7 Days Masai Mara and Samburu Safari

The 7 Days Masai Mara and Samburu Safari is a carefully curated wildlife adventure designed to offer travelers an extraordinary exploration of Kenya’s northern and southern savannah ecosystems. This safari blends the rugged beauty of Samburu National Reserve, the rich biodiversity of Ol Pejeta Conservancy, and the legendary wildlife spectacle of the Masai Mara National Reserve, providing an unmatched combination of wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and photographic opportunities.

The journey begins with a transfer to Samburu, where travelers witness endemic northern species such as Grevy’s zebras, reticulated giraffes, and Somali ostriches. Samburu is renowned for its dramatic landscapes and unique northern wildlife, making it an ideal introduction to Kenya’s diverse habitats. The 7 Days Masai Mara and Samburu Safari emphasizes immersive game drives, early morning and late afternoon wildlife tracking, and interactions with local communities to provide a holistic safari experience.

The safari continues to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a private sanctuary known for its conservation success stories, particularly with black and white rhinos. Guests explore the conservancy through full-day game drives, visiting the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary and observing the Big Five in a protected environment. Ol Pejeta offers both rich wildlife and educational insights into anti-poaching efforts, making it a highlight of the 7 Days Masai Mara and Samburu Safari.

The Masai Mara National Reserve provides the pinnacle of the safari experience, with vast plains teeming with lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and buffaloes. The reserve’s proximity to Maasai communities allows for cultural immersion, including village visits and interactions with local pastoralists. Morning and afternoon game drives maximize wildlife sightings, while the golden sunsets and acacia-dotted landscapes create a visual spectacle.

Throughout the 7 Days Masai Mara and Samburu Safari, travelers experience Kenya’s iconic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant cultures. This itinerary is designed for adventure seekers, nature enthusiasts, and photography lovers, ensuring unforgettable memories and a comprehensive understanding of Kenya’s ecological and cultural richness. By the end of the safari, guests depart with an enriched perspective of Kenya’s conservation achievements and wildlife diversity.

Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Samburu – Gateway to Northern Wildlife

The first day of the 7 Days Masai Mara and Samburu Safari begins with arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Travelers are welcomed by professional safari guides from Winton Africa Safaris, who provide an orientation about the itinerary, safety guidelines, and safari expectations. After a brief stop in Nairobi for refreshments and preparation, the journey continues northward to Samburu National Reserve, a drive offering scenic views of the arid northern landscapes, rolling hills, and scattered pastoral communities.

Samburu is famed for its endemic wildlife, including Grevy’s zebras, Somali ostriches, reticulated giraffes, and gerenuks, species not commonly found in southern Kenya. Guests arrive in time for lunch at a lodge with panoramic views of the reserve, setting the stage for the afternoon’s first game drive. The drive allows for initial wildlife encounters, highlighting Samburu’s unique northern species and its diverse birdlife. Guides provide insights into the ecology, conservation, and survival strategies of both predator and prey species, enriching the safari experience.

As the afternoon progresses, the golden light illuminates the rugged Samburu landscapes, creating spectacular photographic opportunities. Guests may spot elephants drinking at riverbanks, lions prowling open plains, and cheetahs resting in shaded areas. Bird watchers can enjoy species such as the colorful lilac-breasted roller, northern carmine bee-eater, and various raptors soaring above the acacia-dotted terrain.

Dinner at the lodge offers a moment to reflect on the day’s experiences and anticipate the adventures ahead. This introduction sets the tone for the 7 Days Masai Mara and Samburu Safari, blending wildlife exploration, cultural awareness, and the raw beauty of northern Kenya.

• Animals to Spot: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, lions, elephants, cheetahs
• Birds to Spot: Lilac-breasted roller, northern carmine bee-eater, raptors
• Cultures to Experience: Samburu pastoralist communities, traditional settlements

Day 2: Game Drives in Samburu – Endemic Wildlife and Photographic Delights

The second day of the 7 Days Masai Mara and Samburu Safari is devoted to immersive game drives throughout Samburu National Reserve. Travelers rise early for a morning drive, the best time to observe wildlife when predators are most active and herbivores venture out to graze. The reserve’s dramatic terrain—comprising acacia-strewn plains, riverine forests, and rocky outcrops—creates a dynamic backdrop for photography and wildlife observation.

During the morning game drive, guests encounter endemic northern species such as reticulated giraffes gracefully navigating the plains, Grevy’s zebras in compact herds, and gerenuks browsing on thorny shrubs. Samburu also hosts elephants, lions, leopards, and buffaloes, offering early opportunities to track predators and witness interactions among species. Guides share expert knowledge about behavioral patterns, predator-prey dynamics, and conservation challenges, enhancing the educational aspect of the 7 Days Masai Mara and Samburu Safari.

