Northern Wilds to the Maasai Mara
8 DAYS · 7 NIGHTS · TAILOR-MADE
Samburu’s rare wildlife, Ol Pejeta’s rhinos, Lake Nakuru and three nights in the Mara, in one unhurried journey.
Duration
8 Days / 7 Nights
Destinations
Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru & Maasai Mara
Best Time
Year-round · July–October for the Great Migration
Ideal For
Travellers who want more than the classic safari
Pricing
Tailor-made · rates on request
8-Day Safari Overview
This eight-day safari takes you from Kenya’s dry, rugged north to its most famous reserve. Start in Samburu National Reserve, home of the “Special Five” you won’t easily see further south. Then cross the equator to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, known for its black and white rhinos and a chimpanzee sanctuary.
Stop at Lake Nakuru for rhinos and birdlife, and finish with three nights in the Maasai Mara, with time to explore it properly.
Highlights
- Samburu’s Special Five: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, beisa oryx and gerenuk
- Rhinos and a chimpanzee sanctuary at Ol Pejeta, on the equator
- Lake Nakuru’s rhino sanctuary and lake-shore birdlife
- Three nights in the Maasai Mara, with the Great Migration from July to October
- Optional sunrise hot-air balloon flight over the Mara
Your Safari, Day by Day
DAY 1
Nairobi to Samburu
Pick-up from your hotel, home or the airport, then drive north past Mount Kenya to Samburu. Lunch at your lodge, then an afternoon game drive along the Ewaso Ng’iro River.
DAY 2
A Full Day in Samburu
Morning and afternoon game drives in search of the Special Five, elephants, lions and leopards. You can add a visit to a Samburu village (optional, extra cost).
DAY 3
Samburu to Ol Pejeta
A last morning in Samburu, then drive south to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, crossing the equator on the way. Afternoon game drive among rhinos, buffalo and plains game.
DAY 4
Ol Pejeta to Lake Nakuru
A morning in Ol Pejeta, with an optional visit to the chimpanzee sanctuary (extra cost), then drive to Lake Nakuru. Afternoon game drive for rhinos and the lake’s birdlife.
DAY 5
Lake Nakuru to the Maasai Mara
An early game drive in Nakuru, then on to the Maasai Mara through the Rift Valley. Afternoon game drive on arrival.
DAYS 6 & 7
The Maasai Mara
Two full days in the Mara. Big cats, elephants and, from July to October, the Great Migration. Start one morning with an optional balloon flight (extra cost).
DAY 8
Maasai Mara to Nairobi
After breakfast, drive back to Nairobi, with drop-off at your hotel or the airport.
Is this trip for you?
This is the trip for travellers who want to see how different Kenya can be, from the dry north to the open plains of the Mara, in one unhurried journey. It suits you if:
You want more than the classic safari. Samburu and Ol Pejeta add animals and landscapes most short trips miss.
Rhinos are on your list. Ol Pejeta and Lake Nakuru are two of the best places in Kenya to see them.
You’d like time in the Mara, not a rush. Three nights give you two full days there.
You’re travelling between July and October. Your Mara days could line up with the Great Migration.
Short on time? The 3-day Samburu trip or the 4-day Lake Nakuru & Maasai Mara trip cover parts of this route.
How you travel with Cisne
One driver-guide, start to finish
The same guide takes you from Samburu to the Mara, in a pop-up roof Land Cruiser shared only with your travel party.
Collected from your door
Pick-up and drop-off at your Nairobi hotel, your home or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Fresh sightings, shared
Driver-guides keep in touch by radio and share what they’ve seen, so your guide hears quickly when something special turns up.
Stays chosen for you
We match each lodge and camp to your budget and style.
Extras arranged in advance
Optional extras, such as a village visit, the chimpanzee sanctuary or the balloon flight, are booked before you travel.
A real person on WhatsApp
Your account manager is reachable before and during the trip.
A tailor-made quote
Tell us your dates and group, and we’ll send a plan built for you.
Good to know
How much driving is there?+
The longer drives are Nairobi to Samburu (about 5 to 7 hours), Ol Pejeta to Lake Nakuru, and Nakuru to the Mara. Your guide breaks them up with stops, including the equator and the Rift Valley viewpoint.
What makes Ol Pejeta special?+
It’s a private conservancy on the equator with black and white rhinos, a chimpanzee sanctuary and plenty of plains game. It’s also one of the few places in Kenya where you can add a night game drive (optional, extra cost).
What are the Samburu Special Five?+
The Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, beisa oryx and gerenuk. These are dry-country animals that are hard to find in southern Kenya.
Will I see the Big Five?+
This route gives you a strong chance at all five. Ol Pejeta and Nakuru are strong for rhinos, and the Mara for lions, leopards, elephants and buffalo. Sightings are never guaranteed, but driver-guides share sightings by radio.
Can I fly some of the way?+
Yes. Light aircraft have a luggage allowance of approximately 15 kg per person in a soft-sided bag. If you are considering flying, we can advise you on the available flight options and the best way to manage your luggage.
Is this safari good for children?+
Yes, for children who enjoy longer trips. The variety keeps it interesting, and many lodges and camps along the way welcome families.
Can I add the coast at the end?+
Yes. Many guests fly from the Mara or Nairobi to Diani, Watamu or Mombasa for a few days by the sea. Tell us when you request a quote.
Plan This Safari
Every Cisne safari can be tailored to you. Change the number of days, upgrade your lodge or add a sunrise balloon ride. Tell us your dates and group size, and we’ll send you a personalised quote with everything that’s included.
You May Also Like
3 DAYS · TAILOR-MADE
Samburu Safari
Rare northern wildlife and red-dusted elephants along the Ewaso Ng’iro.
4 DAYS · TAILOR-MADE
Lake Nakuru & Maasai Mara Adventure
Combine Lake Nakuru’s rhinos and flamingos with the predator-rich plains of the Maasai Mara.
8 DAYS · TAILOR-MADE
Kilimanjaro to the Maasai Mara
Elephants under Kilimanjaro, two Rift Valley lakes and three nights in the Mara.