8 Days Samburu & Masai Mara Safari (Rhino Tracking & Big Five)

A Samburu and Masai Mara safari presents an expedition through Kenya’s Samburu National Reserve,  and Masai Mara National Reserve.

The combination of Kenya’s arid Samburu savannahs and the vibrant grasslands of the Masai Mara offers a rich tapestry of wildlife, stunning landscapes, and a variety of cultures and experiences to explore. This tour features three distinct lodges over an 8-day Samburu & Masai Mara safari itinerary, perfect for travelers eager to maximize their experience in Kenya.

Begin your adventure in the stunning Samburu National Reserve, where you’ll experience the best of both worlds by splitting your stay between two exceptional camps. Get ready for exciting morning and afternoon game drives, along with guided nature walks, star gazing, night drives, and immersive cultural experiences – all designed to offer you the broadest range of adventures possible. This is a vast wilderness, teeming with majestic elephants and powerful lions, where you’ll dedicate part of your adventure to tracking the critically endangered black rhino. Don’t miss the opportunity to seek out Samburu’s unique wildlife that you won’t find in the Masai Mara. Be on the lookout for the elegant gerenuk with its long neck, the striking sabre-horned oryx gazelle, and the stunning Grevy’s zebra.

Next, we venture into the expansive grasslands of the Masai Mara, where a secluded camp awaits, offering pristine views and unparalleled game sightings. Experience the thrill of game drives both in the exclusive concession and the national reserve, where the spectacular seasonal Wildebeest Migration unfolds alongside a wealth of wildlife year-round. This area is famous for its predator sightings, and even if the wildebeest herds are not present during your visit, you will still experience exceptional game viewing.

Experience the ultimate in comfort during your safari with our sophisticated tent camps, featuring amenities like refreshing swimming pools, rejuvenating spa treatments, and exclusive private dining options. Short flights manage the distances between destinations, allowing you to maximize your safari experience – ideal for couples and honeymooners.

A Detailed 8 Days Samburu & Masai Mara Safari Itinerary (Rhino Tracking & Big Five)

Day 1-2: Nairobi To Samburu National Reserve

Your journey begins at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Kenya, where a skilled driver-guide awaits to escort you to Wilson Airport for your scheduled flight to the stunning Samburu National Reserve. A guide welcomes you at the airstrip and transports you to Saruni Samburu, nestled amidst breathtaking mountains on the reserve’s edge. Your accommodation exudes elegance and comfort, offering breathtaking views of a vast and pristine wilderness.

Experience the ultimate relaxation with a complementary head and neck massage that perfectly sets the mood. Delight in a variety of activities, from exhilarating game drives and scenic walks to enriching cultural tours, serene riverside picnics, and captivating displays of Samburu song and dance.

What to expect

Track black rhino in Samburu

Visit the Retiti Elephant Sanctuary

See the Singing Wells cattle waterhole

Contribute to rhino conservation in East Africa

Private airstrips for fly-in safaris

Dinners in the old riverbed

Day 2 – 4: Rhino Tracking In Samburu

Experience the thrill of adventure with Samburu guides leading you to Saruni Rhino, a cozy tented camp nestled within a private wildlife reserve. This exclusive destination is one of the rare spots in Kenya—and indeed all of Africa—where you can embark on a remarkable journey to track black rhino on foot. Don’t miss the chance to explore a nearby rhino sanctuary and an elephant orphanage.

Embark on thrilling game drives and indulge in bird watching, where the unforgettable sight of thousands of sand grouse drinking will leave a lasting impression. For an extraordinary cultural experience, your guide will lead you to the Singing Wells, where local herdsmen summon their cattle to drink with songs that are uniquely recognizable to their own animals.

Day #5 – 7:  Fly To Masai Mara National Reserve

Experience the thrill of adventure with Samburu guides leading you to Saruni Rhino, a cozy tented camp nestled within a private wildlife reserve. This exclusive destination is one of the rare spots in Kenya—and indeed all of Africa—where you can embark on a remarkable journey to track black rhino on foot. Don’t miss the chance to explore a nearby rhino sanctuary and an elephant orphanage.

Embark on thrilling game drives and indulge in bird watching, where the unforgettable sight of thousands of sand grouse drinking will leave a lasting impression. For an extraordinary cultural experience, your guide will lead you to the Singing Wells, where local herdsmen summon their cattle to drink with songs that are uniquely recognizable to their own animals.

Day 8: End Of The 8 Days Samburu & Masai Mara Safari (Rhino Tracking & Big Five)

Stop by the rhino sanctuary en route to the airstrip and take a moment to appreciate the majestic hippos and crocodiles of the Mara River once more. Enjoy a seamless transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport with a professional Saruni driver and vehicle at your service. If your international flight allows, consider stopping by the Talisman or Carnivore restaurant for a delightful dinner experience.