A mid-morning break offers refreshments and time to observe birds along the Ewaso Nyiro River. The river is a lifeline for Samburu wildlife, attracting hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of waterbirds, including African fish eagles, herons, and kingfishers. The afternoon drive focuses on different areas of the reserve, often revealing elusive predators, territorial elephants, and grazing antelopes. Photography enthusiasts can capture dramatic action shots and stunning landscapes under golden light.

Evening returns to the lodge provide relaxation and dinner, with time to recount the day’s wildlife highlights. By the end of day two, guests have gained a deeper understanding of Samburu’s unique ecosystems, endemic species, and conservation efforts. The day perfectly exemplifies the immersive nature of the 7 Days Masai Mara and Samburu Safari, blending adventure, wildlife observation, and photographic opportunities.

• Animals to Spot: Elephants, lions, cheetahs, Grevy’s zebra, gerenuks
• Birds to Spot: African fish eagle, kingfishers, herons, lilac-breasted roller
• Cultures to Experience: Samburu community life, herding practices

Day 3: Transfer to Ol Pejeta Conservancy – Conservation and Rare Wildlife Encounters

On day three of the 7 Days Masai Mara and Samburu Safari, guests depart Samburu after breakfast for Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a private sanctuary in central Kenya renowned for its rhino conservation programs. The transfer offers scenic views of rolling highlands, farmland, and rural communities, providing insights into Kenya’s diverse landscapes and livelihoods.

Upon arrival, travelers enjoy lunch at the lodge before embarking on an afternoon game drive. Ol Pejeta is home to Kenya’s Big Five, including lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes. The conservancy is especially notable for its critically endangered black and white rhinos, giving guests the rare opportunity to see these majestic animals in protected habitats. Guides provide detailed commentary on anti-poaching efforts, rhino protection strategies, and the role of private conservancies in preserving Kenya’s wildlife.

The afternoon also includes a visit to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, where rescued chimpanzees live in a protected environment. Guests observe social interactions and rehabilitation programs while learning about conservation education efforts. Evening game drives continue, with potential sightings of cheetahs, hyenas, and hippos along watering holes. Dinner at the lodge allows guests to reflect on the conservation-focused experiences, which form a key component of the 7 Days Masai Mara and Samburu Safari.

• Animals to Spot: Black and white rhinos, elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes
• Birds to Spot: Vultures, hornbills, pelicans, African fish eagles
• Cultures to Experience: Conservation initiatives, local community projects

Day 4: Transfer to Masai Mara National Reserve – Entering the Wildlife Heartland

Day four of the 7 Days Masai Mara and Samburu Safari marks the transition from Ol Pejeta Conservancy to the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve, one of the world’s most celebrated wildlife destinations. After breakfast, guests depart in comfortable safari vehicles, traveling southwest across the rolling hills of Kenya’s Rift Valley. The journey itself is a scenic introduction to the fertile highlands, small villages, and farmlands, offering glimpses of rural life and opportunities to photograph local communities at work.

Upon arrival at the Mara, guests are welcomed with lunch at a lodge or tented camp overlooking the savannah plains. The afternoon is dedicated to an afternoon game drive, the first opportunity to experience the Mara’s dense wildlife populations. The Masai Mara is home to an extraordinary concentration of predators, herbivores, and migratory species. Travelers are introduced to the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos—alongside vast herds of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles. The afternoon light enhances wildlife photography, casting dramatic shadows across the rolling plains and highlighting the Mara’s iconic acacia-dotted horizon.

During the game drive, guests may witness lions stalking prey, cheetahs resting in the shade, or elephants moving gracefully in family herds. Bird enthusiasts will enjoy secretary birds patrolling the grasslands, marabou storks near waterholes, and hornbills perched along acacia branches. Guides provide in-depth commentary on animal behavior, migration patterns, and the ecosystem’s delicate balance, enhancing the educational and experiential aspects of the 7 Days Masai Mara and Samburu Safari.

The day concludes with a sunset drive back to the lodge, where travelers can enjoy dinner while reflecting on the awe-inspiring wildlife encounters. The experience encapsulates the essence of the 7 Days Masai Mara and Samburu Safari, blending immersive adventure, wildlife discovery, and stunning scenery.

• Animals to Spot: Lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests
• Birds to Spot: Secretary birds, marabou storks, hornbills, crowned cranes
• Cultures to Experience: Maasai village encounters, traditional storytelling

Day 5: Full-Day Game Drives in Masai Mara – Safari’s Ultimate Wildlife Experience

The fifth day of the 7 Days Masai Mara and Samburu Safari is fully dedicated to exploring the Masai Mara through morning and afternoon game drives, offering the ultimate wildlife experience. Travelers rise before dawn to take advantage of early hours when predators are highly active, increasing the chances of witnessing thrilling interactions between lions, leopards, cheetahs, and their prey.

