Traverse Kenya’s diverse wild landscapes on a 7-day safari through Samburu Game Reserve and Maasai Mara. Encounter rare species unique to the north, marvel at Great Rift Valley vistas, and track the famed Big Five across sprawling savannahs.
Traverse Kenya’s diverse wild landscapes on a 7-day safari through Samburu Game Reserve and Maasai Mara. Encounter rare species unique to the north, marvel at Great Rift Valley vistas, and track the famed Big Five across sprawling savannahs.
The sun cuts low over the sprawling plains as your safari vehicle rumbles through the rugged terrain of Samburu Game Reserve. Dry riverbeds whisper ancient secrets beneath thorny acacia trees, while the landscape shimmers under the vast Kenyan sky. This 7-day expedition traces a remarkable arc from the arid north to the verdant Maasai Mara, immersing travelers in East Africa’s most iconic wildlife habitats and the cultures that dwell alongside them.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by All Time Safaris · Nairobi, Nairobi County
The sun cuts low over the sprawling plains as your safari vehicle rumbles through the rugged terrain of Samburu Game Reserve. Dry riverbeds whisper ancient secrets beneath thorny acacia trees, while the landscape shimmers under the vast Kenyan sky. This 7-day expedition traces a remarkable arc from the arid north to the verdant Maasai Mara, immersing travelers in East Africa’s most iconic wildlife habitats and the cultures that dwell alongside them.
Samburu’s semi-arid expanse presents a distinct cast of wildlife not commonly found further south. The elusive gerenuk, with its slender neck stretched almost in defiance, browses acacias high above other grazers. Reticulated giraffes and Somali ostriches stride boldly, their uncommon presence a reminder that this terrain commands a unique ecosystem. Here, dry winds carry more than dust—they carry stories of indigenous Samburu warriors who still keep to their pastoral ways, living in rhythm with the land.
From Samburu, the journey cuts south, cutting across the Great Rift Valley with its rolling escarpments and the roar of Thomson Falls signaling the transition to lush lake country. Lake Naivasha offers a stark contrast: papyrus-rimmed waters cradle hippos and prolific birdlife, a wet pulse in a terrain defined by drought.
The final chapters unfold in the Maasai Mara, famed for endless savannah vistas and the thrill of the predator-prey dance. Lions lounge beneath fever trees; cheetahs break into spectacular sprints; elusive leopards slip through shadows along riverine forests. The Mara’s richness is also cultural, home to the Maasai people whose age-old customs and colorful beadwork provide a vibrant counterpoint to the wildlife spectacle.
Practically, this itinerary balances game drives with comfortable lodge stays—Samburu Simba Lodge and the intimate Fisi Camp in the Mara. Daily game drives, roughly four to six hours, are timed for early mornings and late afternoons when animal activity surges. Travelers should prepare for dusty tracks and variable temperatures, packing layered clothing, sun protection, and sturdy boots. Kenya’s equatorial sun demands consistent hydration, while motion on unpaved roads suggests carrying seasickness remedies and securing gear.
Most transfers include hotel pickups in Nairobi, easing connections between urban arrival and wild immersion. Knowledgeable guides weave ecological facts and cultural histories into each outing, enriching every glance and encounter.
For travelers ready to meet the wild on its own terms, this safari offers an unfiltered view of Kenya’s iconic landscapes and untamed inhabitants. It challenges and rewards in equal measure—a substantive journey beyond the postcard, grounded in respect for both nature and culture.
moderate.
7 days, daily game drives of 4–6 hours.
Moderate fitness required; ability to sit in safari vehicles for extended periods and some light walking outdoors.
The safari is generally suitable for older children, but not recommended for infants or toddlers due to long drives and wildlife safety concerns.
You will stay in comfortable lodges and camps such as Samburu Simba Lodge and Fisi Camp in the Maasai Mara, offering standard amenities and meals.
Yellow fever vaccination is recommended, and malaria prophylaxis is advised; consult your doctor before travel.
The Maasai Mara is home to the Big Five, so sightings are likely though not guaranteed, as these are wild animals in natural habitats.
The dry season from June to October offers excellent wildlife viewing, especially during the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara.
Hot-air balloon rides in the Maasai Mara are optional extras and can be arranged separately during the stay.
Samburu is named after the Samburu people, a semi-nomadic tribe closely related to the Maasai, who have coexisted with wildlife here for centuries.
Both reserves actively support anti-poaching initiatives and promote eco-friendly tourism to protect endangered species and preserve natural habitats.
All Time Safaris operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




The sun cuts low over the sprawling plains as your safari vehicle rumbles through the rugged terrain of Samburu Game Reserve. Dry riverbeds whisper ancient secrets beneath thorny acacia trees, while the landscape shimmers under the vast Kenyan sky. This 7-day expedition traces a remarkable arc from the arid north to the verdant Maasai Mara, immersing travelers in East Africa’s most iconic wildlife habitats and the cultures that dwell alongside them.
The sun cuts low over the sprawling plains as your safari vehicle rumbles through the rugged terrain of Samburu Game Reserve. Dry riverbeds whisper ancient secrets beneath thorny acacia trees, while the landscape shimmers under the vast Kenyan sky. This 7-day expedition traces a remarkable arc from the arid north to the verdant Maasai Mara, immersing travelers in East Africa’s most iconic wildlife habitats and the cultures that dwell alongside them.
Samburu’s semi-arid expanse presents a distinct cast of wildlife not commonly found further south. The elusive gerenuk, with its slender neck stretched almost in defiance, browses acacias high above other grazers. Reticulated giraffes and Somali ostriches stride boldly, their uncommon presence a reminder that this terrain commands a unique ecosystem. Here, dry winds carry more than dust—they carry stories of indigenous Samburu warriors who still keep to their pastoral ways, living in rhythm with the land.
From Samburu, the journey cuts south, cutting across the Great Rift Valley with its rolling escarpments and the roar of Thomson Falls signaling the transition to lush lake country. Lake Naivasha offers a stark contrast: papyrus-rimmed waters cradle hippos and prolific birdlife, a wet pulse in a terrain defined by drought.
The final chapters unfold in the Maasai Mara, famed for endless savannah vistas and the thrill of the predator-prey dance. Lions lounge beneath fever trees; cheetahs break into spectacular sprints; elusive leopards slip through shadows along riverine forests. The Mara’s richness is also cultural, home to the Maasai people whose age-old customs and colorful beadwork provide a vibrant counterpoint to the wildlife spectacle.
Practically, this itinerary balances game drives with comfortable lodge stays—Samburu Simba Lodge and the intimate Fisi Camp in the Mara. Daily game drives, roughly four to six hours, are timed for early mornings and late afternoons when animal activity surges. Travelers should prepare for dusty tracks and variable temperatures, packing layered clothing, sun protection, and sturdy boots. Kenya’s equatorial sun demands consistent hydration, while motion on unpaved roads suggests carrying seasickness remedies and securing gear.
Most transfers include hotel pickups in Nairobi, easing connections between urban arrival and wild immersion. Knowledgeable guides weave ecological facts and cultural histories into each outing, enriching every glance and encounter.
For travelers ready to meet the wild on its own terms, this safari offers an unfiltered view of Kenya’s iconic landscapes and untamed inhabitants. It challenges and rewards in equal measure—a substantive journey beyond the postcard, grounded in respect for both nature and culture.