9 Day Kenya Scenic Safari (Small Group)
Countries: Kenya
Destinations: Nairobi , Samburu, Shaba and Buffalo Springs National Reserves , Lake Nakuru National Park , Lake Naivasha , Masai Mara
Group Size: 7
Duration (days): 9
Days of Departure: Wednesdays7
Number of Adults: 0
Number of Children: 0
Days of Departure: Wednesdays7
This new safari incorporates a visit to Samburu in the North, Nyahururu Falls in the Central highlands, Rift Valley and the Masai Mara, to the south. With lodges in excellent locations for game viewing and to explore the varying landscapes.
Samburu Reserve, located in the ‘northern frontier’ is home to the Samburu Special 5 - mammals found only north of the equator – the Gerenuk, Grevy’s Zebra, Besia Oryx, reticulated Giraffe and the Somali Ostrich.
Nyahururu, located in the Central Highlands in Laikipia county, is an idyllic stop for nature enthusiasts, who enjoy a bit of gentle hiking with a visit to the falls and hippo pools, as well as a stop at the equator. The falls can also be visited from above for those that do not want to hike down.
Lake Nakuru, famous for its prolific birdlife and home to the Rothschild giraffe and rhino is an ideal stop as you traverse across Kenya.
Finally end your safari in the Masai Mara, home of the big 5 and host to the spectacle known as The Great Migration, historically taking place between July and October.
Itinerary Outline
| Day | Location | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nairobi | Four Points by Sheraton |
| 2 | Samburu, Shaba and Buffalo Springs National Reserves | Samburu Simba Lodge |
| 3 | Samburu, Shaba and Buffalo Springs National Reserves | Samburu Simba Lodge |
| 4 | Lake Nakuru National Park | Lake Nakuru Lodge |
| 5 | Lake Naivasha | Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort |
| 6 | Masai Mara | Mara Simba Lodge |
| 7 | Masai Mara | Mara Simba Lodge |
| 8 | Masai Mara | Mara Simba Lodge |
| 9 | Day of Departure |
Day 1 : Nairobi
Upon arrival into Nairobi, clients will be met and transferred to their hotel. Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight at Emara Ole Sereni Hotel in a Superior room on a bed and breakfast basis.
Suggested Optional Nairobi Excursions for early morning arrivals:
Sheldricks Wildlife Trust Excursion
Out of Africa Excursion
Kenya
Kenya - The grand old dame of African safaris, Kenya has been at the forefront of the industry for decades, and with iconic reserves such as Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu and Tsavo, it has earned its place in safari royalty.
Kenya's wildlife is legendary, as is its hospitality, friendliness, and scenic beauty. With the Great Rift Valley running through the country, Kenya is home to some stunning landscapes, with lakes, valleys and mountains adding to the beautiful plains of the Masai Mara.
To add to the spectacular wildlife, Kenya is one of the best countries to experience the local tribes and cultures, in particular the Masai and Samburu.
Kenyan roads are notoriously bad however, so the majority of safaris we recommend are fly-in options to the various parks. The small group scheduled safaris all operate by road, so you would need to be prepared for what is called "the African massage".
The diversity of areas to visit in Kenya is astounding, with each game reserve offering something truly unique. And to top it off, the country has a splendid coastline which invites some pure relaxation after spending time in the bush.
Nairobi
One of Africa’s major cities, Nairobi is the UN’s fourth “World Centre,” East Africa’s commercial, media and NGO hub, and a significant capital in its own right, with a population of approximately 3 to 4 million.
Little more than a century old, it has real claims to Western-style sophistication and displays enormous vitality and buzz. On the surface the city accepts everyone with tolerance, and, in any downtown street, you can see a complete cross section of Kenyans, every variety of tourist, and migrants and refugees from many African countries.
If you plan to stay in Nairobi for any length of time, you’ll soon get the hang of balancing reasonable caution with a fairly relaxed attitude - thousands of visitors do it every year. If you’re only here for a few days, you’re likely to find it a stimulating city.
