7 Day Kenya Safari Samburu Ol Pejeta Nakuru & Masai Mara from Nairobi
This affordable 7-Day road safari takes you on the journey of a lifetime to four of the best game-viewing areas in Kenya – Samburu National Reserve, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Lake Nakuru National Park and the Masai Mara National Reserve.
Beginning and ending in Nairobi, you will be in the capable hands of a highly experienced and trained private driver guide who will introduce you to some of the greatest natural wonders of Kenya.
Depart Nairobi by road in a 4×4 safari vehicle, driving north to the Samburu National Reserve situated along the Ewaso Ng’iro River. The river attracts and supports the wildlife of Samburu in this otherwise arid part of Kenya.
During our game drives, we may come across lions, cheetahs and leopards, and are likely to see elephants, hippos, buffalos, Grevy’s zebras, oryx, giraffes, gerenuks and wild dogs.
The park is also rich in birdlife, hosting over 350 species. Samburu is one of the two areas where Elsa the lioness, of Born Free fame, was raised by George and Joy Adamson. Another highlight is encountering the traditional Samburu people, whose indigenous culture still follows ancient practices.
The Sweetwaters/Ol Pejeta Conservancy is our next stop on safari, located in the foothills of the Aberdare Mountains and Mount Kenya in north-central Kenya.
Ol Pejeta covers 90 000 acres (360 km²) of wilderness and is one of Africa’s rhino strongholds, hosting one of the largest and fastest-growing rhino populations. This wildlife conservancy is home to the Big Five of Africa, a high density of predators, and Kenya’s only chimpanzee sanctuary.
The journey continues to the scenic Lake Nakuru National Park, originally established as a bird sanctuary. When water levels are high enough, massive flocks of flamingos have been known to gather at Lake Nakuru.
Highlights on our 4×4 game drive may include sightings of tree-climbing lions and both black and white rhinos, for which the reserve is better known today. Commonly sighted animals include giraffes, baboons, zebras, buffalos, antelopes, and hippos, with rare sightings of leopards.
Then the time has come to explore 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 embark on morning and afternoon 4×4 adventures in this Big Five Mecca, where we may see herds of wildebeest, elephants, zebras, and antelopes, along with prides of lions, coalitions of cheetahs, a crash of rhinos, and lone leopards.
After 2 nights in the Masai Mara, we journey back to the bustling city of Nairobi and get dropped off at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or at your city hotel.
7 Day Kenya Safari Samburu Ol Pejeta Nakuru & Masai Mara Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve
0730 Hours – Pick-up from your Nairobi hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
0800 Hours – 1300 Hours – Drive from Nairobi via Mount Kenya to Samburu (approx. 5 – 6 hours via the Nanyuki-Isiolo route)
1300 Hours – 1500 Hours – Arrive, check into your lodge (e.g., Samburu Sopa Lodge or Elephant Bedroom Camp), and enjoy lunch
1530 Hours – 1830 Hours – Afternoon game drive along the Ewaso Nyiro River to spot the “Samburu Special Five”: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx
Day 2: Full-Day in Samburu
0630 Hours – 0930 Hours – Early morning game drive (best time to catch predators hunting before the heat sets in)
0930 Hours – 1100Hours – Return to the camp for a full breakfast and mid-morning relaxation
1230 Hours – 1430 Hours – Lunch at the lodge
1530 Hours – 1800 Hours – Late afternoon game drive to explore the rugged, semi-arid landscapes and riverine forests
Day 3: Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
0730 Hours – 0900 Hours – Early breakfast and check-out
0900 Hours – 1200 Hours – Drive via Nanyuki to Ol Pejeta Conservancy (approx. 3 hours)
1230 Hours – 1430 Hours – Check-in at Sweetwaters Tented Camp or Serena Sweetwaters, followed by lunch
1530 Hours – 1800 Hours – Afternoon game drive. Visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary and track the endangered black and white rhinos
Day 4: Ol Pejeta to Lake Nakuru National Park
0630 Hours – 0900 Hours – Early morning game drive to catch the dawn glow over Mount Kenya
0900 Hours – 1100 Hours – Breakfast and check-out
1100 Hours – 1500 Hours – Drive south to Lake Nakuru National Park (approx. 3.5 to 4 hours, driving past the Rift Valley viewpoints)
1530 Hours – 1830 Hours – Enter the park for an afternoon game drive. Look out for the pink flamingos, Rothschild’s giraffes, and the rhino sanctuary
