Day 1
Arrive Nairobi | Giraffe Centre | David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and transfer to your Nairobi hotel. Afternoon at the Giraffe Centre to hand-feed Rothschild giraffes from an elevated feeding platform. Drive to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage for the 11 AM feeding, when rescued orphan elephant calves come out for their milk bottles and mud bath, with their keepers explaining each animal's rescue story. Evening briefing on the route north. Overnight Nairobi.
💡 Tip: The Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage visit at 11 AM is one of the most moving wildlife experiences near Nairobi. Book ahead on the Sheldrick Trust website as capacity is limited.
Day 2
Fly to Samburu | Afternoon Game Drive | Ewaso Nyiro Riverbank
Morning flight to Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya. Samburu is a completely different ecosystem from the Masai Mara, a dry acacia scrubland cut by the Ewaso Nyiro River where unique northern species thrive. Afternoon game drive for the Samburu Special Five: Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and the gerenuk antelope that feeds standing upright on its hind legs. Overnight Samburu lodge.
💡 Tip: The Grevy's zebra found in Samburu is the largest zebra species in the world and critically endangered with fewer than 2000 remaining in the wild. Samburu is one of the best places to see them.
Day 3
Full Day Samburu | Leopard Territory | Crocodile Pool | Night Drive
Full day in Samburu starting before dawn for the best predator activity. Samburu has an exceptionally high leopard density and the Ewaso Nyiro riverbanks are prime territory. Morning game drive along the river for lions resting in the shade of riverine forest and enormous Nile crocodiles sunning on the banks. Afternoon game drive to the seasonal dry areas where cheetah territory begins. Optional night drive for leopards, African wild cats, and bat-eared foxes. Overnight Samburu lodge.
💡 Tip: Samburu leopards are more frequently seen than in most other reserves because the terrain is relatively open. Ask your driver-guide to focus on the acacia trees along the river where they rest during midday.
Day 4
Drive to Ol Pejeta | Northern White Rhino | Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Three-hour drive south through the Laikipia plateau to Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Visit the enclosure housing the last two northern white rhinos on earth, Najin and Fatu, both female, in the company of their dedicated 24-hour armed guards. A sobering and important encounter. Afternoon game drive for black rhinos, lions, cheetahs, and enormous buffalo herds. Visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the only place in Kenya to see chimpanzees. Overnight Ol Pejeta lodge.
💡 Tip: The northern white rhino enclosure at Ol Pejeta is a genuinely emotional experience. Learn about the ongoing science and IVF program attempting to save the subspecies before your visit.
Day 5
Fly to Masai Mara | Afternoon Game Drive on the Plains
Morning flight south to the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya's most celebrated wildlife area on the northern edge of the Serengeti ecosystem. Arrive in time for a long afternoon game drive across the famous open plains. The Mara is home to all Big Five and has the highest density of lion prides in Africa. Watch the landscape shift from golden grassland to acacia woodland to riverside forest. Overnight Masai Mara camp.
💡 Tip: The Masai Mara has outstanding wildlife year-round. July to October brings the wildebeest migration crossings but the predator viewing is exceptional in every month.
Day 6
Full Day Masai Mara | Dawn Drive | Hot Air Balloon Option | Masai Village
Full day in the Mara starting at 6 AM when lions are finishing their night hunts and cheetahs begin their morning stalks. Return to camp for breakfast and midday rest. Optional hot air balloon safari over the Mara at sunrise, one of the great travel experiences in Africa. Afternoon game drive until sunset. Optional visit to an authentic Masai village community. Bonfire dinner under the stars. Overnight Masai Mara camp.
💡 Tip: The Masai Mara hot air balloon costs around 450 USD and runs daily with certified operators. Book in advance through your camp. The flight over the wildebeest herds at dawn is unlike anything else.
Day 7
Final Mara Morning Drive | Fly to Nairobi | Departure
Final dawn drive in the Mara hoping for a last big cat encounter. Fly back to Nairobi in time for your international connection. If time allows, stop at the Kazuri Bead Factory or Utamaduni Crafts Centre for Kenyan souvenirs made by local artisans. Transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. End of tour.
💡 Tip: Nairobi traffic to the airport can be severe in the afternoon. Allow at least 90 minutes from the city centre and ask your hotel for the best departure time based on your flight.
