9 Day Kenya Luxury Safari Samburu Laikipia Naivasha & Masai Mara | 2 Nights Samburu National Reserve, 2 Nights northern Laikipia Plateau, 1 Night Lake Naivasha & 2 Nights Masai Mara National Reserve Safari | 9 Days 8 Nights Luxury Kenya Road Safari Holiday | 9 Day Kenya Road Safaris
This well-paced 9-day luxury Kenya road safari tour allows you to explore the four most revered of Kenya’s safari destinations; Samburu, Northern Laikipia Plateau, Lake Naivasha and the Masai Mara.
The 4×4 journey starts with game viewing in Samburu National Reserve which offers outstanding game viewing, with frequent sightings of Grevy’s Zebra, Oryx, Buffalo, strange-looking Gerenuk and an array of interesting grazers.
This is a good place to see Leopard and all of Africa’s big cats, as well as endangered Wild Dogs. Bird enthusiasts will also be pleased with the more than 350 species found here. One of the highlights of visiting Samburu is meeting the traditional Samburu people, who still follow old customs, rituals and ceremonies.
Then we drive to the next legendary safari destination located in Sabuk, a private conservancy in Northern Laikipia Plateau. Wildlife such as the Greater Kudu, Lion, Elephant, Buffalo and the elusive African Wild Dog are inhabitants of Sabuk, and there is fabulous birding to be had too.
Activities on offer at Sabuk include guided walks, day and night game drives by 4-wheel drive vehicles, bush breakfasts & picnic lunches on the river banks, hilltop sundowners, cultural visits, line fishing, river swimming, tubing the rapids & rock jumping (seasonal).
The journey continues to Lake Naivasha located on the Rift Valley floor. The shallow lake attracts an abundance of birds, with over 400 species recorded, as well as Hippo, Buffalo, Zebra, Eland, Impala, Waterbuck and other Grazers. Enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Naivasha by taking a boat ride to the Crescent Island Game Sanctuary.
The grand finale – Masai Mara National Reserve, one of the finest and most famous wildlife destinations in the world! The Masai Mara is home to plenty of wildlife such as Masai Giraffe, Baboon, Hyena, Topis, Impala, Wildebeest, Elephants, Buffalo, Zebra, Hippo, Lions and Cheetahs.
The ultimate wildlife action here is without a doubt the annual wildebeest migration, known as the Great Migration, in July and August when millions of these grazers move north from the Serengeti, in search of lusher grass, before turning south again in October.
The optional hot-air balloon trips offer an entirely outstanding way of surveying the savannah plains teeming with wildlife. These Masai Mara balloon trips can be arranged at extra cost. Optional visits to local Maasai villages can also be arranged with your guide.
Safari Itinerary in Summary
Day 1: Nairobi – Drive to Samburu National Reserve
Day 2: Explore Samburu National Reserve
Day 3: Samburu – Drive to Northern Laikipia Plateau
Day 4: Explore Northern Laikipia Plateau
Day 5: Northern Laikipia – Drive to Lake Naivasha
Day 6: Lake Naivasha – Drive to Masai Mara National Reserve
Day 7: Explore Masai Mara National Reserve
Day 8: Explore Masai Mara National Reserve
Day 9: Masai Mara – Drive to Nairobi
Safari Itinerary in Detail
Day 1: Nairobi – Drive to Samburu National Reserve
Begin with breakfast at the hotel, before we depart for Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya. For the duration of this safari, our professional guide will drive you around in a 4×4 safari vehicle. Leaving Nairobi, we head north via the shoulder of Africa’s second-largest mountain, Mount Kenya, making our way to the Samburu Game Reserve.
Arrived at our first lodge – Saruni Samburu where we have lunch and embark on our first wildlife adventure – an exciting afternoon game drive in Samburu. This 165 km² game reserve offers excellent game viewing, hosting abundant animal and bird life, including large predators, herbivores and raptors.
Samburu is home to several rare species of northern Kenya, namely Grevy’s Zebra, Gerenuk Antelopes, Somali Ostriches, Reticulated Giraffes and Beisa Oryx, as well as Cheetahs, Lions and Elephants.
Overnight Accommodation
Luxury Accommodation: Saruni Samburu lodge
Meal Plan: {Lunch & Dinner}
Day 2: Samburu Game Reserve
Day two is set aside for game viewing in Samburu National Park, exploring its open grasslands and diverse landscapes in search of the variety of wildlife found here.
Samburu hosts beautiful forests, springs and rivers, offering stunning scenery. The game park is part of a lava plain that includes varied habitats, from thorn scrub, red dirt and dried river beds, to broken volcanic rock, steep hills and rocky outcrops.
This region of Kenya is home to the uncommon Grevy’s zebra with huge fury ears, Gerenuk Antelope standing on hind legs to feed, Somali ostriches with distinct blue legs and the shy Oryx. Elephants and crocodiles are guaranteed sightings while lions, hippos and giraffes are also found in the reserve.
The bird watching 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 colourful cultural experience.
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.
Overnight Accommodation
Luxury Accommodation: Saruni Samburu lodge
Meal Plan: {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}
Day 3: Samburu – Drive to Northern Laikipia Plateau
Overland drives are a pleasure in themselves and we drive to our next legendary safari destination – Northern Laikipia Plateau. Arrive in time for lunch at Sabuk lodge. Unpack, relax, maybe swim in the river or just enjoy the uninterrupted view across the Laikipia plains towards the distant mountains.
