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7 Days Kenya Safari from Nairobi – Samburu, Lake Nakuru & Maasai Mara

Experience three dramatically different wildlife regions on this 7 Days Kenya Safari from Nairobi, combining the rugged landscapes and rare northern species of Samburu National Reserve, the rhino habitat and Rift Valley scenery of Lake Nakuru National Park, and the legendary savannah of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

This itinerary is an excellent choice for travellers who want more than a standard Kenya safari circuit. Samburu adds species and landscapes that are not usually encountered farther south, Lake Nakuru introduces a compact rhino-focused national park, and the Maasai Mara provides the classic East African predator and plains-wildlife experience.

Your journey begins in Nairobi and travels north to Samburu, where the dry landscapes of northern Kenya create a completely different safari atmosphere. Here, you have opportunities to search for distinctive species such as the reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, beisa oryx and Somali ostrich, alongside elephants, lions and other familiar big game.

After two nights in Samburu, you continue south toward Lake Nakuru National Park in the Great Rift Valley. The park adds important rhino-viewing opportunities and provides a striking contrast to the arid north.

The final three nights are spent in the Maasai Mara, where open savannah, predators, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and numerous antelope species create one of Africa’s most celebrated safari experiences.

Throughout the journey, you travel privately in a 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser with a professional driver-guide, giving you flexibility and a much more personal safari than a shared group departure.

Safari at a Glance

Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
Starting point: Nairobi
Ending point: Nairobi
Destinations: Samburu National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park and Maasai Mara National Reserve
Safari style: Private safari
Transport: Private 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
Guide: Professional safari driver-guide
Accommodation: Two nights Samburu, one night Lake Nakuru, three nights Maasai Mara
Meals: Full board during the safari unless otherwise stated in your quotation
Ideal for: Couples, families, honeymooners, photographers and travellers looking for greater wildlife variety

The strength of this safari lies in contrast. Samburu is dry, rugged and distinctive. Lake Nakuru is compact, greener and strongly associated with rhino conservation. The Maasai Mara is broad, open and predator-rich.

Detailed 7-Day Kenya Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve

Your safari begins in Nairobi, where your Felessy Tours & Safaris driver-guide will collect you from your hotel, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or another agreed location.

After introductions and a short briefing, your luggage will be loaded into your private Safari Land Cruiser and you will begin the journey north toward Samburu National Reserve.

The drive introduces you to a different side of Kenya.

As you leave Nairobi and travel north, the landscapes gradually change from the more densely populated central highlands to increasingly dry and open country.

The journey is longer than the transfer to many southern parks, but it is worthwhile because Samburu offers a safari experience that is genuinely different from Amboseli, Nakuru or the Maasai Mara.

Depending on traffic and road conditions, you will arrive in the Samburu area around midday or early afternoon, in time for lunch at your selected lodge or camp.

After check-in and some time to relax, depart for your first afternoon game drive.

First Samburu Wildlife Experience

Samburu is particularly famous for a group of species commonly associated with northern Kenya.

These include:

• Reticulated giraffe
• Grevy’s zebra
• Gerenuk
• Beisa oryx
• Somali ostrich

These animals give Samburu a distinctive identity.

The reticulated giraffe, with its striking geometric coat pattern, is especially memorable. Grevy’s zebra differs noticeably from the more familiar plains zebra, while the gerenuk is instantly recognisable for its long neck and unusual browsing behaviour.

Samburu also supports elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes and numerous antelope species.

The dry landscape creates a rugged atmosphere that contrasts strongly with the greener environments you will experience later in the safari.

As afternoon temperatures fall, wildlife may become more active and the softer evening light creates excellent photographic conditions.

Return to your lodge or camp for dinner.

Dinner and overnight in Samburu.

Day 2: Full-Day Safari in Samburu

Wake up for your first full day in the Samburu ecosystem.

After breakfast, depart for morning game viewing.

The reserve’s relatively dry environment makes water sources especially important. Wildlife may gather around rivers and other reliable areas, and your guide will use knowledge of current conditions to determine where to concentrate the game drive.

