If you dream of remarkable natural experiences and abundant wildlife, this tour is the perfect choice. It offers a safari that combines some of Kenya’s most strikingly different and fascinating regions.
Your adventure begins in Nairobi, heading north to the lesser-visited Samburu. This area is known for its rugged, open landscapes with a unique atmosphere – and the opportunity to encounter rare animal species found only here.
The journey then continues to Lake Nakuru, beautifully set in the Great Rift Valley. The scene changes dramatically here, offering lush landscapes of lakes, forests, and vibrant birdlife – and it’s one of the best places in Kenya to spot rhinos.
The safari concludes in the world-famous Masai Mara, where the classic African savannah unfolds in endless plains dotted with acacia trees and teeming with magnificent wildlife.
After all the incredible experiences, the tour continues to Kenya’s coast, where you can enjoy a few relaxing days by the Indian Ocean with white sandy beaches and gently swaying palm trees.
Today, your journey will begin with a flight from your selected airport to Kenya, with connecting flight(s) along the way.
You’ll be greeted at the airport by our local partner, who will drive you to your hotel.
If you arrive in the morning, you can choose to book one or two of our optional excursions and experience what Nairobi has to offer. Of course, you might simply want to relax after your journey – and if you arrive in the evening, you’ll probably just want to head straight to bed upon arrival.
Tomorrow, the adventure truly begins!
After breakfast, you’ll set off from the hotel and begin your journey north towards Samburu.
Along the way, you’ll cross the equator in the region around Mount Kenya. Here, you’ll stop for an entertaining demonstration of the Coriolis effect and learn why the movement of wind and water differs depending on whether you’re in the northern or southern hemisphere. You can even try standing with one foot on each side of the equator – an experience that’s practically a must!
The journey continues through ever-changing scenery, where cool highlands gradually give way to drier and more open landscapes. The contrasts are striking, and you’ll gain a fascinating insight into Kenya’s diverse natural beauty along the way. Upon arrival at your lodge, a well-deserved lunch awaits before it’s time to head out into the wild.
In the afternoon, you’ll head out on your first game drive – and this is where your safari adventure truly begins.
Samburu is renowned for its raw and distinctive character. The landscape is open, almost plateau-like, painted in dusty earth tones that shift from grey to deep reddish-brown. The climate is dry, but along the Ewaso Ng’iro River and in small green oases, wildlife gathers – and it’s often here that you’ll enjoy the most memorable encounters.
The reserve is home to the so-called “Samburu Special Five” – including Grevy’s zebra, the reticulated giraffe, and the striking gerenuk, known for standing on its hind legs to reach food in the bushes. With a touch of humour, it’s often said that the animals of Samburu have learned to think creatively to survive in such an arid environment.
In addition, the area is teeming with classic safari animals such as elephants, lions, leopards, and cheetahs, as well as an impressive variety of birdlife – a chorus many say has its very own soundtrack in this particular region.
After an exciting afternoon, you’ll return to the lodge where dinner is served, giving you time to unwind and reflect on the day’s experiences.
Today, you’ll enjoy a full day on safari in Samburu, giving you the chance to truly immerse yourself in the landscape and its wildlife. To make the most of your time in the wild, lunch – and perhaps even breakfast – will be brought along, so every moment can be spent exploring nature.
In addition to the fascinating wildlife and rugged scenery, you may also be lucky enough to meet the local Samburu people, after whom the reserve is named. They still live closely connected to nature and are known for their nomadic way of life, where cattle play a central role. As the landscape changes, they move their villages to seek out new grazing lands.
The Samburu are closely related to the Maasai but have their own distinct traditions and identity. They are easily recognised by their brightly coloured clothing – often in striking shades of red – and their beautifully beaded jewellery, which is not only decorative but also tells stories of age, status, and belonging. It’s said that a Samburu warrior may spend as much time choosing his jewellery in the morning as he does watching over his herd – here, style and identity truly go hand in hand.
After a long and adventure-filled day in the bush, you’ll return to the lodge. Another delicious dinner awaits, and perhaps you’ll end the evening with a drink by the fire beneath the African night sky.
After breakfast, your journey continues south. You will once again pass the area surrounding Mount Kenya, and as you travel, the landscape gradually begins to change. The closer you get to the Great Rift Valley, the more dramatic the scenery becomes.
This vast rift valley stretches for thousands of kilometres across Africa and has been shaped by geological forces over millions of years. The region is characterised by ancient volcanic craters, escarpments, and sweeping views that lend the journey a truly distinctive atmosphere.
Along the way, you’ll stop a few times, including at Thomson’s Falls, where there’s time for a short break. Here, you can stretch your legs, take in the view of the roaring waterfall, and grab a bite to eat at the small café.
Later in the day, you’ll arrive at Lake Nakuru National Park, where an exciting game drive awaits.
The national park is particularly renowned for its large rhino population and is one of the best places in Kenya to see the rare black rhino. Your chances of spotting these magnificent creatures are therefore excellent.
