Overview
Our Kenya Classic travels the length of the country’s wildlife heartland. Start in Samburu in the semi-arid north, where the Ewaso Nyiro River draws elephants and the “Samburu Special Five” — Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, gerenuk and Somali ostrich. Cross the Equator back south to Lake Nakuru for rhino, before finishing with three nights in the Maasai Mara.
The contrast between the red earth and doum palms of the north and the golden grasslands of the Mara makes this one of the most varied week-long safaris in East Africa.
Route
Highlights
- Samburu Special Five in the north
- Crossing the Equator
- Rhino at Lake Nakuru
- Three nights in the Maasai Mara
- Samburu and Maasai cultural visits
Activities
- Game drives
- Samburu village visit
- Riverside sundowners
- Baboon Cliff viewpoint
- Birdwatching
- Morning, afternoon and full-day game drives
- Hot-air balloon safari
- Picnic lunch at the Mara River
Day-by-day itinerary
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Day 1:
North to Samburu
SamburuYour guide collects you from your hotel in Nairobi in the morning for the drive to Samburu (about 6 hours, crossing the Equator). Travel north past the slopes of Mount Kenya and across the Equator into the dry country of Samburu. After lunch overlooking the Ewaso Nyiro River, head out to look for reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra and elephants coming to drink.
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Day 2:
Samburu Special Five
SamburuSpend the day tracking the northern specials — gerenuk standing on their hind legs to browse, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich — and watching for leopard in the riverine forest. In the afternoon, visit a Samburu community to learn about their pastoral way of life.
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Day 3:
Lake Nakuru Rhino Sanctuary
Lake NakuruAfter breakfast, continue by road from Samburu to Lake Nakuru (about 6 hours). Arrive at Lake Nakuru National Park and head out on a game drive around the lake shore, searching for white and black rhino, Rothschild's giraffe and buffalo. Stop at Baboon Cliff for sweeping views over the lake and its birdlife.
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Day 4:
Into the Maasai Mara
Maasai MaraAfter breakfast, continue by road from Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara (about 5 hours). Arrive in the Maasai Mara in time for lunch at camp. After a rest, set out on your first afternoon game drive across the open plains, looking for lion prides, grazing herds of topi and zebra, and elephant families moving towards the river as the light turns golden.
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Day 5:
Full Day in the Maasai Mara
Maasai MaraLeave early, when the predators are most active, with a packed breakfast in the vehicle. Your guide will follow the latest news on the radio — perhaps a cheetah hunting on the short-grass plains or a leopard in the riverine forest. Return to camp for lunch and a rest before an afternoon drive into a different area of the reserve.
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Day 6:
Mara River Day
Maasai MaraSpend a full day exploring towards the Mara River with a picnic lunch. In migration season you may wait near a crossing point as herds of wildebeest gather on the banks; at other times of year the river is a reliable place for hippos, huge Nile crocodiles and big herds of buffalo.
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Day 7:
Maasai Mara to Nairobi
Maasai MaraAfter an early game drive or a relaxed breakfast, travel back to Nairobi (5–6 hours), with a lunch stop on the way. On arrival you will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or your hotel.
Meals: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner.
Accommodation
This itinerary is priced with mid-range accommodation. Every property is chosen for its location, guiding and service; final properties are confirmed at booking and we can upgrade or adjust any night.
- SamburuTented lodge on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River2 nights
- Lake NakuruLodge inside the park overlooking the lake1 night
- Maasai MaraPermanent tented camp with en-suite tents near the Talek River3 nights
Meals: Full board on safari; breakfast and dinner in cities and at the beach
What's included
Included
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof and a professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Accommodation as listed (or similar, subject to availability)
- Meals as listed in the day-by-day itinerary
- All national park, reserve and conservation fees
- Arrival and departure airport transfers
- Bottled drinking water during the safari
- All government taxes and levies
- 24-hour in-country support from our Nairobi office
Not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Comprehensive travel insurance (required)
- Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
- Drinks other than drinking water, unless stated
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls and souvenirs
- Optional hot-air balloon flight (currently from around USD 450–600 per person)
Travel information
Best time to travel
July to October for the Great Migration and river crossings; January to March for dry, quieter game viewing with good predator action. April and May are wetter but green, peaceful and good value.
What to pack
- Neutral-coloured, lightweight clothing (khaki, olive, beige)
- A warm fleece or jacket for early mornings and evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
- Binoculars and a camera with spare batteries and memory cards
- Insect repellent and personal medication
- A soft-sided bag rather than a hard suitcase
Experiences on this safari
Frequently asked questions
Is this a private safari?
Yes. This itinerary runs privately for your own group, with your own vehicle and guide. It can start on any date, and we can adjust the route, pace and accommodation to suit you.
What does the price include?
The guide price from USD 2,450 per person is based on two people sharing mid-range accommodation in the low season. It includes accommodation, the meals and activities listed, park fees and transfers. Prices vary by season and group size; we confirm an exact quote when you enquire.
When can I see a river crossing?
Crossings most often happen between late July and early October, but the herds move with the rain, so no date can be guaranteed. Spending at least three nights in the Mara gives you the best chance.
Gallery
Open image: Dry-country landscape of Samburu National Reserve
Open image: African elephants in the Maasai Mara
Open image: Lesser flamingos on Lake Nakuru, Kenya
Open image: Masai giraffe in the Serengeti
Open image: Lion pride resting in the Maasai Mara
Open image: Open savanna of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Open image: Wildebeest crossing the Mara River during the Great MigrationEnquire about this safari
Every date is available on request. Tell us when you would like to travel and we will send a tailored quote — adjustments welcome.
