8 Days / 7 Nights
8-day Kenya Migration Safari, offering an incredible exploration of some of the most iconic wildlife destinations in East Africa. The safari begins with a visit to Samburu National Reserve, a stunning reserve nestled in the heart of Kenya. Here, you will experience a full day of thrilling game drives across the rugged terrain, spotting unique wildlife including the rare Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, and the reticulated giraffe, alongside other incredible species. Samburu’s diverse ecosystem provides an exciting introduction to Kenya’s rich fauna.
Next, the safari continues to Lake Nakuru National Park, renowned for its vibrant birdlife. The park is home to thousands of flamingos that gather along the shores, creating a breathtaking pink hue across the lake. You will have the opportunity to explore the park’s picturesque landscapes, which include dense forests, expansive grasslands, and the famous Nakuru Lake. In addition to the birdwatching, keep an eye out for the park’s diverse wildlife, including rhinos, lions, and numerous species of antelopes, as well as the park’s iconic white rhinos.
The grand finale of your safari takes you to the Masai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s most renowned wildlife destinations. The Mara is famous for its vast savannahs, bountiful wildlife, and the extraordinary Great Migration. From July to October, millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles make their annual journey across the Mara River, creating one of the most spectacular wildlife events in the world. Here, you will be treated to unforgettable game drives in search of the “Big Five”—lion, buffalo, elephant, leopard, and rhino—as well as cheetahs, giraffes, hyenas, and the myriad of other species that call the Mara home.
Kenya Migration Safari highlights
Safari Highlights:
- Experience the dramatic landscapes and unique wildlife of Samburu National Reserve
- Discover the birdwatcher’s paradise at Lake Nakuru, home to thousands of flamingos
- Witness the world-renowned Great Migration in the Masai Mara
- Track Africa’s legendary Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino)
Kenya Migration Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Welcome to Kenya
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, you will be met by a representative from Kagera Safaris and transferred to your hotel for relaxation and overnight stay. This day is dedicated to settling in and preparing for your safari adventure.
Accommodation Options:
Hemingsway | House of Waine | Palacina Suites | Fairmont The Norfolk | Giraffe Manor | The Boma
Day 2: Journey to Samburu National Reserve – Afternoon Game Drive
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive (approx. 6.5 hours) or a scheduled flight (approx. 1.5 hours) to the rugged and remote Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya. Upon arrival, check in and enjoy lunch, followed by your first game drive in the park.
Wildlife Sightings:
Expect to see African elephants, leopards, reticulated giraffes, lions, olive baboons, cape buffaloes, impalas, waterbucks, warthogs, Grant’s gazelles, and over 350 bird species.
Accommodation Options:
Saruni Samburu | Saruni Rhino | Sasaab Camp | Sarara Camp | Elephant Bedroom
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Full-Day Exploration in Samburu
Enjoy a full day of game drives in Samburu. The park is known for its unique wildlife species not commonly found in southern Kenya, such as the Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, and gerenuk. The dramatic landscape and the Ewaso Nyiro River add to the beauty of your experience.
Safari Highlight:
Capture scenic landscapes and rare wildlife unique to the Samburu ecosystem.
Accommodation: Same as Day 2
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Transfer to Lake Nakuru National Park – Birdwatcher’s Paradise
After an early breakfast, begin your journey to Lake Nakuru National Park. The drive takes approximately 6 hours, with a scenic stop at Thompson’s Falls in Nyahururu. Alternatively, you may opt for a short scheduled flight (25 minutes).
Lake Nakuru is famous for its large population of flamingos that paint the shoreline pink, along with over 400 bird species. The park is also a sanctuary for both black and white rhinos and is one of the few places to see the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe.
Accommodation Options:
Deloraine House | Sarova Lion Hill | The Cliff | Mbweha Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Transfer to the Iconic Masai Mara National Reserve
After breakfast, continue your safari with a drive (approx. 6 hours) or flight (approx. 45 minutes) to the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve. Upon arrival, enjoy a warm welcome at your lodge, followed by lunch and a late afternoon game drive.
Safari Highlight:
Get your first taste of the Mara’s rich biodiversity with sightings of lions, elephants, zebras, and more as the sun sets over the savannah.
Accommodation Options:
Bateleurs Camp | Kichwa Tembo | Mara Plains Camp | Little Governors | Sanctuary Olonana | Angama Mara | Zebra Plains Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6 & 7: Full-Day Game Drives in the Masai Mara – Witness the Great Migration
Spend two full days exploring the vast Masai Mara ecosystem. With its sweeping savannahs and dramatic scenery, the reserve offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the world.
Wildlife Highlights:
Witness massive herds of wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes during the Great Migration (seasonal). Spot predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Look out for elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, hyenas, jackals, and an incredible diversity of birdlife.
Optional Activity:
Experience a magical sunrise with a Hot Air Balloon Safari followed by a champagne breakfast in the wild (available at an extra cost).
Accommodation: Same as Day 5
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Return to Nairobi – Departure
After breakfast, bid farewell to the Masai Mara and return to Nairobi via a 6-hour drive or a 45-minute flight. Enjoy lunch in the city before being transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Make your dream trip come true with Guide Adventure
At Guide Adventure, we believe every traveler deserves a personalized adventure. That’s why all our sample itineraries are fully flexible and can be adjusted to match your unique interests, travel style, and schedule.