Duration
10 NIGHTSBest For
First-time East Africa visitors and wildlife-first travelers.Group Size
2-6 guestsAccommodation
Samburu Intrepids, Lake Nakuru Lodge, Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge, Mara Serena Safari LodgeSafari Overview
11-Day Classic Kenya Safari: Samburu, Lake Nakuru, Naivasha & Maasai Mara
11-Day Classic Kenya Safari: Samburu, Lake Nakuru, Naivasha & Maasai Mara takes you through five of Kenya's most contrasting ecosystems, from the arid north of Samburu to the lush Rift Valley lakes and the legendary Maasai Mara plains.
Experience the very best of Kenya on this 11-day safari through four of the country's most spectacular wildlife destinations.
From the rare wildlife of Samburu in northern Kenya to the flamingo-lined shores of Lake Nakuru, the tranquil waters of Lake Naivasha, and the world-famous Maasai Mara, this journey offers exceptional game viewing, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable cultural encounters.
Each park offers distinct wildlife: Samburu's specialist species, Nakuru's rhinos and flamingos, Naivasha's freshwater ecosystem, and the Mara's predator-rich savannah.
With careful pacing and comfortable lodge stays throughout, this is the definitive Kenya safari for travelers who want to see it all without feeling rushed.
Transfers: Private 4x4 safari vehicle with English-speaking driver-guide throughout
Safari Snapshot
Cover Kenya's iconic parks from Samburu and Naivasha to the Maasai Mara for a complete wildlife journey.
Safari Style
Classic Game Drives
Designed for quality sightings and unrushed pacing across key landscapes.
Trip Rhythm
10+ Nights
Balanced travel days, golden-hour game drives, and restorative lodge downtime.
Destinations
Kenya
Route sequencing built around wildlife windows and smooth overland transitions.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
A clear route plan with flexible pacing and private-guide support.
Day 1 · Nairobi
Nairobi to Samburu Game Reserve
Your safari begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Depart Nairobi and travel north through Kenya's scenic central highlands, passing coffee and tea plantations before crossing the Equator at Nanyuki. Enjoy lunch upon arrival at your lodge before heading out for your first afternoon game drive in Samburu National Reserve. Samburu is renowned for its unique wildlife species known as the Samburu Special Five: Grevy's Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Somali Ostrich, Beisa Oryx, and Gerenuk. You may also encounter elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and crocodiles along the Ewaso Nyiro River. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.
- Airport meet-and-greet
- Pre-safari briefing
Day 2 · Nairobi to Samburu
Explore Samburu National Reserve
Spend a full day exploring the reserve with morning and afternoon game drives. Arriving in time for lunch and an afternoon game drive. Samburu is home to the Samburu Special Five: Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, beisa oryx, gerenuk, and Somali ostrich.
- Scenic drive north
- Samburu Special Five
Day 3 · Samburu National Reserve
Full Day in Samburu
Enjoy another exciting day searching for wildlife and discovering different areas of the reserve. Bird enthusiasts will appreciate over 450 recorded bird species, while photographers will love the dramatic landscapes and golden light of northern Kenya. Relax at the lodge during the hottest hours before an evening game drive. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.
- Riverine wildlife
- Optional cultural visit
Day 4 · Samburu to Nakuru
Samburu to Lake Nakuru
Depart Samburu and drive south through the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park. Afternoon game drive to spot white and black rhinos, Rothschild's giraffes, and flamingos along the lake shore. Arrive in time for lunch before heading out for an afternoon game drive. Lake Nakuru is one of Kenya's premier wildlife parks and is internationally recognised for its successful rhino conservation program.
