Best Affordable 7 Days Samburu and Masai Mara Safari in Kenya
Join this amazing 7 Days Samburu and Masai Mara National Reserve safari with Serengeti Masai Mara Experts. Visit two of the most beautiful wildlife destinations in Kenya. This superbly planned Kenya safari tour takes you to explore the beauty of Samburu National Reserve in the north and the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve. Hence, this affordable Kenya trip presents a varied wildlife experience that captures the essence of this country’s wild side.
Through these 7 days, explore the big 5 animals in Kenya, which are the lions, leopards, rhinos, buffaloes, and elephants, especially in the Masai Mara National Reserve. Also, explore the land of the special 5 animals in Africa, which are the Grevy’s zebra, the reticulated giraffe, the Somali ostrich, the gerenuk, and the beisa oryx in the Samburu National Reserve. Therefore, observe the larger species in one destination and the smaller species in the other. The differences in their terrain make this 7 days Masai Mara and Samburu National Reserve safari tour from Nairobi more interesting.
Additionally, the Samburu National Park is partially a semi-arid area, while the Masai Mara just has acacia woodlands and savanna grasslands. This 7 days Kenya Wildlife Safari expedition gives you both a calm sense of peace in nature and the thrill that comes with the chaotic predator-prey chases, most especially in the Masai Mara. Then, ask yourself, why should I miss out on such a golden opportunity to not only understand Mother Nature but also bond with it, whereas both Samburu and Masai Mara are national reserves?
The 7-Day Samburu and Masai Mara Safari Holiday: What Makes It Particular in Kenya?
- Both the Masai Mara and Samburu National Parks in Kenya provide distinct views of the wild for one on this 7 days trip. When you step into Samburu, sharpen your instincts of sound, smell, and sight to find the scattered wild animals. While in the Masai Mara National Reserve, everywhere you look, there’s at least a giraffe or elephant. Hence, you just have to be observant of the social behaviors and patterns of the wildlife. Thus, you get to own your perception and perspective of the ecosystems.
- The unique event of the wildebeest migration in Masai Mara that comes within this 7 days Kenya wildlife safari makes it cost-worthy. So, one not only observes wildlife but also feels with them, hence expanding one’s sense of wisdom of the wilderness, and as you appreciate the importance of the conservation efforts.
- Each day within either the Samburu or the Masai Mara National Reserve unveils something new. On the first day, you might miss out on seeing the gerenuk, which you might see on the second day. Hence, this budget 7 days Samburu and Masai Mara tour gives one enough time to be more immersed in each of the parks. Also, there’s enough time to rest from the road fatigue as one moves from one park to another.
- Rather than spending all the 7 days in Masai Mara on a safari, which is expensive, reduce costs by spending time in the Samburu National Reserve, a more affordable ecosystem.
7 day Masai Mara and Samburu Tour Itinerary Summary
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Route: Nairobi → Samburu National Reserve → Masai Mara National Reserve → Nairobi
- Day 1: Trip to Samburu for a safari from Nairobi – Arrival at Soroi Larsens Camp in Kenya
- Day 2: Full Day Samburu Game Drive – Special Five
- 3rd Day: Walking Safari & Game Drives in Samburu
- Day 4: Trip to Masai Mara National Reserve from Samburu – Transfer to Lora Retreats
- Day 5: Big Five Game Drives in Masai Mara
- 6th Day: Wildebeest Migration & Sundowner
- Day 7: Maasai Cultural Visit & Departure to Nairobi
Inclusions
- Private 4×4 rental in Kenya with experienced English-speaking driver-guide from Serengeti Masai Mara Experts.
- 6 nights accommodation in Kenya (3 nights Soroi Larsens Camp in Samburu + 3 nights Lora Retreats in Masai Mara)
- Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), including bush meals and packed lunches
- All Kenya national park entrance fees for Samburu and Masai Mara
- Guided walking safari with an armed ranger
- Sundowner experience and cultural visit
- Airport transfers in Kenya to/from Wilson International Airport, Nairobi City
- Mineral water during game drives and welcome drinks
- 24/7 support from Serengeti Masai Mara Tour Company
Exclusions
- International and domestic flights in Kenya
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Tips and gratuities for driver-guide and lodge staff
- Alcoholic beverages and premium drinks
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, etc.)