Along the shores of Lake Nakuru, depending on the season and conditions, you may be treated to spectacular flocks of flamingos. At times, they tint the lake’s edge in beautiful shades of pink, creating a truly unique and mesmerising sight.
Upon arrival at the lodge, you’ll have time to settle in and take in the surroundings. Perhaps the pool will tempt you, or you might simply prefer to relax and enjoy the view before dinner is served.
The day will begin with an exciting game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, giving you another opportunity to experience the park’s rich and varied wildlife.
In addition to its iconic rhinos, the area is home to more than 450 bird species, making it a genuine paradise for bird enthusiasts. The mix of lakes, forests, and open plains attracts both colourful waterfowl and impressive birds of prey.
As you explore the park, you may also encounter animals such as waterbucks, impalas, buffaloes, giraffes, and zebras. One thing, however, is almost certain – you won’t see elephants here. On the other hand, you’ll have a good chance of spotting them later on your tour in the Masai Mara.
Take a moment to soak up the beautiful surroundings. The park’s location in the Great Rift Valley offers a rich diversity of landscapes, shifting effortlessly between lush forest, open plains, and a shallow lake.
Later in the morning, your journey will continue as you bid farewell to Nakuru and set off towards the iconic Masai Mara. This Kenyan part of the vast Serengeti ecosystem is famed for its remarkable concentration of wildlife, particularly during the green months.
The drive takes up most of the afternoon, but there’s plenty to see along the way. You’ll pass small villages with lively markets where daily life unfolds along the roadside, and there will of course be a few stops en route.
Late in the day, you’ll arrive at your next accommodation, where you can unwind and recharge for the safari adventures to come.
Get ready for a truly unforgettable experience – an entire day of game drives in the breathtaking Masai Mara awaits you. Established in 1961, this nature reserve forms part of the magnificent Serengeti ecosystem and offers some of the most spectacular wildlife on Earth. Here, you might be lucky enough to witness large herds of elephants, graceful giraffes moving across the savannah, and countless zebras and wildebeests on their endless migration in search of greener pastures. And perhaps – if fortune smiles upon you – you’ll catch sight of lions resting in the shade, a cheetah on the hunt, or a leopard lounging in a tree.
But Masai Mara isn’t a place you simply visit – it’s a place you feel. Nature follows its own course here, and no two days are ever the same. The animals roam freely, and the unknown is all part of the magic. Your guide follows the rhythm of nature, reading tracks, sounds, and movements – and exchanging information with other guides sharing their sightings along the way. This creates a unique sense of anticipation, with excitement bubbling just beneath the surface.
The landscape itself is an experience. The iconic Mara River cuts through the region, drawing animals at all hours of the day and night, while sweeping plains, rolling terrain, and scattered acacia trees create a backdrop that seems almost endless. The light and the scents change as the day unfolds – from the soft mornings with dew on the grass, when everything smells fresh and clear, to the warm golden afternoons when dust settles in your nostrils.
In the midst of it all, you’ll pause and enjoy a picnic lunch in the open air. Surrounded by the sounds of nature and the endless horizon, you’ll have a quiet moment to let the experiences sink in – before your adventure continues.
Masai Mara is a place that never ceases to surprise. Every game drive is unique, every encounter with wildlife feels like a privilege, and the savannah is constantly changing. It’s this very combination of raw nature, beauty, and unpredictability that makes the experience truly unforgettable.
Sadly, it’s time to say farewell to the savannah and trade the grassy plains for the soft, white sands of Kenya’s exotic coastline.
From the Masai Mara, you’ll travel back to Nairobi, where you’ll board the train heading towards new adventures on the coast. Awaiting you are moments of pure relaxation on chalk-white beaches fringed with green palms, the azure-blue sea, coral reefs – and a fascinating history in the lively port city of Mombasa.
The train journey itself is quite an experience. The train is comfortable and, as it passes through Kenya’s largest National Park, Tsavo, you may be lucky enough to spot elephants and giraffes right outside your window.
Upon arrival in Mombasa, you’ll be met at the station and driven the final stretch to your beach holiday at Diani Beach, south of Mombasa.
You may choose to spend your days relaxing by the water, or head out to sea on an adventure – snorkelling among vibrant fish or gliding across the water in a traditional dhow boat.
If you’re in the mood for a change of scene, venture inland to lush forest areas where nature and culture intertwine, and local traditions remain very much alive.
You’ll experience the contrast in Mombasa, a city brimming with history, life, and colour. Narrow lanes wind through the old town, where intricately carved wooden doors and Arab-inspired architecture tell tales of centuries of trade and cultural exchange. At the iconic Fort Jesus, you step straight into history, while the city’s bustling markets and harbour areas overflow with life, fragrances, and local impressions.
You’ll be picked up from the hotel and driven to the airport, where your journey home begins.
You’ll land at your selected airport after a wonderful tour.
Children under 12 years from £2499
Single room supplement from £399
Special offers for groups of 4 or more. Request a quote today for more info.
Catriona is passionate about helping other people fulfill their travel dreams, as she knows how much travel has only improved her life for the better!
