7 Days Best of Kenya Safari

Your adventure begins as you travel north from Nairobi, entering Kenya’s untamed frontier. The lush highlands give way to dry plains as you approach the Equator. At Samburu National Reserve, the Ewaso Ng’iro River creates a rich habitat for wildlife.

During your afternoon game drive, you’ll encounter the “Samburu Special Five”—unique species found only in this region. Spot reticulated giraffes against the red earth, Grevy’s zebras with their fine stripes, and the colorful Somali ostrich. If you’re lucky, you might see a gerenuk on its hind legs or a Beisa oryx with its straight horns. As the sun sets, you’ll understand why Samburu is cherished by those seeking a true wilderness experience.

Dawn in Samburu is magical, with light that photographers deem Kenya’s most photogenic. Every game drive showcases wonders, from elephant herds drinking at the Ewaso Ng’iro to lounging lions under doum palms and leopards resting in riverine forests. Your expert guide navigates this unique ecosystem, tracking prints and interpreting bird calls for unforgettable encounters.

The cultural heritage is rich; visit a traditional Samburu village where warriors in vibrant red shukas share their semi-nomadic lifestyle, reflecting deep insights into resilience and adaptation.

Journey south through the Laikipia Plateau to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya’s premier wildlife destination and the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa. Here, over 160 black rhinos thrive, and you can meet the last two northern white rhinos, Najin and Fatu, a poignant reminder of extinction and conservation efforts.

During your afternoon game drive, you’ll encounter diverse wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, and endangered Grevy’s zebras, all set against the backdrop of Mount Kenya’s peaks and lush grasslands. Don’t miss the chimpanzee sanctuary, dedicated to rescuing chimps that cannot return to the wild, showcasing another vital aspect of conservation.

Descend into the Great Rift Valley, a stunning geological feature where humanity first walked upright. At the valley floor, Lake Nakuru National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases a breathtaking sight when conditions are right—up to two million flamingos transforming the lake into a shimmering sea of pink. With over 450 bird species, Nakuru is a premier destination for birdwatching.

This protected sanctuary is also home to black and white rhinoceroses, where you can track them through vibrant fever tree forests. Experience the rare behavior of tree-climbing lions and spot Rothschild’s giraffes in this haven. For panoramic views of the lake and the expansive Rift Valley, hike to Baboon Cliff viewpoint.

Today marks your arrival at the Masai Mara, a true wildlife kingdom. Spanning over 1,500 square kilometers, this ecosystem offers a glimpse into Africa’s Pleistocene past. Encounter staggering wildlife densities, including around 95,000 wildebeest (and over a million during migrations), 18,000 plains zebras, and some of Africa’s largest lion prides.

Your first game drive reveals the expansive landscape—rolling grasslands, the life-giving Mara River, and vast horizons. Watch elephants march to water, giraffes browse acacias, and vultures circle over a kill. As the sun sets in vibrant oranges and purples, you’ll understand why the Masai Mara is the ultimate safari destination.

If yesterday introduced you to the Mara, today you’ll truly be captivated by its wonders. Experience a full day of immersive exploration in this remarkable wilderness.

Begin before sunrise, as predators are most active. Follow fresh tracks in the dew-kissed grass, searching for lions on a buffalo kill, while hyenas and jackals navigate the scene. Vultures circle above, marking nature’s harsh yet essential cycle.

Amid the excitement, discover the subtler marvels of the Mara. Admire intricate termite mounds, observe hippos and their feathered companions, and witness the symbiotic relationship between egrets and buffalo. Your guide reveals the intricate behaviors and dynamics of this delicate ecosystem.

During the migration (July to October), vast herds stretch to the horizon, creating dust clouds. River crossings become dramatic survival scenes, with wildebeest gathering courage, crocodiles lurking, and the chaos of hundreds plunging into the waters—a rare spectacle that many dream of witnessing.

Optional Enhancement: Elevate your Mara experience with an exclusive hot air balloon safari. Float silently above the awakening plains as sunrise paints the landscape in gold. Watch wildlife from a perspective reserved for birds—predators stalking prey, herds moving in hypnotic patterns, the Mara River reflecting the sky like a silver ribbon. Upon landing, celebrate with champagne breakfast in the bush, toasting to moments that transcend ordinary travel.

Your final Mara sunrise arrives too soon, marking the end of your journey but also a new beginning. One last game drive might reveal a leopard against the dawn or a lion pride greeting the morning. These moments in the wilderness are poignant—you came as a visitor and leave transformed.

Reflecting on your week, you’ve explored Kenya’s diverse ecosystems, from Samburu’s arid landscapes to Ol Pejeta’s conservation success, Lake Nakuru’s pink shores, and the majestic Mara plains. You’ve encountered rare wildlife and breathtaking scenery, experiencing the wild heart of Africa.

As you return, you carry more than just photos; you gain a profound appreciation for biodiversity and the vital need for its protection. This is the safari’s greatest gift—it changes your perspective on the world.