7 Day Kenya Highlights Safari: Samburu, Aberdare, Nakuru & Mara
Experience an incredible spectrum of Kenya's wildlife and landscapes on this action packed 7 day luxury safari. Perfectly suited for Canadian travellers seeking diverse highlights within a week long timeframe, this journey takes you from the unique species of Samburu in the north, through the highland forests of Aberdare and the rich ecosystem of Lake Nakuru, culminating in the world famous Maasai Mara. As Kenyan based experts, Bubble Tours & Travel ensures this efficiently paced adventure is delivered with premium comfort, seamless logistics, and our signature bespoke Kenya itinerary planning.
Brief Day by Day Itinerary Outline
Day 1: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drives in Samburu
Day 3: Samburu to Aberdare National Park
Day 4: Aberdare National Park to Lake Nakuru National Park
Day 5: Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara National Reserve
Day 6: Full-Day Game Drives in Maasai Mara
Day 7: Maasai Mara to Nairobi
Activities:
* Multiple game drives in Samburu, Aberdare, Lake Nakuru, and Maasai Mara National Parks
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.
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.
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 the vast plains, rolling hills, and acacia-dotted savannahs of the Maasai Mara.
Tailored To Your Preferences
This 7 day highlights itinerary offers a fantastic snapshot of Kenya. As specialists in bespoke Kenya itinerary design, we can adapt elements to your interests. Perhaps focus more on birding at Lake Nakuru, adjust the pace slightly (which might require extending the trip), or ensure specific family considerations are met. We work with you to refine the details.
Best Time for This Safari
This itinerary offers year round appeal, with regional highlights:
- July October: Prime time for potential Great Migration viewing in the Mara; generally dry across all parks.
- January March: Excellent general game viewing; pleasant weather. Samburu is often excellent this time of year.
- Pacing Note: Due to the ground covered in 7 days, comfortable travel often relies less on season and more on utilizing the recommended light aircraft transfers.
We provide detailed advice tailored to your specific travel dates.
Why Choose This Highlights Journey?
- Maximum Diversity in One Week: Covers four distinct ecosystems: arid north, highland forest, Rift Valley lake, and savannah.
- Iconic Wildlife: Opportunity to see Samburu Special Five, forest species, rhinos, potential Migration, and Big Five.
- Efficient Exploration: Ideal for travellers with limited time wanting a comprehensive taste of Kenya's best.
Ready to Plan Your Kenyan Highlights Safari?
The detailed day by day itinerary, including specific accommodation suggestions and further insights for this efficiently paced journey, follows below. If you wish to discuss customization or have questions about this 7 day adventure, our specialists are ready to assist.
Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve (Approx. 5-6 hours drive)
- Morning (Arrival): Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), Nairobi, you will be met by your professional driver/guide. After a brief welcome and safari briefing, depart for Samburu National Reserve.
- Mid-morning: The drive takes you north through diverse landscapes, passing through agricultural areas and gradually transitioning into more arid terrain. A brief stop for lunch will be arranged en route.
- Afternoon: Arrive at your chosen lodge or camp in or near Samburu National Reserve. Check in and have some time to freshen up.
- Late Afternoon: Embark on your first game drive in Samburu. This reserve is known for its unique wildlife adapted to the arid environment, including Grevy's zebras, reticulated giraffes, Beisa oryx, Somali ostriches, and gerenuk (giraffe-necked antelope).
- Evening: Return to your lodge/camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Suggestions: Samburu Sopa Lodge, Ashnil Samburu Camp, Elephant Bedroom Camp, Sasaab, or similar.
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drives in Samburu National Reserve
- Morning: Early morning game drive to witness the sunrise and observe wildlife during their most active hours.
- Mid-morning: Return to the lodge for a leisurely breakfast.
- Late Morning/Afternoon: Continue exploring Samburu with extended game drives, focusing on different areas of the reserve and searching for wildlife. The Ewaso Ng'iro River is a lifeline for the animals and a good place to spot wildlife.
- Evening: Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Samburu to Aberdare National Park (Approx. 3-4 hours drive)
- Morning: Enjoy a final game drive in Samburu, perhaps focusing on any species you may have missed.
- Mid-morning: After breakfast, check out and drive south towards Aberdare National Park. The drive will take you through changing landscapes as you ascend into the foothills of the Aberdare mountain range.
