8 Days Samburu and Masai Mara Safari

The 8 Days Samburu and Masai Mara Safari by Winton Africa Safaris is an expertly curated wildlife and photography adventure that offers travelers the perfect blend of Kenya’s northern savannahs and the iconic Maasai Mara plains. This safari is tailored for those seeking immersive wildlife encounters, exceptional photographic opportunities, and authentic cultural experiences with Kenya’s local communities. Over eight days, travelers journey through the semi-arid landscapes of Samburu National Reserve, home to unique northern species, and then into the predator-rich Masai Mara National Reserve, where rolling plains, riverine forests, and abundant wildlife provide some of the most iconic safari experiences in Africa.

From the first evening in Nairobi to the final departure, these itinerary balances adventure, comfort, and exploration. Guests experience early morning and late afternoon game drives, optimal for photography, capturing wildlife in their most active moments. The journey also includes cultural visits, allowing travelers to interact with the Samburu and Maasai communities, gaining insight into local traditions, attire, and rituals. Lodges and tented camps are carefully selected to provide scenic views, proximity to wildlife, and an intimate safari experience, combining luxury with nature.

The 8 Days Samburu and Masai Mara Safari allows travelers to witness the full spectrum of Kenya’s ecosystems. Samburu offers sightings of rare species such as the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and gerenuk, which are unique to northern Kenya. In contrast, the Masai Mara provides opportunities to observe the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—alongside vast herds of zebras and wildebeests, especially during migration periods. This safari emphasizes both wildlife observation and photography, with expert guides sharing knowledge on animal behavior, lighting, and framing techniques, ensuring travelers capture memorable and professional-quality images.

In addition to wildlife, the safari provides birding experiences, as both regions host an array of endemic and migratory bird species. From the vibrant lilac-breasted roller in Samburu to flamingos along Mara rivers and hippo-populated waterholes, photographers are spoiled for choice. Cultural encounters, including Maasai warrior visits and Samburu pastoralist rituals, offer vibrant human-interest photography subjects, enhancing the storytelling potential of every journey.

Day 1: An Evening in Nairobi

The 8 Days Samburu and Masai Mara Safari begins with arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi. Guests are met by professional guides from Winton Africa Safaris, assisted with luggage, and briefed on the itinerary, including photography tips and safety protocols. Depending on arrival time, travelers spend the evening relaxing at a Nairobi hotel, preparing for the adventure ahead.

This introductory evening allows guests to acclimatize, review camera equipment, and discuss the wildlife and cultural highlights awaiting them. Nairobi’s urban landscapes, bustling streets, and vibrant markets offer early photographic opportunities for urban life photography, contrasting sharply with the natural landscapes to follow. Dinner at the hotel concludes the day, allowing guests to rest before an early departure to Samburu.

• Animals to Spot: None (urban environment)
• Birds to Spot: House sparrows, bulbuls, pigeons
• Cultures to Experience: Kenyan city life, local markets, urban Maasai communities

Day 2: Nairobi to Samburu

After breakfast, guests depart Nairobi, heading north toward the Samburu National Reserve, approximately a six-hour drive through Kenya’s central and northern landscapes. The journey passes through scenic hills, arid plains, and rural villages, offering glimpses of everyday Kenyan life, ideal for road photography. Upon arrival at Saruni Samburu, guests settle into the luxury tented camp, with panoramic views of the Ewaso Ng’iro River and surrounding savannahs.

The afternoon features a short introductory game drive, focusing on wildlife along the river. Samburu is renowned for species unique to northern Kenya, including Grevy’s zebras, reticulated giraffes, and gerenuks. Herds of elephants and buffaloes are frequently spotted, providing dynamic photographic subjects. Guides offer insights into animal behavior, assisting photographers in framing shots and capturing wildlife interactions.

• Animals to Spot: Elephants, Grevy’s zebras, reticulated giraffes, gerenuks, buffaloes
• Birds to Spot: Lilac-breasted rollers, Somali ostriches, vultures, fish eagles
• Cultures to Experience: Samburu pastoralists, beadwork, herding traditions

Day 3: Full Day in Samburu

Day three is devoted entirely to game drives in Samburu, offering early morning and late afternoon sessions optimal for wildlife photography. Pre-dawn drives allow photographers to capture predators hunting or animals interacting in the cool morning light. Elephants bathing in the river, giraffes browsing acacia trees, and Grevy’s zebras forming geometric patterns across the plains create ideal photographic compositions.

Afternoon drives explore semi-arid habitats and riverine areas, providing opportunities to photograph predators such as lions and cheetahs, as well as rare species like the Beisa oryx and gerenuk. Guides share expertise on anticipating wildlife behavior, composition techniques, and lighting conditions. Cultural visits to Samburu villages allow guests to photograph traditional dances, beadwork, and pastoralist activities, blending human-interest images with wildlife photography.

