8 Days Kenya Big Five Safari

Overview

This 8-day Kenya Big Five Safari is ideal for game viewing and bird observation. This safari will take you to Samburu National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, Maasai Mara National Reserve for wildlife viewing, and Ol Pejeta Conservancy to learn about rhinos. This will increase the possibilities of seeing all of Kenya’s Big 5 species as well as other wildlife. This 8-day Kenya Big Five Safari is an all-inclusive trip that begins and ends in Nairobi; however, it can be tailored to better suit your interests.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve

Meet your safari driver in Nairobi after breakfast for a briefing. Drive to Samburu National Reserve, arriving by lunchtime for check-in at Sarova Shaba Game Lodge. After lunch and some rest, proceed on an afternoon game drive to spot late grazers. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 2: Full Day in Samburu National Reserve

After breakfast, embark on a full-day game drive with picnic lunch boxes. Explore the reserve’s stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and bird species. Return to Sarova Shaba Game Lodge for dinner and overnight.

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 3: Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy

After breakfast, drive to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, arriving by lunchtime for check-in and a meal. In the afternoon, go on a game drive, visit the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Morani Sanctuary. Return to the camp for dinner and overnight at Sarova Shaba Game Lodge.

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 4: Ol Pejeta to Lake Nakuru National Park

After breakfast, embark on an en-route game drive while heading to Lake Nakuru National Park. Stop briefly in Nairobi for lunch before continuing to the park. Lake Nakuru hosts diverse wildlife, including leopards, lions, buffalos, hippos, waterbucks, and the endangered Rothschild’s giraffes. Spot white and rare black rhinos during a late afternoon game drive.

Accommodation: Flamingo Hill Camp

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 5: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara National Reserve

After breakfast and a short briefing, drive to the iconic Masai Mara National Reserve. Arrive by lunchtime, settle in, and enjoy an afternoon game drive. Explore the vast savannahs and diverse wildlife. Return to the lodge for campfire cocktails, dinner, and overnight.

Overnight: Mara Sopa Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 6: Full-Day Game Drives in Masai Mara

Spend the day exploring Africa’s most wildlife-rich reserve. Search for large lion prides, elephant herds, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas. Visit the Mara River to witness hippos and Nile crocodiles. Observe giraffes, gazelles, zebras, buffalos, and over 550 bird species. Return to Mara Sopa Lodge for dinner and overnight.

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 7: Game Viewing, Maasai Village Visit, and Optional Balloon Ride

Start your day with game viewing in Masai Mara National Reserve. For a unique experience, consider an optional Hot Air Balloon Ride at an extra cost. The ride includes a champagne breakfast in the wild—an unforgettable way to see the Mara from above. Alternatively, visit a Masai Village (also at an extra cost) to learn about the rich Maasai culture and way of life.

Overnight: Mara Sopa Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 8: Departure to Nairobi – End of 8 Days Kenya Big Five Safari

After breakfast, bid farewell to Masai Mara and begin your drive back to Nairobi. As you pass through the Great Rift Valley, enjoy views of Mount Longonot, and the lakes Elementaita and Naivasha. Keep an eye out for giraffes and gazelles along the way. Arrive in Nairobi in the early afternoon and spend some time shopping or relaxing. Lunch is at your own arrangement. Afterward, transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight. marking

Meal Plan: Full Board

End of your 8 Days Kenya Big Five Safari.