7 Days Masai Mara-L. Nakuru-Naivasha & Samburu Game Reserves:

Brief Overview

This budget adventure camping safari with a difference takes you not only to Kenya’s leading wildlife reserves and spectacularly scenic regions, but also the Northern frontier of Semi-arid habitat where we spot rare species. It starts from Nairobi through Great Rift Valley to Masai Mara then Lake Nakuru for bird watching and Naivasha’s Hells Gate Park, where walking and cycling are permitted. The tour finally crosses the Equator line after snaking through the rich agricultural region of the Agikuyu tribe with plantations of Tea, Coffee, Maize and Livestock. It advances to the horticultural belt and wheat production region to the Samburu country which is semi-arid, providing a habitat where species prevalent differ from the southern parks and reserves. It is a region with Three(3) different conservation zones separated by a river(Ewaso Ngiro) and a road(Isiolo-Marsabit).

The Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi – Masai Mara Game Reserve

Leave Nairobi in the morning for Masai Mara Game Reserve with a short stop at the viewpoint of the Great Rift Valley. Continue through Masai country via Narok town arriving in time for lunch. After a short rest proceed for a game drive in search of black manned lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes and other plain game. Return to the Camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Full day in Masai Mara Game Reserve

After breakfast, proceed for a full day of game viewing in the reserve. Here the view is a captivating savannah grassland with rolling hills and spots of forests from where the name Mara comes(spotted). The reserve has an extensive road and track network which allows for close-range viewing and photography. Lunch is picnic with wonderful views around. This allows for a visit to the Mara river to see hippo pools and crocodiles busking in the sun on the riverbanks. Dinner and overnight stay at the campsite.

Day 3: Masai Mara Game Reserve - Nakuru

After early breakfast there is an optional visit to Massai village and then departing to Nakuru with a picnic lunch on the way. You will be arriving in the late afternoon. Check into your hotel and relax. Dinner and your overnight stay will be at a comfortable budget hotel with Wi-Fi and sometimes swimming pool.

Day 4: Lake Nakuru National Park – Lake Naivasha

After an early breakfast, proceed to the park for an extensive game drive to see Zebras, Bufalos, Rothschild Giraffes, flamingoes among other animals and birds. About 350 species have been recorded. This is also home to the black and the white rhinoceros. The park was established for the protection of endangered species such as the rhino and the Rothschild giraffe. It’s also home to Columbus monkeys, Leopards, Lions and a variety of plains antelopes. Late in the afternoon, drive to Naivasha arriving in the evening. Dinner and your overnight stay will be at a hotel.

Day 5: Lake Naivasha – Samburu Game Reserve

After an early breakfast, proceed to Hells Gate National Park where you will have a chance to see animals by either walking, driving or cycling. A visit to the Gorge is spectacular. Also of importance is The Geothermal Plant at Olkaria which generates electricity. With a picnic lunch on the way, depart to Samburu Game Reserve passing through the rich Agricultural Kikuyu country with Tea and Coffee plantations, Mangoes, Oranges, Bananas etc. We enter the semi-arid land of the Samburu Tribe after passing the wheat Fields, Flowers and vegetables’ greenhouses plus sheep husbandry. Dinner and overnight at the camp in Samburu.

Day 6: Samburu exploration game drive

After breakfast, explore this region with unique animal and birds species including the Rare Long-necked antelope (Gerenuk/Giraffe Gazel), Somalian Ostrich, Grevy’s Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Common Waterbuck and many rare birds species. Game drive is enjoyable but be prepared for the heat. Climate is hot and dry most of the year. This park is popular for spotting Leopard due to less forest cover. Animals like elephants, hippos, buffalos, waterbucks, reedbucks, Zebras, Giraffes are frequently seen along the Ewaso ngiro or Isiolo rivers apart from the many hills and valleys. It’s also worth noting that this region has Three Conservation zones of Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba where animals roam freely. Game drives will therefore depend on the information your driver has gathered on the presence of good sightings. Return to the camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 7: Samburu Game Reserve ~ Nairobi

After breakfast, leave the campsite for the last game drive and head for Nairobi. Lunch is served en-route. Arrive in Nairobi late in the afternoon, dropping off respective hotels to end the memorable safari.

Package includes:

• -Park fees

• -Transport in a customized safari vehicle

• -Accommodation in tents or budget hotel where mentioned

• -A professional English-speaking driver/guide

• -Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)

• -Drinking water

Excluded:

• -International flights

• -Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)

• -Optional activities like Balloon, Boat ride, Masai village, Nature walks

• -Tips and gratuities

• -Sodas, beers, wines and cigarettes