7-Day Samburu to Masai Mara Safari: Special Five & Big Five

This 7-day Kenya safari combines the wildlife of northern Kenya with some of the country's best-known wildlife destinations. The route starts in Nairobi and continues to Samburu National Reserve, Aberdare National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park and the Masai Mara National Reserve before returning to Nairobi.

• Duration: 7 days
• Starting point: Nairobi
• Destinations: Samburu, Aberdare, Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara
• Safari focus: Samburu Special Five, Big Five, rhinos, predators and diverse Kenyan wildlife
• Accommodation:Samburu Sopa Lodge, The Ark, Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, Mara Sopa Lodge
• Travel style: Wildlife safari with game drives
• Return point: Nairobi

This itinerary is designed for travelers who want to experience several of Kenya's major wildlife regions in one seven-day journey. It combines the distinctive wildlife of Samburu with the forest environment of Aberdare, the rhino-rich ecosystem of Lake Nakuru and the famous plains of the Masai Mara.

The route provides a broader Kenya safari experience than an itinerary focused on a single reserve. Travelers have opportunities to see different landscapes, wildlife species and habitats while moving from northern Kenya toward the Great Rift Valley and the Masai Mara.

• Experience the distinctive wildlife of Samburu National Reserve.
• Look for the Samburu Special Five, including Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Somali ostrich and Beisa oryx.
• Visit Aberdare National Park and experience its forest environment.
• Explore Lake Nakuru National Park, known for rhinos and diverse birdlife.
• Spend time in the Masai Mara National Reserve searching for the Big Five and other plains wildlife.
• Finish the safari with a return drive to Nairobi.

This 7-day safari is suitable for travelers who want a varied Kenya wildlife experience rather than spending the entire trip in one national park or reserve.

• First-time visitors to Kenya: The itinerary combines several major wildlife destinations.
• Wildlife enthusiasts: Samburu and the Masai Mara offer opportunities to see different wildlife species and ecosystems.
• Families: The itinerary can provide a varied wildlife experience for families, subject to individual travel requirements.
• Photographers: Samburu's distinctive species and the Masai Mara's predators and plains landscapes provide varied photography opportunities.
• Travelers interested in the Big Five: The itinerary includes substantial time in the Masai Mara, where lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino may be encountered.

Wildlife sightings are naturally unpredictable, and no particular animal sighting can be guaranteed.

Samburu National Reserve is particularly known for five distinctive northern Kenya species commonly referred to as the Samburu Special Five. They are adapted to the dry landscapes of the region and are one of the main reasons this safari begins in Samburu.

• Grevy's zebra: The largest and most distinctive zebra species, recognized by its narrow stripes.
• Reticulated giraffe: A giraffe with a striking network-like coat pattern.
• Gerenuk: A long-necked antelope famous for standing upright on its hind legs to browse vegetation.
• Somali ostrich: A distinctive ostrich associated with northern and eastern Kenya.
• Beisa oryx: A striking antelope adapted to the dry conditions of northern Kenya.

Seeing these species depends on wildlife movements and conditions during the safari, so sightings cannot be guaranteed.

The Masai Mara is the final major wildlife destination on this itinerary and provides extended opportunities for game viewing across its grassland ecosystem. The reserve is home to the African Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros.

During the game drives, travelers may also encounter cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles and other species. The full-day Masai Mara experience allows more time to explore different areas of the reserve and look for wildlife.

Although the Masai Mara is an excellent destination for Big Five viewing, wildlife is free-ranging and sightings are never guaranteed.

The exact inclusions should be confirmed with the safari operator before booking. Based on the package itinerary, the safari is structured around accommodation, meals, transport and game-drive activities.

• Accommodation during the scheduled safari nights
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner as specified in the itinerary
• Safari transportation between the listed destinations
• Game drives in the scheduled national parks and reserves
• Professional safari guide/driver services
• Return transportation to Nairobi at the end of the safari

Travelers should confirm the final quotation for current park fees, vehicle arrangements and any other inclusions before making payment.

Items outside the agreed safari package may be charged separately. Travelers should confirm the final quotation and booking terms with the operator.

• International flights
• Kenya visa or entry requirements
• Travel insurance
• Personal purchases and souvenirs
• Tips and gratuities
• Personal drinks or expenses not included in the meal plan
• Any activities or services not specifically listed in the confirmed itinerary

The package price varies according to travel dates, season and the number of people traveling together. The displayed package pricing provides different rates for different group sizes and travel periods.