Four Points by Sheraton
Conveniently situated near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the contemporary 172-room establishment provides all the modern amenities and comforts necessary for a delightful stay. From generously appointed accommodations featuring signature Four Points beds to refreshing rain showers and 42" LED TVs, every detail has been meticulously considered. For those interested in maintaining their vitality, there's a rooftop heated pool and a fully-equipped fitness center. Dining options abound, with succulent roasts and grilled delights paired with the hotel's signature Best Brews craft beer available at Tazama Rooftop Bar and Grill, or guests can choose Marketplace, the all-day dining venue offering a delectable array of international cuisine, along with a 24-hour menu catering to travelers catching early flights.
Day 2 : Samburu, Shaba and Buffalo Springs National Reserves
Heading north after an early breakfast, you pass near Thika and continue north through some breathtaking scenery dotted with rushing mountain streams and fields of tea and coffee. After Nanyuki town, continue north, eventually reaching a dusty outpost known as Isiolo, the last major stop on the journey into the remote northern frontier district. From here it's a fairly short hop to Samburu, arrival at the lodge in time for lunch and then depart for an afternoon game drive arriving back at the lodge as the sunsets.
Overnight at Samburu Simba Lodge in a Standard room on a full board basis.
Samburu, Shaba and Buffalo Springs National Reserves
On the southern edge of Kenya's northern frontier region, the Uaso Nyiro River carves through the desolate lands, and provides life to the wonderful reserves of Samburu, Shaba and Buffalo Springs.
The water is vital for the survival of the many animals found in this region, as well as for the local Samburu tribes who have settled in the area.
Especially rewarding during the dry season, when the surrounding land is parched and cracked, these reserves play host to several unique species, and great numbers of predators.
Being some of the more remote tourist destinations of Kenya, there is a great sense of adventure in visiting these reserves. Heading into the north of Kenya, there is very little human habitation, and the true wilderness is evident.
Samburu Simba Lodge
Watch the fiery sunset as you enjoy a cockatil by the pool and watch when nature plays the evening trumpets or close your eyes and drift off into the african dreamland. This is place where you can call a day unforgetteable yet still realize its an understatement.
Day 3 : Samburu, Shaba and Buffalo Springs National Reserves
Early morning game drive followed by breakfast. Then for the remainder of the morning, one can relax by the pool or terrace, overlooking the river. After lunch another game drive returning to the lodge as the sun sets.
Overnight at Samburu Simba Lodge in a Standard room on a full board basis.
Day 4 : Lake Nakuru National Park
Leaving Samburu behind, travel south through Isiolo, crossing the northernmost foothills of Mount Kenya, until you get to the town of Nanyuki. Head north-west towards Nyahururu, located close to the equator and home to Nyahururu Falls, a 74-meter-high falls on the Ewaso Nyiro river. Visit the equator for a photo stop, before continuing to your hotel located near the Falls. Following lunch, depart on an escorted walk of the hotel grounds, before continuing your walk to the falls and a visit to the Hippo Pools. Return to your lodge in the late afternoon.
Overnight at The Panari Resort Nyahururu in a Standard room on a full board basis.
Lake Nakuru National Park
While famous for the millions of flamingos which lined the lake shore, it is important to note that due to current water levels and changes to the lake over the past few years that these flamingos are no longer present in Lake Nakuru National Park.
The flamingos have moved to various other lakes around the region, so if a reason for your travels is to view these birds, please contact us to discuss where to go.
Accessed via a relatively short, but scenic drive from Nairobi through the Great Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru National Park is a very popular destination, especially amongst birdlovers.
Lake Nakuru is one of the best locations in East Africa to view rhinos, and is home to both the black and white species.
Lake Nakuru Lodge
Lake Nakuru Lodge is a beautiful eco-lodge situated inside Lake Nakuru National Park boasting unobstructed views of the lake and wildlife.
This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Nakuru! It offers accommodation with free WiFi, seating area and flat-screen TV. There is a private bathroom with bath and free toiletries in each unit, along with a hair dryer. A buffet breakfast is served each morning at the property. There is an in-house restaurant, which serves a variety of Indian, African and American dishes and also offers dairy-free, gluten-free and vegetarian options. The lodge offers an outdoor pool as well as a garden where guests can relax.
