8 Day Essence of Kenya Safari
8 days · Kenya · Nairobi to Nairobi
Tour overview
This eight-day safari takes you through Kenya's most iconic wildlife and scenic destinations, combining northern Kenya's unique species, the central highland lakes and the legendary Masai Mara plains. You will visit Samburu, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Lake Nakuru, the Masai Mara and Lake Naivasha.
It is the most varied route we run in Kenya. Samburu and Ol Pejeta are places the standard week-long circuits skip, and they are where you see animals (Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, the northern white rhinos) that exist almost nowhere else.
- The Samburu Special Five
- The last two northern white rhinos
- Flamingos and rhinos at Lake Nakuru
- Two nights in the Masai Mara
- Boat ride on Lake Naivasha
Day by day
You will be picked up from your hotel or the airport and depart Nairobi in the morning for Shaba National Reserve on Kenya's northern circuit. The drive takes around five to six hours, passing small towns and the foothills of Mount Kenya. Arrive at Sarova Shaba Game Lodge in time for lunch and some rest. Later in the afternoon, head out for your first game drive in Samburu National Reserve, exploring the rugged Shaba–Samburu ecosystem.
Overnight: Sarova Shaba Game Lodge
- 2nSarova Shaba Game Lodge
- 1nSweetwaters Serena Camp
- 1nLake Nakuru Sopa Lodge
- 2nZebra Plains Mara Camp
- 1nNaivasha Sopa Lodge
Where the route goes
Pins mark each park in driving order. Distances are rough; your driver-guide sets the pace on the day.
Parks on this route
Samburu National Reserve
Known for the Samburu Special Five (Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and gerenuk) as well as the landscapes of northern Kenya and the culture of the Samburu people.
Destination guide
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Famous for its conservation work, including Baraka the blind rhino, the chimpanzee sanctuary and the last two northern white rhinos on earth. Also home to large herds of elephants, lions and diverse plains game.
Destination guide
Lake Nakuru National Park
Famous for its flamingo population and rich birdlife, the park is also a sanctuary for black and white rhinos, as well as Rothschild's giraffes, buffalo and lions, with the Great Rift Valley escarpments as a backdrop.
Destination guide
Masai Mara National Reserve
Renowned worldwide, the Mara is home to the Great Migration, when millions of wildebeest, zebras and other plains game move across the savannah in search of fresh grazing. Big cats, elephants and giraffes are seen year round.
Destination guide
Lake Naivasha
A freshwater lake fringed with acacia forest. Ideal for a relaxed boat ride to spot hippos and water birds, and for a gentle walking safari on Crescent Island.
Destination guideWhat's included
What's included
- Complimentary airport transfers to and from the airport
- Accommodation as per the itinerary, or similar
- Meals on a full-board basis (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- National park and game reserve entrance fees
- Unlimited drinking water on safari
- Unlimited game drives
- Transport in a safari vehicle as per the itinerary
Not included
- International flights
- Visas
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal items and travel insurance
- Optional activities such as balloon safaris and Maasai village visits
Good to know
Can the Essence of Kenya be customised?
Yes. Add nights, swap a park, upgrade a lodge or combine it with another route. Tell us what you want and we quote for that.
What lodges are used?
The itinerary names the properties we normally use: Sarova Shaba Game Lodge, Sweetwaters Serena Camp, Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, Zebra Plains Mara Camp, Naivasha Sopa Lodge. Where a lodge is full we book a similar one and tell you before you confirm.
When is the best time for a Kenya safari?
June to October is the dry season and the migration is in the Masai Mara, which makes it the most popular window. January and February are also dry, clear and good for game viewing with fewer vehicles. The long rains in April and May are the quietest and cheapest months, and the parks are green.
Do I need a visa for Kenya?
Most visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), applied for online before you fly. For the cross-border routes into Tanzania you will also need a Tanzanian visa, which most nationalities can get on arrival at the Isebania border or online in advance. We send a checklist with your booking confirmation.
Can you change the itinerary?
Yes. Every route on this site is a starting point. Swap a park, add nights, change lodges or combine two routes: tell us what you want and we quote for that.
You might also like
Ready for the Essence of Kenya?
Send your dates and a rough idea of what you want to see. We come back with a day-by-day route and a quote, usually within one working day.