Day 5: Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara National Reserve
0700 Hours – 0900 Hours – Breakfast and check-out.
0900 Hours – 1430 Hours – Drive to the world-famous Maasai Mara (approx. $5 – 6 hours). You will drive through the Great Rift Valley and Narok town
1430 Hours – 1530 Hours – Check in at a Mara camp (e.g., Mara Serena, Ashnil Mara, or Basecamp) and eat lunch
1600 Hours – 1830 Hours – Late afternoon game drive into the vast Mara plains, famous for big cat sightings
Day 6: Full-Day in Maasai Mara
0630 Hours – 1130 Hours – Embark on an extensive morning game drive. Many choose to pack a picnic lunch to stay out deeper in the reserve
1430 Hours – 1600 Hours – Relax at the camp or take an optional cultural tour of a traditional Maasai Manyatta (village)
1630 Hours – 1830 Hours – Late afternoon game drive. Optional activity: Book an early-morning Hot Air Balloon Safari, followed by a champagne bush breakfast
Day 7: Maasai Mara to Nairobi
0630 Hours – 0830 Hours – Final early morning game drive to catch the sunrise over the savannah
0830 Hours – 1000 Hours – Breakfast and check-out
1000 Hours – 1600 Hours – Depart for Nairobi via a comfortable 5-6 hour road transfer. Stop at the Rift Valley viewpoint for souvenirs. Drop-off in Nairobi city or at JKIA for your departure flight
7 Day Kenya Safari Samburu Ol Pejeta Nakuru Masai Mara Route
| Day | Route | Highlights | Approximate Drive Time | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Nairobi → Samburu | Cross the equator, enter the arid northern reserves | 5.5 – 6 hours (from Nairobi) | Samburu Sopa, Ashnil Samburu |
| Day 2 | Samburu National Reserve | Seek the “Big Five” (Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk) | N/A (Full day game drives) | Samburu Sopa, Ashnil Samburu |
| Day 3 | Samburu → Ol Pejeta | Drive past Mt. Kenya to the conservancy; visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary | 3 hours | Sweetwaters Serena Tented Camp |
| Day 4 | Ol Pejeta → Lake Nakuru | Descend the Rift Valley. See flamingos, rhinos, and leopards in the forest | 4 – 5 hours | Sarova Lion Hill, The Cliff |
| Day 5 | Lake Nakuru → Masai Mara | Ascend the escarpment and drive into the sweeping savannah of the Mara | 5 – 6 hours | Mara Serena, Ashnil Mara |
| Day 6 | Masai Mara National Reserve | Full-day exploration seeking the Big Five and the Great Migration (July–October) | N/A (Full day game drives) | Mara Serena, Ashnil Mara |
| Day 7 | Masai Mara → Nairobi | Final early morning game drive followed by the return drive to Nairobi for departure | 5 – 6 hours | N/A (Departure) |
Safari Itinerary in Summary
Day 1: Nairobi – Drive to Samburu Game Reserve
Day 2: Samburu Game Reserve
Day 3: Samburu – Drive to Sweetwaters/ Olpejeta Conservancy
Day 4: Sweetwaters/ Ol Pejeta – Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park
Day 5: Lake Nakuru – Drive to the Masai Mara Game Reserve
Day 6: Explore Masai Mara Game Reserve
Day 7: Masai Mara – Drive to Nairobi
Safari Itinerary in Detail
Day 1: Nairobi – Drive to Samburu Game Reserve
Breakfast at the hotel, then we hit the road in our 4×4 safari vehicle, driving north to the Samburu National Reserve. Our long drive takes us through rural farmlands to the remote Samburu County. We arrive at our camp/ lodge in time for lunch, with some free time to settle in and unwind by the pool.
Then we embark on our first 4×4 game drive in Samburu National Reserve, situated along the Ewaso Ng’iro River. The river attracts and supports the wildlife of Samburu in this otherwise arid part of Kenya.
We drive through the park in our pop-up roof safari vehicle, taking in the grasslands, river forests, and acacia trees while searching for wildlife.
Overnight Accommodation: Samburu Sopa or Samburu Intrepids Camp
Meal Plan {Lunch & Dinner}
Day 2: Samburu Game Reserve
Today we enjoy rewarding 4×4 game drives in Samburu National Park. We take early- and mid-morning game drives, have lunch at the camp/lodge, and relax before our afternoon game drive.We may come across lions, cheetahs, and leopards, and are likely to see elephants, hippos, and buffalo. Grevy’s zebras, oryx, giraffes, gerenuks, other antelopes and wild dogs are also found in Samburu.
The park is also rich in birdlife, hosting over 350 species. Samburu is one of the two areas where Elsa the lioness, of Born Free fame, was raised by George and Joy Adamson.
Another highlight is encountering the traditional Samburu people, whose indigenous culture still follows ancient practices.
Overnight Accommodation: Samburu Sopa or Samburu Intrepids Camp
Meal Plan {Lunch & Dinner}
Day 3: Samburu – Drive to Sweetwaters Game Sanctuary
Today we wake up bright and early, have breakfast, and leave camp/lodge to transfer to our next safari camp/lodge, located inside the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. The largest rhino sanctuary in East Africa, Ol Pejeta covers 90 000 acres (360 km²) of wilderness in the foothills of the Aberdare Mountains and Mount Kenya in north-central Kenya.
