7-Day Private Camping Safari in Kenya — Samburu, Mt. Kenya & Maasai Mara Camping Adventure
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
7 days
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness recommended: comfortable with several hours of driving, multiple game drives, and a 9 km mountain hike with elevation gain.
Overview
Sleep under open skies and wake to elephant calls on this 7-day private camping safari. From Samburu’s dry scrub to the peaks of Mt. Kenya and the wide plains of the Maasai Mara, expect long drives, early game drives, basic campsites and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
7-Day Private Camping Safari in Kenya — Samburu, Mt. Kenya & Maasai Mara Camping Adventure
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The first night under canvas arrives with a sky so full of stars the tent feels small. A campfire crackles as the cook lays out dinner; beyond the lantern pool the silhouette of an acacia tree stands guard and a distant trumpet from an elephant borders sleep. That immediate intimacy—wildlife wandering within earshot and the slow choreography of dawn—defines this seven-day private camping safari that threads Samburu, Mt. Kenya, Lake Naivasha and the Maasai Mara.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Expect basic facilities
Campsites are public or simple private sites with pit latrines and mostly cold showers—pack quick-dry towels and personal toiletries.
Acclimatize for Mt. Kenya
The Sirimon hike gains ~740 m over 9 km to Old Moses Camp (3,300 m); move slowly, stay hydrated and tell guides about any altitude concerns.
Sun protection & insects
Daytime sun is strong and mosquitoes are active at dusk—bring broad-spectrum SPF, sunglasses, and DEET-based repellent.
Carry cash for extras
Bring Kenyan shillings for park fees not included, tips, small purchases and bike hires at Hells Gate; ATMs are limited in remote areas.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Elephant (often observed moving through unfenced campsites)
- Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe—pronounced in Samburu’s drier habitat
History
The itinerary follows the Rift Valley, a dramatic scar formed by tectonic rifting; the Maasai people have grazed and stewarded these plains for generations, shaping wildlife movement through traditional land use.
Conservation
Many conservancies around the Mara work with local communities to protect migration corridors; practice low-impact camping—minimize waste and respect park rules.
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Adventure Hotspots in Nairobi
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking boots
Support and traction for the Sirimon trail and uneven campsite terrain.
Warm layers (fleece, down jacket)
Night temperatures at higher elevations and early mornings can drop significantly.
winter specific
Wide-brim sun hat & sunscreen
Protects against strong equatorial sun during drives and hikes.
summer specific
Headlamp with extra batteries
Essential for campsite navigation, early departures and pit-latrine visits after dark.