Compare Kenya Adventure Safari – Samburu, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara by Great Safaris vs Best of Kenya by Rothschild Safaris

Day 1: Depart USA

Safari excitement begins with the overnight flight to Kenya.

Day 2: Nairobi (Mondays)

On arrival at the Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport you will be met by a representative of Great Safaris and transferred to The Stanley Hotel.

Day 3: Shaba Game Reserve

Drive north this morning to ‘Born Free’ country where Joy and George Adamson raised Elsa the lion cub in the wild and beautiful Shaba National Reserve which along with Buffalo Springs is part of the area known as ‘Samburu’. Arrive for lunch at the Sarova Shaba Lodge, built around natural springs and offers an oasis of green in the midst of this beautiful but harshly arid landscape. The Sarova Shaba Lodge is located high above the Shaba Game Reserve, and it cleverly incorporates the beautiful natural springs as one of its special features.

Day 4: Shaba Game Reserve

After an early morning game drive, returning to the Lodge for breakfast. Mid morning is spent at leisure. Enjoy an afternoon game drive.

The Shaba Reserve is named after an outcrop of volcanic rock that dominates the region. Many small hills dot the landscape and with four springs, Shaba is better watered than its neighbors. Animals commonly seen are elephants, lions, cheetahs, giraffes and buffalos to name a few. The river forest attracts a wide variety of birds.

Day 5: Lake Nakuru National Park

After breakfast, depart heading southwest to Nyahururu, still known to many as Thomson’s Falls for its 237-foot cascade. After a brief stopover, travel in a southerly direction to your next destination: Lake Nakuru, colored a shimmering flamingo pink from thousands of the beautiful birds lining its shores. Wildlife is also in abundance here. Arrive at Lion Hill Lodge affording unforgettable views of the lake from its hillside perch. In the afternoon there will be a game drive in Nakuru National Park.

Lion Hill Lodge impresses every guest with its panoramic view of the pink shoreline created by millions of flamingos on Lake Nakuru. The Lodge is situated within the Lake Nakuru National Park Rift Valley Province and is surrounded by natural flora and fauna in its beautiful grounds.

Day 6: Masai Mara

Leave flamingo fringed Lake Nakuru behind, heading southwards and turn right at Maai Mahiu to ascend up over the top of the Mau Escarpment. Then heading due south, you travel towards Narok, gateway to the Masai Mara and district headquarters of this part of Masailand.

You’ll travel across the “breadbasket” of Kenya, covered with acres of wheat and barley; you’ll reach your destination, Mara Sarova luxury tented camp, by lunchtime. Located within the boundaries of the Masai Mara Game Reserve, this comfortable luxury camp offers delicious meals and a swimming pool, and makes a perfect base from which to explore the wonders of this corner of Kenya. Lunch at the camp.

Take an afternoon game-drive in this magnificent game reserve. Masai Mara is an extension of the Serengeti ecosystem to the south. Game abounds here, particularly when the migration is on, and millions of wildebeest and zebras make their way back and forth across the Mara River on their annual trek. The Mara is also noted for its abundance of lions – particularly the superb black maned males. You’ll see lots of elephants here often in large herds, and if you’re lucky leopard, cheetah and rhino. All of the Big Five are residents. You’re sure to see the African buffalo. Get the cameras ready and enjoy yourselves!

Sarova Mara Camp is set in the African bush but the luxurious tents all have permanent roofs, zip-up fronts, electricity and en-suite facilities. Relaxing outside your own tent listening to the orchestra of rasping Cicadas, croaking Tree Frogs and the intermittent call of birds and monkeys is a memorable symphony.

Day 7: Masai Mara

Set out on an early morning game drive returning to the Lodge for breakfast. Mid-morning is spent at leisure and lunch at the Camp.

Take an afternoon game viewing drive in the reserve, with the opportunity of enjoying breathtaking vistas, panoramas of vast rolling plains, hills and woodland groves, well watered by the lovely Mara River.

Day 8: Depature

Bid farewell to the Masai Mara as you set on your journey back to Nairobi. Travel across the vast plains on the floor of the Rift Valley keep an eye out for herds of giraffe and gazelle and head up the escarpment on a road built by Italian prisoners of war during World War II. You will arrive in Kenya’s bustling capital city Nairobi in the early afternoon. Lunch on your own arrangements.

Transfer to Nairobi Airport for your departure flight where you will bid farewell to Africa until the next time.

Day 9: Arrive USA

With memories never to be forgotten!

Day 1: Arrive Nairobi, Kenya

Upon arrival at Nairobi, you will be transferred to One Forty-eight Boutique Hotel. Typically, flights from the U.S. to Nairobi arrive in the evening. Settle into your accommodations, followed by a late dinner. Prepare for an early morning departure to your first game reserve.

