10-days Samburu-Ol Pejeta-ol jogi-Naivasha-Maasai Mara
Embark on an extraordinary 10-day Kenyan safari, exploring five 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, immerse yourself in the exclusive wildlife haven of Ol Jogi Conservancy, known for its exceptional conservation efforts and luxurious accommodations. Continue your journey to the tranquil shores 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: Full-Day Game Drives and Activities in Ol Pejeta
Day 5: Ol Pejeta to Ol Jogi Conservancy
Day 6: Ol Jogi to Lake Naivasha
Day 7: Lake Naivasha to Maasai Mara National Reserve
Day 8: Full-Day Game Drives in Maasai Mara
Day 9: Full-Day Game Drives in Maasai Mara
Day 10: Maasai Mara to Nairobi
Activities:
* Multiple game drives in Samburu, Ol Pejeta, and Maasai Mara
* Visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Ol Pejeta
* Enjoy exclusive game-viewing activities and luxurious accommodations in Ol Jogi Conservancy.
* 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.
Ol Jogi Conservancy: A private conservancy with exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities, including rare and endangered species like the black rhino, Grevy's zebra, and wild dogs.
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 open plains and rolling hills of the Laikipia Plateau, the picturesque landscapes of the Rift Valley, the shimmering waters of Lake Naivasha; and the vast plains, rolling hills, and acacia-dotted savannahs of the Maasai Mara.
Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve (Approx. 5-6 hours drive)
- Morning (7:00-8:00 AM): Pick up from your Nairobi hotel/residence. Brief safari briefing.
- Mid-morning (8:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Scenic drive north, passing through agricultural lands and into the semi-arid landscapes leading to Samburu.
- Lunch (1:00-2:00 PM): Lunch en route, typically in Nanyuki or a similar town.
- Afternoon (2:00-6:00 PM): Arrive in Samburu, check in to your accommodation, and enjoy an afternoon game drive. Look for unique species like Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, and gerenuk.
- Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Suggestions (Samburu): Samburu Sopa Lodge, Ashnil Samburu Camp, Elephant Bedroom Camp, Sasaab.
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drives in Samburu National Reserve
- Full Day (6:30 AM - 6:00 PM): Full-day game drives in Samburu with packed lunches. Explore different areas of the reserve, focusing on the Ewaso Ng'iro River and its surrounding plains.
- Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Approx. 2-3 hours drive)
- Morning (7:00-9:00 AM): Final morning game drive in Samburu, followed by breakfast.
- Late Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Drive to Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
- Afternoon (12:00-6:00 PM): Arrive at Ol Pejeta, check-in, have lunch, and enjoy an afternoon game drive or activity. Consider visiting the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary or the endangered species boma.
- Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Suggestions (Ol Pejeta): Sweetwaters Serena Camp, Ol Pejeta Bush Camp, Serena Mountain Lodge (just outside the conservancy).
Day 4: Full-Day Game Drives and Activities in Ol Pejeta Conservancy
- Full Day (6:30 AM - 6:00 PM): Full day of game drives and activities in Ol Pejeta. This could include:
- The morning game drive will focus on rhino tracking (if available).
- Visit to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
- Afternoon game drive or bush walk.
- Visit the endangered species Boma.
- Horseback riding or other specialized activities (if available and pre-booked).
- Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: Ol Pejeta Conservancy to Ol Jogi Conservancy (Approx. 1-2 hour drive)
- Morning (7:00-9:00 AM): Final morning activity and breakfast at Ol Pejeta.
- Late Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Drive to Ol Jogi Conservancy.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM onwards): Arrive at Ol Jogi. This is a very exclusive and private conservancy. Your itinerary here will depend heavily on your specific booking and the activities offered by Ol Jogi (which often include unique experiences like helicopter excursions, bush meals, and specialized wildlife tracking).
Accommodation (Ol Jogi): Ol Jogi Home (This is the primary accommodation; it is extremely luxurious and exclusive).
Day 6: Ol Jogi to Lake Naivasha (Approx. 3-4 hours drive)
- Morning: Enjoy a final morning activity at Ol Jogi, tailored to your booking.
- Mid-morning: After breakfast, depart for Lake Naivasha.
- Afternoon: Arrive at Lake Naivasha, check-in, and enjoy a boat ride on the lake. Look for hippos, fish eagles, and other water birds.
- Evening: Dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Suggestions (Lake Naivasha): Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge, Enashipai Resort & Spa, Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort, Kiboko Luxury Camp.
Day 7: Lake Naivasha to Maasai Mara National Reserve (Approx. 4-5 hours drive)
- Morning: Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at Lake Naivasha, perhaps with some birdwatching.
- Late Morning (10:00 AM-3:00 PM): Drive to the Maasai Mara, with a stop for lunch en route.
- Afternoon (3:00-6:00 PM): Arrive at your chosen accommodation in or near the Maasai Mara and begin your first game drive.
- Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Suggestions (Maasai Mara): Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Mara Intrepids Camp, Angama Mara, Mahali Mzuri, &Beyond Bateleur Camp (Luxury); Ashnil Mara Camp, Keekorok Lodge (Mid-range); Many tented camps outside the reserve (Budget).
Day 8: Full-Day Game Drives in Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Full Day (6:30 AM - 6:00 PM): Full-day game drives in the Maasai Mara with packed lunches.
- Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 9: Full-Day Game Drives in Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Full Day (6:30 AM - 6:00 PM): Another full day of game drives in the Mara. Consider a hot air balloon safari (pre-booking essential) or a visit to a Maasai village.
- Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Farewell dinner and overnight stay.
Day 10: Maasai Mara to Nairobi (Approx. 5-6 hours drive)
- Morning (7:00-9:00 AM): Final early morning game drive in the Mara and breakfast.
- Late Morning (9:00 AM - 3:00 PM): Drive back to Nairobi, with a stop for lunch en route.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM onwards): Arrive in Nairobi and transfer to your hotel/residence or JKIA for your departure.
Important Notes:
- This is a sample itinerary and can be customized.
- Driving times are estimates.
- Book well in advance, especially during peak season.
- Pack for varying weather conditions.