7-Day Masai Mara Lake Nakuru Samburu and Ol Pejeta Kenya Safari

Travelers craving a true Kenyan wildlife experience will find this 7-day safari a well-rounded, thoughtfully curated adventure. While we haven’t personally been on this exact trip, reviews and detailed itineraries reveal a journey designed for those eager to see iconic animals, stunning scenery, and vibrant birdlife—all in the comfort of a private 4×4 with an open roof for optimal viewing.

What makes this tour stand out? For starters, the chance to spot the Big Five in the Maasai Mara, the flamingos at Lake Nakuru, and rare species in Samburu and Ol Pejeta. The guides, praised for their knowledge and professionalism, help bring the wild to life. The itinerary’s mix of game drives, scenic drives across the equator, and relaxing camp stays offers a balanced, value-packed experience.

One thing to consider is the busy schedule—some days involve multiple game drives, which can be tiring but rewarding. Also, the price, around $3,695, reflects a comprehensive package that includes most expenses, but it’s worth considering if you’re after a hassle-free, all-inclusive experience.

This safari is a fantastic fit for wildlife enthusiasts, first-time safari travelers, or anyone wanting a detailed taste of Kenya’s top reserves. If you’re after a smooth, expertly guided adventure with memorable animal sightings, this trip is worth considering.

Key Points

• Wildlife in Abundance: See the Big Five, cheetahs, giraffes, and more across four top reserves.
• Expert Guides and Value: Knowledgeable guides enhance your experience, and most costs are included.
• Comfortable Transport: Travel is in private 4x4s with open roofs, ideal for game viewing.
• Variety of Landscapes: From lush lakes to rugged plains and mountain views, expect stunning scenery.
• Birdwatcher’s Paradise: Lake Nakuru offers flamingos and over 400 bird species.
• Active Days: Expect early mornings, full days of game drives, and some downtime for relaxation.

Day 1: Nairobi to Maasai Mara

The adventure kicks off with a morning pickup from your Nairobi hotel—an efficient start that gets you into the wild by lunchtime. The drive to Maasai Mara typically takes around five hours, but the scenery along the way makes the journey fly by. You’ll arrive at Zebra Plains Mara Camp, where a warm welcome and a delicious lunch await before your first game drive.

What to Expect: The Maasai Mara is renowned for its dense wildlife populations. Your afternoon game drive offers your first chance to see lions lounging in the trees, elephants moving in herds, or zebras grazing peacefully. Reviewers consistently mention the high wildlife concentration per square kilometer here, making it one of the best spots in Africa for spotting the Big Five.

Pro Tip: The guides are said to be very knowledgeable, often sharing interesting facts about animal behavior and local Maasai culture—adding a layer of depth to your game viewing.

Day 2: Full Day in Maasai Mara

This is the heart of your safari—the full day exploring the reserve. Expect early starts with game drives that can last up to eight hours. The terrain is a vast mosaic of acacia trees, open plains, and rivers, which are perfect for spotting predators like cheetahs and leopards, especially during the cooler parts of the day.

Authentic Experience: One reviewer noted, “Wildlife is found in prolific numbers and the game reserve has highest wildlife concentration per square kilometer.” The guides’ ability to locate elusive animals is frequently praised, and they often stop for photo opportunities or explaining animal habits.

Animal Spotting: Lions, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and plains game are common, with the possibility of catching a predator hunt or a lion pride resting.

Day 3: Lake Nakuru and Birdlife

After breakfast, you begin your journey northward to Lake Nakuru National Park, stopping in Narok for a quick lunch. The highlight here? The pink flamingos, with the lake hosting over 400 bird species.

What’s special: The park is also home to Rothschild’s giraffes, Black and White Rhinos, and other plains animals like waterbucks and reedbucks. The landscape varies from acacia woodland to the alkaline lake, providing a stunning backdrop for wildlife and birdwatching.

Review Insight: Visitors mention arriving at Flamingo Hill Camp to find a park teeming with flamingos, creating a picture-perfect moment. An early morning or late afternoon game drive around the lake guarantees fabulous birdwatching and animal encounters.

Day 4: Transition to Samburu

Departing after breakfast, you head further north to Samburu National Reserve on the edge of the arid northern plains. The drive itself offers a scenic change, crossing the equator, which adds a fun photo op and a sense of adventure.

Relaxation and Game Drives: Arriving at Ashnil Samburu for lunch, you’ll find the chance to unwind and enjoy the lodge’s facilities, including swimming and relaxing in the shade. But the real treat is the evening game drive, where chances are high to see reticulated giraffes, gerenuks, and waterbucks.

Authentic review: One traveler noted that the wildlife in Samburu includes species seen nowhere else in Kenya, such as Gerenuks and Grevy’s zebras, adding a unique aspect to the safari.

Day 5: Full Day in Samburu

Expect a full day of game drives—morning and late afternoon—where the guides’ local knowledge really shines. Some reviews highlight the sighting of lions, cheetahs, and elephants in their natural habitat, often in stunning light during early mornings and evenings.

