8 Days Kenya Luxury Rare Wildlife, Rhinos, Hippos and Big Cats Safari

Your guide will collect you from Nairobi and begin the journey north through central highland farms, towns and changing landscapes. Lunch, refreshment and comfort stops will be arranged along the route. The scenery becomes drier and more dramatic as you approach Samburu. After lodge check-in and a short rest, an introductory wildlife drive may be included when arrival time permits.

Distance: Approximately 310–340 km
Driving Time: Approximately 5½–7 hours
Safari Time: Approximately 1½–2½ hours when arrival permits
Main Attractions: Northern landscapes, elephants, giraffes and first wildlife encounters
Scenery & Habitat: Highland farmland, rocky hills, dry plains and riverine vegetation

Destination:

SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE

Overnight:

Elephant Bedroom Camp

  premium luxury 5 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Lunch, Dinner

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After breakfast, you will explore Samburu’s plains, rocky habitats and Ewaso Nyiro River environment. Possible sightings include reticulated giraffes, Grevy’s zebras, gerenuks, Beisa oryx, Somali ostriches, elephants, lions and leopards. A picnic lunch or lodge-based break will be arranged according to accommodation location. Your guide will select productive areas based on wildlife movement, water availability and road conditions.

Distance: Approximately 50–90 km inside the reserve
Driving Time: Wildlife viewing throughout the day
Safari Time: Approximately 7–9 hours
Main Attractions: Rare northern species, elephants, predators and river wildlife
Scenery & Habitat: Semi-arid plains, rocky outcrops, acacia scrub and riverine forest

Destination:

SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE

Overnight:

Elephant Bedroom Camp

  premium luxury 5 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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After breakfast and check-out, a short wildlife drive may be included when timing and entry validity permit. You will then travel toward Lake Nakuru through changing northern and highland landscapes. Lunch and comfort stops will be arranged before arrival at your luxury accommodation. The afternoon is normally reserved for check-in and relaxation after the long transfer.

Distance: Samburu activity approximately 15–30 km; transfer approximately 275–300 km
Driving Time: Approximately 5½–6½ hours
Safari Time: Approximately 1–2 hours when permitted
Main Attractions: Final northern wildlife and changing Rift Valley scenery
Scenery & Habitat: Semi-arid country, ranchland, farms, valleys and woodland

Destination:

SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE

Overnight:

Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge

  premium luxury 5 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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After breakfast, you will begin a three-to-four-hour Lake Nakuru wildlife drive. Possible sightings include white or black rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, buffaloes, baboons, zebras, waterbucks and birds. After the activity, you will return for check-out and lunch before travelling to Lake Naivasha. An optional evening boat activity may be included depending on arrival time and the confirmed package.

Distance: Lake Nakuru drive approximately 25–50 km; Nakuru to Naivasha approximately 85–100 km
Driving Time: Transfer approximately 1½–2½ hours
Safari Time: Lake Nakuru approximately 3–4 hours
Main Attractions: Rhinos, giraffes, buffaloes, birds and freshwater scenery
Scenery & Habitat: Woodland, grassland, lakeshore and papyrus margins

Destination:

LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK

Overnight:

Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort

  premium luxury 5 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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The morning may include a boat safari when included in the package. Possible sightings include hippos, African fish eagles, pelicans, cormorants and kingfishers. After returning to the lodge, you will check out and travel to the Maasai Mara through farmland, rolling hills and Maasai country. Lunch and comfort stops will be arranged before your late-afternoon arrival.

Distance: Approximately 195–230 km
Driving Time: Approximately 4½–6 hours
Activity Time: Boat safari approximately 1–1½ hours when included
Main Attractions: Hippos, fish eagles, lake scenery and Maasai landscapes
Scenery & Habitat: Freshwater lake, farmland, rolling hills and savannah

Destination:

LAKE NAIVASHA NATIONAL PARK

Overnight:

Mara Serena Safari Lodge

  premium luxury 5 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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After breakfast, you will leave with a picnic lunch for a complete wildlife day. Possible sightings include lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hyenas, wildebeest and zebras. River environments may provide hippos, crocodiles and birds. The guide will select routes according to current wildlife movement, weather and road access.

Distance: Approximately 60–100 km inside the reserve
Driving Time: Wildlife viewing throughout the day
Safari Time: Approximately 7–9 hours
Main Attractions: Lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants and grazing herds
Scenery & Habitat: Open plains, woodland, riverbanks and seasonal marshes

Destination:

MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE

Overnight:

Mara Serena Safari Lodge

  premium luxury 5 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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The second full day allows you to explore additional wildlife habitats or search for animals missed during Day 6. Possible attractions include leopards, lions, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, jackals, vultures and waterbirds. The additional time improves flexibility because wildlife movement and weather can change from one day to another. Lunch may be carried as a picnic or enjoyed at the lodge depending on the agreed programme.

Distance: Approximately 50–100 km inside the reserve
Driving Time: Wildlife viewing throughout the activity
Safari Time: Approximately 7–9 hours
Main Attractions: River wildlife, predators, elephants, scavengers and birds
Scenery & Habitat: Riverbanks, grasslands, woodland and scenic viewpoints

Destination:

MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE

Overnight:

Mara Serena Safari Lodge

  premium luxury 5 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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After breakfast and check-out, you will travel to Nairobi. Wildlife may be observed naturally while leaving the reserve, although the day does not include a formal extended game drive unless specifically confirmed. Lunch, refreshments and comfort stops will be arranged before drop-off at your hotel, residence or airport.

Distance: Approximately 260–280 km
Driving Time: Approximately 5–6 hours
Activity Time: Scenic road transfer
Main Attractions: Maasai landscapes, Rift Valley scenery and final wildlife memories
Scenery & Habitat: Savannah, pastoral land, agricultural highlands and escarpments