7 Days Masai Mara-L. Nakuru-Naivasha & Samburu Game Reserves

Brief Overview:

This safari with a difference, mixing Luxury and Adventure, takes you not only to Kenya’s leading wildlife reserves, parks and spectacularly scenic regions, but also the Northern frontier of Semi-arid habitat where we spot rare species of wildlife. It starts from Nairobi through Great Rift Valley to Masai Mara then Lake Nakuru for bird watching and Naivasha’s Hells Gate Park, where walking and cycling are permitted. The tour finally crosses the Equator line after snaking through the rich agricultural region of the Agikuyu tribe with plantations of Tea, Coffee, Maize, and Livestock. It advances to the horticultural corridor and wheat production region to the Samburu country, which is semi-arid, providing a habitat where species prevalent differ from the southern parks and reserves. It is a region with Three(3) different conservation zones separated by a river (Ewaso Ngiro) and a road (Isiolo-Marsabit).

The Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi – Masai Mara Game Reserve

Leave Nairobi in the morning for Masai Mara Game Reserve with a short stop at the viewpoint of the Great Rift Valley. Continue through Masai country via Narok town arriving at the lodge in time for lunch. After a short rest proceed for a game drive in search of black manned lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes and other plain game. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Full day in Masai Mara Game Reserve

After breakfast, proceed for a full day of game viewing in the reserve. Here the view is a captivating savannah grassland with rolling hills and spots of forests from where the name Mara(spotted) comes. The reserve has an extensive road and track network which allows for close-range viewing and photography. Lunch is picnic with wonderful views around. This allows for a visit to the Mara river to see hippo pools and crocodiles busking in the sun on the riverbanks. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.

Day 3: Masai Mara Game Reserve - Nakuru

After early breakfast at the lodge, there is an optional visit to Massai village with a short game drive enroute before departing to Nakuru with lunch on the way. You will be arriving in the late afternoon to check into your lodge and relax. Dinner and your overnight stay will be at a comfortable lodge with Wi-Fi and other services like massage, etc.

Day 4: Lake Nakuru National Park – Lake Naivasha

After an early breakfast at the lodge, proceed to the park for an extensive game drive to see Zebras, Bufalos, Rothschild Giraffes, flamingoes among other animals and birds. About 350 species have been recorded. This is also home to the black and the white rhinoceros. The park was established for birdlife and the protection of endangered species such as the rhino and the Rothschild giraffe. It’s also home to Columbus monkeys, Leopards, Lions and a variety of plains game. After lunch, drive to Naivasha arriving in the evening. Dinner and your overnight stay will be at a lodge in Naivasha.

Day 5: Lake Naivasha – Samburu Game Reserve

After an early breakfast at the lodge, proceed to Hells Gate National Park where you will have a chance to see animals either walking, driving or cycling. A visit to the Gorge is spectacular. Also of importance is The Geothermal Plant at Olkaria which generates electricity. Depart to Samburu Game Reserve passing through the rich Agricultural Kikuyu country with Tea and Coffee plantations, Mangoes, Oranges, Bananas etc. Lunch is on the way. We enter the semi-arid land of the Samburu Tribe after passing the wheat Fields, Flowers and vegetables’ greenhouses plus sheep husbandry. Dinner and overnight stay at a lodge in Samburu.

Day 6: Samburu exploration

After breakfast, explore this region with unique animal and birds’ species including the rare Long-necked antelope (Gerenuk/Giraffe Gazel), Somalian Ostrich, Grevy’s Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Common Waterbuck and many rare birds' species. Game drive is enjoyable but be prepared for the heat of the day. The climate is hot and dry most of the year. This park is popular for spotting the elusive Leopard due to less forest cover. Animals like elephants, hippos, buffalos, waterbucks, Zebras, Giraffes are frequently seen along the Ewaso ngiro or Isiolo rivers apart from the many hills and valleys. It’s also worth noting that this region has Three Conservation zones of Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba where animals roam freely. Game drives will therefore depend on the information your driver has gathered on the presence of good sightings. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 7: Samburu Game Reserve ~ Nairobi

After breakfast, leave the lodge for the last game drive and head for Nairobi. Lunch is served enroute. Arrive in Nairobi late in the afternoon, dropping off clients to their respective hotels to end the memorable safari.

Package includes:

• -Park fees

• -Transport in a customized safari vehicle

• -Accommodation in lodges mentioned during booking

• -A professional English-speaking driver/guide

• -Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)

• -Drinking water

Excluded:

• -International flights

• -Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)

• -Optional activities like Balloon, Boat ride, visit to Masai village, Nature walks

• -Tips and gratuities

• -Sodas, beers, wines and cigarettes