Samburu rewards travellers who appreciate variety.

Rather than simply searching for the same species found in the southern safari circuit, you have opportunities to observe animals that are much more strongly associated with northern Kenya.

The reticulated giraffe is one of the stars of the reserve. Its sharply defined coat pattern creates exceptional photographic opportunities against the dry landscape.

The Grevy’s zebra is another highlight. It is larger than the plains zebra and has narrower stripes.

The gerenuk is also memorable because it may stand upright on its hind legs to browse vegetation that other antelopes cannot easily reach.

The beisa oryx, with its long straight horns and striking facial markings, adds another distinctive northern species to the experience.

The Somali ostrich also differs visually from the more familiar common ostrich, particularly in the colouring of the male’s legs and neck.

These species are among the main reasons experienced safari travellers include Samburu in a Kenya itinerary.

Big Game in Samburu

The reserve is not only about rare northern species.

Elephants are an important part of the ecosystem and can often be seen moving through the landscape in family groups.

Lions are also present, while leopards may be encountered with patience and good fortune.

Your driver-guide will look for tracks, behaviour, recent reports and other signs to identify productive wildlife areas.

Game drives can be divided between morning and afternoon, with a midday break at the lodge or camp depending on your preferences and accommodation location.

The private nature of the safari allows flexibility.

Photographers may want longer periods at individual sightings. Families may prefer a relaxed break during the hottest part of the day. Other travellers may want to maximise time in the field.

As afternoon turns to evening, complete your final game drive of the day and return to your accommodation.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight in Samburu.

Day 3: Samburu to Lake Nakuru National Park

After breakfast, check out and begin the journey south toward Lake Nakuru National Park.

Today is a transfer day, but the change in landscapes makes the journey part of the safari experience.

You leave the dry northern environment and travel through central Kenya toward the Great Rift Valley.

Comfort stops will be made as appropriate.

Depending on road and traffic conditions, you will arrive in the Nakuru area around midday or early afternoon.

Proceed to your selected lodge or camp for check-in and lunch.

Later, depart for your Lake Nakuru game drive.

Lake Nakuru Wildlife

Lake Nakuru offers an immediate contrast to Samburu.

The environment includes lake shoreline, grassland, woodland and rocky areas.

One of the principal wildlife objectives here is the rhinoceros.

Both black and white rhinos may potentially be encountered within the protected ecosystem.

No specific sighting can be guaranteed, but Lake Nakuru adds an important rhino-viewing dimension to the itinerary.

Other possible sightings include buffaloes, Rothschild’s giraffes, waterbucks, zebras, impalas, baboons, warthogs and hippos.

Predators such as lions and leopards are also present, though they can be more difficult to locate.

Flamingos at Lake Nakuru

Lake Nakuru became internationally famous for huge historical concentrations of flamingos.

However, flamingo numbers are not constant.

Water levels, food availability and broader ecological conditions influence where the birds gather.

For this reason, the safari should not be sold as a guaranteed “pink lake” experience.

Flamingos may be present, but Lake Nakuru is better understood as a diverse wildlife ecosystem rather than a single-species attraction.

After your afternoon game drive, return to your lodge or camp for dinner.

Dinner and overnight in the Lake Nakuru area.

Day 4: Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara National Reserve

After breakfast, check out and begin the journey toward the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

The route takes you through the landscapes of the Great Rift Valley toward southwestern Kenya.

As you approach the greater Mara ecosystem, the scenery gradually opens into broad grasslands.

Depending on your arrival time and accommodation location, you will proceed to your selected lodge or tented camp for check-in and lunch.

Later in the afternoon, depart for your first Maasai Mara game drive.

First Maasai Mara Game Drive

The change in landscape is dramatic.

The Mara is characterised by wide savannah, scattered trees, river systems and enormous skies.

Wildlife can be exceptionally diverse.

Lions are among the most famous residents, but the ecosystem also supports cheetahs, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, hyenas, jackals and numerous antelope species.

