Overview

Aberdare Samburu Maasai Mara Safari

Discover Kenya’s Most Diverse Wildlife Circuit

This Aberdare Samburu Maasai Mara Safari takes you on an extraordinary journey through four completely different ecosystems, showcasing a side of Kenya that many travelers never experience.

From the misty mountain forests of Aberdare National Park and the famous floodlit waterholes of The Ark Lodge to the rugged wilderness of Samburu, the flamingo shores of Lake Nakuru, and the wildlife-rich plains of Maasai Mara, this safari offers one of Kenya’s most diverse and rewarding wildlife adventures.

Perfect for travelers seeking something beyond the classic Kenya safari circuit, this itinerary combines unique landscapes, rare wildlife, and unforgettable safari experiences.

Why Choose an Aberdare Samburu Maasai Mara Safari?

Unlike traditional safari packages that focus only on southern Kenya, this route introduces travelers to Kenya’s mountain forests, northern wilderness, Rift Valley lakes, and iconic savannahs.

Safari Highlights

• Overnight stay at The Ark Lodge
• Aberdare National Park wildlife viewing
• Samburu Special Five safari
• Lake Nakuru rhino sanctuary
• Maasai Mara Big Five game drives
• Spectacular landscape diversity
• Private safari experience
• Exceptional wildlife photography opportunities

This is one of the most complete wildlife circuits available in Kenya.

Experience The Ark Lodge in Aberdare National Park

Your safari begins in the cool forests of Aberdare National Park.

The highlight is an overnight stay at The Ark Lodge, one of Kenya’s most iconic safari lodges.

Overlooking a floodlit waterhole and salt lick, guests enjoy wildlife viewing throughout the night.

Common sightings include:

• Elephants
• Buffaloes
• Bushbucks
• Hyenas
• Giant Forest Hogs
• Leopards

Few safari experiences in Africa compare to watching wildlife emerge from the darkness beneath your lodge balcony.

Samburu National Reserve – Home of the Special Five

The next stage of your Aberdare Samburu Maasai Mara Safari takes you north into one of Kenya’s most unique wildlife regions.

Samburu National Reserve is famous for the Samburu Special Five:

• Grevy’s Zebra
• Reticulated Giraffe
• Gerenuk
• Somali Ostrich
• Beisa Oryx

These species are rarely seen elsewhere in Kenya and make Samburu one of East Africa’s most rewarding safari destinations.

The reserve also supports:

• Lions
• Leopards
• Cheetahs
• Elephants
• Crocodiles

Samburu’s dramatic landscapes provide an unforgettable contrast to Kenya’s southern parks.

Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru offers another completely different safari experience.

The park is renowned for:

• White Rhinos
• Black Rhinos
• Rothschild’s Giraffes
• Flamingos
• Lions
• Leopards

Its compact size allows excellent wildlife viewing while the Rift Valley scenery creates spectacular photographic opportunities.

Maasai Mara National Reserve

The final stage of your safari takes you to Africa’s most famous wildlife destination.

Maasai Mara is celebrated for:

• Big Five sightings
• Great Migration (seasonal)
• Large lion populations
• Endless savannah landscapes
• Hot air balloon safaris

Few places on Earth deliver wildlife encounters on the scale of Maasai Mara.

Wildlife You Can Expect to See

This itinerary offers opportunities to see an incredible range of wildlife including:

• Lions
• Leopards
• Elephants
• Buffaloes
• Rhinos
• Cheetahs
• Grevy’s Zebra
• Reticulated Giraffe
• Gerenuk
• Hippos
• Crocodiles
• Hundreds of bird species

The diversity of habitats greatly increases wildlife viewing opportunities.

Why This Safari Is Different

Mountain Forest Safari

Experience Kenya’s highland forests in Aberdare National Park.

Northern Kenya Wilderness

Discover Samburu’s unique wildlife and semi-arid landscapes.

Rift Valley Wildlife

Explore the rhino sanctuary and birdlife of Lake Nakuru.

Big Five Safari

Finish your adventure in the legendary Maasai Mara.

No other one-week safari delivers this level of ecological diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this safari different from a standard Kenya safari?

This itinerary combines mountain forests, northern wilderness, Rift Valley lakes, and Maasai Mara into one comprehensive wildlife experience.

What is The Ark Lodge famous for?

The Ark Lodge is renowned for its floodlit waterhole where guests can watch wildlife throughout the night from elevated viewing decks.

What are the Samburu Special Five?

The Samburu Special Five are Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Somali ostrich, and Beisa oryx.

Can I see the Big Five on this safari?

Yes. You have excellent opportunities to see the Big Five across the different parks and reserves included in the itinerary.

Is this safari suitable for repeat visitors to Kenya?

Absolutely. This route is particularly popular with travelers who have already experienced Amboseli or Maasai Mara and want to explore a different side of Kenya.

Is this safari private?

Yes. This safari operates as a private experience for maximum comfort, flexibility, and personalized guiding.