8 Day Wild Heart of Kenya Safari

Your exhilarating safari begins the moment you arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi. Our dedicated representatives will extend a warm welcome, assisting with your transfer to the Sarova Panafric Hotel or a similar accommodation. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a detailed briefing about your upcoming safari arrangements, preparing you for the adventures ahead. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at your hotel, booked on a bed and breakfast basis in a Deluxe room

Begin your day with an early breakfast before your guide-driver warmly meets you at the hotel. Today, you journey northwards to the captivating Samburu Game Reserve. You’ll arrive in time for a satisfying lunch, setting the stage for an exciting afternoon. Later, embark on your first thrilling game viewing drive within this unique reserve. Samburu is renowned for its “Special Five”: the graceful Gerenuk (often nicknamed the “Twiga gazelle”), the distinctive Beisa Oryx, the elegant Reticulated Giraffe, the peculiar Somali Ostrich, and the striking Grevy’s Zebra. Beyond these unique species, the reserve is home to over 50 other wildlife species, including the elusive leopard and cheetah. Conclude your day with a delightful dinner.

Dedicate a full day to exploring the rich ecosystems of both Samburu and Buffalo Springs game reserves with invigorating morning and afternoon game viewing drives. These reserves are vibrant havens for a wide array of wildlife, including the majestic Savannah Elephant, powerful Lion, elusive Rhino, robust Cape Buffalo, intriguing Wild Dog, and even the endangered Pancake Tortoise, among many others. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted by the presence of over 450 species of indigenous birds. For those interested in cultural immersion, there’s an optional opportunity to experience the rich culture of the Samburu people at a small additional cost.

After a hearty breakfast, your guide-driver will meet you for the drive to the renowned Ol Pejeta Conservancy. This expansive 90,000-acre private wildlife conservancy holds a special place, being situated directly on the equator and nestled between the foothills of the Aberdare mountain range and the magnificent, snow-capped Mount Kenya. You’ll arrive in time for lunch, followed by an enriching afternoon game viewing drive. Ol Pejeta boasts an astounding variety of animals, including the iconic Big Five – with a particular focus on the endangered black and white rhino. Other sightings may include leopard, elephant, buffalo, lion, Grevy’s zebra, Jackson’s hartebeest, and cheetah. One of the distinct highlights here is the chimpanzee sanctuary, offering a unique and moving experience.

Following breakfast, depart from Ol Pejeta en route to Lake Nakuru National Park. Along the way, enjoy a brief, refreshing stopover at the picturesque Thompson’s Falls. Arrive at your lodge for lunch, preparing for an afternoon game viewing drive within the park. The scenic 188 km² Lake Nakuru game park is a vital sanctuary, home to both black and white rhinos, prides of lions, Cape buffalos, waterbucks, reticulated giraffes, and hartebeests. The 68 km² alkaline lake is globally famous for the thousands of greater and lesser flamingoes that congregate here when water levels are low, creating a stunning pink spectacle. The park also proudly hosts the largest euphorbia forest in Africa.

Savor an early breakfast before departing for the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve. This iconic destination promises unparalleled wildlife viewing. Upon arrival, you’ll check in and enjoy lunch. The afternoon marks your first exhilarating game viewing drive in search of the hundreds of wildlife species for which this reserve is famous. Keep a keen eye out for the lion, Cape buffalo, savannah elephant, black rhino, and the elusive leopard – collectively known as the iconic Big Five. You’ll also encounter impalas, Masai giraffes, waterbucks, warthogs, Thompson’s & Grant’s gazelles, topis, and the resident wildebeest herds, among many others.

Prepare for a full day of thrilling game viewing drives after breakfast, continuing your search for the Big Five and countless other magnificent wildlife species that roam these plains. Beyond the incredible animal encounters, the Mara offers a beautiful and varied scenery to admire, from rolling grasslands to acacia woodlands. The vast plains are also a haven for hundreds of bird species, providing fantastic opportunities for birdwatching. You’ll also have the opportunity to enhance your experience with optional activities (at an extra cost): Balloon Safari over the Mara plains: Experience the vastness of the Mara from a unique aerial perspective (US$ 425 Per Person) or Visit a traditional Masai Village (Manyatta): Immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of the Maasai people (US$ 30 Per person).

Enjoy a final breakfast at Zebra Plains Mara Camp before checking out. You have two options for your return journey to Nairobi: A scenic drive back to Nairobi, which takes approximately 6 hours or alternatively, for a quicker return, you may opt for a one-hour light scheduled flight to Wilson Airport at an extra cost of US$ 250 Per Person. If time permits before your international departure, you will enjoy a farewell lunch in Nairobi. Subsequently, our guide-driver will transfer you to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for your onward flight, concluding your unforgettable Kenyan safari.