6 Days Samburu, Lake Nakuru & Amboseli Safari

This itinerary strings together three parks that rarely get bundled elsewhere - the arid north of Samburu, the flamingo-lined shores and rhino sanctuary of Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli's elephant herds beneath Mount Kilimanjaro. The drive north on Day 1 also crosses the equator, with a stop for the usual demonstration and photos, which is a nice bit of novelty for a first-time visitor even before the wildlife starts. Six days gives each park a genuine full day rather than a rushed pass-through, without stretching into the longer 8 or 9-day circuits.

This is a private departure, so your vehicle, driver guide, and pace are set around your group. It's a strong option if Samburu's landscape and wildlife appeal to you but you don't want to give up Amboseli's Kilimanjaro views to get there.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve

You will be picked up in Nairobi and driven north past coffee plantations and the slopes of Mount Kenya, with a stop at the equator line for the classic water-drainage demonstration and a few photos, before continuing on to Samburu. You will arrive in time for lunch, rest, then head out for an evening game drive along the way to camp. Dinner and overnight at Umoja Tented Camp.

Day 2: Full Day in Samburu

An early game drive before breakfast, followed by further game viewing through the morning and afternoon. Samburu holds species found almost nowhere else in Kenya, often called the Samburu Special Five - the reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, Beisa oryx, gerenuk, and greater and lesser kudu. Dinner and overnight again at Umoja Tented Camp.

Day 3: Samburu to Lake Nakuru

After breakfast, you will leave Samburu for Lake Nakuru, with lunch provided en route and a stop at Thomson's Falls along the way. You will arrive at Nakuru in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight at Buraha Zenoni Hotel.

Day 4: Lake Nakuru to Amboseli

An extensive morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, known for its flamingo populations and reliable rhino sightings, before heading to Amboseli with lunch provided en route. Dinner and overnight at Manjaro Tented Camp.

Day 5: Full Day in Amboseli

A full day in the park, home to some of Africa's largest elephant herds set against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. An optional Maasai village visit is available after breakfast for anyone interested in the culture and traditional dances of the region. Dinner and overnight again at Manjaro Tented Camp.

Day 6: Amboseli to Nairobi

One last game drive before breakfast, then the drive back to Nairobi with a picnic lunch provided en route, arriving in the afternoon by around 2:00 PM and dropped at your hotel or the airport.

From $1,000 USD per person

Best Time to Visit

June to October covers the dry season across all three parks and is the strongest overall window, with clearer skies also improving your odds of a good Kilimanjaro view from Amboseli.

Good to Know

The equator stop on Day 1 is a quick, informal photo stop, not a separate paid excursion.

This route combines two very different landscapes - Samburu's semi-desert north and Amboseli's swamp-fed plains - so pack for both dry heat and cooler early mornings.

Groups of 3 or more should confirm final per-person pricing with us directly before payment, since rates scale with group size.