9-days Samburu-Ol Pejeta-Aberdare-Nakuru-Naivasha-Maasai Mara
Embark on an epic 9-day Kenyan safari, exploring six of the country's most iconic and diverse wildlife destinations. Begin in Samburu National Reserve, known for its rare and endemic species like the Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, and gerenuk. Next, experience the unique blend of Big Five encounters and conservation efforts at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, including a visit to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Then, journey to the lush Aberdare National Park, a haven for the elusive bongo antelope and other unique wildlife. Continue to Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its breathtaking flocks of flamingos. Enjoy the tranquil beauty of Lake Naivasha, home to hippos, vibrant birdlife, and the unique Crescent Island sanctuary. Finally, witness the thrill of the Maasai Mara, with the potential to observe the Great Wildebeest Migration (seasonal) and encounter the Big Five. This extended tour offers the ultimate Kenyan safari experience, showcasing the country's rich biodiversity and stunning scenery, with ample time to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and thrilling encounters.
Day 1: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drives in Samburu
Day 3: Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Day 4: Ol Pejeta to Aberdare National Park
Day 5: Aberdare to Lake Nakuru National Park
Day 6: Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha
Day 7: Lake Naivasha to Maasai Mara National Reserve
Day 8: Full-Day Game Drives in Maasai Mara
Day 9: Maasai Mara to Nairobi
Activities:
* Multiple game drives in Samburu, Aberdare, Lake Nakuru, and Maasai Mara National Parks
* Visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Ol Pejeta
* Boat safari on Lake Naivasha.
* Nature walk on Crescent Island.
Optional activities: Cultural visits to Samburu villages, camel rides, bird watching, hiking, visiting a Maasai village, night game drives, or taking a hot air balloon safari in the Maasai Mara (additional cost).
Optional Travel Upgrade:
Travel Between Parks with Light Aircraft: For a seamless and time-efficient experience, consider upgrading your transportation between parks with a scenic light aircraft flight. This option offers breathtaking aerial views of the Kenyan landscape and significantly reduces travel time, allowing you to maximize your time on safari.
Wildlife & Scenic Highlights:
Samburu National Reserve: The "Samburu Special Five" (Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx, and Somali ostrich), elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and a variety of bird species including the vulturine guineafowl and the Somali bee-eater.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy: The Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes), chimpanzees, giraffes, zebras, impalas, elands, oryx, and a variety of bird species including ostriches, eagles, and vultures.
Aberdare National Park: Bongo antelopes, elephants, leopards, black rhinos, buffaloes, giant forest hogs, Sykes' monkeys, colobus monkeys, and a variety of bird species, including the African fish eagle and Jackson's francolin.
Lake Nakuru National Park: Flamingos, rhinos (both black and white), lions, leopards, Rothschild's giraffes, buffaloes, waterbucks, zebras, and a plethora of bird species, including pelicans, eagles, and storks.
Lake Naivasha: Hippos, African fish eagles, cormorants, pelicans, herons, kingfishers, and a variety of other water birds.
Crescent Island: Zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, impalas, waterbucks, gazelles, and numerous bird species.
Maasai Mara National Reserve: The Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes), cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, crocodiles, and a diverse array of bird species, including ostriches, eagles, and vultures.
The Great Wildebeest Migration: Witness the annual spectacle of millions of wildebeests, zebras, and other herbivores crossing the Mara River in search of fresh grazing lands. (Seasonal, typically July-October)
Scenic Landscapes: The semi-arid landscapes of Samburu, the lush rainforest, cascading waterfalls, and moorlands of Aberdare, the picturesque landscapes of the Rift Valley, acacia forests, and the shimmering waters of Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha; and the vast plains, rolling hills, and acacia-dotted savannahs of the Maasai Mara.