The morning drive covers open savannahs, riverine forests, and shaded kopjes, providing diverse habitats where wildlife congregates. Large herds of elephants and buffaloes roam freely, while zebras and wildebeests move across the plains in synchronized patterns. Travelers may also encounter giraffes browsing the treetops, warthogs scurrying along the grass, and hippos resting near riverbanks. The Mara’s dynamic ecosystem ensures that each game drive is unique, with surprises at every turn.

Lunch is taken at the lodge or in designated picnic spots amidst the wilderness, allowing travelers to relax and reflect on the morning’s encounters. The afternoon drive focuses on spotting elusive predators, particularly leopards resting in trees and cheetahs prowling open plains. Birders can spot pelicans near rivers, kingfishers along streams, and vibrant lilac-breasted rollers adding color to the landscape. Guides provide rich storytelling, sharing Maasai folklore and insights into the complex predator-prey relationships that define the Mara ecosystem.

Evening returns to the lodge coincide with spectacular sunsets over acacia-studded plains, providing a serene end to an action-packed day. Day five represents the pinnacle of the 7 Days Masai Mara and Samburu Safari, offering a comprehensive wildlife encounter, unforgettable photographic opportunities, and cultural enrichment through interactions with Maasai communities.

• Animals to Spot: Lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffaloes, wildebeests, zebras
• Birds to Spot: Pelicans, kingfishers, lilac-breasted rollers, African fish eagles
• Cultures to Experience: Maasai interactions, traditional village visits, cattle herding

Day 6: Transfer to Nairobi – Farewell to Kenya’s Iconic Plains

Day six of the 7 Days Masai Mara and Samburu Safari begins with an optional early morning game drive, giving travelers one final opportunity to witness the Mara’s wildlife in soft, golden light. Elephants graze serenely, lions stretch after night hunts, and giraffes move gracefully across the plains, creating a last chance for memorable photographs. This early safari experience epitomizes the immersive wildlife adventure that defines the 7 Days Masai Mara and Samburu Safari.

Following breakfast, guests check out and begin the transfer to Nairobi, passing through the scenic Great Rift Valley highlands. Along the route, travelers observe the transition from open plains to rolling farmlands and urban outskirts, offering perspectives on Kenya’s geographical diversity and rural livelihoods. Stops may include viewpoints for photography or visits to small local markets, allowing cultural interactions and appreciation of Kenya’s artisan crafts.

Arriving in Nairobi, travelers may have time to visit select city attractions, relax at a hotel, or prepare for onward flights. The transfer day blends reflection with sightseeing, providing closure to the northern and southern safari experiences of the 7 Days Masai Mara and Samburu Safari. The journey highlights the contrasts between Kenya’s protected wilderness areas and its urban landscapes, emphasizing the country’s diverse ecological and cultural tapestry.

The day concludes with dinner and overnight accommodation in Nairobi, allowing travelers to rest before departure. The transfer consolidates memories of Samburu, Ol Pejeta, and the Masai Mara, leaving guests with a deep appreciation of Kenya’s wildlife and the expertly guided experiences of the 7 Days Masai Mara and Samburu Safari.

• Animals to Spot: Lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes (en route to Nairobi)
• Birds to Spot: African fish eagle, hornbills, vultures
• Cultures to Experience: Rural community visits, local market interactions

Day 7: Departure – Conclusion of the 7 Days Masai Mara and Samburu Safari

The final day of the 7 Days Masai Mara and Samburu Safari marks the conclusion of this extraordinary adventure. After breakfast, guests are assisted with airport transfers to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or onward destinations. This departure allows travelers to reflect on the remarkable wildlife encounters, scenic landscapes, and cultural interactions experienced over the past week.

Throughout the 7 Days Masai Mara and Samburu Safari, guests have witnessed Kenya’s iconic landscapes: the endemic northern species of Samburu, the conservation-focused wildlife of Ol Pejeta, and the dense predator populations of the Masai Mara. Bird enthusiasts have encountered pelicans, kingfishers, lilac-breasted rollers, and African fish eagles, adding vibrancy to the visual safari experience. Cultural interactions with Maasai and Samburu communities provide additional depth, illustrating Kenya’s pastoral heritage and traditional lifestyles.

The 7 Days Masai Mara and Samburu Safari leaves travelers with lasting impressions of Africa’s wildlife, breathtaking panoramas, and conservation success stories. Guests depart inspired, with photographs, memories, and newfound knowledge of Kenya’s diverse ecosystems, making this safari an unforgettable journey and one of the premier Kenya Safaris Holiday experiences offered by Winton Africa Safaris.

Safari Inclusions:

• Airport transfers in Nairobi
• Accommodation during the safari
• Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
• Professional English-speaking safari guide
• All park and conservancy entrance fees
• Morning and afternoon game drives as per itinerary
• Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during safari
• Bottled drinking water during game drives
• Cultural visits and Maasai/Samburu interactions

Safari Exclusions:

• International flights
• Visa and travel insurance
• Tips and gratuities
• Alcoholic and soft drinks
• Optional activities not outlined in the itinerary
• Personal expenses and souvenirs