- Kenya Visa fees (if applicable)
- Any optional fun things to do in Kenya with family, couples and friends (e.g., hot air balloon safari in Masai Mara)
7 day Kenya Safari Experiences in Masai Mara and Samburu Parks
- Special Five sightings in Samburu (Grevy’s zebra, Reticulated giraffe, Gerenuk, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich)
- The Kenya Big Five game drive experiences in Masai Mara with high predator density
- Great Wildebeest Migration Mara river crossings and drama
- Guided Walking Safari along the Ewaso Ng’iro River with armed rangers
- Predator-Prey Action – Enjoy Lion prides, leopard hunts, and cheetah sightings in these two Kenya parks.
- Sundowners & Bush Meals in stunning wilderness settings
- Maasai Cultural Immersion – Maasai village visit, traditional dances, and stories
- Scenic Transfers through this country’s Great Rift Valley and pastoralist lands
Detailed Tour Package: 7 Days Samburu and Masai Mara Safari from Nairobi
Day 1: Arrival at Wilson International Airport in Nairobi and transfer to Samburu National Reserve.
Receive a warm welcome from your tour guide at around 8:30AM at Wilson International Airport. You will be driven through the bustling trading centers of the Nairobi business district and then into the A2 highway that is well-maintained to Samburu National Park. Hence, it is a smooth 6 to 7-hour ride and on the way, see plantations of coffee and pineapples and also Samburu pastoralists herding their cattle. Stop over at the equator signpost for photos in Nanyuki town and also grab drinks and refreshments.
Additionally, take a walk around so that your body feels more relaxed. Then, hop back into the safari vehicles and reach the Samburu National Reserve through the Ngare Mara gate. So, continue towards the Soroi Larsens Camp that is in proximity to the Ewaso Ng’iro River, where wildlife like elephants congregate alongside the waterbucks. You are likely to arrive in the late afternoon; therefore, check in your room with a drink in your hand via the wooden walk way.
Then, after you reach your tent, relax, freshen up, and take in the views at the private terrace in this reserve. Since the journey is long, have your own time in your room overlooking the river, and then move out for a candlelit dinner, prearranged at the deck. Later, after the meal, you head back to your room for rest as you prepare for the Samburu special five safari the next day.
Day 2: Full day game drive safari in Samburu to track the special five.
A warm, delicious breakfast is served at the terrace of the Soroi Larsens camp at around 8:50AM before your Samburu Special five safari. Then, go for a full-day game drive through Samburu National Reserve to track the special five animals in Kenya. So, the sun is already out from the Ol’ Olokwe mountain. Also, the Samburu plains have a brownish glow with a group of Grevy’s zebras grazing on the light-green grasslands while the gerenuk just stares at your vehicle.
During the day’s game drive, see two or more reticulated giraffes gracefully moving around while the Beisa oryx roams around the sand ridges. Also, watch the Somali ostriches scanning the grasslands for food. In the middle of the day, have a packed lunch, and in the evening your dinner is prepared for you on the terrace.
Day 3: Walking safari and Sunrise game drive Experience in Samburu
On the 3rd day of this 7 days Kenya safari, after breakfast, be briefed, and then alongside an armed ranger, go for a guided nature walk around the Ewaso Ng’iro banks. So, observe small species like the dik-diks running through the bushes, with the lesser kudu also hiding in the dense, thick green covers. Also, spot a martial eagle flying just above your head while the olive baboons just forage on the leaves.
Later, have a prearranged picnic at the designated area near the riverine banks. After, have an afternoon game drive in Samburu where you see a cheetah sleeping on the termite mound while a spotted hyena drags its already dead prey along the ground. Observe how a leopard stalks an elephant. After the game drive tour in Samburu National Park, go back to the Soroi Larsen’s camp and enjoy an already prepared wilderness dinner experience before you return to your room.