Reaching the safari camp, we settle in, have lunch and relax. Then it is time for afternoon tea, followed by our first game-viewing activity in Ol Pejeta. We set off on a game drive with an expert guide, searching for wildlife in an open-sided 4×4 safari vehicle.
The Ol Pejeta Conservancy is one of Africa’s rhino strongholds, hosting one of the largest and fastest-growing rhino populations. The wildlife conservancy is home to the Big Five of Africa, a high density of predators, and Kenya’s only chimpanzee sanctuary.
Overnight Accommodation: Sweetwaters Tented Camp or Porini Camp or Ol Pejeta Lodge
Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}
Day 4: Sweetwaters – Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park
This morning, we leave Sweetwaters after breakfast and head for Lake Nakuru National Park. We arrive at a camp in good time for lunch and, after a refreshing stop, head out for an afternoon game drive.
Lake Nakuru, a soda lake on the floor of the Great Rift Valley, is rich in bird life and home to over 400 different species. Its claim to fame, however, is its large flocks of flamingos.
The sight of millions of flamingoes making the lake appear ringed in pink is spectacular. In addition to its abundant bird life, it is an important haven for the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe and both black and white rhinos.
Lake Nakuru is rich in wildlife, giving you and your family the chance to spot lions, waterbuck, buffalo, baboons, and much more.
Overnight Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Lodge or Sarova Lion Hill Lodge
Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}
Day 5: Lake Nakuru – Drive to the Masai Mara Game Reserve
After breakfast at the lodge/ camp, we set off for the world-famous Masai Mara National Park. Traveling via the scenic Great Rift Valley, we arrive in time for lunch at the camp/ lodge where you will settle in and relax before the afternoon game drive.
The iconic Masai Mara National Reserve is the backdrop for an unbelievably full afternoon game drive. Welcome to the great plains of Africa! The Masai Mara is an unfenced wilderness area that spans more than 1,500 square kilometers.
The reserve is home to the most famous East African tribe, the Masai, whom you will see along the roadside herding cattle in their red robes. Mara is home to herds of wildebeest, zebras, and other antelope, as well as giraffes and buffalo.
There are plenty of predators, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas. We stay out until dusk when the animals are at their most active.
Overnight Accommodation: Sarova Tented Camp or Siana Tented Camp or Mara Simba Lodge
Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}
Day 6: Explore Masai Mara Game Reserve
Today, spend a full day exploring the Maasai Mara National Park in search of the Big Five of Africa. From July to October, you may also see the spectacular annual wildebeest migration. There is an option to take an unforgettable hot-air balloon safari.
Dinner is served back at the well-equipped camp, where we spend the evening telling tales around the campfire and gazing at the stars.
The famous Masai Mara Game Reserve is Kenya’s most popular and most visited game sanctuary. It was used as the location of the well-known film ‘Out of Africa’ because of its spectacular scenery and outstanding natural beauty. Mara is home to a wide variety of plains wildlife, from wildebeest and zebras to lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.
From July to August, the park hosts one of nature’s truly great events. 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 Maasai Mara National Park.
It is awash with high drama. Crocodiles lurk in the river, and lions and other predators lie in ambush in the long grass. In addition to the unforgettable game experience, about 452 bird species have been recorded in the park.
Overnight Accommodation: Sarova Tented Camp or Siana Tented Camp or Mara Simba Lodge
Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}
Day 7: Masai Mara – Drive to Nairobi
After a leisurely breakfast, we exit the park and drive back to Nairobi, arriving in time for lunch. In the afternoon, we visit the Giraffe Center where we have the chance to feed the giraffes by hand – a favorite with the children.
In the evening, we enjoy dinner at the renowned Carnivore restaurant where your safari comes to a close.
Meal Plan {Breakfast}
7 Days Kenya Samburu Ol Pejeta Nakuru Mara Road Safari Prices
7 Day Kenya Safari Samburu Ol Pejeta Nakuru & Masai Mara Prices Include
✓ Game drives
✓ All meals included while on safari
✓ All applicable Game Park entrance fees
✓ Guaranteed window seating with open top
✓ Safari vehicles carry cold drinks and mineral water
✓ Guaranteed departures for two or more passengers booking this safari
✓ Finest accommodations in Samburu, Sweetwaters, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara
✓ Round trip transport from Nairobi to Samburu, Sweetwaters, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara & Multi-lingual Professional Safari Driver Guide
| 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 |
7 Day Kenya Safari Samburu Ol Pejeta Nakuru & Masai Mara Prices Exclude
✗ International Airfare
✗ Accommodation 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
✗ Gratuity for Porterage/ waiters at hotels, camps, and airports
✗ Membership in Flying Doctors Society – Emergency air rescue
✗ Optional Hot Air Ballooning (cost per person is 500 US Dollars), Nature walks, etc
✗ 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 7 Day Kenya Safari Samburu Ol Pejeta Nakuru & Masai Mara Contact
Mobile: + 254-721-242-711
WhatsApp: +254-721-242-711
Reservations: +254 718-179-967
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://africanspicesafaris.com