Sabuk is an alluring haven on the edge of the Northern Frontier District offering stunning views of the Laikipia plains. This intimate lodge is a unique community experience offering a wealth of safari activities.
Wildlife such as the Greater Kudu, lion, elephant, buffalo and the elusive African Wild dog are inhabitants of Sabuk, and there is fabulous birding to be had too.
Enjoy an early evening bush sundowner a short walk from camp, high on rocky crags watching the sunset behind the hills.
Overnight Accommodation
Luxury Accommodation: Sabuk Lodge
Meal Plan: {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}
Day 4: Explore the Northern Laikipia Plateau
Set off in the cool early morning for a morning walk with camels. Or you can ride a camel if you feel tired or want an even better view! Led by a professional safari guide and his team of trained Laikipia Masai warriors, the walk takes you across the hills with glimpses of the Ewaso River as it twists and tumbles its way across the highland plains.
A picnic brunch under the thorn trees is a treat or a picnic lunch on the river banks and a swim as the waters tumble into a natural rock pool. Laze by the river or in the airy mess or in your own cottage for the afternoon before campfire sundowners.
Activities on offer at Sabuk include guided walks, day and night game drives by 4-wheel drive vehicles, bush breakfasts & picnic lunches on the river banks, hilltop sundowners, cultural visits, line fishing, river swimming, tubing the rapids & rock jumping (seasonal).
Overnight Accommodation
Luxury Accommodation: Sabuk Lodge
Meal Plan: {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}
Day 5: Northern Laikipia Plateau – Drive to Lake Naivasha
Depart after breakfast, descending from the Laikipia Plateau onto the Rift Valley floor, heading for Lake Naivasha arriving in time for lunch at Chui Lodge located in the 18,000-acre Oserengoni Wildlife Sanctuary.
After lunch enjoys a guided walk or drive across this beautiful private ranch with views across to Lake Naivasha and Longonot, an extinct volcano on the ranch border. Horse riding is available at the ranch – a great way to get up close to the Zebra, Giraffe, and other plentiful plains game here.
Alternatively, enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Naivasha by taking a boat ride to the Crescent Island Game Sanctuary.
Overnight Accommodation
Luxury Accommodation: Chui Lodge
Meal Plan: {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}
Day 6: Lake Naivasha – Masai Mara Game Reserve
Today we depart from the lodge after breakfast and travel south towards the famous Masai Mara Game Reserve, in southwest Kenya. We drive through beautiful savannah grasslands and plains of the Great Rift Valley making our way to our next overnight accommodation, in a private conservancy near Masai Mara.
Upon arrival, lunch will follow. After lunch, explore the reserve on a late evening game drive. Hemmingways Ole Seki Camp Mara is located in the heart of the Naboisho Conservancy which borders the Maasai Mara Reserve. You have the privilege of a private conservancy, 200 km² to explore exclusively.
There’s so much to discover here – myriad wildlife indigenous to East Africa, as well as wild birds and plants. You might like to meet the local Maasai herdsmen and their families and learn about their pastoral way of life.
Or take a hike, visit a N’dorobo cave, watch birds, photograph the sunset, dine under the stars, soar above the plains in a hot air balloon or have an exciting horseback safari.
Overnight Accommodation
Luxury Accommodation: Hemmingways Ole Seki Camp
Meal Plan: {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}
Day 7 & Day 8: Explore Masai Mara National Reserve
The next two days are spent embarking on exhilarating game-viewing drives in Masai Mara. On clear days, the Masai Mara offers fantastic orange-tinged sunsets worth capturing on camera.
The Mara reserve covers 1510 km² of incredible wide-open landscapes and fertile riverine woodlands, following the meanders of the Mara and Talek rivers. One glimpse is enough to explain its appeal as an iconic savannah, with a mass of amazing wildlife.
After our action-packed day of wildlife sightings on the scenic plains of Africa, we return to our tented camp for dinner. Fall asleep in the comfort of your tented room, listening to the sounds of nature.
Overnight Accommodation
Luxury Accommodation: Hemmingways Ole Seki Camp
Meal Plan: {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}
Day 9: Masai Mara – Drive to Nairobi
Begin today with a complete English breakfast at the camp, followed by a game drive en–route to Nairobi. The balance of the day is at leisure for last minute assisted shopping and sightseeing.
Then we return to bustling Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, arriving in the afternoon. Later we transfer to the airport for our onward flight.
Meal Plan {Breakfast}
9 Day Kenya Luxury Safari Samburu Laikipia Naivasha & Masai Mara Prices
9-Day Kenya Luxury Safari Samburu Laikipia Naivasha & Masai Mara Prices Include:
11 Safari Game drives + All meals included while on safari + All applicable Game Park entrance fees + Guaranteed window seating with an open-top + Safari vehicles carry cold drinks and mineral water + Finest accommodations in Samburu, Northern Laikipia Plateau, Lake Naivasha & Masai Mara + Round trip transport from Nairobi to Samburu, Northern Laikipia Plateau, Lake Naivasha & Masai Mara & Multi-lingual Professional Safari Driver Guide
| Dates From | Dates To | Price Per Person | Children Aged 2 to 12 Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st January 2023 | 31st December 2023 | Request for rates | Request for rates |
9-Day Kenya Luxury Safari Samburu Laikipia Naivasha & Masai Mara Prices Exclude:
* International Airfare
* 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 Hot Air Ballooning, Nature walks, etc
* Gratuity for Porterage/ waiters at hotels, camps, and airports
* Membership in Flying Doctors Society – Emergency air rescue
* Personal expenses such travelling 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