8-Day Kenya Safari Exploring the Big Five and Special Five

Categories: Safari

Location Program (8days/7nights):

Samburu National Reserve, Mt Kenya wildlife sanctuary, Lake Nakuru & Maasai Mara

Safari Overview

Embark on an 8-day Kenya safari that takes you through some of the country’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Your adventure begins in Aberdare National Park, where you’ll enjoy a guided game drive and dinner at the Ark Lodge. Next, travel to Samburu National Reserve, known for the Big Five and the unique Special Five, and spend two days exploring its dramatic landscapes. Afterward, visit Mount Kenya Safari Club and the Mount Kenya Wildlife Sanctuary for a mix of relaxation and conservation experiences. Your journey continues to Lake Nakuru National Park for a game drive amidst its famous birdlife and rhinos, before heading to the Maasai Mara, where you’ll enjoy full-day game drives and the chance to witness the wildebeest migration (seasonal). Finally, you’ll return to Nairobi, completing a thrilling safari experience filled with wildlife sightings, luxury stays, and unforgettable memories.

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi and Transfer to Aberdare National Park

Upon your arrival at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide who will assist you with your transfer to Aberdare National Park. Upon arrival, enjoy a delightful hot lunch at the iconic Ark Lodge, where you will have the unique opportunity to watch wildlife from your dining table as animals gather around the lodge’s waterhole.
After lunch, embark on an afternoon guided game drive through Aberdare’s picturesque landscapes, rich in diverse flora and fauna. The park is famous for its scenic beauty and wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, and various bird species. As the day winds down, enjoy a spectacular sunset over the park’s expansive vistas. Return to Ark Lodge for a delicious dinner and an overnight stay, surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature.

Day 2: Guided Game Drive in Aberdare National Park and Transfer to Samburu National Reserve

Start your day with an early morning game drive in Aberdare National Park, providing you with the chance to see the park’s wildlife and unique ecosystems at their most active. After your drive, return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast before checking out and heading to Samburu National Reserve, located in the arid northern region of Kenya.
Upon arrival at Ashnil Samburu Lodge, check in and enjoy a relaxing lunch. In the afternoon, you will embark on a guided game drive in the Samburu Reserve, home to both the Big Five and the Special Five—a set of rare species unique to northern Kenya, including the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, and gerenuk. As the day ends, return to the lodge for dinner and a restful overnight stay.

Day 3: Full-Day Game Drive in Samburu National Reserve

After a delicious breakfast, spend the entire day on a guided game drive across the dramatic landscapes of Samburu National Reserve. The reserve’s semi-arid environment is home to a variety of wildlife, and with a picnic lunch provided, you will have the chance to explore the area in depth. Keep an eye out for rare species and enjoy the stunning scenery as you track lions, leopards, elephants, and the other remarkable animals that call Samburu home.
In the late afternoon, return to Ashnil Samburu Lodge for dinner and an overnight stay, reflecting on a full day of memorable wildlife experiences.

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Day 4: Transfer to Mount Kenya Safari Club and Visit Mount Kenya Wildlife Sanctuary

Enjoy an early morning game drive in Samburu, capturing more wildlife sightings before heading back to the lodge for breakfast. Afterward, check out and embark on your scenic drive to Mount Kenya Safari Club, situated at the base of the majestic Mount Kenya, one of Africa’s highest peaks. Upon arrival, check in and enjoy a relaxing lunch at the club, known for its luxurious accommodations and stunning views.
In the afternoon, visit the Mount Kenya Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can see a range of endangered species and learn about the conservation efforts in place. The sanctuary offers a chance to interact with and observe a variety of wildlife in a natural setting. After a day of exploration, return to the club for a tranquil evening, dinner, and an overnight stay.

Day 5: Transfer to Lake Nakuru National Park

After breakfast, check out of Mount Kenya Safari Club and journey to Lake Nakuru National Park, renowned for its birdlife and wildlife. Upon arrival, check into Sarova Lion Hill Lodge, which offers breathtaking views of the park and lake. A hot lunch will be served before your afternoon game drive through the park, famous for its large flamingo population and other bird species, including the endangered white rhino. In addition to birdwatching, you may spot the Big Four—lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino.
As the day comes to a close, return to Sarova Lion Hill Lodge for dinner and a comfortable overnight stay.

Day 6: Morning Game Drive in Lake Nakuru and Transfer to Maasai Mara National Reserve

Start your day early with a game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park to capture the park’s stunning birdlife and wildlife at their most active. After breakfast, check out of the lodge and embark on your journey to the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, home to some of the best wildlife sightings in Africa.
Upon arrival, check in at Ashnil Mara Camp, enjoy a hot lunch, and then head out for your first guided game drive in the Maasai Mara, one of the best places on earth to see the Big Five. If you visit during the wildebeest migration (typically between July and October), you may witness the incredible spectacle of thousands of wildebeests and zebras migrating across the Mara River. Return to your camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 7: Full Day in Maasai Mara with Picnic Lunch

After breakfast, embark on a full-day game drive in the Maasai Mara Reserve, equipped with a picnic lunch for a break in the wilderness. This gives you ample time to explore the diverse ecosystems of the Mara and observe a variety of animals in their natural habitat. Expect to see lions, cheetahs, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and more, set against the stunning backdrop of the savannah.
Along with incredible wildlife, the Maasai Mara offers fascinating cultural experiences, including interactions with the local Maasai community. In the late afternoon, return to Ashnil Mara Camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 8: Departure to Nairobi

On your final day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking out of the camp. Begin your journey back to Nairobi, stopping along the way to admire the picturesque landscapes, take photographs, purchase souvenirs, and engage with the local culture. Upon arrival in Nairobi, you will be dropped off at your hotel or directly at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your extraordinary 8-day safari adventure in Kenya.
This tour offers a perfect blend of thrilling wildlife experiences, luxury accommodations, and scenic landscapes, ensuring you witness both the Big Five and the Special Five, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Costing (USD)

Pax	Off-Peak	Peak Season
1	6,361	7,489
2	4,862	5,989
3	4,362	5,489
4	4,112	5,239
5	3,962	5,089
6	3,863	4,989

The Cost Includes

•Transport in a Private 4×4 Land cruiser with pop-up Roof
•Drinking water in the vehicle during the safari
•Accommodation as stated in the itinerary
•Professional English-Speaking Guide
•Guided game drives
•Return transfers
•Parks Fees

The Cost Excludes

•Additional accommodation before and after the safari
•International/ domestic flights
•Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
•Any other item not mentioned in the inclusions

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