8-Day Big Five Luxury Expedition: Samburu + Mara
Kenya · Fly-In Safari

8-Day Big Five Luxury Expedition
Samburu + Mara

Nairobi  ›  Samburu N.R.  ›  Maasai Mara  ›  Nairobi

Days 1–2
Nairobi
›
Days 3–4
Samburu
›
Days 5–7
Maasai Mara
›
Day 8
Nairobi
Price From $5,689 per person sharing
Duration8 Days / 7 Nights
RouteFly-In Safari
DestinationsNairobi · Samburu · Maasai Mara
AccommodationsKaren Blixen · Elephant Bedroom · Entim Mara
BoardMixed (B&B / Full Board)
TransportFlights & 4x4 Land Cruiser
Safari Highlights
Connect with ancient nomadic cultures in Samburu.
Search for rare wildlife species known as the ‘Special Five’.
Track the legendary ‘Big Five’ in their natural habitat in the Maasai Mara.
Enjoy total comfort by utilizing elite tented camps.
Maximize your time with private scenic flights between reserves.
Safari Introduction

8-Day Big Five Luxury Expedition

In Samburu, connect with ancient nomadic cultures while searching for rare wildlife species known as the ‘Special Five.’ Your journey then takes you to the acacia-dotted plains of the Maasai Mara to track the legendary ‘Big Five’ in their natural habitat. This luxury Kenya safari utilizes elite tented camps to ensure total comfort, while private scenic flights between reserves maximize your time on the ground and offer breathtaking bird’s-eye views of the Great Rift Valley.

Detailed Itinerary
Day1
Nairobi
Arrival in Nairobi

Welcome to East Africa! Upon landing in the vibrant capital of Nairobi, a local representative will meet you at the airport for a private transfer to your boutique hotel. Settle into your refined surroundings and enjoy a peaceful evening as you prepare for your upcoming luxury fly-in safari.

Accommodation

Karen Blixen Coffee Garden and Cottages
Karen Blixen Coffee Garden and Cottages

Located in a peaceful suburb, this boutique hotel offers a historic and serene start to your Kenyan adventure, surrounded by beautiful gardens.

1 Night · Bed & Breakfast

Today's Activities
Airport Transfer
Relaxation & Acclimatization
→ Check-in time at City hotels: 1400hrs
Day2
Nairobi
Exploring Nairobi

Spend a flexible day exploring the diverse highlights of Nairobi. We highly recommend an optional visit to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust within Nairobi National Park, the world's most successful orphan elephant rescue program. Learn about their vital rehabilitation work as young elephants are prepared for a return to the wild in Tsavo after years of dedicated care.

Accommodation

Karen Blixen Coffee Garden and Cottages
Karen Blixen Coffee Garden and Cottages

Enjoy another tranquil night in your boutique cottage after spending the day uncovering Nairobi's renowned conservation efforts.

1 Night · Bed & Breakfast

Today's Activities
City Exploration
Optional Visit to Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Day3
Nairobi → Samburu
Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve

After breakfast, board a light aircraft for a scenic flight to the rugged Samburu National Reserve. This unique arid landscape is the traditional home of the nomadic Samburu people, who navigate the scorching lowlands by camel. Your home for the next two nights is a luxury tented camp on the riverbanks, where elephants often wander through camp. End your day with a gourmet dinner served by lantern light under the vast African stars.

Accommodation

Elephant Bedroom Camp
Elephant Bedroom Camp

Set along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, this camp offers an authentic and highly immersive safari experience amidst regular elephant visits.

1 Night · Full Board

Today's Activities
Scenic Flight to Samburu
Afternoon Game Drive
Lantern-lit Gourmet Dinner
Day4
Samburu National Reserve
Tracking the Samburu ‘Special Five’

Embark on dual game drives to discover the ‘Special Five’—unique species found almost exclusively in northern Kenya: the reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and the long-necked gerenuk. Spotting these rare creatures is a hallmark of an exclusive Samburu safari. As you explore the reserve, you will encounter the Samburu people, distinguished by their crimson robes and exquisite beadwork, adding a rich cultural layer to your wildlife experience.

Accommodation

Elephant Bedroom Camp
Elephant Bedroom Camp

Dive deep into the arid landscapes of Samburu and embrace the thrill of spotting rare wildlife endemic to the region.