Highlights: Gerenuks standing tall on the shrubs, reticulated giraffes browsing, and herds of elephants filling the plains. The guides are known for their patience and expertise, making sure you get the best chances to see these animals.

Extra: After a busy morning, you can enjoy the lodge’s pool or relax before the next game drive, making the experience both active and comfortable.

Day 6: Ol Pejeta Conservancy and Mount Kenya Views

Traveling from Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, you’ll find yourself in a sanctuary famous for its rhinos and chimpanzee sanctuary. Your afternoon game drive around the reserve offers opportunities to see endangered black and white rhinos, as well as other wildlife like elephants, lions, and waterbucks.

Accommodation: Staying at Sweetwaters Luxury Tented Camp, you’ll sleep in spacious tents built around a waterhole—an experience that feels both close to nature and indulgent.

Review Insight: Travelers appreciate the added focus on conservation and the chance to see rhinos in a well-managed environment, which is vital for endangered species.

Day 7: Return to Nairobi

The tour concludes with an early morning game drive in Ol Pejeta, giving you one last chance to see wildlife at dawn—the peaceful moment when animals are most active. After breakfast, you’ll head back to Nairobi, stopping for lunch en route.

Final thoughts: This return journey is about six hours, providing a relaxed pace after days packed with adventure. The trip ends with your choice of drop-off at your hotel, residence, or the airport.

Reviews consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and the value for money. One reviewer called it “a wonderful safari, seeing absolutely everything we wished for,” emphasizing the expertise of the guides and the well-organized nature of the tour. Others appreciated the variety of wildlife, from lions and leopards to flamingos and Gerenuks, describing the experience as “a brilliant adventure.”

A common note is that the day-to-day schedule is packed but rewarding, with early mornings and full days driving through some of Africa’s most iconic parks. The comfort of the private 4x4s with open roofs enhances game viewing and photography opportunities, making every moment count.

Pricing and Value: At $3,695.95 per person, this safari offers good value considering the inclusive nature—meals, park fees, guides, and transport are covered. For travelers eager to avoid hidden costs and manage their itinerary seamlessly, this is an attractive option.

Transportation: The private 4x4s with open roofs are a highlight, providing excellent visibility. The drives are timed to maximize animal sightings, especially during early mornings and late afternoons, which are the best times for wildlife activity.

Group Size and Flexibility: As a private tour, your group will be the only participants, allowing for personalized attention and flexibility in your schedule.

Physical Fitness: The tour is suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness, as it involves early mornings and some walking around the lodges and game parks.

This trip is perfect for first-time safari-goers eager to tick off the Big Five, bird enthusiasts wanting to see flamingos and hundreds of species, and wildlife lovers who appreciate expert guides. It also suits travelers who prefer a comfortable, all-inclusive experience that handles logistics seamlessly.

If you’re after a well-balanced mix of adventure, scenery, and comfort, this safari ticks all the boxes. It’s especially ideal for those who want to see Kenya’s top reserves without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

In a nutshell, this safari offers a thoughtfully designed journey through Kenya’s most famous parks, with knowledgeable guides, high wildlife concentration, and comfortable transport. The inclusion of diverse ecosystems—from the lush lakes of Nakuru to the arid plains of Samburu—means you’ll experience a wide variety of habitats and species.

While it’s a busy schedule, the value for money and the chance to see so much in one trip make it worthwhile for those who want a comprehensive, hassle-free adventure. The reviews highlight genuine satisfaction, especially with the guides’ expertise and the wildlife encounters.

For anyone dreaming of an unforgettable African safari, this tour provides a strong balance of adventure, comfort, and value, making it a solid choice for your Kenyan wildlife experience.

What is included in the tour price?
Most costs—such as park entrance fees, all meals, drinks during the trip, private transport in open-roof 4x4s, and services of professional guides—are included.

Are transfers offered?
Yes, transfers are included, and the tour starts with pickup from your Nairobi hotel or residence.

Can I cancel?
Yes, you can cancel up to 6 days in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than 6 days prior are not eligible for refunds.

What about accommodation?
Accommodation is provided at a variety of lodges and campsites, including luxury tents at Sweetwaters. It’s included in the price.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
The tour aims for sightings of the Big Five, cheetahs, giraffes, flamingos, rhinos, and many plains game and bird species.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not explicitly specified, the moderate physical activity and focus on wildlife viewing suggest it’s suitable for travelers with moderate fitness levels.

What are the travel times between parks?
The drive from Nairobi to Maasai Mara takes about five hours; other segments vary but are managed to maximize game viewing.

Are meals included?
Yes, all meals during the tour are included, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided throughout the trip.

What should I pack?
Prepare for early mornings and outdoor activities with comfortable clothing, binoculars, camera gear, and sun protection.

Is tips and gratuities included?
No, tips are not included, but they are customary for guides and staff if you are satisfied with the service.

This safari offers a well-planned, wildlife-rich experience that balances adventure with comfort—perfect for those looking to explore Kenya’s most famous parks with expert guidance and minimal hassle.