6-Day Samburu, Lake Nakuru, and Masai Mara Safari

Travel enthusiasts often dream of exploring Kenya’s legendary landscapes and spotting Africa’s Big Five. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, reviews and detailed itineraries give us a clear picture of what to expect. This 6-day safari offers a well-rounded mix of wildlife viewing, relaxation, and cultural experiences, making it a compelling choice for those eager to see Kenya’s most famous parks without breaking the bank.

What we love about this experience is the inclusion of all park fees, which means no surprises at entrance gates, the open-roof safari vehicle for perfect wildlife sightings, and the blend of game drives with downtime at comfortable lodges. One thing to consider is the long driving hours—up to 10 hours on some days—which could be tiring for travelers seeking a more leisurely pace. This tour suits those who enjoy adventure, wildlife photography, and discovering authentic local culture.

Key Points

• All park fees included—no extra costs at gates, simplifying the experience
• Open-roof vehicle design ensures great wildlife viewing opportunities
• Varied scenery and wildlife across Samburu, Nakuru, and Masai Mara
• Luxury lodge stays with meals included for comfort and convenience
• Cultural experiences available with optional Maasai village visits
• Ideal for active travelers comfortable with long game drives and some driving time

The Itinerary Breakdown

Day 1: Into Samburu National Reserve

Starting from Nairobi, you’ll travel approximately 6 hours south through central Kenya’s highlands to reach Ashnil Aruba Lodge in time for lunch. As the first stop, Samburu offers an intriguing landscape distinct from the southern parks—think rugged terrain, acacia trees, and the chance to spot rare species like the Samburu Special Five: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, and gerenuk.

Your first game drive in the late afternoon is your introduction to the park’s wildlife. Reviewers have praised guides like John, who is noted for punctuality and enthusiasm, making the game drives especially engaging. The Samburu area is also known for Kamunyak, a lioness famous for adopting oryx calves—something that adds a touch of unique storytelling to your trip.

Day 2: More in Samburu

Expect an early start with a morning game drive, which is often the best time for animal sightings—the cooler temperatures mean more active wildlife. After breakfast, you’ll have time to relax at the lodge or enjoy a swim, a much-appreciated break after energetic game drives. Around late afternoon, another drive will reveal the park’s serenity as the sun dips, with animals coming out to forage in the twilight.

From reviews, guides like John go beyond just spotting animals; they share insights about animal behavior, adding depth to your experience. The long hours—up to 10—are demanding but rewarding if you’re eager to maximize sightings.

Day 3: Journey to Lake Nakuru

The drive from Samburu to Nakuru takes around 4-5 hours, with a stop at Nyahururu for lunch. The journey itself offers picturesque views of rolling hills and farmland. Upon arrival at Flamingo Hill Camp, you’ll check in for an evening game drive.

Lake Nakuru is renowned for its flamingo populations and the chance to see pink-hued shores. Reviewers mention how the landscape shifts from the dry, rocky terrain of Samburu to the lush, bird-filled lake area, providing a variety of scenery. The park’s reputation for flamingos and rhinos makes it a must-see stop.

Day 4: To the Maasai Mara

After an early breakfast, the drive to Maasai Mara takes about 3-4 hours, with an optional stop at Lake Naivasha—a lush freshwater lake known for hippos and birdlife. Arriving at Zebra Plains Mara Camp, you’ll enjoy lunch and some downtime before an evening game drive.

This part of the tour is highly praised for the diversity of wildlife—you might see predators stalking prey, large herds of herbivores, and perhaps even the elusive cheetah or leopard. The guides are often lauded for their knowledge, with some reviewers noting special sightings thanks to their expertise.

Day 5: The Maasai Mara’s Wild Heart

A full day in Maasai Mara is truly the highlight. Expect early mornings and long, rewarding drives focusing on predators—lions, cheetahs, and leopards. The terrain makes for excellent wildlife photography, and the high concentration of animals ensures plenty of sightings.

Plus, there’s an optional visit to a Maasai village, offering a glimpse into local culture, music, and traditions. Reviewers mention that guides often help facilitate these cultural stops, making them meaningful rather than just touristy.

