1
Endemic to the north
Reticulated Giraffe
Sharp, geometric patches divided by thin white lines — a giraffe pattern unlike any other.
Safari Through Kenya's Hidden Gems
8 Days · 7 Nights · Into the Wild
Nairobi→
Samburu→
Ol Pejeta→
Naivasha→
Maasai Mara
8Days
4Parks & Reserves
5Special Species
7Nights on Safari
Destination
Samburu · Ol Pejeta · Naivasha · Maasai Mara
Duration
8 Days
7 Nights
Style
Northern Frontier
Big Five
Price
From $2,350
per person
A Tapestry Woven of Discovery & Wonder
Your adventure begins with a drive from Nairobi to the remote Samburu National Reserve. The landscapes transform from lush farmlands to the arid beauty of the north — a prelude to the unique wildlife awaiting your discovery.
In Samburu, the elusive Special Five — reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx — beckon you. Amidst the rugged terrain, the Ewaso Nyiro River becomes a lifeline, drawing herds of elephants and the stealthy leopard to its banks.
From the "Born Free" country of Samburu to Sweetwaters' rescued chimpanzees and the world's last two northern white rhinos, then on to Lake Naivasha's waters and the grand finale — the Maasai Mara, home of the big five. This journey is not just about the destinations, but the profound encounters with nature and the stories that whisper through the winds of Kenya's wild heart.
Highlights
- The Special Five of Samburu — reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, Somali ostrich, gerenuk and Beisa oryx.
- Elephants and leopards along the Ewaso Nyiro River.
- Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary — Kenya's only chimp sanctuary, established with the Jane Goodall Institute.
- Najin and Fatu, the world's last two northern white rhinos, at Ol Pejeta's Endangered Species Enclosure.
- Thomson's Falls, Lake Naivasha boat ride and Crescent Island walks.
- Two full days in the Maasai Mara — big cats, big skies and a Maasai village visit.
Samburu National Reserve
The Special Five
Northern Kenya's arid plains are home to five species you won't find anywhere else in the country. For many travellers, spotting all five becomes the quest of the trip.
2
Endangered
Grevy's Zebra
Narrower stripes, larger ears, and a taller frame. Fewer than 3,000 remain in the wild.
3
Blue-necked
Somali Ostrich
Distinguished by its blue-grey neck and legs — smaller than the common ostrich, and unmistakably northern.
4
The Gazelle Giraffe
Gerenuk
A long-necked antelope that stands on its hind legs to browse acacia — a sight found only in this region.
5
Horns like scimitars
Beisa Oryx
Long, straight horns and a striking black-and-white facial mask — built for the heat of the northern bush.
Day by Day
1
Arrival in Nairobi
Meet and greet at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by our driver-guide. After a brief introduction, transfer to your Nairobi hotel for overnight accommodation on bed & breakfast.
2
Into the "Born Free" Country
Morning breakfast, then depart for Samburu. Deep in Kenya's arid northlands is the country that inspired Born Free — the location for the TV show Survivor Africa and films like To Walk with Lions, Born Free, Out of Africa and The Great Crocodile Trial.
Samburu is famous for its rare northern species — Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx and gerenuk among others. After lunch, spend the early afternoon at leisure and enjoy a late afternoon game drive in search of wildlife.
3
A Full Day in the North
Early morning tea or coffee, then depart for a game drive in search of wildlife — the best hours for the Special Five. Return to the lodge and spend the day at leisure.
Afternoon game drives at 1600hrs, when the heat has passed and the animals begin to move.
4
Chimpanzees & the Last Northern White Rhinos
Pick up after breakfast and proceed to the Mt. Kenya region, arriving in time for early lunch. In the afternoon, visit Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary — established with the Jane Goodall Institute — is Kenya's only chimp sanctuary, home to rescued chimpanzees living in semi-wild enclosures. Observe their playful behaviour from viewing platforms while learning about their rehabilitation and care.
Later, explore Toki Plains, Morani Loop and Ol Lerai Swamp — teeming with elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras and Grant's gazelles. Then visit the Endangered Species Enclosure, a 700-acre restricted area home to Najin and Fatu, the world's last two northern white rhinos, protected around the clock. Learn about Ol Pejeta's groundbreaking IVF rhino rescue project.