Day 5 : Lake Naivasha
Following an early breakfast, drive in a southerly direction to your next destination, the spectacular Lake Nakuru. Once in the national park, embark on a game drive followed by lunch at a lodge. The national park, known for its birdlife, offers a possibility to view flamingoes (in season). It is also home to Black and White rhinos as well as the endangered Rothschild Giraffe.
After lunch, view game enroute to the park gate and continue to your next stop for the night Naivasha, arriving late afternoon. Following check in formalities, depart on a 1 hour Boat ride on Lake Naivasha.
Overnight at Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge in a Standard Room on a full board basis.
Lake Naivasha
Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort
From its panoramic perch above Lake Naivasha, the Great Rift Valley Lodge enjoys one of humankind’s oldest views – over the sweeping floor of the world’s largest valley.
Day 6 : Masai Mara
Following an early morning breakfast, leaving Lake Naivasha behind, begin your drive to Masai Mara ascending first up over the top of the Mau Escarpment; then, heading due south, towards Narok, the gateway to the Maasai Mara and district headquarters of this part of Maasailand. Travel across the "breadbasket" of Kenya, covered with acres of wheat and barley, before you reach the Mara in time for lunch. Following lunch and a siesta, an afternoon game drive returning to the camp as the sun sets.
Overnight at Mara Simba Lodge in a Standard Room on a full board basis.
Masai Mara
It is no surprise that the Masai Mara ranks up near the top of most famous game reserves in the world. The land of the Mara is consistently covered with herds of antelope, interspersed with prides of lions, journeys of giraffe, dazzles of zebra, and almost every other collective animal noun you can think of.
The sightings are nothing short of fantastic, and it is definitely the park to visit to tick off your "wildlife of Africa" list. The scenery of the park is similar to the open plains of the Serengeti, although the Mara is dotted with more trees, and the game viewing is equal to, or can be better than, its southerly sister.
Within the boundaries of the reserve, there are certain areas which can seem quite crowded with travellers, although there are places to escape from the crowds, and enjoy the Mara in some exclusivity. Private concessions surround the Masai Mara, allowing more private safari experiences, and additional activities.
The Masai Mara is easily accessed from Nairobi, with a number of scheduled flights operated each morning and afternoon. It can also be reached by road, but be prepared that it can be quite a bumpy 6 hour drive, with sections being particularly broken up.
Mara Simba Lodge
Whether you want a boost of rejuvenation or simply escape for the weekend to unwind, check into Mara Simba lodge to achieve your wellness goals.
Indulge in exceptional culinary experiences and entertain yourself at the bar, revive yourself as you surrender to the pleasures of life at this truly alluring destination.
The luxurious accommodation afford supreme privacy and luxury with 3 types of accommodations to choose from that make the most of the bush environs.Incredible and personalised game drives bring you extremely close to the fascinating Big Five. Enjoy the watch of the great migration across the Mara River between July and September every year.
Day 7 - 8 : Masai Mara
Early morning and afternoon game drives. (It is possible to pre-book an optional early morning Balloon Safari at a supplementary cost)
Overnight at Mara Simba Lodge in a Standard Room on a full board basis.
Day 9 - Day of Departure
Following breakfast depart the Masai Mara and head across acres of rolling wheat and barley farms to Narok, the district headquarters of this part of Maasailand. From here cross the vast plains on the floor of the Rift Valley, before heading up the rift escarpment on a road built by Italian prisoners during World War II. Arrive in Kenya’s bustling capital around mid-day. Once in the city, clients will be dropped off at the airport or Panari Hotel or 2.5.4 Ole Sereni Hotel for ongoing travel arrangements. End of our services.
Suggested Optional Nairobi Excursions on return to Nairobi ex- Safari
Lunch or Dinner at one of the many Nairobi restaurants with a variety of cuisines
Out of Africa Excursion
Shopping trips