s hot springs
1130 Hours – Park Arrival: Enter Lake Nakuru National Park and check into your lodge for lunch
1530 Hours – Birding & Rhino Tracking: Drive along the lake’s edge to see thousands of flamingos, endangered black and white rhinos, and tree-climbing lions
Day 6: Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara National Reserve
0700 Hours– Long Drive to the Mara: Traverse through the floor of the Rift Valley via Narok town
1300 Hours – Camp Arrival: Settle into your camp in the Maasai Mara National Reserve for lunch
1600 Hours– First Mara Game Drive: Introduce yourself to Africa’s highest density of big cats
Day 7: Full Day in Maasai Mara National Reserve
0600 Hours – Full Day Tracking: Explore the endless savanna plains. (Optional: Book a sunrise hot-air balloon safari with a champagne bush breakfast)
1230 Hours – Picnic Lunch: Eat under an acacia tree watching grazing wildebeests and zebras
1400 Hours – Mara River Drive: Watch for crocodiles and hippos at the famous Great Migration river-crossing points
Day 8: Maasai Mara back to Nairobi
0630 Hours – Dawn Safari: Embark on a final, brisk morning game drive to catch predators on early hunts
0830 Hours – Breakfast & Checkout: Return to camp to pack up and eat
1000 Hours – Return Journey: Drive back up the Rift Valley escarpment
1630 Hours – Nairobi Arrival: Drop off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NJKIA) or your city hotel.
Safari Route
| Day | Transit Segment & Key Activities | Est. Distance | Target Departure | Est. Arrival | Real-World Driving Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Nairobi to Aberdare National Park • Afternoon forest birding & game tracking. • Overnight floodlit waterhole animal viewing. |
~160 km | 07:30 AM | 11:30 AM | Travel via Central Kenya farmlands. Check into a tree hotel (e.g., The Ark or Treetops). |
| Day 2 | Aberdare to Samburu National Reserve • Coffee stop at the Equator line in Nanyuki. • Late afternoon game drive. |
~310 km | 08:00 AM | 01:00 PM | Dramatic transition from green highlands to dry, open scrublands. |
| Day 3 | Full Day in Samburu National Reserve • 06:30 AM game drive for predators. • 03:30 PM riverbank drive (Ewaso Ng’iro). |
Internal | 06:30 AM | Sunset | Track the Samburu Special Five: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx, and Somali ostrich. |
| Day 4 | Samburu to Lake Baringo • Scenic drive across the Rift Valley floor. • Afternoon boat ride for birding & crocodiles. |
~260 km | 07:30 AM | 01:00 PM | Travel via Maralal/Marigat. Dirt sections require lower tire pressure for comfort. |
| Day 5 | Lake Baringo to Lake Nakuru National Park • Morning walk near Kambi ya Samaki. • 03:30 PM game drive (Rhino sanctuary). |
~135 km | 09:00 AM | 12:00 PM | Short paved drive south. Enter via Main or Lanet gate to avoid city traffic. |
| Day 6 | Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara National Reserve • Drive through the dramatic Rift Valley. • Late afternoon game drive in the Mara plains. |
~235 km | 07:30 AM | 01:30 PM | 2026 Routing Hack: Avoid the A8 highway/Mai Mahiu construction trap. Exit Nakuru via Nderit Gate and take the Njoro–Mau Narok C12 tarmac road. |
| Day 7 | Full Day in Masai Mara National Reserve • Optional hot-air balloon flight at dawn. • Full-day exploration with a picnic bush lunch. |
Internal | 06:15 AM | Sunset | Follow the tracking patterns of the Big Five and immense plains game herds. |
| Day 8 | Masai Mara to Nairobi • Early pre-breakfast game drive. • Return drive to the capital; drop-off. |
~240 km | 10:00 AM | 04:30 PM | Strictly adhere to the 10:00 AM gate exit deadline to avoid double-calendar-day park fee penalties. |
Safari Itinerary in Summary
Day 1: Nairobi – Drive to Mount Kenya/ Aberdare National Park (Forest Tree Lodge)
Day 2: Forest Tree Lodge – Drive to Samburu Game Reserve
Day 3: Explore Samburu Game Reserve
Day 4: Samburu – Drive to Lake Baringo
Day 5: Lake Baringo – Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park
Day 6: Lake Nakuru – Drive to Maasai Mara Game Reserve
Day 7: Discover Maasai Mara National Reserve
Day 8: Masai Mara – Drive to Nairobi
Safari Itinerary in Detail
Day 1: Nairobi – Drive to Samburu National Reserve
Setting off on our 8-day Kenya road Wildlife Safari, the first stop is Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya. Samburu has a permanent water supply resulting in spectacular bird life, including species endemic to this area of Kenya.