Travelers should use the current price table on this page as the starting point and request a quotation for their exact travel dates and number of guests. Safari prices can change when accommodation availability, park fees or other travel costs change.

For an accurate quotation, provide your preferred start date and number of travelers when submitting a request.

This safari can be taken throughout the year, although wildlife conditions, weather, visitor numbers and pricing can vary by season.

Travelers choosing their dates should consider their priorities, including wildlife viewing, photography, weather conditions, availability and budget. The Masai Mara and Samburu can offer excellent wildlife experiences at different times of the year, while seasonal conditions may affect road travel and game drives.

If your travel dates are flexible, ask the operator which period best matches your wildlife and budget preferences before booking.

The itinerary follows a northern Kenya to Great Rift Valley and Masai Mara route. The journey starts in Nairobi before continuing to Samburu National Reserve, Aberdare National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park and the Masai Mara National Reserve, followed by the return journey to Nairobi.

Because this is a multi-destination safari, some days involve several hours of road travel between parks. The advantage is that travelers experience several different ecosystems within seven days rather than remaining in one destination.

Road and journey times can vary depending on traffic, weather, road conditions, wildlife stops and the exact accommodation used.

The itinerary uses mid-range safari accommodation at the different destinations. The listed accommodation includes Samburu Sopa Lodge, The Ark, Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge and Mara Sopa Lodge according to the scheduled nights.

Accommodation may be subject to availability at the time of booking. Where a listed property is unavailable, travelers should confirm the proposed alternative with the operator before accepting the final quotation.

Accommodation arrangements, room categories and meal plans should be confirmed in the final booking documents.

Is 7 days enough for a Kenya safari?

Yes. Seven days allows this itinerary to combine Samburu, Aberdare, Lake Nakuru and the Masai Mara before returning to Nairobi. Because several destinations are covered, some travel time is required between parks.

Can I see the Samburu Special Five on this safari?

Samburu is specifically included for its distinctive northern Kenya wildlife, including the species commonly known as the Samburu Special Five. Sightings depend on wildlife movements and cannot be guaranteed.

Can I see the Big Five during this safari?

The itinerary includes the Masai Mara, one of Kenya's major Big Five wildlife destinations. Lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and rhinos may be encountered, but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

Where does the safari start?

The itinerary starts in Nairobi and proceeds toward Samburu before continuing through Aberdare, Lake Nakuru and the Masai Mara.

Where does the safari end?

The scheduled itinerary returns to Nairobi after the Masai Mara.

Is accommodation included?

Accommodation is included according to the package itinerary and listed lodges, subject to availability and the terms of the final quotation.

Are meals included?

The itinerary specifies breakfast, lunch and dinner on the scheduled safari days. Travelers should confirm the final meal plan in the quotation.

Can the safari be customized?

Travelers should contact the operator to confirm whether dates, accommodation, number of nights or other itinerary details can be customized.

Are Big Five sightings guaranteed?

No. The Big Five are wild animals, and sightings depend on location, season, weather and animal movements.

What should I bring on safari?

Travelers should generally consider comfortable clothing, sun protection, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, binoculars, a camera and any personal medication or travel documents required for the trip.

Wildlife viewing is one of the main reasons to choose this itinerary, but safari sightings are naturally unpredictable. Animals move freely through their habitats and their locations change throughout the day and between seasons.

Samburu offers opportunities to search for its distinctive northern Kenya species, while Lake Nakuru adds opportunities for rhino and other wildlife sightings. The Masai Mara provides additional opportunities to see predators, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras and other plains wildlife.

A good safari experience should therefore focus on exploring the ecosystem and observing wildlife in its natural environment rather than expecting a guaranteed list of sightings.

• Carry lightweight and comfortable clothing suitable for warm days and cooler mornings or evenings.
• Bring sun protection such as sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.
• Binoculars can improve wildlife viewing, especially for distant animals and birds.
• Keep camera batteries and memory cards ready for game drives.
• Carry your passport and other required travel documents.
• Allow flexibility during game drives because wildlife sightings can affect the timing of stops.
• Confirm the final accommodation, inclusions, park fees and pickup arrangements before departure.