Kenya Highlights Safari - 8 Days

Depart early for the drive north, crossing the equator at Nanyuki - stop for the obligatory photo straddling both hemispheres! Continue through increasingly arid landscapes to Samburu National Reserve, a starkly beautiful wilderness of rust-colored earth, doum palms, and the life-giving Ewaso Nyiro River. Samburu is famous for the Special Five - unique northern species found nowhere else in Kenya: reticulated giraffe (with their geometric patterns), Grevy's zebra (the largest and most endangered zebra), Somali ostrich (with blue legs), gerenuk (the giraffe-necked antelope), and Beisa oryx. Afternoon game drive along the river searching for these endemic species.

Immerse yourself in Samburu's dramatic landscape with morning and afternoon game drives. The Ewaso Nyiro River is the lifeline of this reserve, attracting huge elephant herds, hippos, and Nile crocodiles. Samburu elephants are known for their red-dusted appearance from the iron-rich soil. Large predators including lions and leopards patrol the riverine forests, while cheetahs hunt on the open plains. The bird diversity is exceptional with over 450 species recorded including vulturine guineafowl and Somali bee-eater. Optional visit to a traditional Samburu village to learn about this proud warrior culture, cousins to the Maasai, known for their elaborate beadwork and cattle-herding traditions.

After a final morning game drive in Samburu, journey south through the Kenyan highlands to Lake Nakuru National Park. This compact but wildlife-rich park is a rhino sanctuary and birding paradise. The alkaline lake was once famous for hosting up to two million lesser flamingos creating a pink shoreline - while flamingo numbers fluctuate with lake levels, the spectacle remains impressive. Afternoon game drive searching for both black and white rhinos - Nakuru is one of Kenya's best locations for these endangered giants. The park also supports lions, leopards, buffalos, Rothschild's giraffe, and waterbuck.

Morning game drive in Lake Nakuru for additional rhino sightings and photography. Then descend into the Great Rift Valley and continue west to the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve. The Mara represents the epitome of African safari - endless golden savannahs teeming with wildlife, including the highest concentration of lions in Africa. Arrive at your luxury camp in time for an afternoon game drive across the vast plains. The Mara ecosystem supports over 95 mammal species and 570 bird species. Watch the sun set over the African wilderness as predators begin their evening hunts.

Experience the best of the Maasai Mara with extended morning and afternoon game drives. The Mara is unrivaled for big cat encounters - lion prides control territories across the plains, cheetah mothers teach cubs to hunt, and leopards drape themselves in riverine fig trees. Your expert guide knows the resident predators intimately and will share their fascinating stories. Explore different areas of the reserve from the Mara River (home to massive crocodiles and hippo pods) to the open grasslands where elephants, giraffes, and antelope herds roam. Optional hot air balloon safari available for a bird's-eye perspective over this incredible ecosystem.

Another full day exploring the Maasai Mara's endless wonders. Morning drive focuses on any Big Five species not yet encountered, plus searching for the elusive African wild dog occasionally spotted in the reserve. Visit a genuine Maasai manyatta (village) for an authentic cultural experience - witness traditional jumping dances, learn about their cattle-centric way of life, and understand how this ancient culture coexists with wildlife. The Maasai are integral to the Mara's conservation success. Return to camp for lunch and relaxation before a final afternoon drive. Special bush dinner arranged under the stars with sounds of the African night surrounding you.

Enjoy a final early morning game drive in the Maasai Mara - the golden light creates magical photography conditions. After breakfast, bid farewell to the wilderness and drive back to Nairobi. Stop at the Great Rift Valley escarpment viewpoint for photographs of this geological marvel. Arrive in Nairobi with time for optional visits to the Giraffe Centre (feed endangered Rothschild's giraffes), David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage (baby elephant feeding at 11am), or Karen Blixen Museum (Out of Africa fame). Transfer to Jomo Kenyatta Airport for your departure. Kwaheri - until we meet again!