Arriving at our first lodge, we have lunch and embark on our first wildlife adventure – an exciting afternoon game drive in Samburu. This region of Kenya is home to the uncommon Grevy’s zebra with huge, furry ears, the gerenuk antelope that stands on its hind legs to feed, Somali ostriches with distinct blue legs, and the shy Oryx.
Other animals include Grant gazelles, impalas, waterbucks, dik-diks, hippos, olive baboons, warthogs, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, hyenas, elands, jackals, klipspringer, mongooses, bats and wild dogs.
After a rewarding day of game viewing in the vast Samburu Reserve, we return to our lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening under the stars.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury Accommodation: Saruni Samburu Lodge, Elephant Bedroom Camp, Sasaab Samburu Lodge
Mid-range Accommodation: Samburu Intrepids Camp, Sarova Shaba Game Lodge, Soroi Samburu Game Lodge, Ashnil Samburu Camp
Budget Accommodation: Umoja Camp Site, Lion King Bush Camp
Meal Plan {Lunch & Dinner}
Day 2: Explore Samburu Game Reserve
Day two is set aside for game viewing in Samburu National Reserve, exploring its open grasslands and diverse landscapes in search of the variety of wildlife found here. Elephants and Crocodiles are guaranteed sightings. Lions, hippos and giraffes are also found in the reserve.
Birdwatching is excellent, with over 365 species, including numerous varieties of weaver birds and the martial eagle. Leopard sightings are also a special feature here.
The Samburu area is also home to interesting people with a rich heritage, making for a colorful cultural experience.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury Accommodation: Saruni Samburu Lodge, Elephant Bedroom Camp, Sasaab Samburu Lodge
Mid-range Accommodation: Samburu Intrepids Camp, Sarova Shaba Game Lodge, Soroi Samburu Game Lodge, Ashnil Samburu Camp
Budget Accommodation: Umoja Camp Site, Lion King Bush Camp
Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}
Day 3: Samburu – Drive to Aberdare National Park
After breakfast at the lodge, we travel up into the cooler Aberdare Mountains, making our way to our next game-viewing destination in the 4×4 vehicle. Arriving in the Aberdare Highlands, we have lunch at the Aberdare Country Club or at the Outspan Hotel, which looks out over the surrounding wilderness.
Once we have had lunch, we move on to our nearby accommodation, The Ark Tree Lodge or the Treetops Hotel. Watch the animals that frequently visit the lively waterhole beside the lodge, from a series of viewing decks and areas at different levels.
Spot animals at the floodlit salt lick and watering hole into the night, with common visitors including Elephants, buffalo, rhinos, and even Leopards.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury Accommodation: Ark Forest Lodge or Treetop Forest Lodge
* You can put in a request to be awakened during the night if your favorite animals show up. A herd of Elephants might be just feet away, and if you are lucky, a leopard or large male Lion might put in an appearance.
Meal Plan {Lunch & Dinner}
Day 4 : Aberdare – Drive to Lake Baringo
After breakfast, we make our way to Lake Baringo, a well-known bird sanctuary. We arrive at our overnight accommodation in time for lunch and later in the evening you can enjoy a boat ride on Lake Baringo (optional extra) in search of Hippos, Crocodiles, and an array of birds, including fish eagles.
Lake Baringo is the most northerly of Kenya’s small Great Rift Valley lakes; creased with papyrus and well-developed acacia forest. Hippos, Crocodiles and monitor Lizards are effortlessly seen from the shore, as is a magnificent display of water birds.
This is Kenya’s bird-watching sanctuary with over 1200 different bird species native to the country and more than 450 sighted here – a bird watcher’s haven.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury Accommodation: Sarmatian Lodge
Mid-range Accommodation: Sandai Resort
Budget Accommodation: Tumbili Cliff Lodge
Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}
Day 5: Lake Baringo – Drive to Lake Bogoria – Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park
A 30 km drive south brings us to the spectacular Lake Bogoria, with its natural hot springs and geysers as the main attractions. The lake has been called ‘the new home of the flamingo ‘, hosting a migratory population of up to two million of these pink birds at certain times.
It is the high salt and mineral content of this scenic soda lake that attracts huge numbers of flamingos, making the lake a visual delight. After lunch, we proceed to Lake Nakuru National Park, an important wildlife sanctuary covering 180 km².
This compact game park is home to Giraffes, Warthogs, Waterbuck, buffalo, reedbuck, and the occasional Leopard. White and black rhinos were introduced to the park some years ago, and white rhinos can be spotted at the southern end.
The Kenyan game park has also retained its reputation as an ornithologist’s delight, with more than 400 bird species found here. Bird species include the Great White Pelican, African Spoonbill, Yellow-billed Stork, Lesser and Greater Flamingo, and Long-crested Eagle.
