9-Day Classic Kenya Safari: Aberdare, Samburu, Nakuru & Mara

9-Day Classic Kenya Safari Aberdare, Samburu, Nakuru & Mara

Experience the best of Kenya on a 9-day safari to Aberdare, Samburu, Lake Nakuru & Maasai Mara. See the Big Five, rare species, and stunning landscapes. Includes park fees & full board.
This comprehensive 9-day Kenyan safari explores Aberdare, Samburu, Lake Nakuru, and the Maasai Mara, offering incredible wildlife viewing, including the Big Five and rare northern species.

Landscapes: Experience diverse ecosystems from the central highlands and forests of Aberdare, the arid savannah of Samburu, the flamingo-lined lake Nakuru, to the rolling plains of the Maasai Mara.
Wildlife: Excellent chance to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino) and the rare 'Samburu Special Five' (reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, beisa oryx, Somali ostrich).
Accommodation: A mix of comfortable country clubs and well-located safari lodges and camps, all with private en-suite facilities.
Best Time to Visit: Great year-round, but the best wildlife viewing is during the Dry seasons: January to February and June to October.
Packing: Neutral-colored clothing for game drives, warm layers for cool mornings and evenings, binoculars, camera, sunscreen, and a hat.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi – Aberdare Country Club

Arrive at the Jomo Kenyatta Airport and drive North through the fertile Central Highlands stopping at a coffee processing Cooperative and arriving at the Aberdare Country Club in time for lunch. Relaxation, dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 2: Aberdare – Samburu Game Reserve

Depart and drive north crossing the equator from the Southern to the Northern hemisphere to Samburu Game Reserve (320kms) and arrive at the camp in time for lunch before you depart for an afternoon game viewing and return back to the camp before sunset. Dinner and overnight at Ashnil Samburu Camp.

Day 3: Samburu Game Reserve

Full day spent searching for the rare 'Samburu Special Five' (reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, beisa oryx, Somali ostrich) and observing the vast unspoiled scenery during morning and afternoon game drives. Dinner and overnight at the Ashnil Samburu Camp.

Day 4: Samburu – Aberdare National Park

Depart after breakfast and drive to the Aberdares Country Club arriving in time for lunch, and afterwards transferred to the Ark Lodge. Built to resemble the Noah’s Ark, it has a water hole at its base that animals come to drink. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 5: Aberdare – Lake Nakuru National Park

After an early breakfast drive to Lake Nakuru National Park arriving in time for lunch and later in the afternoon enjoy a game drive enjoying the beautiful sceneries, vast vegetation and wild mammals in the park. Dinner and Overnight at the Lake Nakuru Lodge.

Day 6: Lake Nakuru National Park

Enjoy an early morning and an afternoon game drive in this "Bird’s paradise park", home to huge numbers of birds including flamingos, as well as waterbucks, warthogs, impalas, buffalo, Rothschild giraffes, elands, and both black and white rhinos. Dinner and Overnight at Lake Nakuru Lodge.

Day 7: Lake Nakuru – Maasai Mara National Reserve

After breakfast, depart and drive to Lake Naivasha for a 1hr boat ride coming close to big groups of Hippo and thereafter continue driving south to Maasai Mara. After crossing the gate, you will have a short Game drive enroute to Mara Fig Tree Camp. Dinner and overnight at the camp.

Day 8: Maasai Mara National Reserve

Full day in Kenya’s most popular game sanctuary with Game drives to suit your wishes. Hunt for the "Big Five" and over 350 species of birds. Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari and Maasai village visit available at extra cost. All meals and overnight at the camp.

Day 9: Maasai Mara – Nairobi – Depart

Depart after breakfast arriving in time for lunch at Karen Blixen Coffee Garden. Later you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

Details

Included in the price:

All park entry fees
All meals on Full Board basis
Mineral water on safari
Services of a fully qualified Safari Guide
All excursions mentioned (including boat ride on Lake Naivasha)
Accommodation as specified: Aberdare Country Club (1 night), Ashnil Samburu Camp (2 nights), The Ark Lodge (1 night), Lake Nakuru Lodge (2 nights), Mara Fig Tree Camp (2 nights)

Not Included:

All International Airfares and Taxes
Items of a personal nature (e.g., Laundry)
All drinks at the lodges and camps
Tips and Gratuities
Optional activities (Hot Air Balloon safari, Maasai village visit)

Country Information Sheet: Kenya | The Cradle of Safari

Key Facts

Population: 55 million people.
Languages: English (official), Swahili (national).
Geography: Diverse landscapes from savannah grasslands and mountain highlands to the Great Rift Valley lakes.

Climate

Samburu: Hot and dry.
Aberdare/Mount Kenya Region: Can be cool and misty.
Maasai Mara/Nakuru: Warm days, cool nights. Afternoon showers are possible.

Visas

An eVisa is required for most international travelers and must be obtained online prior to travel.
Always check the latest requirements through the Electronic Travel Authorisation

Health

Yellow Fever Certificate: Required if traveling from a yellow fever endemic country.
Malaria Prophylaxis: Essential for this safari (except for the Aberdare highlands). Consult your doctor.
Vaccinations: Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus.

Currency

KES (Kenyan Shilling): US Dollars are widely accepted.
ATMs: Available in major towns; carry cash for remote areas and tips.
Credit Cards: Accepted at major lodges but not for small purchases.

Gratuities

Guide: $20-25 per day from the group
General Camp Staff: $10-15 per day from the group, placed in a communal tip box.

Travel Insurance

Mandatory. Must include comprehensive medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and cover safari activities.

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