8 Days Ol Pejeta, Aberdare, Samburu, Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara Safari

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Discover Kenyan Safari

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day safari through some of Kenya’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Begin at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, home to the rare black rhino, chimpanzees, and vast herds of elephants. Then explore the lush, forested slopes of the Aberdare National Park, with its waterfalls, wildlife, and serene landscapes. Travel north to Samburu National Reserve, where unique northern species like the reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, and gerenuk roam the semi-arid savannah. Next, visit Lake Nakuru National Park, a birdwatcher’s paradise famous for flamingos and rhinos. Finally, conclude your safari in the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve, where the Big Five roam freely across endless golden plains. This safari blends thrilling game drives, stunning scenery, and cultural encounters for a complete Kenyan wildlife experience.

Safari Highlights

Ol Pejeta

The Last Northern White Rhinos: The most poignant highlight is visiting Najin and Fatu, the last two remaining northern white rhinos in the world, a truly once-in-a-lifetime encounter that underscores the importance of global conservation efforts.
Rhino Sanctuary: Ol Pejeta is East Africa's largest black rhino sanctuary, with a robust and growing population of over 100 individuals, offering excellent opportunities to see these endangered animals in their natural habitat
The "Big Five": The conservancy is home to all members of the Big Five: elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino. Its high wildlife-to-land ratio makes sightings of these iconic species fairly common.
Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary : This is the only place in Kenya where you can see chimpanzees. The sanctuary provides a lifelong refuge for chimps rescued from various traumatic situations across Africa, in an agreement with the Jane Goodall Institute.

Aberdare

Nocturnal Wildlife Viewing: The primary highlight for many visitors is the unique opportunity to view wildlife at night from the comfort of an elevated "tree hotel" like The Ark or Treetops Lodge. These lodges overlook floodlit waterholes and salt licks, attracting a steady stream of animals after dark, including elephants, buffaloes, and potentially leopards, hyenas, and the giant forest hog.
The Rare Bongo Antelope: The park is a crucial sanctuary for the critically endangered Bongo, a large and beautiful forest antelope that is very difficult to spot elsewhere.
Forest-dwelling Elephants and Rhinos: Aberdare is home to a significant population of black rhinos and a large number of forest elephants, which can often be seen emerging from the thick vegetation.

Samburu National Reserve

Encounter rare northern species in Samburu, including Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, and Beisa oryx
Predator Action: High chances of seeing lions, leopards, and cheetahs, often with dramatic kills, especially near the river
Elephant Herds: Large elephant populations gather at the Ewaso Ng'iro River, offering great viewing and bathing spectacles.
Birdwatching Paradise: Over 450 bird species, including the Vulturine Guineafowl and Martial Eagle, make it a top birding destination in Kenya.

Lake Nakuru National Park

Rhino Sanctuary: Lake Nakuru National Park is Kenya's first government-protected rhino sanctuary and a major highlight. It hosts one of the largest concentrations of the critically endangered Eastern black rhino and a thriving population of Southern white rhino
Rare Rothschild's Giraffe: The park is a sanctuary for the endangered Rothschild's giraffe, which was translocated here for its protection.
The Big Five (minus one): The park is home to four of the "Big Five" game animals: lions, leopards, rhinos, and buffaloes. Elephants are not present due to the park's perimeter fencing.
Makalia Falls : Located in the southern part of the park, these picturesque seasonal waterfalls offer a tranquil setting for picnics and birdwatching, especially after the rains.

Maasai Mara National Reserve

The Great Migration (Seasonal): If traveling between July and October, witness the epic river crossings of millions of wildebeest and zebra across the Mara River.
Big Cat Sightings: The Mara is renowned for guaranteed sightings of lions, cheetahs, and leopards—it is one of the best places in the world to see predators in action.
Big Five & More: A near-certainty to spot the "Big Five" (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo) and countless other species.
Hot Air Balloon Safari (Optional): Start your day with a breathtaking sunrise flight over the plains, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush.

