Nairobi to Samburu – 90-Minute Scenic Flight

Your adventure begins early as your Natural World Kenya Safaris driver picks you up from your hotel, residence, or preferred location at 7:30 a.m. for a short transfer to Wilson Airport. At 8:30 a.m., board your scenic 90-minute flight bound for Samburu National Reserve.

As you soar above the Kenyan landscape, enjoy aerial views of patchwork farms, rural homesteads, and, on a clear day, the majestic silhouette of Mt. Kenya rising above the clouds.

Upon landing at a bush airstrip near the park, your driver/guide will be waiting with your private, open-sided 4x4 Land Cruiser Jeep. After a short transfer, the wild beauty of Samburu awaits with its rare northern species and rugged terrain.

As the sun begins to set, we’ll head to your lodge or tented camp for a hearty dinner and a peaceful night’s rest in the heart of the wild.

We’ll break for a delicious lunch at our lodge or tented camp, taking in the serene surroundings before embarking on our first thrilling game drive of the safari.

Samburu’s semi-arid landscape is dramatic and distinct, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing—especially along the Ewaso Nyiro River. This vital water source draws a wide range of animals, from elephants and lions to the rare species unique to this region, such as the Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe. Let the adventure begin!

We’ll break for a delicious lunch at our lodge or tented camp, taking in the serene surroundings before embarking on our first thrilling game drive of the safari.

Samburu’s semi-arid landscape is dramatic and distinct, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing—especially along the Ewaso Nyiro River. This vital water source draws a wide range of animals, from elephants and lions to the rare species unique to this region, such as the Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe. Let the adventure begin!

Full Day in Samburu National Reserve

The day begins with the soft glow of morning light spilling across the rugged landscapes of Samburu. After breakfast, we’ll set out for an immersive day of game drives. Discuss your preferences with your driver/guide—you can opt to spend the entire day in the bush or return midday for some rest.

We’ll seek out elephants, lions, cheetahs, and buffalo, but Samburu is especially famous for its rare “Samburu Special Five”: the reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx, and gerenuk.

For a broader experience, we may also venture into the neighboring Shaba and Buffalo Springs reserves to explore contrasting terrain and additional wildlife sightings.

As the light fades, we’ll return to our lodge or tented camp to relax, refresh, and enjoy a well-deserved dinner under the stars.

As the golden light of the day fades across the Samburu wilderness, we’ll return to our safari lodge or tented camp. Here, you can unwind, refresh from the day’s adventures, and savor a relaxing dinner as the sounds of the African night begin to stir.

Samburu – Masai Mara (1½ Hour Flight)

Let’s begin the day with a final early morning game drive through Samburu—this is the perfect time to catch wildlife stirring at first light. With luck, we might spot predators wrapping up a night’s hunt or grazers beginning their morning routines.

After breakfast at our lodge or camp, we’ll make our way to the airstrip for our 10:30 a.m. flight south to the iconic Masai Mara. We’ll say farewell to our Samburu guide, but not to worry—a new Natural World Kenya Safaris driver/guide will be waiting to welcome us upon landing.

Our 90-minute flight offers sweeping aerial views of Kenya’s ever-changing landscape. On a clear day, keep an eye out for the towering silhouette of Mt. Kilimanjaro on the southern horizon.

Touching down near the Masai Mara, we’ll be greeted by our next safari Jeep and set off for our accommodation. After check-in and a hearty lunch, it’s time to venture out into the Mara for our first game drive.

The contrast from Samburu is striking—lush green hills, sweeping savannahs, and umbrella-shaped acacia trees define this vibrant ecosystem. Known for hosting Africa’s most abundant wildlife, the Masai Mara offers thrilling opportunities to spot prides of lions, sleek cheetahs, elusive leopards, massive elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and a variety of antelopes.

As the sun dips toward the horizon, casting golden light across the plains, we’ll return to our lodge or camp for dinner, relaxation, and stories of the day’s discoveries in the wild heart of Kenya.

As the late afternoon light casts a golden glow over the savannah, we’ll make our way back to our safari lodge or tented camp. Here, you can unwind, freshen up, and enjoy a delicious dinner. As night falls, gather around to share the day’s most exciting wildlife encounters and soak in the magical ambiance of the Masai Mara under a starlit sky.

The day begins with an early rise to embrace the serene beauty and soft light that washes over the Masai Mara’s vast savannahs. As you set out on morning and afternoon game drives, your experienced guide will help tailor your adventure based on your interests—whether it’s revisiting prime wildlife areas or seeking elusive species.

Expect sightings of both predators—jackals, hyenas, and mongooses—and grazers like gazelles and topis. The park’s skies and plains come alive with the vibrant plumage of countless bird species. As dusk approaches, the Mara treats you to one of its legendary sunsets—an explosion of color over the golden plains.

You’ll return to your lodge or tented camp for an evening of comfort and reflection, surrounded by the sounds of the wild.

We’ll then make our way back to the lodge or tented camp to unwind, refresh, and enjoy a peaceful evening after a day full of adventure.

Full Day in the Masai Mara

One of the most thrilling parts of the Masai Mara is the Mara River, especially during the Great Migration season from July to October. Here, you’ll witness thousands of wildebeests, gazelles, zebras, and topis crossing the river as they follow the fresh, tall grasses on their annual journey.

The scene is truly awe-inspiring — vast herds pushing through the crocodile-infested waters, creating one of nature’s most dramatic wildlife spectacles. This migration is the largest movement of land animals on the planet, stretching as far as the eye can see.

For a breathtaking perspective, consider an optional early morning hot air balloon safari. Floating gently over the plains at sunrise, you’ll take in the stunning vistas and watch the wildlife below as the day unfolds.

To complement your wildlife experience, you can also visit a nearby Maasai village. Meet the Maasai people, learn about their rich culture and traditions, and witness their vibrant ceremonies that have been preserved for centuries. It’s a unique opportunity to connect with the local heritage and lifestyle.

As the day fades into evening, we’ll return to our safari lodge or tented camp for a delicious dinner and some well-deserved relaxation, cherishing the memories of our final night on safari.

Masai Mara – Nairobi (1 Hour Flight)

On our final safari morning, we’ll revisit some of our favorite spots in the park for one last chance to enjoy its magic. Afterwards, we’ll indulge in a hearty safari breakfast.

Then, it’s time to head to the airstrip to board our plane. After saying farewell to our driver/guide, we’ll take off at 11:15 am, enjoying a scenic flight over Kenya before touching down at Nairobi’s Wilson Airport around 12:15 pm.

Upon arrival, one of our drivers will be there to welcome you and transport you to your residence, hotel, international airport, or any destination of your choice.

Fly-in safaris offer the perfect blend of ease and efficiency—more time immersed in the parks and less time traveling. Over these past six days, you’ve experienced the beauty and diversity of Kenya’s remarkable wildlife reserves, and we hope it has left you with unforgettable memories.

From all of us at Natural World Kenya Safaris, thank you for your time, your trust, and for choosing to explore Kenya’s wild wonders with us. We look forward to welcoming you back on your next adventure!