• Animals to Spot: Lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, Beisa oryx, gerenuk
• Birds to Spot: Hornbills, grey herons, lilac-breasted rollers, vultures
• Cultures to Experience: Samburu rituals, beadwork, traditional dancing

Day 4: Morning in Samburu and Transfer to Masai Mara

After an early morning game drive, capturing wildlife in the golden light of dawn, guests begin their transfer to Masai Mara National Reserve. The journey passes through the Great Rift Valley, with scenic stops for landscape photography of rolling hills, savannah plains, and rural villages. Upon arrival in the Mara, guests check into Saruni Mara or similar lodges, ideally located for quick access to the reserve’s plains.

The afternoon features a short introductory game drive, allowing photographers to capture elephants, lions, and herds of wildebeests and zebras against the Mara’s iconic landscapes. Guides provide advice on composition, tracking animals, and capturing action shots in dynamic light. The evening concludes with a discussion on photography techniques and reviewing the day’s captures.

• Animals to Spot: Lions, elephants, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests
• Birds to Spot: Secretary birds, storks, vultures, lilac-breasted rollers
• Cultures to Experience: Maasai villages, pastoralist life

Day 5: Full Day Game Drives in Masai Mara

Day five immerses guests in a full day of game drives in Masai Mara, capturing the Big Five and other wildlife. Morning drives focus on lions, leopards, and cheetahs, with guides directing photographers to predator activity hotspots. Herds of elephants, zebras, and wildebeests provide moving compositions across the savannah. The Mara River and surrounding woodlands create scenic backdrops for landscape and wildlife photography.

Afternoon drives target birdlife and secondary predators, as well as riverine habitats. Photographers can experiment with framing, capturing intimate interactions, and utilizing natural light. Optional hot air balloon safaris provide aerial views, ideal for wide-angle photography of herds and river crossings.

• Animals to Spot: Lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests
• Birds to Spot: African fish eagle, vultures, storks, kingfishers, lilac-breasted rollers
• Cultures to Experience: Maasai homesteads, warrior traditions

Day 6: Second Full Day in Masai Mara

Day six continues the immersive Masai Mara experience with another full day of game drives, capturing morning activity and afternoon lighting variations. Guides provide insights on photographing elusive predators, herd dynamics, and behavioral storytelling. Photographers are encouraged to focus on composition, patterns, and natural framing within the landscape.

Cultural encounters with Maasai communities offer additional human-interest photography subjects. Sunset game drives allow dramatic silhouettes against golden skies, completing the Mara photography experience.

• Animals to Spot: Lions, leopards, elephants, zebras, cheetahs, giraffes
• Birds to Spot: Secretary birds, African fish eagle, vultures, hornbills
• Cultures to Experience: Maasai beadwork, rituals, herding

Day 7: Masai Mara to Nairobi – Optional Lake Naivasha Stop

After a final morning game drive, travelers transfer toward Nairobi, with an optional stop at Lake Naivasha for a boat safari. Here, photographers capture hippos, waterbirds, and reflections on the lake’s surface. Upon arrival in Nairobi, guests check into a city hotel or proceed to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, concluding the safari.

• Animals to Spot: Hippos, elephants, giraffes, zebras
• Birds to Spot: African fish eagle, herons, cormorants, kingfishers
• Cultures to Experience: Local fishing communities, Maasai encounters

Day 8: Departure

Day eight marks the conclusion of the 8 Days Samburu and Masai Mara Safari, with airport transfers arranged for onward flights. Guests depart with extraordinary photographs, memories, and a deeper appreciation of Kenya’s wildlife, landscapes, and cultures.

Safari Inclusions

• Airport pickup and drop-off in Nairobi
• Accommodation in lodges or tented camps as per itinerary
• Transport in 4×4 safari vehicles with pop-up roofs
• Professional English-speaking safari guide
• Park and reserve entrance fees
• Morning and afternoon game drives
• Optional hot air balloon safari in Masai Mara
• Boat excursions at Lake Naivasha (optional)
• Meals during safari (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• Bottled water during game drives
• Maasai and Samburu village visits

Safari Exclusions

• International flights to and from Kenya
• Travel visas and travel insurance
• Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
• Optional activities not included (balloon safari may have additional cost)
• Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
• Personal expenses and souvenirs

The 8 Days Samburu and Masai Mara Safari by Winton Africa Safaris delivers a perfect combination of wildlife photography, cultural immersion, and scenic landscapes. From the rare northern species of Samburu to the Big Five and migratory herds of the Masai Mara, this safari provides unforgettable photographic opportunities, professional guidance, and experiences that create memories to last a lifetime.