We spend our second night at a comfortable lodge inside Lake Nakuru National Park. Enjoy the beautiful views of the lake and surrounding bush, and perhaps spot animals and birds.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury Accommodation: Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge, Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, Mbweha Camp Lake Nakuru
Mid-range Accommodation: Egret Savannah Camp, Lake Nakuru, Lake Nakuru Lodge, Merica Hotel Nakuru
Budget Accommodation: Hotel Kunste Nakuru, Kivu Resort
Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}
Day 6: Lake Nakuru – Drive to Maasai Mara Game Reserve
This morning we have breakfast at the lodge/camp overlooking scenic Lake Nakuru. Then the time has come to explore the Masai Mara – one of the most famous game parks on the planet, considered by many to be the finest wildlife safari destination in all of Africa.
We drive southwest in our 4×4 safari vehicle, passing through the Rift Valley Province of Kenya, en route to Masai Mara National Reserve, which borders Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park.
After lunch, we enjoy our first game drive in the Masai Mara Game Reserve. In this dream safari landscape of undulating plains scattered with acacias, we look out for the diverse and abundant wildlife of the Mara.
We may come across herds of Wildebeest, Elephants, Zebras and Antelopes, along with prides of Lions, coalitions of Cheetahs, a crash of Rhinos and lone Leopards.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury Accommodation: Olonana Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary, andBeyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp, Cottar’s 1920s Camp
Mid-range Accommodation: Acacia House Mara Bush Houses, Sand River Masai Mara by Elewana, Keekorok Lodge
Budget Accommodation: OL Moran Tented Camp, Lenchada Tourist Camp, Enchoro Wildlife Camp
Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}
Day 7: Discover Maasai Mara National Reserve
Spend another full day exploring the spectacular Mara. Wherever you go in the Mara Reserve, you will see an abundance of wildlife, such as Masai Giraffes, Baboons, Warthogs, Bat-eared Foxes, Grey Jackals, spotted Hyenas, Topis, Impala, Hartebeests, Wildebeest, Elephants, Buffaloes, Zebras and Hippos.
It is common to see Lions either basking after a heavy meal or surveying the plains for their next meal. Cheetahs and Leopards are harder to spot but are still reasonably common.
Kenya’s most popular and most visited game park, the Masai Mara, is famous for hosting one of nature’s truly spectacular events – the Great Migration. From July to August, millions of Wildebeest, Zebra and Gazelle migrate from the Serengeti, across the Tanzania border and the Mara River to reach the sweet-grass plains of the Masai Mara.
The drama of the migration is heightened as predators gather to meet the massive herds of grazers, with the struggle for survival unfolding before you. The Great Migration is one of the most awe-inspiring wildlife spectacles on earth!
Accommodation Options:
Luxury Accommodation: Olonana Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary, andBeyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp, Cottar’s 1920s Camp
Mid-range Accommodation: Acacia House Mara Bush Houses, Sand River Masai Mara by Elewana, Keekorok Lodge
Budget Accommodation: OL Moran Tented Camp, Lenchada Tourist Camp, Enchoro Wildlife Camp
Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}
Day 8: Masai Mara – Drive to Nairobi
Morning game drive to savor the beauty of the park, return to the lodge for breakfast. Afterward, depart for Nairobi by road, arriving late in the afternoon.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
8 Day Kenya Safari Samburu Aberdare Baringo Nakuru Masai Mara Prices
8 Day Kenya Safari Aberdare Samburu Baringo Nakuru Masai Mara Prices Include
✓ Game drives
✓ All meals included while on safari
✓ All applicable Game Park entrance fees
✓ Services of a Professional Safari Driver Guide
✓ Guaranteed window seating with an open-top
✓ Safari vehicles carry cold drinks and mineral water
✓ Finest accommodations in Samburu, Aberdare, Lake Baringo, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara National Reserve
✓ Round-trip transport from Samburu, Aberdare, Lake Baringo, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara National Reserve
| Dates From | Dates To | Price Per Person | Children Aged 2 to 12 Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st January 2026 | 31st December 2026 | Request for rates | Request for rates |
8 Day Kenya Safari Samburu Aberdare Baringo Nakuru Masai Mara Prices Exclude
✗ International Airfare
✗ A visit to a Masai Village
✗ Accommodations in Nairobi
✗ Cost of obtaining passport and visas
✗ Gratuity for your professional driver-guide
✗ Sundowner bush cocktails and bush dinner
✗ Christmas, New Year, and Easter Supplement
✗ Optional Night Game drives, Camel rides, Bird watching
✗ Gratuity for Porterage/ waiters at hotels, camps, and airports
✗ Membership in Flying Doctors Society – Emergency air rescue
✗ Personal expenses such as travel insurance, excess baggage fee, communication charges that include laundry, emails, faxes, and phone calls, beverages including luxury champagne, luxury spirits, beer, and wines during meals or meals not indicated in the itinerary
Booking & Reservations 8 Day Kenya Safari Samburu Aberdare Baringo Nakuru Masai Mara Contact
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