8-Day Kenya Big Five Safari Adventure
8 Days/ 7 Nights
8-Day Kenya Big Five Safari Adventure
Overview
This 8 Days Kenya Big Five Safari Adventure is a classic journey through Kenya’s top wildlife destinations—perfect for spotting the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) along with an incredible variety of other animals and birds. You’ll explore Samburu National Reserve, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Lake Nakuru National Park, and the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve.
From rare wildlife sightings to cultural experiences and breathtaking scenery, this all-inclusive safari starts and ends in Nairobi and can be customized to suit your travel preferences.
-
8 Days/ 7 Nights
-
Kenya
-
Guided, Private Safari
-
Airport TransfersCar hireServices of an English-speaking guideRefreshments like waterAll accommodation & MealsAll activitiesAll Taxes /VATA professional driver /guideFuelDrinking water
-
Tips and gratuitiesAll items of personal natureInternational flightsAlcoholic drinks
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer from Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve – Afternoon Game Drive
After breakfast at your hotel in Nairobi, meet your safari driver-guide for a short briefing before departing for Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya. The drive takes you through dramatic scenery, rural towns, and rolling hills as you journey into the arid but wildlife-rich north.
Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch and a bit of rest. In the late afternoon, head out on your first game drive in Samburu, a region known for its dry landscapes and unique wildlife species like the Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe, and Somali ostrich. Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation: Sarova Shaba Game Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board (Lunch, Dinner)
Day 2: Full-Day Game Viewing in Samburu National Reserve
After breakfast, enjoy a full day of game drives in Samburu National Reserve with picnic lunchboxes for a full wilderness experience. Spend the day exploring this rugged landscape and searching for wildlife including lions, leopards, elephants, and rare northern species not found in the southern parks.
Samburu is also a birder’s paradise, with more than 350 recorded bird species. Enjoy the raw beauty of this less-crowded reserve before returning to your lodge in the evening.
Accommodation: Sarova Shaba Game Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3: Transfer from Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy – Chimps & Rhinos
After breakfast, drive south to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, arriving in time for lunch and check-in at your safari camp. This conservancy is famous for its conservation work and is home to the last two northern white rhinos on Earth.
In the afternoon, head out on a game drive in the conservancy. Visit the Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the only place in Kenya to see rescued chimpanzees, and stop by the Morani Rhino Sanctuary, where you’ll learn more about rhino conservation efforts. Return to your camp for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Sweetwaters Serena Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4: Transfer from Ol Pejeta to Lake Nakuru National Park – Afternoon Game Drive
After breakfast, depart for Lake Nakuru National Park with a scenic drive through central Kenya. Stop for lunch en route before arriving in the park by mid-afternoon.
Lake Nakuru is famous for its flamingo-lined shores and abundant wildlife, including white and black rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, lions, buffaloes, and more. Enjoy a late afternoon game drive, taking in the dramatic lake views and rich animal sightings before heading to your lodge for dinner and rest.
Accommodation: Flamingo Hill Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5: Transfer from Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara National Reserve – Afternoon Game Drive
After breakfast, depart for the iconic Masai Mara National Reserve, driving across the Great Rift Valley and passing through the Maasai town of Narok. Arrive at your camp in time for lunch.
In the afternoon, set off for your first game drive in the Masai Mara, known for its incredible concentrations of wildlife including large lion prides, elephants, cheetahs, and buffaloes. As the sun sets over the savannah, return to your lodge for dinner and an evening by the campfire.
Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6: Full-Day Game Drives in Masai Mara
Spend the entire day on game drives in the Masai Mara, one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations. Explore the wide-open plains and riverine forests while tracking wildlife including leopards, hippos, giraffes, and over 550 bird species.
You’ll break for a picnic lunch at a scenic spot in the park, then continue your exploration in the afternoon. This is a great opportunity to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration (seasonal, July–October), or simply enjoy the vast variety of resident wildlife.
Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7: Optional Balloon Safari & Maasai Cultural Experience
Start your day with an optional hot air balloon safari over the Masai Mara (additional cost), followed by a champagne breakfast in the wild—a magical experience for any wildlife lover. If you prefer a slower start, enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the lodge.
Later, enjoy game drives or take a visit to a traditional Maasai village (optional, extra cost) to learn about their customs, way of life, and colorful traditions. This cultural interaction adds depth to your safari experience.
Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8: Masai Mara to Nairobi – End of Safari
After breakfast, check out and begin your journey back to Nairobi. The drive takes you through the scenic Great Rift Valley, passing by Mount Longonot and Lake Naivasha. You’ll arrive in Nairobi by early afternoon, with a chance for last-minute shopping or optional lunch (own arrangements).
You’ll be dropped off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in time for your departure flight—marking the end of your unforgettable 8 Days Kenya Big Five Safari.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Request a Quote
Suggested Kenya Safari Ideas
The tours featured throughout our website are intended to give you ideas for what’s possible when you travel with us. Treat them simply as inspiration, because your trip will be created individually by one of our specialists to match your tastes and budget.
