Best of Kenya
A private Kenya safari from Samburu to the Masai Mara, which Narok County calls the home of the Great Migration and the Big Five. From late July to early November the herds are usually on the Mara, and on some days they cross the river. Samburu and Lake Nakuru come first, so the Mara is not the only thing you remember.
A starting point, not a packagethe migration months change this route, and you can change it too
fromUSD 4,900per personbased on two people sharing a room, full board. July to October, from USD 6,400
The Mara has the migration.
Samburu, five to six hours north, has gerenuk, Grevy's zebra and reticulated giraffe.
The Maasai Mara earns its reputation. From late July to early November the wildebeest are usually on the Mara, and on some days they cross its river. Narok County, which manages the reserve, calls it the home of the Great Migration and the Big Five.
Four days in the Mara and nowhere else is a good trip with a sameness to it. Samburu, five to six hours north of Nairobi across the equator, is dry country on the Ewaso Nyiro river, and Samburu County lists its own five: Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk and Grevy's zebra.
Lake Nakuru, two nights between the two, is what the Kenya Wildlife Service calls a flagship sanctuary for both black and white rhinos, Kenya's first government-managed rhino sanctuary, from 1987.
Highlights
The itinerary
Nairobi, then north to Samburu
We collect you in Nairobi and head north, five to six hours, over the equator with Mount Kenya on your right if the cloud is kind. The country dries out steadily on the way down to the Ewaso Nyiro river.
Samburu is nothing like the Mara. Samburu County lists the Samburu Five as Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk and Grevy's zebra, the dryland animals of northern Kenya.
About 330 km, five to six hours
LuxuryTented camp on the Ewaso Nyiro
PremiumLodge inside the reserve
Lake Nakuru and the rift floor
South again, about six hours, down the eastern wall of the Rift Valley. The Kenya Wildlife Service calls Lake Nakuru National Park a flagship sanctuary for both black and white rhinos.
Flamingos are not promised. Kenya Wildlife Service rules keep you at least 20 metres from the animals, on the park's roads.
About 340 km, about 6 hours
LuxuryLodge on the park escarpment
PremiumLodge above the lake
Three nights in the Mara
West and down onto the Mara, about four and a quarter hours. Three nights gives you three full mornings on the plains.
When the herds are on the Mara we position you within reach of the river. Out of season the Mara is quieter and cheaper.
There is a balloon at dawn if you want it: USD 500 to 590 per person in 2026 with Governors' Balloon Safaris, landing fees included.
About 4 hours 15 from Nakuru
LuxuryTented camp near the reserve
PremiumTented camp inside the reserve
The Mara to Nairobi, by road or light aircraft
About three and a half hours by road back to Nairobi, or about an hour on a scheduled flight from one of the Mara airstrips. We price both.
If you are going on to Tanzania, the Serengeti is the same ecosystem across the border and the herds move between them. We can build the two together rather than treating them as separate trips.
About 3 hours 30 by road, or about an hour flying
Departure, or onward to Tanzania
The lodges worth staying in hold few rooms, and dry season dates go first.
Give us an approximate date and we check availability against it. No payment, no obligation.
What your trip includes
Full board throughout
Private 4x4 with a pop-top roof and driver-guide
All park and conservancy fees
Airport collection and return, Nairobi
Bottled water in the vehicle
What it does not cover
International flights
Kenya eTA
Balloon flight over the Mara, USD 500 to 590 in 2026, landing fees included
Tips, alcohol and personal items
Single room supplement
Not quite the trip you had in mind? Every departure is private, so the length and the lodges are yours to change. Tell us what you want.
The crossings, the conservancies and the drive home: what to know before you book
What to bring
- Binoculars, one pair per person
- A long lens if you have one, and a dust-proof bag
- Neutral colours
- A warm layer, dawn in the Mara is cold
- Sun hat and high factor sunscreen
- Insect repellent
Before you ask
When exactly is the migration?
The herds are usually on the Mara from late July to early November, and the Mara Conservancy calls the crossings difficult to predict. The herds move on rain, not a calendar, so travelling in the window puts you in the right place but does not buy a crossing on a given afternoon.
Can we do night drives or walking in the Mara?
Not in the national reserve: Narok County's rules permit neither there. If they matter to you, tell us and we will suggest where to stay.
Is Samburu worth the drive north from Nairobi?
If you want a trip that is not only the Mara, yes. Samburu County lists the Samburu Five, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk and Grevy's zebra, the dryland animals of northern Kenya. If your days are tight we will cut Samburu rather than cut your Mara nights.
What happens if I need to cancel?
Nothing is paid when you enquire. Camps in the Mara hold their own deposit terms in high season and we pass those on to you exactly as they are charged to us. Your deposit amount and balance date are put in writing before you pay anything.
Can we combine Kenya with the Serengeti?
Yes, and it is the same ecosystem across one border. The herds move between them, so which side is better depends mostly on your month and the rains. Tell us your dates and we will say which way round to build it.
How soon will you reply?
Within one working day, with a route, a price with nothing hidden in it and an honest view on what your month will actually show you.
Tell us roughly when
hello@wildroutetours.com
A trip designer replies within one working day.