Long Safari #006

7 Days Cheetah Safari – Samburu, Aberdares, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara Kenya

A thrilling Kenyan adventure combining the unique northern wildlife of Samburu, the misty forests and tree hotels of the Aberdare Mountains, the flamingo-fringed shores of Lake Nakuru, and the legendary savannahs of the Masai Mara – home to the Big Five and the great wildebeest migration.

Day By Day

Your Safari Itinerary

A classic Kenyan circuit from the semi-arid bush country of the Northern Frontier to the cool highlands of the Aberdare Mountains, the pink lakes of the Rift Valley, and finally the endless plains of the Masai Mara.

Nairobi – Samburu Game Reserve

Nairobi → Samburu (Approx. 350 km / 6.5 hrs)

Upon arrival at JKIA, meet our representative for a safari briefing.
Depart Nairobi and drive across the Equator to the edge of the Northern Frontier, heading into semi-desert bush country towards Samburu Game Reserve.
Arrive at the lodge/camp in time for lunch, settling into this rugged and dramatic landscape.
Enjoy an evening game drive in the reserve – home to unique species including the beisa oryx, long-necked gerenuk, Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, and the blue-shanked Somali ostrich.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge/camp.

Lodge/Camp

Lunch, Dinner

Samburu Game Reserve – Full Day

Samburu

Rise early for a morning game drive, exploring the reserve as the wildlife becomes active in the cooler hours.
Return to the lodge/camp for breakfast, then spend the rest of the morning at leisure.
Enjoy lunch at the lodge/camp, then set out for an afternoon game drive.
Samburu is situated on the hot and arid fringes of Kenya's Northern Frontier District – home to the Samburu tribe, pastoral relatives of the Maasai.
The Ewaso Nyiro River runs along the southern boundary, attracting crocodile, hippo, and many animals coming to drink during the heat of the day.
Spot buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah, and other plains game against the backdrop of Samburu's rugged and dramatic landscape.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge/camp.

Lodge/Camp

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Samburu – Aberdare National Park

Samburu → Aberdares (Approx. 200 km / 4 hrs)

Enjoy breakfast at the lodge/camp, then check out and depart for the Aberdare National Park.
Arrive at the base hotel – Aberdare Country Club, nestled on a slope of Mweiga Hill in the Aberdare Highlands – for lunch and to drop excess luggage.
After lunch, drive through the forest to reach a unique tree hotel where the night is spent watching the never-ending pageant of wildlife at the floodlit waterhole and saltlick below.
The tree hotel has multiple decks with numerous balconies and lounges providing superb wildlife viewing – a night guard will buzz your room when special animals come to the waterhole.
The park is home to elephants, black rhinos, leopards, spotted hyenas, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, buffalos, warthogs, and bushbucks.
Rare sightings include the giant forest hog, bongo, golden cat, serval cat, African wild cat, African civet cat, and blue duiker – along with over 250 bird species.
Dinner and overnight at the tree hotel.

Tree Hotel

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Aberdares – Lake Nakuru National Park

Aberdares → Lake Nakuru (Approx. 130 km / 2 hrs)

Enjoy breakfast at the lodge, then check out and cross the tip of the Aberdare Mountains.
Stop briefly to admire the 73m plunge of Thompson's Falls, named after the Scots explorer who first saw the falls in 1884.
Another stop is provided at the Equator for photos and a moment of reflection.
Arrive at Lake Nakuru National Park in time for lunch – this shallow soda lake has been famous for its flamingos and retains its reputation as an ornithologist's delight with more than 400 bird species.
Walk out to the lake shore to get a closer look at the birds, while nearby cliffs offer sightings of baboons, birds of prey, and scurrying hyraxes.
The park covers 180 sq km and is home to warthogs, waterbuck, buffaloes, reedbucks, occasional leopard, and white and black rhinos introduced some years ago.
Enjoy an afternoon game drive – the sight of flamingos at Lake Nakuru is unforgettable.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Lodge

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lake Nakuru – Masai Mara National Reserve

Lake Nakuru → Masai Mara (Approx. 345 km / 7.5 hrs)

Enjoy breakfast at the lodge, then check out and depart for the world-famous Masai Mara Game Reserve.
Drive south along the floor of the Great Rift Valley, passing through Narok before climbing the western wall into Hemingway's "Serengeti Plains".
Arrive at the lodge/camp in time for lunch.
The Mara is the land of African legend, where the annual wildebeest migration (July–September) brings predators and prey together in one of nature's greatest spectacles.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge/camp.

Lodge/Camp

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Masai Mara National Reserve – Full Day

Masai Mara

Early morning balloon safari available as an option (USD 450 per person) – the balloon launches at 6:00 am for a one-hour flight, followed by a champagne bush breakfast upon landing.
Depart after breakfast with a packed picnic lunch for a full day of game viewing across the Mara's vast plains.
Spot the abundant lion, elephant, giraffe, zebra, cheetah, leopard, and rhino – the Mara is legendary for its Big Five sightings.
From July to September, witness the spectacular wildebeest migration – one of nature's few remaining wildlife spectacles, with predators in abundance.
Enjoy the colourful birdlife, including several species of bee-eaters – the "flying rainbows" of the Mara.
The reserve is also home to the Maasai people – watch for Morans (warriors) loping across the plains, young boys herding goats, or elders grouped under a tree discussing the day's matters.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge/camp.

Lodge/Camp

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Masai Mara – Nairobi (Departure)

Masai Mara → Nairobi (Approx. 250 km / 5 hrs)

Enjoy an early morning game drive, making the most of your final hours in the Mara.
Return to the lodge/camp for breakfast, then check out and depart for Nairobi.
Stop at Narok Town to browse in the bustling, vibrant Masai markets – perfect for buying curios and handicrafts.
Continue to Nairobi, arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight, or transfer to a city hotel.
End of services – safe travels home.

Departure

Breakfast

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Transport in a safari tour van with a pop-up roof for easy game viewing and photography
Accommodation on Full Board basis at the lodges/camps
Park entry fees to the national parks
Mineral water while on safari
Professional English-speaking driver/guide
Game drives as per the itinerary

NOT INCLUDED

International Flights / Domestic flights
Personal items
Laundry Services
Visit to Masai Villages ($25)
Balloon safari ($450)
Excursions not mentioned in the itinerary
Tips to drivers & Porters
Personal drinks
Accommodation in Nairobi before and after the safari
Kenya visas

Need a Price?

Contact Us for Pricing

Our safari packages are carefully tailored to your needs, with pricing that fluctuates based on the season — high season (June–October and December–January) commands premium rates, while shoulder and low seasons offer more affordable options.

To receive an accurate, customised quote for your specific travel dates, please reach out to our team. We’ll respond within 24 hours with a detailed breakdown, including seasonal rates and any available discounts.

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