Day 2: Flight to Lewa Conservancy and Lewa Wilderness Lodge

After breakfast, you are transferred to the airport for a quick flight to the Lewa Conservancy and the Lewa Wilderness Lodge. After settling in, lunch will be served with a rest and high tea to follow. Before the day ends, you will embark on your first game Safari in open vehicle. Back at the lodge, enjoy a drink around the log fire as you socialize with other guests from all over the world. Gather around the long dining table for a seated and served dinner enjoying the sounds of the African night.

Day 3: Lewa Conservancy – Camel Safari & Guided Walk or Game Drive

A light breakfast will be served before leaving for your morning game activity. You may choose to enjoy a camel safari, a great way to take in the scenery from a unique vantage point, or to enjoy a guided walk led by a trained Maasai guide, nothing is more thrilling than watching a rhino or elephant grazing in the morning light while you are on foot or following the tracks of a leopard. This afternoon head out on a game drive, you have a good chance to see the “Big Five.” For dinner, this evening you may wish to dine privately on the pool deck, or out in the bush on request.

Day 4: Lewa Conservancy – Game Drive, Local Village Visit & Horseback Safari

Following a pre-dawn cup of coffee and early morning game drive (when wildlife is the most active) return to camp for a full hot breakfast. Later today learn about the life and culture of the local Maasai by interacting at a local village or school. Head out once again in the early evening by vehicle, horseback or on foot and finish another fabulous day on Safari with “sundowners” overlooking the magical terrain followed by another delicious dinner at Lewa Wilderness Lodge.

Day 5: Fly to Namunyak Conservancy – High Tea and Game Drive

This morning depart for the airstrip and board your flight north to Namunyak Conservancy. Time permitting you may wish to stop at the Lewa Crafts center to see the craftsmanship first-hand, weaving carpets and designing and creating furniture from salvaged acacia wood. Alternatively, visit the HIV/AIDS orphanage, clinic and school en-route to the airstrip.

In the heart of Samburu country, the arid Namunyak environment offers stunning views of the Mathews Range, home of the sacred sites of Samburu culture. Game drive to your accommodation, Sarara Camp, set in the canopy of the forest. Tuck into the delicious high tea spread before heading out to search the conservancy for wildlife great and small. Return to the lodge for dining and rest beneath a blanket of stars.

Day 6: Namunyak Conservancy – Samburu Singing Wells, Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, and Meet the Samburu

Early this morning depart on foot to the exclusive cultural experience known as the Samburu Singing Wells. Observe villagers as they lead their cattle to a sacred site in the dry riverbed and sing to their herds to come forward and drink. Each herd knows its song. This is moving and fascinating and available nowhere else on earth. Next, game drive to the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, a pioneering community project which rescues orphan elephants and uplifts the local people. You will have the chance to meet the Samburu people invested in this wildlife initiative and spend time in their communities. The day comes full circle as you watch the cattle from the singing wells return to the boma for the evening. Celebrate this day of cultural immersion with sundowners before heading back to the lodge for dinner and a well-deserved rest.

Day 7: Fly to Masai Mara Game Reserve, High Tea & Game Drive

Fly south to one of the most iconic wildlife destinations on the planet, the legendary Masai Mara Game Reserve. You land at the Naboisho Conservancy and transfer to the secluded Mara Nyika Camp. Upon arrival, hear a quick safety briefing and settle into your tented room. High tea will be served and then you embark on an afternoon game drive. As evening falls, return to your camp for a delightful meal and overnight.

Day 8: Masai Mara Game Reserve – Day & Night Game Drives

Wake up early to experience the vast number of wildlife species in this exclusive conservancy, a low-density tourism area which borders the Masai Mara. Your four-wheel Land Cruiser is open-sided, canopied and customized for photographers with raised roofs and photographic bars. Drinks and snacks are kept cool in the fully stocked fridge. During your stay, each guest tent has a set of professional equipment available which consists of a Canon camera with lenses and Swarovski binoculars. Your guide can assist with photography basics while on game drives. Siesta then high tea and head out again on an afternoon drive continuing into the night for a night drive which is particularly prolific in this area. Return to camp for dinner and campfire chats enjoyed with fellow travelers.

Day 9: Masai Mara Game Reserve – Day Game Drive & Hot Air Balloon Ride

Rise before dawn for a spectacular balloon ride over the plains as you witness the sun breaking the horizon. Soar over the Rift Valley for an hour, watching wildlife and the landscape sprawl beneath you. After landing, enjoy a full hot breakfast and champagne in the wilds of the Masai Mara. This afternoon journey back to the plains on a game drive. Raise a glass as the sun slips out of sight and the nocturnal animals stir. Perhaps come upon a lion or hyena hunt before heading back to camp for your evening meal and slumber at Mara Nyika.

Day 10: Flight to Nairobi and Departure

Today you leave the Masai Mara and head back home or to other parts of Africa. If you decide to get up early you may squeeze in one last game drive. After breakfast, depart on your scheduled flight to Nairobi where your Kenya safari experience comes to an end. Your international flight should be booked out of Nairobi no earlier than late afternoon.