Kenya Safari: Nairobi, Samburu, Naivasha & Maasai Mara
What This Trip Covers
Most Kenya safaris head south to Amboseli first. This one goes north. Start in Nairobi, then cross the equator on the drive up to Samburu National Reserve. Two days there chase the Samburu Special Five: Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, gerenuk. Five animals found nowhere else in the country. From Samburu, drop south to Lake Naivasha. A boat ride, then a walk among giraffes on Crescent Island. No fences. No vehicles. Two full days of game drives in the Maasai Mara close out the trip.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Nairobi
Arrive at JKIA, met by an Alika representative, transfer to hotel. Dinner and overnight. Hotel: Dusit Princess / Similar | Meals: Dinner
Day 2 Nairobi to Samburu
Early departure north, with a stop at the equator crossing (photo point, views of Mt. Kenya on a clear day). Arrive for lunch, then an afternoon game drive in Buffalo Springs National Reserve, Samburu’s southern counterpart across the Ewaso Nyiro River. Hotel: Samburu Simba Lodge / Similar | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 Full day in Samburu
A full day in the reserve’s remoter corners. Doum palm groves, rocky outcrops, and the river bend where elephants gather. Picnic lunch mid-safari. Hotel: Samburu Simba Lodge / Similar | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 Samburu to Naivasha
Drive south to Lake Naivasha. Boat ride across the lake (hippos, birdlife), followed by a walk among free-roaming giraffes, zebras, and antelope on Crescent Island. Hotel: Naivasha Kongoni Lodge / Similar | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 Naivasha to Maasai Mara
Scenic drive or optional flight to the Mara. Check in, then head straight out for an afternoon game drive. Hotel: Mara Sopa Lodge / Similar | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 Full day in the Maasai Mara
Full day of game drives across the plains. Optional Maasai village visit at extra cost. Hotel: Mara Sopa Lodge / Similar | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 Departure
Price & Dates
| Travel Dates | Price Per Person (Sharing) | Single Supplement |
|---|---|---|
| 20 Mar 2027 – 26 Mar 2027 | $1,585 | +$365 |
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- 2 nights in Samburu, full board
- 1 night in Naivasha, full board
- 2 nights in Maasai Mara, full board
- 1 night in Nairobi, bed & breakfast plus dinner
- Private 4WD safari Land Cruiser (non-AC, pop-up roof)
- English-speaking driver-guide
- Airport transfers by minivan
- All game drives per itinerary
- Maasai Mara and Samburu park fees
- Lake Naivasha boat ride and Crescent Island walk
- All government taxes and levies
- Drinking water in vehicle (2 bottles/person/drive)
- Meet and greet services
Exclusions
- International flights and visa
- First-day Nairobi breakfast
- Personal expenses (laundry, calls, etc.)
- Tips and gratuities
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
- Night game drives
- Conservancy fees where applicable
- Optional activities not listed
- Flying doctors’ coverage
Key Notes
- Children 2.9-11 yrs: child rate. Over 11: adult rate. Under 2: free.
- SRS applies when a room is used by 1 adult, alone or with a child; max 2 single rooms per group at single rate.
- Quotation only. No booking is confirmed until reservation and availability are verified.
- Visa: apply online at etakenya.go.ke before travel.
- Yellow Fever certificate required if arriving from a Yellow Fever country.
- Baggage: 15kg on domestic flights, 20kg on road safari, soft bags preferred.
Cancellation Policy
| Season & Dates | Notice Period | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Low Season 1 Mar – 31 May | 40–31 days before | 30% |
| 30–16 days before | 50% | |
| 15–6 days before | 75% | |
| 5 days or less / No-show | 100% | |
| Shoulder Season 2 Jan – 28 Feb | June | 1 Oct – 19 Dec | 50–41 days before | 30% |
| 40–31 days before | 50% | |
| 30–15 days before | 75% | |
| 14 days or less / No-show | 100% | |
| Peak Season 1 Jul – 30 Sep | 20 Dec – 1 Jan | 60–51 days before | 35% |
| 50–41 days before | 50% | |
| 40–15 days before | 75% | |
| 14 days or less / No-show | 100% |