Discover the heart of Kenya on this captivating 8 day luxury safari, perfectly balancing unique wildlife encounters with iconic landscapes. Designed by Kenyan based experts for discerning Canadian travellers, this popular circuit takes you from the special arid beauty of Samburu, through the picturesque Rift Valley lakes of Nakuru and Naivasha, culminating in the world renowned Maasai Mara. Let Bubble Tours & Travel craft your seamless and unforgettable Kenya classic safari experience with premium comfort and authentic local insight.

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 Lake Nakuru National Park
Day 4: Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha
Day 5: Lake Naivasha to Maasai Mara National Reserve
Day 6: Full-Day Game Drives in Maasai Mara
Day 7: Full-Day Game Drives in Maasai Mara
Day 8: Maasai Mara to Nairobi

Activities:

* Multiple game drives in Samburu, Lake Nakuru, and Maasai Mara National Parks
* 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.
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 various 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, featuring the Ewaso Nyiro River and doum palm trees; 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.

Tailored To Your Preferences

This popular 8 day itinerary provides an excellent framework. As specialists in bespoke Kenya itinerary design, we excel at tailoring journeys. Perhaps you'd like an extra day in the Mara? A specific focus on birding around the lakes? Or particular accommodation requests? We collaborate closely with you to refine the pace, activities, and lodging to create your ideal Kenyan safari adventure.

Best Time for This Safari Circuit

This route offers superb experiences year round:

• July October: Ideal for potential Great Migration viewing in the Mara and generally dry conditions across all parks.
• January March: Excellent overall wildlife viewing, pleasant weather. Good time for birding at the lakes.
• Consider Logistics: The optional flight between Samburu and the Rift Valley is highly recommended regardless of season to enhance comfort and maximize time.

We offer specific advice based on your travel dates during the planning phase.

Why Choose This Classic Journey?

• Excellent Overview: Covers diverse key regions (North, Rift Valley, Mara) in a manageable timeframe (~1 week).
• Unique & Iconic Wildlife: Combines opportunities to see the Samburu Special Five, rhinos and flamingos at Nakuru, and the Big Five plus potential Migration in the Mara.
• Popular & Proven: A well rounded itinerary suitable for many travellers, including first timers and families.

Ready to Plan Your Kenyan Safari?

The detailed day by day itinerary, featuring specific accommodation suggestions and further insights, follows below. If you're ready to discuss customizing this classic Kenyan journey or have questions, our specialists are here to assist.

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Itinerary

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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 at a local restaurant.
• 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, 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. This is a great time for photography.
• 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, which flows through the reserve, 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 Lake Nakuru National Park (Approx. 4-5 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 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 4: Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha (Approx. 1-2 hours drive)

• Morning: Enjoy a final game drive in Lake Nakuru, perhaps focusing on birdwatching or rhino tracking.
• Mid-morning: Drive to Lake Naivasha, a beautiful freshwater lake in the Great Rift Valley.
• Afternoon: Check in to your lakeside accommodation.
• Late Afternoon: Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Naivasha. This offers excellent birdwatching opportunities and close encounters with hippos. You can also visit Crescent Island for a walking safari among zebras, giraffes, and other plains game (optional).
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation Suggestions: Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge, Enashipai Resort & Spa, Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort, or similar.

Day 5: Lake Naivasha to Maasai Mara National Reserve (Approx. 4-5 hours drive)

• Morning: Enjoy a relaxed morning at Lake Naivasha, perhaps with a nature walk or more birdwatching.
• Mid-morning: 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 provided. 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 over the Mara plains for a truly unforgettable experience (pre-booking essential).
• Evening: Return to your lodge/camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 7: Full-Day Game Drives in Maasai Mara National Reserve

• Full Day: Another full day dedicated to exploring the wonders of the Maasai Mara. You can focus on areas you haven't yet visited, track specific animals, or simply enjoy the incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. You can also visit a local Maasai village for a cultural experience (optional and can be arranged locally).
• Evening: Return to your lodge/camp for a farewell dinner and overnight stay.

Day 8: 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, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and binoculars.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is 8 days enough time for Samburu, Nakuru, Naivasha, and Mara? Eight days provides a fantastic overview of these key areas. To maximize comfort and time spent enjoying wildlife versus travelling, especially covering the distance from Samburu south, we highly recommend considering the optional light aircraft flights between certain locations, as detailed in the full itinerary.

2. What is the main benefit of including Samburu in this itinerary? Samburu offers a unique contrast to the Mara and Rift Valley lakes. Its arid landscape is home to the Samburu Special Five (Grevys zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, gerenuk), species not typically found further south, adding significant wildlife diversity to your safari.

3. Is this 8 day Kenya safari suitable for families? Yes, this itinerary can be very suitable for families. It offers diverse wildlife, includes activities like boat trips and nature walks, and covers iconic parks often featured in documentaries. We can further tailor accommodation choices and pacing to suit specific family needs and ages during the bespoke planning stage.

4. How customizable is this 8 day itinerary? Extremely customizable. While the outline provides a proven structure, we can adjust the number of nights in each location, select specific lodges based on your preferences, incorporate special interests like photography or cultural visits, or adjust the travel methods. It serves as your starting point for a truly personalized journey.