This 5-day safari covers three of Kenya’s most distinctive and scenic wildlife destinations: the rugged Laikipia Plateau, the semi-arid landscapes of Samburu, and the iconic savannahs of Maasai Mara. Ideal for travelers seeking both variety and immersive experiences, this safari offers a blend of unique wildlife encounters, cultural interactions, and dramatic landscapes.
Day 1: Nairobi to Laikipia
Morning Travel to Laikipia
- Departure from Nairobi: Begin with an early morning pickup from your hotel and transfer to Wilson Airport for a flight to Laikipia. The scenic one-hour flight provides stunning aerial views of Mount Kenya and Kenya’s central highlands.
Mid-Morning Arrival in Laikipia
- Transfer to Lodge and Check-In: Upon landing, transfer to your accommodation in the Laikipia region, known for its innovative conservation efforts, private wildlife conservancies, and diverse wildlife.
Afternoon Safari and Cultural Experiences
- Lunch with a View: Enjoy lunch at the lodge with panoramic views of Laikipia’s diverse landscapes.
- Game Drive in a Private Conservancy: Head out for an afternoon game drive to explore the conservancy’s unique mix of wildlife, including rare species like the endangered Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, African wild dogs, and various antelope species.
- Cultural Interaction with the Samburu or Maasai: Some conservancies offer cultural programs, where you can learn about the local Samburu or Maasai communities, their customs, and their role in conservation.
Evening
- Sundowner and Dinner: Conclude your day with a sundowner and dinner under the stars, embracing the tranquil Laikipia atmosphere.
Accommodation: Sosian Lodge, Ol Pejeta Bush Camp, or similar.
Day 2: Laikipia to Samburu National Reserve
Morning Transfer to Samburu
- Scenic Drive from Laikipia to Samburu: After breakfast, depart Laikipia for Samburu National Reserve, approximately a 3-4 hour drive. Along the way, enjoy beautiful views of semi-arid landscapes dotted with acacia trees and rugged hills.
Late Morning Arrival in Samburu
- Check-In at Lodge: Arrive at your lodge or camp in Samburu and settle in. Samburu is famous for its arid beauty and distinct wildlife species not found elsewhere in Kenya.
Afternoon Game Drive
- Lunch at the Lodge: Have lunch at your lodge, overlooking the Ewaso Ng’iro River, where wildlife frequently gathers to drink.
- Afternoon Game Drive: Set out to discover Samburu’s unique wildlife, often referred to as the “Samburu Special Five”: Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, gerenuk (standing antelope), and reticulated giraffe. The reserve is also home to predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
Highlights: “Samburu Special Five,” arid landscape, riverine habitats.
Evening
- Dinner and Relaxation: Return to the lodge for a relaxing dinner. Listen to the sounds of the African night while reflecting on the day’s sightings.
Accommodation: Samburu Intrepids Camp, Elephant Bedroom Camp, or similar.
Day 3: Full Day in Samburu National Reserve
Early Morning Safari
- Sunrise Game Drive: Start your day with an early morning game drive. The cool morning hours are prime for predator sightings and observing animals at their most active.
Bush Breakfast:
- Bush Breakfast: After the game drive, enjoy breakfast in the bush—a unique experience that lets you savor your meal amid the natural beauty of Samburu.
Mid-Morning Cultural Visit
- Visit to a Samburu Village: Return to the lodge, freshen up, and visit a nearby Samburu village. Experience Samburu culture firsthand, learning about their traditions, dress, and way of life. Interact with locals and gain insight into how the Samburu people coexist with wildlife.
Afternoon Game Drive
- Lunch and Leisure Time: Return to the lodge for lunch and some relaxation.
- Evening Game Drive: Head out for another game drive, focusing on different areas of the reserve to maximize your wildlife encounters.
Evening
- Dinner and Optional Star-Gazing: Back at the lodge, enjoy dinner, and if conditions allow, take part in a stargazing experience to witness the clear, star-filled skies of Samburu.
Accommodation: Samburu Intrepids Camp, Elephant Bedroom Camp, or similar.
Day 4: Samburu to Maasai Mara National Reserve
Morning Transfer to Maasai Mara
- Flight from Samburu to Maasai Mara: After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for a direct flight to the Maasai Mara. This flight provides spectacular views of Kenya’s diverse landscapes and, if the weather is clear, possibly Mount Kenya.
Late Morning Arrival in Maasai Mara
- Transfer to Lodge and Check-In: Upon arrival in the Maasai Mara, transfer to your lodge or camp. The Maasai Mara, known for its rolling savannahs and abundant wildlife, is one of Kenya’s most iconic safari destinations.
Afternoon Game Drive
- Lunch at the Lodge: Enjoy lunch at the lodge, overlooking the vast plains of the Mara.
- Afternoon Game Drive: Set out on a game drive in search of the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos. Depending on the season (July-October), you may witness the Great Migration, where thousands of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River, braving crocodiles and other predators.
Highlights: Big Five sightings, Great Migration (seasonal), scenic savannahs.
Evening
- Sundowner and Dinner: Finish the day with a sundowner at a scenic spot, followed by a sumptuous dinner at the lodge.
Accommodation: Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Ashnil Mara Camp, or similar.
Day 5: Full Day in Maasai Mara and Departure
Early Morning Safari and Optional Balloon Safari
- Optional Balloon Safari: Begin the day with an optional hot-air balloon safari, floating above the Maasai Mara at sunrise. The aerial views provide a unique perspective of the Mara’s wildlife, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush (additional cost).
- Game Drive: If you prefer not to take the balloon safari, start the morning with a traditional game drive. Witness the early morning activity of predators and other animals before they retreat from the heat.
Bush Breakfast:
- Bush Breakfast: Take a break during your game drive to enjoy a breakfast in the bush, surrounded by the sounds of nature.
Mid-Morning Cultural Experience
- Visit a Maasai Village: Visit a local Maasai village to learn about the Maasai’s culture, traditions, and lifestyle. Engage with Maasai warriors and villagers, and gain insight into their harmonious relationship with nature.
Afternoon Game Drive and Departure
- Lunch and Leisure Time: Return to the lodge for lunch and some relaxation.
- Final Game Drive: Enjoy a last game drive through the Maasai Mara before heading back to the airstrip.
Evening Flight to Nairobi
- Flight Back to Nairobi: Board an evening flight back to Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, arriving in the early evening. Transfer to your hotel or onward travel arrangements.
End of Safari
This 5-day Laikipia, Samburu, and Maasai Mara safari offers a rich diversity of landscapes, wildlife, and cultural experiences. From Laikipia’s conservation-focused encounters to Samburu’s unique wildlife and the grandeur of the Maasai Mara, this itinerary provides a comprehensive and unforgettable Kenyan safari experience.