1 Night · Full Board

Today's Activities
Dual Game Drives
Tracking the 'Special Five'
Cultural Encounters with the Samburu
Day5
Samburu → Maasai Mara
Samburu to the Maasai Mara

Fly south to the Maasai Mara, a world-class reserve boasting one of the highest wildlife concentrations on the planet. You will spend three nights at an award-winning safari camp located within a private conservancy for ultimate exclusivity. Following an afternoon game drive to track lions and leopards, return to camp to enjoy 24-hour butler service and a private sundowner from the sunken bathtub on your personal deck.

Accommodation

Entim Mara Camp
Entim Mara Camp

Designed to give you the friendliest, most intimate luxury safari camp experience, placed right in the heart of the Maasai Mara.

1 Night · Full Board

Today's Activities
Flight to the Maasai Mara
Afternoon Game Drive
Private Deck Sundowners
Day6
Maasai Mara Game Reserve
Hot-Air Balloon Safari & Big Cats

Take your adventure to new heights with a thrilling Maasai Mara hot-air balloon safari at dawn. Watch the sun rise over the savannah as wildlife roams below, followed by a celebratory Champagne breakfast in the heart of the bush. This iconic experience remains the most sought-after activity for travelers in Kenya. Spend the rest of the day on guided game drives before enjoying an optional private dining experience in the luxury of your tent.

Accommodation

Entim Mara Camp
Entim Mara Camp

Experience the magic of the Mara from the sky, followed by expertly guided drives to track the continent's most famous predators.

1 Night · Full Board

Today's Activities
Dawn Hot-Air Balloon Safari
Champagne Bush Breakfast
Guided Game Drives
Day7
Maasai Mara Game Reserve
Guided Walking Safaris & Wellness

Enhance your connection to nature with a guided walking safari through the private conservancy. Your expert tracker will help you identify footprints and markings, bringing you within safe proximity to zebra, impala, and giraffe. Because of your camp’s private location, you can enjoy these intimate encounters away from the crowds. Conclude your afternoon by unwinding at the prestigious Amani Spa with a specialized massage or wellness treatment.

Accommodation

Entim Mara Camp
Entim Mara Camp

Step out of the vehicle and into the wild. Feel the pulse of the African bush on foot before retreating to the spa for ultimate relaxation.

1 Night · Full Board

Today's Activities
Guided Walking Safari
Wildlife Tracking on Foot
Spa & Wellness Treatments
Day8
Maasai Mara → Nairobi
Final Flight & Departure

After a final sunrise breakfast, board your aircraft for the flight back to Nairobi. For those wishing to extend their luxury Kenya vacation, you can opt for a direct flight from the Mara to the white-sand beaches of Diani or Lamu in the afternoon.

Please Note:

Free baggage allowance for each passenger is STRICTLY 15kgs in soft bags, inclusive of hand luggage and cameras. The fares quoted are current and price is subject to change based on availability of flight seats on the appropriate booking class at the time of booking.

Tour Inclusions
✓
In Nairobi, airport transfers in a Noah.
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During Safari: Transport in 4 x 4 Land Cruiser with local English-speaking driver/guides (Exclusive use of vehicle 6 passengers per vehicle).
✓
Flight from Wilson Airport to Samburu
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Flight from Samburu to Mara
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Flight from Mara to Wilson
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2 nights’ accommodation at KAREN BLIXEN COFFEE GARDEN AND COTTAGES in Classic Room on Bed & breakfast basis
✓
2 nights’ accommodation at ELEPHANT BEDROOM CAMP in Standard Tents on full-board basis.
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3 nights’ accommodation at ENTIM MARA CAMP in Luxury Suite on full-board basis.
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All meals as stated.
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Hot-Air Balloon Safari.
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All Park entrance fee.
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All game drives as stated.
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500ml aluminium water bottle to be refilled with mineral water in the vehicle, while on safari
✓
AMREF Flying doctors.
Tour Exclusions
✗
Sheldrick Trust Elephant Orphanage Entrance fee
✗
Nairobi National Park Entrance fee.
✗
International flights
✗
International flight departure taxes
✗
Visa fees
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Gratuity for waiter/lodge staff + driver/guides
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All items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, soft & alcoholic beverages, etc.
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Any other service that has not been specified in the above program
Extend Your Safari

Beach Extensions

Complete your wilderness adventure with a few days on Kenya's pristine Indian Ocean coastline — white sand, turquoise water, and world-class hospitality.

Affiliations & Partnerships