Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi - Maasai Mara
Early morning, meet up at Sarova Stanley for breakfast. Board your jeep and join other guests for your safari to Maasai Mara, with the first stopover at the great escarpments for a photo session. Continue with five hours drive. Arrive at your camp for check-in and lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing. Agree with the driver and other travelers on a pick-up time for the afternoon game drive where you enter the park gate at 4:00 p.m. Here, you will search for zebras, antelopes, giraffes, elephants, and lions. At sunset and after a wonderful time, drive back to camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Maasai Mara (Full day)
In this morning after breakfast, your guide will pick you up from the camp at your agreed time, with a packed picnic lunch box, and transfer you to the main reserve for a full-day game drive. Here, you will have the opportunity to spot the Big Five along with other animal species in the reserve. Drive to the banks of the Mara River to witness the wildebeest crossings and observe crocodiles patiently waiting for their prey.
Enjoy lunch here or under an acacia tree, overlooking snorting hippos in the water and the stunning landscape. After lunch, embark on an afternoon game drive to find the animals most active during these hours. After a wonderful day, exit the park and return to the camp or lodge for dinner, relaxation, and an overnight stay.
Day 3: Maasai Mara - Nakuru
After breakfast, check out from the camp and meet the driver and the rest of the group at the agreed time. Drive to Lake Nakuru with bathroom, lunch, and coffee stopovers along the way. Upon arrival in Nakuru, check in at the hotel and spend the rest of the evening relaxing. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 4: Lake Nakuru - Lake Naivasha
Today early morning, have breakfast at the hotel and check out. Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park for a morning game drive. Have a stopover at the Baboon Cliff for better views of the park and if you are lucky, you can spot flamingoes and bird life. Have an on-route drive searching for more animals as you head out of the park and drive to Naivasha. Arrive in time for late lunch. Check-in at the hotel and have lunch. Spend the rest of the afternoon having a boat ride at Lake Naivasha and a walking safari at Crescent Island. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 5: Naivasha - Nairobi
Morning game drive at Hells Gate National Park with an option for cycling (own account). Visit the Gorges, and the scenic parts of the park for a walk. After your adventure at Hell's Gate, exit the park and proceed to Nairobi. Here, you will meet other travelers joining the safari and enjoy a delightful lunch at Carnivore Restaurant. Post-lunch, you will have an evening sunset game drive in Nairobi National Park, where you view the only park in the capital city as well as the animals found here. If lucky, watch the sunset with the giraffes and city towers from afar. After a wonderful time, exit the park and drop off at the airport or your hotel for a continued stay.
About the safari
Join Samson's Safaris on a five-day group safari through Maasai Mara, Naivasha, Nakuru, and Nairobi National Park. Witness the Big Five - lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo - while exploring the Mara Plains, Nakuru’s birdlife, and the only national park in a city. Capture stunning views of the Mara River, spot hippos and crocodiles, and follow wildebeest migration paths. Do not miss this unforgettable adventure in Kenya’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Group joining safaris are an excellent way to meet fellow travelers and share the excitement of exploring wildlife together.
You will be part of a diverse group, creating opportunities for new friendships and shared stories. Group safaris follow a fixed itinerary. While this ensures a well-organized tour, it also means less flexibility to customize the schedule based on individual preferences. Please note that the briefing may differ since travelers are from various tour operators. They kindly ask you to follow the itinerary and briefing to avoid conflict and confusion. You will be sharing the safari vehicle with other group members. This might limit personal space and the ability to move around freely.
However, it also offers a chance to enjoy the company of fellow travelers. Group tours operate on a strict schedule. It is important to be punctual to ensure the smooth running of the itinerary. Delays can affect the entire group, so please be mindful of the timings provided by your guide. Each group is unique, comprising individuals with different backgrounds, interests, and travel styles. While this diversity can be enriching, it may also require some patience and adaptability. The focus of the safari is on wildlife viewing, and the guides are experienced in maximizing these opportunities.
You will be accompanied by a professional safari guide who provides insights and ensures safety, enhancing the overall experience. The size of the group can vary, with the vehicle accommodating a maximum of eight travelers. Due to the different dynamics and destinations of other travelers, you may change vehicles and guides at some point during the trip.
At least one park entry ticket per destination is included. Additional game time may require a top-up, to be discussed and agreed upon with the guide and group. As guests book through multiple agencies, there will be different drop-offs for hotels or camps, which may affect timings. The guide will provide updates accordingly.