Day 4: Trip to Masai Mara National Reserve from Samburu
Today is the last day in the Samburu National Reserve, and enjoy your breakfast as early as 6:00AM. Shortly, start off your journey to the land of the Big 5 animals in Kenya, that is the Masai Mara. So, drive towards Isolo town with vibrant street vendors towards Naivasha and then to Mai Mahiu. Additionally, stop over to have a view of the breathtaking valley floor and then continue to Narok, where you will grab a traditional Kenyan meal at one of the local restaurants.
Later, continue towards the Lora Retreats, where you are to stay when exploring the big five in Masai Mara. In addition, you are likely to arrive in the evening, as the travel time takes 9-10 hours from Samburu to this reserve. Hence, have dinner and then take a rest in your en suite canvas tent in Masai Mara since you will be so exhausted.
Day 5: Explore and track the Big five animals in the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Enjoy a bush breakfast by 8:30AM and prepare your mind and body to track down the big 5 animals of the Masai Mara. The most common sighting among these that’s seen throughout the day’s game drives is the numerous lion prides. So, spot lions at the beginning of your game drive; some are just lying under the acacia trees, others are stalking a zebra that is alone and ambushing it, most especially around the Mara triangle.
You might also observe a male and female leopard just sitting in the grasslands, while a mother rhino is seen nurturing its young one. Also spot the elephant herds usually crossing by your vehicle, and the buffaloes are also observed reducing the sun effect by wallowing in the swamp areas of the marshlands to reduce their temperature. During the day, have a picnic meal under the acacia trees and in the night, enjoy a barbecue experience with other guests around the campfire.
Day 6: Experience the Wildebeest migration safari in the Masai Mara National Reserve
Arise for a morning game drive by 6:00AM, and here the landscape of the Masai Mara is still foggy, and prepare for your Masai Mara migration safari. But as the sun comes out, the grassland gains warmth, and zebras and wildebeests move in groups as they graze in unison. Also, the buffaloes leave the grazing areas and move in groups toward Talek River. After the morning game drive, have a bush breakfast, and then your tour guide briefs you about the next experience, which will be witnessing the wildebeest migration fully.
After this session, embark on a game drive towards the Mara River. Watch the Nile crocodiles awaiting the massive herds of wildebeests alongside the zebras and elands that are diving into the waters to cross from Serengeti National Park. Witnedd a fight for survival, as some of these animals are not able to make it to the other edge of the cliff as they are captured by either a Nile crocodile or a cheetah.
After this Masai Mara wildebeest migration experience, have another game drive as you enjoy snacks and refreshments. Later in the afternoon, have a sundowner alongside bottles of wine and champagne to celebrate your past days’ accomplishments as you watch the sun set before you head back to your tent.
Day 7: Maasai cultural immersion in the reserve and departure to Nairobi.
After a bush breakfast at around 8:00AM, have another briefing session before you meet up with the Maasai community members. Additionally, these people are so hospitable as they welcome you with their traditional songs and dances. Also, you are invited into one of their houses known as the “manyattas” and be amazed by how skilled they are as they build the houses by themselves.
Learn about their history and see the ancient fire making skills. After this Maasai cultural tour experience, returnto the camp for lunch, say farewell, and then embark on your 6-hour journey back to Wilson International airport in Nairobi. So,this will be the end of this affordable 7-days Samburu and Masai Mara Expedition in Kenya.
The Ideal Time for a 7-Day Kenya Wildlife Safari to Samburu and Masai Mara
The main objective for this 7 days Kenya safari is the optimal wildlife viewing experience in Masai Mara and Samburu National Parks. So, the most ideal time to visit Kenya for this 7 day Masai Mara and Samburu tour is in the months from July to October. Also, months from January to February, which are the long and the short dry seasons. So, in Samburu, animals congregate at the Ewaso Ng’iro River, and in Masai Mara National Reserve, they are more at the Mara River during the great migration during these months.
Hence, one hits two birds with one stone to go for this trip in these months. Secondly, travelling between the two parks is made easier as the roads are firmer and the tracks within both Samburu and Masai Mara are drier. Therefore, there are no transport and weather delays whereby the temperatures are comfortable for even the long day game drives.
