Nairobi – Lake Naivasha – Ol Pejeta – Samburu – Masai Mara – Nairobi
This 11-day Kenya safari begins and ends in Nairobi, offering an unforgettable journey through some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife regions. Experience close encounters with the “Big 5” and witness the spectacular Great Migration in the Masai Mara (seasonal).
Visit Lake Naivasha for scenic landscapes and family-friendly activities, explore the renowned Ol Pejeta Conservancy with its rhino population and chimpanzee sanctuary, and discover the remote beauty of Samburu National Reserve, home to the unique “Special 5.”
With a mix of game drives, cultural experiences, and comfortable lodges, this tour provides a well-rounded and immersive safari adventure.
Climate
Kenya’s climate is generally warm and pleasant, with regional variations depending on altitude. Daytime temperatures typically range between 20°C and 30°C (68°F to 86°F), while evenings and early mornings can be cooler, especially in higher areas like the Masai Mara and Samburu.
The country has two rainy seasons (March–May and October–December), while the dry seasons offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities. Overall, the climate is suitable for safaris year-round, with sunny days and cooler nights, so layered clothing is recommended.
Cuisine
Kenyan cuisine is diverse and influenced by local traditions as well as Indian and colonial heritage. Meals on safari often include a mix of international and local dishes. Popular foods include grilled meats (nyama choma), stews, fresh vegetables, rice, and ugali (a maize-based staple). Lodges and camps typically offer buffet-style meals with a variety of options. Fresh fruits are widely available, and meals are often enjoyed in scenic settings, enhancing the overall safari experience.
Transport
Transportation during this safari is well-organized and designed for comfort and optimal wildlife viewing. Travel between parks is primarily by 4WD safari vehicles, ideal for navigating rough terrain and providing excellent visibility during game drives. A light aircraft flight is included between Samburu/Masai Mara sectors (depending on routing), significantly reducing travel time and offering scenic aerial views of Kenya’s landscapes. Professional driver-guides accompany guests throughout, ensuring safety and expert knowledge during the journey.
Additional information
Group size: Min 2 guests
Departure details: Daily departures subject to availability
3 Hours Before Flight Time
Guests arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport are met by our representative and transferred to their hotel. The day is spent at leisure.
Overnight at House of Waine or similar
Meal: Breakfast
Guests depart after breakfast for the Giraffe Centre and the David Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage via Nairobi’s suburbs. Guests have the opportunity to interact with and learn more about orphaned elephant and rhino.
The Giraffe Centre gives guests the opportunity to see and feed the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe. Guests take lunch at a city restaurant before departing for the Great Rift Valley. The Great Rift Valley Lodge which is perched above Lake Naivasha enjoying the sweeping floor of the world’s largest valley.
The following day, guests spend a full day at Lake Naivasha and enjoy activities on offer. Children are invited to participate in organised activities including a bird walk, planting of trees to aid afforestation and a talk on the contribution of birds to the ecosystem. Lunch is served at the lodge. Children are offered a free golf lesson in the afternoon on one of Africa’s most impressive golf courses.
Overnight at Great Rift Valley Lodge or similar
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
After breakfast the tour departs for the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. This conservancy is considered by many to be the leading conservancy in
Kenya, if not all of Africa.
The conservancy is home to black and white rhino, large predators, and has the only chimpanzee sanctuary in the country. The main areas, which were once the ranch manager’s house, retain an old world charm with floor-to- ceiling windows in the dining room that face the sprawling plains. The afternoon game drive is not to be missed.
Overnight at Sweetwaters Tented Camp or similar
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
After breakfast, guests spend another day at Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
From a working cattle ranch in colonial Kenya, to a trailblazer of conservation innovation, the story of Ol Pejeta is as enchanting as it is inspirational. It has some of the highest predator densities in Kenya, and still manages a very successful livestock programme.
Ol Pejeta also seeks to support the people living around its borders, to ensure wildlife conservation translates to better education, healthcare and infrastructure for the next generation of wildlife guardians. Activities of the day include a visit to the Morani Centre.
Overnight at Sweetwaters Tented Camp or similar
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
After breakfast, guests depart for Samburu Intrepids in the Samburu National Reserve.
Rugged and remote, Samburu hosts the ‘Special 5’ – Gerenuk antelope, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and Grevy’s zebra. Guests enjoy a morning and an afternoon game drive with an expert guide from the Samburu tribe.
Overnight at Samburu Intrepids Camp or similar.
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Guests spend a full day exploring the Samburu National Reserve, which was made famous by Joy and George Adamson and the story about Elsa the lioness in “Born Free”.
Guests enjoy a morning and afternoon game drive and children are invited to participate in organised activities. The Samburu Intrepids Camp has private views over the wildlife-rich banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River.
Overnight at Samburu Intrepids Camp or similar
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The tour departs on a scheduled flight for Mara Intrepids Camp or similar in the Masai Mara National Reserve. The camp is perfectly positioned on the Talek River for the wildebeest migration (August-October).
At other times of the year, Mara Intrepids offers some of the finest ‘Big 5’ sightings in the Mara. Guests enjoy an afternoon game drive.
Overnight at Mara Intrepids Camp or similar
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
An early-morning hot-air balloon flight with a champagne-style breakfast included is an optional way to start your morning.
Guests embark on an early morning game drive before returning to the lodge to spend the midday heat at leisure. The cooler hours, in the early morning and the late afternoon, provide the best game viewing opportunities.
Overnight at Mara Intrepids Camp or similar
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Guests depart for Nairobi after breakfast, arriving at noon and for drop-off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or a city hotel.
Guests extending their stay board a flight to Lamu
Meal: Breakfast