Your driver-guide will use experience and current wildlife information to identify areas with good viewing potential.

A private safari gives you freedom to spend more time at meaningful sightings.

If you find a lion pride with cubs, for example, there is no need to leave quickly because unrelated passengers have another priority.

That flexibility becomes particularly valuable during the Maasai Mara portion of the safari.

As evening approaches, return to your lodge or camp.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight in the Maasai Mara area.

Day 5: Full-Day Maasai Mara Safari

Today is dedicated entirely to exploring the Maasai Mara.

After breakfast, depart with your driver-guide for an extensive day of wildlife viewing.

Depending on your preferences, accommodation location and wildlife activity, the day can be organised as a longer game drive with a packed lunch or another suitable arrangement.

A full-day format can be especially rewarding because it allows you to explore farther from your lodge without repeatedly returning during the middle of the day.

Predator Country

The Maasai Mara is particularly celebrated for big cats.

Lions may be seen resting, moving through their territory or interacting socially.

Cheetahs favour open terrain and may spend long periods scanning the plains.

Leopards are more elusive and often associated with riverine vegetation or areas offering greater cover.

Spotted hyenas also play an important role in the ecosystem and can be encountered throughout many parts of the reserve.

The Mara is equally impressive for herbivores.

Elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, topi, gazelles and other antelopes create a constantly changing wildlife landscape.

Your guide will help interpret behaviour rather than simply identifying animals.

Sometimes the most memorable safari moments come from watching elephants interact, lions communicate or antelopes react to the presence of a predator.

Mara River

Depending on the day’s route, your guide may explore the Mara River area.

The river supports hippos and crocodiles and plays an important role in the wider ecosystem.

During periods when migratory herds are present, the river may also become the site of wildebeest crossings.

However, crossings cannot be scheduled or guaranteed.

A herd may gather and retreat, remain nearby for hours or begin crossing suddenly.

This unpredictability is part of the natural experience.

Return to your lodge or camp for dinner.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight in the Maasai Mara area.

Day 6: Second Full Day in the Maasai Mara

Day 6 gives you another full day to explore the Maasai Mara.

This additional time is one of the strongest features of the itinerary.

Wildlife changes constantly.

An area that seemed quiet yesterday may be highly active today.

A lion pride may have moved several kilometres overnight. A leopard may appear in a section of riverine woodland that produced no sightings the previous day.

The extra day allows your guide to explore different areas and gives you more time to search for species you may not yet have encountered.

For photographers, this is especially valuable because it reduces pressure to capture everything in a single game drive.

Great Migration

During the broader migration period, large wildebeest and zebra herds may move through the Kenyan section of the wider Mara–Serengeti ecosystem.

When present, these herds can transform the scale of the safari.

Thousands of animals may spread across the plains, and predator activity can increase in response to the abundance of prey.

The exact position of the migration depends on rainfall and grazing conditions.

For that reason, no specific herd location or river crossing can be guaranteed.

Optional Hot-Air Balloon Safari

Day 6 can also be suitable for an optional sunrise hot-air balloon safari, subject to availability and additional cost.

The balloon provides a completely different perspective of the landscape, allowing you to appreciate the scale of the Mara from above.

Advance reservation is strongly recommended, especially during busy travel periods.

Optional Maasai Cultural Visit

A Maasai village visit can also be arranged as an optional cultural activity.

This provides an opportunity to learn about aspects of Maasai traditions, family life and livestock culture.

The visit carries an additional local charge and should be arranged so that it does not unnecessarily reduce your wildlife-viewing time.

After your final full day in the Mara, return to your lodge or camp for dinner.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight in the Maasai Mara area.

Day 7: Maasai Mara to Nairobi

Enjoy breakfast at your lodge or tented camp before checking out.

Today you leave the Maasai Mara and return to Nairobi.

Important Information About the Final Morning

The standard itinerary does not include another Maasai Mara reserve game drive on Day 7.

The existing page currently refers to an optional early-morning game drive. I would remove that from the standard website wording.