Day 6: Return to Nairobi

Your final morning game drive offers one last chance to see the park’s wildlife. After breakfast, departure from Maasai Mara is followed by a drive back to Nairobi, approximately 6 hours. En route, you can stop for lunch and a brief visit to a souvenir market if time permits.

This journey wraps up a well-paced safari that balances wildlife encounters with comfortable lodge stays and cultural options. It’s ideal for those who value seeing the Big Five and enjoy a mix of adventure and relaxation.

Practical Details and Insights

Transportation & Vehicle

Traveling in a private 4×4 safari jeep with an open roof makes a real difference. Reviewers consistently praise the vehicle design for unobstructed views, especially during early morning or late afternoon drives when animals are most active. The group size is kept intimate, and the vehicle’s space allows for comfortable photography and viewing.

Accommodation & Meals

The tour includes lodges and camp stays that are described as well-located with good access to wildlife viewing. Included meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—are convenient, allowing you to focus on wildlife rather than logistics. Reviewers appreciated the consistency of good food and the relaxing atmosphere after long days in the park.

Guides & Service

Many reviewers highlight guides like John and Peter for their local expertise, patience, and storytelling—adding a layer of depth to the game drives. Their knowledge of animal behavior and park history enhances the overall experience.

Price & Value

At roughly $2,878.58 per person, this safari offers good value given the inclusions: park fees, all transfers, accommodation, meals, and emergency cover. Some reviewers underscored how the inclusive nature of the fees and the quality of lodges make this package appealing for the price point.

What to Keep in Mind

The tour involves some long days, with driving times up to 10 hours when including transfers and game drives. This suits active travelers comfortable with a busy schedule. Also, the optional Maasai village visit is a cultural highlight, but it’s not included in the base price.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This safari is ideal for travelers wanting a comprehensive Kenyan wildlife experience without the hassle of planning every detail. Nature lovers who enjoy early mornings and long game drives will find it rewarding. It’s also suited for those interested in cultural encounters, with optional Maasai village visits adding a meaningful dimension.

Given the balanced mix of wildlife, scenery, and comfort, this tour is perfect for adventure seekers, wildlife photographers, and families looking for a memorable safari in a relatively short timeframe.

Final Thoughts

This 6-day safari offers a strong balance of wildlife encounters, scenic beauty, and cultural experiences, all at a price that includes most costs upfront. The inclusion of park fees, good-quality lodges, and guided game drives make it an accessible option for those wanting to see Kenya’s highlights without the stress of logistics.

While the long days may be tiring, the chances to spot iconic animals like lions, elephants, and cheetahs make it worthwhile. The guides’ local knowledge and the quality of the vehicles ensure you get great views and memorable moments.

For anyone after an authentic and value-packed Kenyan safari, this tour ticks many boxes. If you’re prepared for some long drives and keen to explore multiple parks, you’ll come away with stories to tell for years.

FAQ

How many days does the safari last?
It spans 6 days, with a detailed itinerary covering Samburu, Lake Nakuru, and Maasai Mara.

Are all park entrance fees included?
Yes, the tour covers all park fees, so you won’t have to pay extra upon arrival at each park.

What type of vehicle is used for game drives?
A private 4×4 safari jeep with an open roof, designed for optimal wildlife viewing and photography.

Does the tour include meals?
Yes, all meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—are included during the trip.

Is accommodation provided?
Yes, your stay is at comfortable game lodges or camps, with included access to wildlife and scenic views.

Can I visit a Maasai village?
Yes, there’s an optional visit to a Maasai community, which is a culturally enriching experience.

What is the best time to go?
While not specified, the itinerary is suitable year-round, but consider local weather and animal migration patterns for optimal wildlife sightings.

Are transfers from Nairobi included?
Yes, pickups and drops-off at Nairobi hotels are part of the package.

Is this tour suitable for children or those with limited mobility?
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level, and long driving hours might be tiring for very young children or mobility-affected individuals.

In essence, this safari offers a well-rounded taste of Kenya’s wilderness, with plenty of opportunities for incredible wildlife sightings, cultural insights, and comfortable stays. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned safari-goer, it packs a lot of adventure into six days.