Kenya 8-Day Safari Itinerary: Laikipia, Samburu, Nakuru and the Masai Mara

Kenya rewards variety. This itinerary mixes conservancy-style stays in Laikipia with the dry-country wildlife of Samburu, a short rest at Lake Nakuru and a final stay in the Masai Mara. It is one of the more balanced ways to use eight days.

Compare it with the Kenya northern circuit itinerary and the Mount Kenya and Laikipia itinerary; this plan takes parts of each and ends in the Mara.

This guide is part of our Uganda road routes and driving guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Day-by-Day Outline

Laikipia on Days 1 and 2

Laikipia's private conservancies and ranches offer flexible activities such as walks, night drives, horse or camel rides and visits to community projects, depending on the property. Wildlife includes elephants, giraffe, lions and several rare species. The pace is slower than in national parks, and the guiding is often excellent.

See the Laikipia and Ol Pejeta conservancy guide, the wildlife guide and Nairobi to Ol Pejeta.

Samburu on Days 3 and 4

Samburu is hotter and drier than the southern parks, and wildlife gathers along the Ewaso Ng'iro river. The reserve is known for northern species such as reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, gerenuk and beisa oryx. Elephants, lions and leopards also live here, and birdlife is rich.

Read the Samburu special five and Samburu itineraries. The journey from Laikipia is long and dusty, so keep lunch simple and have water ready.

Lake Nakuru and the Mara

Day 5 is the longest travel day, taking you south to the Rift Valley. Lake Nakuru is a short and gentle park, where rhinos and birds reward a quiet evening drive. On day 6 continue to the Mara by road, or fly if you have arranged it; see the Mara to Nakuru route.

Spend your last full day in the Mara early and late, resting at midday. Consider a conservancy stay for a quieter experience: Mara conservancies explained.

Flights and Pacing

There are three long transfers in this plan, so consider flights between Samburu and the Mara region, or between the Mara and Nairobi. Light-aircraft baggage limits apply; see Kenya luggage and light aircraft rules and Kenya domestic flights. If you prefer driving, accept that days 3, 5 and 6 are travel-heavy and keep afternoons for relaxed game viewing.

Variations

• Skip Samburu and add a Mount Kenya or Aberdare night for a cooler highland break; see Mount Kenya itineraries.
• Add a Lake Naivasha night with walking or cycling; see Naivasha itineraries.
• Shorten to seven days by dropping Nakuru and flying from the north.
• Finish with a coastal extension; see the safari, Diani and Lamu combination.

Best Season

The Mara is busiest from July to October, while Samburu and Laikipia are rewarding in dry periods from June to October and January to March. The long rains, usually around March to May, make some northern tracks muddy. See best time to visit Kenya for guidance and book popular camps early.

Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team