Aberdares, Samburu, Lake Nakuru & Maasai Mara safari in September

Day 1 – 21st September: Nairobi – Aberdares

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met by our airport representative for a safari briefing, then transfer to Aberdares in central Kenya.

The Aberdares are a breathtaking mountain range with dense forests, waterfalls, highlands, and the mystical “Dragon’s Teeth” rock formations. Expect scenic hikes, photography opportunities, and chances to spot elephants, buffalo, and birdlife.

Overnight: The Ark Lodge – marasa.net

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Distance: Nairobi – Aberdares: 160 km / 4 hours

Day 2 – 22nd September: Aberdares – Samburu

06:00: Breakfast. After breakfast depart for Samburu, arriving in time for lunch.

15:30 – 18:30: Afternoon game drive in Samburu, where Joy Adamson (author of Born Free) spent her final years. The park is home to unique wildlife and beautiful landscapes.

Overnight: Samburu Sopa Lodge – sopalodges.com

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Distance: Aberdares – Samburu: 220 km / 5 hours

Day 3 – 23rd September: Samburu

Full-day game drive with picnic lunch in Samburu National Reserve.

Samburu’s arid landscapes are home to rare species such as the Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe, and the long-necked gerenuk. Crocodiles and hippos dwell in the river, while birdlife is prolific along the Ewaso Ng’iro River.

Overnight: Samburu Sopa Lodge – sopalodges.com

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 – 24th September: Samburu – Lake Nakuru

06:30: Breakfast. Depart for Lake Nakuru, arriving for lunch.

15:30 – 18:30: Afternoon game drive. Lake Nakuru is renowned for birdlife (flamingos, pelicans) and mammals including Rothschild’s giraffe, black & white rhino, buffalo, and zebras.

Overnight: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge – sopalodges.com

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Distance: Samburu – Lake Nakuru: 230 km / 4 hours

Day 5 – 25th September: Lake Nakuru – Maasai Mara

06:00: Breakfast. 07:00: Depart for Maasai Mara, arriving in time for lunch.

15:30 – 18:30: Afternoon game drive in the Maasai Mara, world-famous for open savannahs, the Big Five, and the annual wildebeest migration. Optional Balloon Safari available at USD 395 per person.

Overnight: Sarova Mara Game Camp – sarovahotels.com

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Distance: Lake Nakuru – Maasai Mara: 300 km / 5 hours

Day 6 & 7 – 26th & 27th September: Maasai Mara

07:00 – 16:00: Full-day safari with picnic lunch. Visit the Mara River to witness the spectacular wildebeest crossing. The reserve is rich in herbivores, making it an ideal hunting ground for big cats such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards.

Overnight: Sarova Mara Game Camp – sarovahotels.com

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 – 28th September: Maasai Mara – Nairobi

Breakfast at the lodge. Depart for Nairobi and transfer to the airport for your flight.

Meals: Breakfast

Distance: Maasai Mara – Nairobi: 280 km / 5 hours