9-Day Kenya Safari Itinerary – Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara

Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Nairobi, where your Pita Safaris driver-guide greets you with a warm karibu sana (you’re very welcome). Transfer to Sarova Panafric Hotel, a comfortable midrange city lodge with lush gardens and poolside charm.

Depending on your arrival time, you can hand-feed giraffes at the Giraffe Centre, step into history at the Karen Blixen Museum, or explore Nairobi’s lively markets and eateries. explore Maasai Market or Nairobi’s bustling eateries.

- Enjoy a welcome dinner with local and international cuisine.

Travel Tip: Early arrivals can discover Nairobi’s cultural and shopping gems before heading to the bush.
- Get ready—tomorrow, your Kenya safari itinerary heads north to Samburu.

Distance: ~15 km | Drive Time: ~30 minutes

After breakfast, drive north to Samburu National Reserve, passing scenic highlands, tea farms, and colorful markets. On arrival at Samburu Sopa Lodge, settle into your ensuite room overlooking rugged landscapes.

Afternoon game drives in Samburu reveal the unique “Special Five,”: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, beisa oryx, and gerenuk alongside elephants, lions, and leopards roaming its dramatic landscapes.

Safari Moment: Feel the raw, untamed beauty of Kenya’s northern wilderness.
- Searching for a Kenya safari off the beaten path? Samburu delivers.

Distance: ~320 km | Drive Time: ~6 hours

Spend a full day exploring Samburu on guided 4x4 safari game drives. Spot predators like lions and cheetahs alongside elephants and abundant birdlife.

Optional: Visit a Samburu village for cultural insights into traditional semi-nomadic life.

Travel Tip: Bring a zoom lens for close-up wildlife shots.
- Experience Kenya’s hidden safari treasures with Pita Safaris guides.

Journey to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a leader in African wildlife conservation. Stay at Sweetwaters Serena Camp, a luxury-style tented lodge with views of a busy waterhole.

Encounter endangered black and white rhinos, visit the Jane Goodall Chimpanzee Sanctuary, and join optional night game drives for nocturnal predators (extra cost)

Safari Moment: Learn about pioneering conservation while spotting rhinos, lions, and elephants.
- Perfect for travelers who want a Kenya safari with conservation impact.

Distance: ~160 km | Drive Time: ~4 hours

Early sunrise game drive for top predator activity. Visit the last two northern white rhinos, track lions with rangers, and explore quiet corners of this world-famous conservancy.

Travel Tip: Sunrise drives offer unmatched photographic opportunities.
- Travel with Pita Safaris to witness Kenya’s conservation success stories firsthand.

Drive south into the Great Rift Valley toward Lake Nakuru National Park. Stay at Lake Nakuru Lodge, set on a ridge with panoramic lake views.

Afternoon, Lake Nakuru offers iconic flamingo flocks, endangered black & white rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, baboons, and predators like lions and leopards.

Photography Tip: Golden hour captures flamingos in breathtaking flight.
- Ideal for travelers seeking birdwatching safaris in Kenya.

Distance: ~200 km | Drive Time: ~4.5 hours

Head west to the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s premier safari destination. Arrive at Mara Sopa Lodge, set on the eastern edge of the reserve.

First game drive, spot lions, elephants, cheetahs & hyenas, and—between July and October—witness the dramatic Great Migration wildebeest river crossings.

Safari Moment: Enter the world’s most famous Big Five safari arena.
- Ready for your classic Masai Mara safari? The adventure begins here.

Distance: ~260 km | Drive Time: ~6 hours

Spend the day tracking wildlife across the sweeping plains. Enjoy a bush picnic lunch surrounded by game herds.

Optional: Sunrise hot air balloon safari over Masai Mara (advance booking) & cultural Maasai village visit for authentic experiences.

Travel Tip: Best light for photography is early morning and late afternoon.
- Don’t miss Kenya’s ultimate wildlife adventure with Pita Safaris.

Enjoy a final morning game drive, then travel back to Nairobi with picnic lunch en route. Drop-off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for onward flights.

Safari Reflection: From Samburu’s wilderness to the Masai Mara’s endless plains, you’ve experienced the best 9-day Kenya safari itinerary.
- Inspired to return? Pita Safaris can customize private Kenya & Tanzania safari packages just for you.

Distance: ~280 km | Drive Time: ~6–7 hours