Samburu, the Rift Valley lakes and the Mara in 8 days (7 nights)

8 days · Kenya

A northern version of the Kenya circuit that starts in dry country. Two nights in Samburu cover a reserve where the species list differs from the south: Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk. The route then drops into the Rift Valley for a night at Lake Nakuru and a night at Lake Naivasha, each with a single activity attached, before three nights in the Maasai Mara close the trip. Four bases in seven nights, all reached by road, with the longest legs on the way south out of Samburu and west into the Mara.

The route, stop by stop

1. Samburu, Kenya · 2 nights

Arrive by drive — By road north from Nairobi to the reserve

Semi-arid country on the south bank of the Ewaso Nyiro, with animals concentrated on the river because it is the only water. Two nights allows a dawn drive for cats plus an afternoon given to a Samburu village visit.

2. Lake Nakuru, Kenya · 1 night

Arrive by drive — Long road transfer south out of the dry north, descending into the Rift Valley

One night breaks a long transfer and buys an afternoon on the lakeshore, which is where the rhino, the pelicans and the flamingos are. Nothing here needs a second day.

3. Naivasha, Kenya · 1 night

Arrive by drive — Short road transfer along the Rift Valley floor from Nakuru

A freshwater lake fringed with fever trees, and the stop on this route where the day is spent out of the vehicle: a boat among the hippos, or a walk on Crescent Island.

4. Masai Mara, Kenya · 3 nights

Arrive by drive — By road west from Naivasha, via Narok, into the reserve

Kept to the end so the trip finishes on its strongest ground. Three nights covers the hilly savanna, the Mara River gallery forest and the resident prides, with room for a balloon morning if guests want one.

Experts who can arrange this trip

• The Safari Vibe, who works in Kenya.

More trip ideas · Kenya