Lake Naivasha

Boat Safari: Cruise the freshwater lake for close encounters with hippos that bob on the surface and vast colonies of majestic birds, including African Fish Eagles.
Crescent Island Walking Safari: Enjoy a guided walk among grazing animals (giraffes, zebras, and various antelopes) in a safe, open environment—a unique highlight where you are on foot with the wildlife.
Great Rift Valley Views: The drive to Naivasha provides spectacular, sweeping views as you descend into the valley floor.

Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi - Ol Pejeta

Depart Nairobi in the morning and drive north to Ol Pejeta Conservancy (approx. 3.5–4 hours).
Afternoon game drive in Ol Pejeta, spotting rhinos, lions, elephants, and chimpanzees.
Optional evening visit to Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
Overnight at Ol Pejeta Conservancy.

Day 2: Ol Pejeta – Aberdare National Park

Early morning game drive at Ol Pejeta.
Drive to Aberdare National Park (approx. 3 hours).
Afternoon game drive or nature walk amid forests, waterfalls, and wildlife like elephants and buffalo.
Overnight in Aberdare National Park.

Day 3: Aberdare – Samburu National Reserve

Depart early for Samburu National Reserve (approx. 5–6 hours).
Afternoon game drive, spotting Samburu’s unique wildlife including gerenuks and reticulated giraffes.
Overnight at Samburu.

Day 4: Full Day in Samburu National Reserve

Full day of morning and afternoon game drives along the Ewaso Ng’iro River.
Optional visit to a local Samburu village.
Overnight at Samburu.

Day 5: Samburu – Lake Nakuru National Park

Depart Samburu early and drive to Lake Nakuru (approx. 5–6 hours).
Afternoon game drive, famous for flamingos, rhinos, and other wildlife.
Overnight at Lake Nakuru National Park.

Day 6: Lake Nakuru – Masai Mara National Reserve

Optional early morning game drive at Lake Nakuru.
Drive to Masai Mara (approx. 5–6 hours).
Afternoon game drive in the iconic Masai Mara, home to the Big Five.
Overnight at Masai Mara.

Day 7: Full Day in Maasai Mara

Full day of morning and afternoon game drives.
Optional hot air balloon safari over the savannah (extra cost).
Overnight at Masai Mara.

Day 8: Maasai Mara to Nairobi

Optional early morning game drive.
Drive back to Nairobi (approx. 5–6 hours) or transfer to Wilson Airport.
Safari ends on arrival in Nairobi.

Please note that this safari is fully customizable to suit your travel preferences. You may choose to begin and end the tour in Nairobi, or start in Nairobi and finish in Mombasa if you plan to enjoy a beach extension along the Kenyan Coast. Our experienced Tour Consultants at Magical Africa Safaris are always ready to guide you and help tailor your trip for the best possible wildlife holiday experience.

Safari Includes

Game drives in custom 4x4 vehicles with expert guides
Pick-up and drop-off from hotel/airport
Accommodation in safari lodge or tented camps
Park entry fees
Professional English-speaking safari guide/driver
Bottled drinking water during the safari

Safari Excludes

Soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and snacks
Personal purchases or souvenirs
Optional activities (e.g., guided nature walks, cultural visits)
Tips and gratuities for driver/guide
Items of personal nature (e.g., jackets, binoculars, cameras)
Accommodation before or after the safari
Travel insurance or international medical cover

Quick Contacts

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Safari Price

Safari Price (in USD) is Per Person, in private 4×4 pop-up top Safari Van (If you need a Landcruiser Jeep, we can provide at an extra cost)

Persons on a Private Safari	Standard	Luxury
1 person in a private solo tour	$	$
2-3 persons in a private safari	$	$
4-5 persons in a private safari	$	$
6-7 persons in a private safari	$	$
Single Room Supplement	$	$
Children below 3 Years	FREE	FREE
Children between 3-12 Years	75% of adult rate	75% of adult rate
Children above 12 years and below 18 years	$ Discount	$ Discount