End the day watching the sun dip behind Mount Kenya — an incredible backdrop for wildlife photography.
5
Sunrise Safari & the Great Rift Valley
Begin the day at 06:30 with a sunrise game drive as predators and herbivores stir in the early light. Search for rhinos, elephants and lions along the Ewaso Nyiro River and Acacia Circuit, with dramatic views of Mount Kenya's snow peaks reflecting the golden morning light.
Return to your lodge for a full English or continental breakfast, then depart Ol Pejeta with a stop at Thomson's Falls to view the waterfalls. Lunch at Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge.
The afternoon is at leisure — optional activities include a boat ride to Crescent Island.
6
Into the Great Rift Valley
Depart after breakfast, driving further south through the Great Rift Valley to the Maasai Mara — a vast area of grassy plains converging on the meandering Mara River. It is an African gem, rich in culture, tradition and beauty, and home to the Big Five.
Afternoon game drive at 1600hrs.
7
Big Cats & the Maasai
Spend the day on morning and afternoon game drives across the savannah, watching the wild unfold. In the middle of the day, visit a local Maasai village to learn more about this unique tribe that coexists freely with wildlife — a poignant and memorable cultural encounter.
Afternoon game drives at 1600hrs in search of the Big Five.
8
Farewell to Kenya
After breakfast, depart for Nairobi, arriving in the mid-afternoon. Drop-off at the airport for your flight out, or at your city hotel.
Camps & Lodges
Night 1 · Nairobi
Tamarind Tree Hotel
An elegant city hotel in Nairobi — your first night before the safari begins. Bed & breakfast.
Visit Hotel
Nights 2 & 3 · Samburu
Samburu Sopa Lodge
Seamlessly blending into the rugged landscape, with views over the arid north and its Special Five. Full board, or similar.
Visit Lodge
Night 4 · Ol Pejeta
Sweetwaters Tented Camp
Luxury tented camp overlooking a floodlit waterhole — nights filled with the distant calls of lions and the rustle of acacia. Or similar.
Visit Lodge
Night 5 · Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge
Set in acacia woodland with resident giraffes and zebras roaming the grounds, a short walk from the lake's edge.
Visit Lodge
Nights 6 & 7 · Maasai Mara
Mara Sopa Lodge
Full-board lodge in the heart of the Maasai Mara — an authentic tented safari feel, easy access to the Mara River, and comfortable base for two full days of game drives.
Visit LodgeWhat's Included
Package Includes
- Private transport in safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
- Overnight accommodation at Nairobi hotel on B&B
- 7 nights' accommodation at safari lodges on full board
- Park fees
- Naivasha boat ride
- Crescent Island walks
- Unlimited game drives
- Services of an English-speaking driver-guide
- 1 litre mineral water per person per day
- All ground transfers
Package Excludes
- Drinks and extra meals not mentioned
- Items of a personal nature
- Visa
- Travel, health and personal insurance
- International flights
- Gratuities
Dates & Rates
Price per person in US dollars, based on group size. SRS is the single room supplement.
| Season | Each of 2 pax | Each of 4 pax | Each of 6 pax | SRS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan – Mar / Nov – Dec 20 | $3,349 | $2,750 | $2,540 | $455 |
| April – May | $3,120 | $2,613 | $2,350 | $325 |
| June – October | $3,735 | $3,208 | $2,930 | $510 |
| Dec 21 – Jan 02 | On request | On request | On request | On request |
Moments on Safari
Click any photo to view it full-screen. Use ← → to browse, Esc to close.
Elephants of Samburu
Reticulated giraffe
Grevy's zebra
The last northern white rhinos
Sweetwaters chimpanzees
Thomson's Falls
Zebras
Lions of the Maasai Mara
Please note. Travelling in remote locations can present challenges that may require slight changes to the itinerary. We will always try to run the tour as planned. If a change is needed for reasons beyond our control, we will do our best to keep you close to the original location and notify you as soon as we know. If a change increases the cost, the increase will be passed on to the participant.