Your included Maasai Mara game drives take place during the applicable park-entry periods already covered by the safari package.

An additional reserve game drive on Day 7 requires the appropriate additional park entry.

If you specifically want another game drive before departure, request it when booking and it can be priced separately if the schedule allows.

After breakfast and check-out, begin the journey toward Nairobi.

The road takes you through southwestern Kenya and the Great Rift Valley before returning to the capital.

Comfort stops will be made along the way.

The existing programme includes lunch in Nairobi on the final day, which can remain part of the safari when confirmed in your quotation.

After lunch, your driver-guide will transfer you to your Nairobi hotel, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or another agreed location.

Your arrival in Nairobi marks the end of your 7 Days Samburu, Lake Nakuru & Maasai Mara Safari from Nairobi.

Why Samburu Makes This Safari Special

Many first-time Kenya itineraries focus exclusively on the southern parks.

Samburu changes the character of the journey.

Its dry landscapes, rugged scenery and northern wildlife create a completely different atmosphere from Lake Nakuru and the Maasai Mara.

The reserve is especially valuable for travellers who want greater species diversity.

The reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, beisa oryx and Somali ostrich add wildlife experiences that are not usually central to a standard southern Kenya route.

For repeat safari travellers, Samburu can be particularly rewarding because it introduces species and landscapes they may not have encountered on earlier trips.

For first-time visitors, it creates an itinerary with exceptional variety.

Three Distinct Wildlife Regions

This safari works well because the destinations do not feel repetitive.

Samburu

Dry, rugged and distinctive, with rare northern species and strong elephant-viewing opportunities.

Lake Nakuru

Compact, scenic and valuable for rhino-viewing potential.

Maasai Mara

Broad open savannah with predators, plains wildlife and seasonal migration possibilities.

Each destination adds something that the others do not.

That makes the seven-day journey feel more complete than simply repeating similar game-drive environments.

Your Private Safari Experience

The itinerary is designed as a private safari.

Your 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser and driver-guide are dedicated to your booking.

This gives you greater flexibility at wildlife sightings, on transfer days and when planning the general pace of the safari.

Families can adjust the rhythm around children.

Photographers can spend longer at important sightings.

Couples and honeymooners benefit from greater privacy.

First-time safari travellers can ask questions freely and learn from the guide without feeling that they are delaying a large group.

The Land Cruiser is purpose-equipped for safari, with a pop-up roof for wildlife viewing where permitted.

Your driver-guide also plays a central role in the experience, combining professional driving with wildlife knowledge, route planning, park logistics and interpretation of animal behaviour.

Accommodation Options

The safari can be organised using different accommodation levels according to your travel dates and budget.

Comfortable and Mid-Range

Mid-range safari lodges and tented camps provide comfortable en-suite accommodation, full-board meals and convenient access to wildlife areas.

Luxury

Luxury properties may offer larger rooms, better locations, enhanced dining, swimming pools and a higher level of service.

Premium

Premium camps can be selected for honeymooners, anniversaries and travellers seeking a more exclusive experience.

The exact properties depend on availability at the time of booking.

Tell us the accommodation level you prefer and we can recommend suitable options for Samburu, Lake Nakuru and the Maasai Mara.

What's Included?

Your personalised quotation and booking confirmation remain the definitive record of inclusions.

A standard package can include:

• Private 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser
• Exclusive use of the safari vehicle
• Professional driver-guide
• Nairobi pick-up and final drop-off
• Six nights’ safari accommodation
• Full-board meals during the safari
• Scheduled game drives
• Park and reserve entry fees specified in your quotation
• Bottled drinking water
• Selected soft drinks where confirmed
• Driver-guide allowances and accommodation
• Final-day lunch where included
• Government taxes
• Flying Doctors cover where specified
• Meet-and-greet arrangements where applicable

What's Not Included?