- Rift Valley scenery
- Rhino tracking
Day 5 · Nakuru to Naivasha
Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha
Enjoy an early morning game drive before breakfast for excellent wildlife viewing. Later, depart for nearby Lake Naivasha and arrive in time for lunch. Optional guided walking safari on Crescent Island among giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and wildebeest. Dinner and overnight at your lodge. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
- Flamingo colonies
- Lake Naivasha boat safari
Day 6 · Lake Naivasha
Naivasha to Maasai Mara
After breakfast, drive towards the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve. Arrive at your safari camp in time for lunch before an afternoon game drive. The Maasai Mara is home to: Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Elephants, Buffaloes, Rhinos, and hundreds of bird species. If travelling between July and October, you may witness the spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration. Dinner and overnight at your safari camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Walking safari
- Optional Hell's Gate visit
Day 7 · Maasai Mara
Explore Maasai Mara
After breakfast, enjoy a full-day game drive with a picnic lunch inside the reserve. Explore the vast plains while searching for the Big Five and numerous plains game. Visit the Mara River, where crocodiles and hippos thrive, and where the dramatic wildebeest river crossings occur during migration season. Return to camp in the evening. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Scenic Rift Valley descent
- First Mara game drive
Day 8-10 · Maasai Mara National Reserve
Maasai Mara Exploration
After breakfast, enjoy a full-day game drive with a picnic lunch inside the reserve. Explore the vast plains while searching for the Big Five and numerous plains game. Visit the Mara River, where crocodiles and hippos thrive, and where the dramatic wildebeest river crossings occur during migration season. Return to camp in the evening. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
- Big Five game drives
- Optional balloon safari
- Migration river crossings
Day 11 · Maasai Mara to Nairobi
Maasai Mara to Nairobi and Departure
After breakfast, check out and begin your return journey to Nairobi. Arrive in the afternoon and enjoy a drop-off at your hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, marking the end of your unforgettable Kenyan safari adventure.
- Final game drive
- Departure transfer
Route Map & Safari Points
Track the journey stop-by-stop. Mapbox static route rendering is enabled when your public token is set.
- 1
Day 1
Nairobi
Nairobi to Samburu Game Reserve.
- 2
Day 2-3
Explore Samburu National Reserve
Northern Kenya wilderness with rare species and riverine habitat.
- 3
Day 4-5
Samburu Game Reserve to Lake Nakuru National Park
Rhino sanctuary and flamingo-rich Rift Valley lake.
- 4
Day 6-7
Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha
Freshwater lake with boat safaris and Crescent Island walks.
- 5
Day 8-11
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Big Five country and migration corridor game drives.
What's Included
- Transport in a 4WD safari jeep
- Pick up on day one in Nairobi and drop off on the final day
- Park entry fees and conservancy charges
- All activities unless listed as optional
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Drinking water during safari days
- Services of a professional guide/driver
- Taxes and VAT
Exclusions
- Hot-air balloon rides
- Maasai village and similar optional visits
- Boat rides unless specified
- Tips and gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Best Travel Window
Seasonality
Jul - OctJan - Mar
Frequently Asked Questions
Need more clarity before you book? Start here.
Can this itinerary be customised?
Yes. We tailor pacing, lodge standards, and activities to your travel style, dates, and priorities.
Do I need special fitness for this safari?
Most game-drive itineraries are moderate. Gorilla/chimp treks require stronger mobility and we can advise accordingly.
How far in advance should I book?
For prime season travel, we recommend securing your trip 4-8 months in advance to guarantee preferred camps.
Planning Guides for This Route
Editorial notes and practical planning content relevant to this safari itinerary.
Wildlife in the Masai Mara: Beyond the Big Five
The Mara is famous for predators, but the full ecosystem covers Coke's hartebeest and common eland, Kirk's dik-dik and klipspringer, dwarf and slender mongoose, honey badger, pangolin, jackals, hyenas, baboons, and more than 450 bird species — a depth that rewards travellers who slow down beyond the Big Five.
Read GuideTsavo West Lodges and Camps: Historic Lodges, Conservancies, and Eco-Camps
Tsavo West offers a wide accommodation spread, from historic lodges like Kilaguni Serena and Hunters Lodge to mid-range tented camps such as Man-Eaters Lodge, eco-friendly H12 Kipalo Hills, and budget-conscious Sagala Lodge. This guide helps you choose by travel style and budget.
Read GuideKenya Safari Destination Overview
Kenya combines flagship wildlife, cultural depth, and easy bush-and-beach combinations across savannah, lakes, the Great Rift Valley, snow-capped Mount Kenya, and the Indian Ocean coast. This overview frames how to design a circuit that balances iconic moments with off-script depth.
Read GuidePlan Your Kenya Safari
Share your dates, pace and preferred accommodation style. We will tailor this trip to fit your exact vision.
Hear what our clients have to say
Genuine stories from travelers who experienced East Africa with Simba Paka Safaris.
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