- Afternoon: Arrive at the Aberdare Country Club for lunch. This is often the base for transfers into the park itself, particularly to the tree hotels.
- Late Afternoon: Transfer into Aberdare National Park and check in to your chosen tree hotel (The Ark or Treetops). These unique lodges offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities from their elevated platforms overlooking floodlit waterholes.
- Evening: Enjoy wildlife viewing from the lodge throughout the night.
Accommodation Suggestions: The Ark, Treetops, or similar.
Day 4: Aberdare National Park to Lake Nakuru National Park (Approx. 3-4 hours drive)
- Morning: Enjoy a final morning of wildlife viewing from your tree hotel.
- Mid-morning: After breakfast, descend from the Aberdares and drive towards Lake Nakuru National Park.
- Afternoon: Arrive at Lake Nakuru and check in to your accommodation near the park. Have lunch.
- Late Afternoon: Enjoy a game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its large flocks of flamingos (seasonal). The park is also a sanctuary for both black and white rhinos, Rothschild giraffes, lions, leopards, and various antelope species.
- Evening: Dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Suggestions: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge, The Cliff Nakuru, or similar.
Day 5: Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara National Reserve (Approx. 4-5 hours drive)
- Morning: Enjoy a final game drive in Lake Nakuru, perhaps focusing on birdwatching or rhino tracking.
- Mid-morning: After breakfast, depart for the world-renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve. The drive will take you through scenic landscapes, including the floor of the Great Rift Valley.
- Afternoon: Arrive at your chosen accommodation in or near the Maasai Mara. Check in and have lunch.
- Late Afternoon: Embark on your first game drive in the Maasai Mara, famous for its incredible wildlife concentrations and the Great Migration (seasonal).
- Evening: Dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Suggestions: Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Mara Intrepids Camp, Angama Mara, Mahali Mzuri, or similar.
Day 6: Full-Day Game Drives in Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Full Day: Enjoy full-day game drives in the Maasai Mara with packed lunches. This allows you to explore different areas of the reserve and maximize your chances of seeing the "Big Five" (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) and other amazing wildlife. Consider a hot air balloon safari for a unique perspective of the Mara plains (pre-booking essential).
- Evening: Return to your lodge/camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7: Maasai Mara to Nairobi (Approx. 5-6 hours drive)
- Morning: Enjoy a final early morning game drive in the Maasai Mara.
- Mid-morning: After breakfast, check out and depart for Nairobi.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Nairobi and transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) for your departure flight or to a hotel for onward travel.
Important Notes:
- This is a sample itinerary and can be customized to suit your preferences, budget, and travel dates.
- Driving times are estimates and can vary depending on road conditions and traffic.
- It is highly recommended to book your safari well in advance, especially during peak season (July-October for the Great Migration).
- Pack appropriate clothing for varying weather conditions, including warm layers for the evenings and early mornings (especially in Aberdare), comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and binoculars.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is 7 days enough time for Samburu, Aberdare, Nakuru, and Mara? This itinerary is designed as a highlights tour and is relatively fast paced to cover these four diverse locations in 7 days. To ensure comfort and maximize wildlife viewing time, utilizing the optional light aircraft flights between key parks is strongly recommended. The detailed itinerary provides more specifics on travel times.
2. What is the main advantage of including Aberdare National Park? Aberdare offers a unique contrast to the other parks with its lush, high altitude forest and moorland environment. It provides opportunities to see different wildlife, including potentially elusive forest species like the bongo antelope (though sightings are rare), and often involves a stay at a distinctive forest lodge offering game viewing over waterholes.
3. Is the light aircraft upgrade necessary for this trip? While not strictly mandatory if budget is a primary concern, flying between certain points (like Samburu to the central region, and onward to the Mara) dramatically reduces travel time compared to long drives on this itinerary. For a luxury experience maximizing comfort and time on safari within 7 days, we highly recommend incorporating flights.
4. Can this itinerary be customized, perhaps for a slower pace? Yes, absolutely. As a bespoke operator, we can tailor it. For a slower pace within 7 days, you might consider focusing on fewer locations (e.g., Samburu & Mara only, or Aberdare/Lakes & Mara). Alternatively, we can extend the trip to allow more time in each park. Discuss your preferences with our specialists.