Unless specifically included in your quotation, typical exclusions are:

• International flights
• Kenya entry-related costs
• Personal travel insurance
• Alcoholic beverages
• Lodge drinks not included in the meal plan
• Laundry
• Personal purchases
• Tips and gratuities
• Maasai cultural visit
• Hot-air balloon safari
• Festive-season supplements where applicable
• Accommodation before or after the safari unless arranged
• Additional Maasai Mara park entry for a Day 7 game drive

Best Time for This Safari

This itinerary can be enjoyed throughout much of the year.

Different seasons offer different advantages.

Samburu can be particularly rewarding in drier conditions when wildlife becomes more concentrated around reliable water sources.

Lake Nakuru remains a valuable wildlife destination across different seasons, particularly for rhino-viewing opportunities.

The Maasai Mara receives the most international attention during the broader Great Migration period, but its resident wildlife makes it rewarding throughout the year.

If migration is a priority, mention this when requesting your quotation.

If your priority is lower visitor numbers, photography, school-holiday travel or accommodation value, we can take those factors into account instead.

Families, Couples and Honeymooners

The private format makes this itinerary suitable for a wide range of travellers.

Families benefit from flexibility and the ability to tailor the pace around children.

Please provide the exact ages of all children when requesting a quotation because accommodation policies and park fees can vary by age.

Couples benefit from privacy and flexibility during game drives.

For honeymooners and anniversary travellers, the itinerary can be upgraded using luxury or premium accommodation, and optional experiences can be added.

Samburu is particularly attractive for travellers looking for something slightly different from the most common Kenya safari circuits.

Practical Safari Preparation

Keep packing simple.

Lightweight, neutral clothing is suitable during most days, while a fleece or light jacket is useful for cooler mornings.

Bring comfortable closed shoes, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent and personal medication.

A camera and binoculars are highly recommended.

A soft-sided duffel bag is generally easier to accommodate in a safari vehicle than an oversized hard-shell suitcase.

Because Samburu can be warmer and drier than some other destinations, lightweight breathable clothing is particularly useful.

At the same time, early mornings elsewhere on the itinerary can still feel cool, so layering is the most practical approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the safari?

The itinerary is 7 days and 6 nights.

Which destinations are included?

Samburu National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park and Maasai Mara National Reserve.

How many nights are spent in Samburu?

Two nights.

What makes Samburu different?

Samburu is known for distinctive northern species such as reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, beisa oryx and Somali ostrich.

Can we see rhinos?

Lake Nakuru provides an important opportunity to search for rhinos, although sightings cannot be guaranteed.

How many nights are spent in the Maasai Mara?

Three nights.

Is the safari private?

Yes. Your Safari Land Cruiser and driver-guide are dedicated to your booking.

Can we see the Great Migration?

Possibly, depending on your travel dates and natural herd movements. Specific river crossings cannot be guaranteed.

Is there a Maasai Mara game drive on Day 7?

Not in the standard itinerary. Another reserve game drive requires the applicable additional park entry and should be requested separately.

Can we add a balloon safari?

Yes, subject to availability and additional cost.

Is this safari suitable for children?

Yes. Please provide children’s exact ages when requesting your quotation.

Can accommodation be upgraded?

Yes. Mid-range, luxury and premium options can be proposed subject to availability.

Book Your 7 Days Samburu, Lake Nakuru & Maasai Mara Safari

This seven-day safari is ideal for travellers who want to experience a broader side of Kenya.

You begin in the rugged landscapes of Samburu, searching for rare northern species and elephants.

You then travel into the Great Rift Valley to explore Lake Nakuru and look for rhinos.

Finally, the journey reaches its climax on the sweeping plains of the Maasai Mara, where predators, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes and abundant plains wildlife create one of Africa’s great safari experiences.

Three distinct wildlife regions.

Three different landscapes.

One private journey through some of Kenya’s most rewarding safari country.

Felessy Tours & Safaris can customise the itinerary according to your travel dates, accommodation preferences, number of travellers, children’s ages, budget, special occasions and onward travel plans.

Request your personalised quotation for the 7 Days Samburu, Lake Nakuru & Maasai Mara Safari from Nairobi and let Felessy Tours & Safaris plan your Kenya safari.