8 Days / 7 Nights — The Wild Heart of Kenya

Driving time: 5½–6½ hours

Your safari begins after breakfast at Panafric Hotel in Nairobi, the journey takes you through the changing landscapes of central Kenya before reaching Samburu, where the scenery becomes drier and more rugged.

Arrive at Samburu Sopa Lodge in time for lunch, followed by some time to relax.

Later, head out for your first game drive in Samburu National Reserve.

Samburu is famous for its distinctive northern wildlife, including the Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx and Somali ostrich, alongside elephant, lion, leopard and other predators.

Overnight: Samburu Sopa Lodge
Meal plan: Full Board

Today is dedicated entirely to exploring Samburu.

After an early breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive along the Ewaso Nyiro River and through the reserve's open plains and acacia country.

The river is an important lifeline for Samburu's wildlife and often provides excellent opportunities for elephant and other wildlife sightings.

Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation before an afternoon game drive.

Optional experience

A visit to a Samburu village can be arranged to learn about the traditions, culture and way of life of the local community.

Overnight: Samburu Sopa Lodge
Meal plan: Full Board

After breakfast, depart Samburu and travel south towards the cool central highlands.

The landscape changes dramatically as you approach the Aberdare mountains, from the dry northern plains to dense montane forest.

Arrive at The Ark, located inside Aberdare National Park, where the experience becomes as much about the forest as it is about conventional game drives.

The Ark overlooks a floodlit waterhole and salt lick, allowing guests to watch wildlife from the lodge throughout the afternoon and into the evening.

Elephants, buffalo and other wildlife frequently visit the waterhole, while the forest environment provides the possibility of sightings of more elusive species.

The Ark is also an ideal place to experience Aberdare's fascinating nocturnal wildlife.

Overnight: The Ark
Meal plan: Full Board

After breakfast, descend from the Aberdare highlands towards the Great Rift Valley.

Proceed to Lake Nakuru National Park, one of Kenya's most important rhino sanctuaries.

Enjoy a game drive en route to Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge, with lunch followed by an afternoon game drive.

Lake Nakuru offers excellent opportunities to see:

• Black and white rhino
• Rothschild's giraffe
• Buffalo
• Zebra
• Lion
• Leopard
• Waterbuck
• Flamingos and numerous other bird species

The park's combination of lake, woodland, grassland and escarpment creates a particularly scenic safari environment. KWS describes Lake Nakuru as an important sanctuary for both black and white rhinos.

Overnight: Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge
Meal plan: Full Board

Wake up early for breakfast and depart for the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

The drive takes you through the Great Rift Valley and onward into Maasai country.

Arrive at Fig Tree Camp, situated along the Talek River, in time for lunch.

After settling in, enjoy your first afternoon game drive in the Mara.

The Maasai Mara is one of Africa's great wildlife destinations and is renowned for its exceptional concentration of big cats, elephants, buffalo, giraffes and other plains wildlife.

Overnight: Fig Tree Camp
Meal plan: Full Board

Today is dedicated entirely to the Maasai Mara.

Rise early for a sunrise game drive, when the Mara is at its most atmospheric and predators are often active.

Return to camp for lunch relax and set out for an evening game drive

Depending on the season, there may be opportunities to witness the famous Great Wildebeest Migration, particularly when the herds are moving through the Mara ecosystem.

Overnight: Fig Tree Camp
Meal plan: Full Board

Your final full day gives you the flexibility to enjoy either:

Option 1 — Full-day safari

Leave after breakfast with a packed lunch and spend the entire day exploring the Mara.

Option 2 — Morning & afternoon game drives

Enjoy an early morning game drive, return for breakfast and relax at camp before another afternoon safari.

This is also an excellent opportunity to concentrate on photography and big-cat sightings.

Overnight: Fig Tree Camp
Meal plan: Full Board

After breakfast, depart the Maasai Mara for Nairobi.

Enjoy the changing scenery as you leave the Mara ecosystem and travel back towards the capital.

Arrive in Nairobi in the afternoon, with a drop-off at the Airport/Hotel according to travelers onward arrangements.

End of Safari