8-Day Kenya Safari: The Ultimate Big Cat Experience
Safari Overview
Embark on a soul-stirring 8-day journey through Kenya’s most iconic wildlife sanctuaries. This specialized itinerary is crafted for photographers and nature enthusiasts who want to witness the raw power of Africa’s apex predators—Lions, Leopards, and Cheetahs—alongside rare northern species and endangered rhinos.
💡 Pro Tip: The “North-to-South” Transition Secret
Because this 8-day route takes you from the arid North (Samburu) to the lush West (Masai Mara), you will cross the Equator twice.
Safari Highlights
Samburu’s “Special Five”: Spot the rare Grevy’s zebra, Beisa Oryx, Gerenuk, Somali Ostrich and Reticulated giraffe.
The Predator Capital: Multi-day immersion in the Masai Mara, home to the world’s most famous lion prides.
Conservation in Action: Visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary and the global stronghold for Black Rhinos at Ol Pejeta.
Flamingos & Felines: Explore the pink-shored Lake Nakuru, a haven for tree-climbing lions and leopards.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve
The Gateway to the North
Your adventure begins at 07:00Hrs with a pickup from your Nairobi hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). We drive north through the lush highlands, arriving at Samburu National Reserve in time for lunch.
After settling in, head out for an afternoon game drive. Samburu’s arid beauty is home to the “Samburu Special Five”:
Grevy’s Zebra
Reticulated Giraffe
Beisa Oryx
Somali Ostrich
Gerenuk (the “giraffe-necked” antelope)
Keep your cameras ready; the Ewaso Ng’iro River is a prime hunting ground for leopards.
Day 2: Full Day in Samburu – Tracking Elusive Leopards
Spend a full day exploring the rugged terrain of Samburu. Our expert guides focus on the riverine forests where leopards often drape themselves over acacia branches. We’ll track lion prides across the savannah and watch for cheetahs utilizing the termite mounds as vantage points. Between sightings, observe elephants bathing in the river and crocodiles basking on the banks.
Day 3: Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Rhinos & Rescue Chimpanzees
After breakfast, we travel to the private Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Laikipia. This is the largest Black Rhino sanctuary in East Africa and the only place in Kenya to see rescued chimpanzees at the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
The afternoon game drive offers a unique chance to see the Big Five in a more intimate setting. Ol Pejeta is known for its high predator density, making it an excellent spot for evening lion sightings.
Day 4: Ol Pejeta to Lake Nakuru National Park
The Pink Lake & Tree-Climbing Lions
We descend into the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park. Once famous for its millions of flamingos, it remains a birdwatcher’s paradise and a critical sanctuary for both Black and White Rhinos.
Pro Tip: Watch the yellow fever trees closely—Lake Nakuru is one of the few places where lions are known to spend their afternoons lounging high in the branches.
Day 5: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara National Reserve
Entering Big Cat Territory
Today, we head to the crown jewel of African safaris: the Masai Mara. As we cross the vast plains, you’ll see why this is the quintessential “Out of Africa” landscape. After lunch at your lodge, we head out for a sunset game drive. The Mara’s short grass makes it the best place on earth to witness a high-speed cheetah hunt or a pride of lions on the move.
Day 6 & 7: The Masai Mara Immersion
Life in the Pride Lands
For two full days, we dive deep into the heart of the Mara. We’ll focus on:
The Big Cat Diary Experience: Tracking the famous marsh prides and leopard lineages.
The Great Migration (Seasonal): If visiting between July and October, witness the dramatic river crossings where crocodiles and lions lie in wait.
Photography: Golden hour drives designed to capture the perfect silhouette of a lion against the African sun.
Day 8: Masai Mara to Nairobi
Farewell to the Wild
Enjoy a hearty breakfast. As we drive back to Nairobi, we’ll stop at local curio markets for hand-crafted souvenirs. We’ll drop you at the airport or your hotel by late afternoon, carrying memories (and photos) of Kenya’s magnificent big cats that will last a lifetime.
Safari Inclusions & Exclusions
✅ What’s Included
We take care of the essentials so you can focus on the wildlife. Your 8-day package covers:
Transport: Private use of a custom 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for 360° game viewing and a guaranteed window seat.
Professional Guide: Services of a highly experienced, (Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association) certified English-speaking driver-guide.
Accommodations: 7 Nights’ stay in a selection of luxury/mid-range lodges and tented camps as per the itinerary.
Meal Plan: Full Board basis (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) starting from lunch on Day 1 to Breakfast on Day 8.
Park & Conservancy Fees: All entry fees for Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru, and the Masai Mara.
Wildlife Activities: Unlimited game drives as per the itinerary, including tracking the “Big Cats” and the “Samburu Special Five.”
Special Visits: Entry to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary and the Rhino Sanctuary in Ol Pejeta.
Water: At least 1.5–2 liters of complimentary bottled mineral water per person, per day, provided in the safari vehicle.
Airport Transfers: Round-trip transfers between Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) and your hotel/safari starting point.
Taxes: All government taxes and Value Added Tax (VAT).
❌ What’s Excluded
To help you budget accurately, please note the following are not included in the base price:
International Flights: Airfare to and from your home country.
Kenya eTA (Visa): The mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (approx. $30–$50 USD depending on processing fees).
Optional Experiences: * Masai Mara Hot Air Balloon Safari: ($490 per person).
Maasai/Samburu Village Visit: ($30 per person).
Drinks: Alcoholic beverages, sodas, and premium spirits at the lodges (unless specified in your final quote).
Tips & Gratuities: Recommended $15–$20 USD per guest, per day for your guide and $5–$10 USD for lodge staff.
Travel Insurance: Personal medical, baggage, and trip cancellation insurance (highly recommended).
Personal Items: Laundry, telephone calls, and souvenirs.
📢 Important 2026 Policy Note
Note on Masai Mara Fees: Per the latest Narok County government regulations for 2026, Masai Mara park fees are now $100 USD (Low Season) or $200 USD (High Season) per adult per 12-hour period. Our quotes automatically include these updated costs to ensure you have no “surprise” fees at the gate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Entry & Logistics
Do I need a visa for Kenya in 2026? As of 2024, Kenya replaced traditional visas with the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). All visitors, including infants, must apply at least 3–14 days before travel via the official etakenya.go.ke portal.
What is the best time for Big Cat sightings? While cats are resident year-round, the Dry Seasons (June–October and January–February) are best. The grass is shorter, making leopards and cheetahs easier to spot, and animals congregate around permanent water sources like the Ewaso Ng’iro River.
Is the 8-day journey very tiring? This itinerary is a “Road Safari.” While some drives between parks can take 4–5 hours, we use high-spec 4×4 Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs, and the drives themselves are scenic “transit-game drives.” You’ll cross the Equator and see the Great Rift Valley along the way!
Wildlife & Safety
Are we guaranteed to see the “Big Three” (Lion, Leopard, Cheetah)? Wildlife is wild and unpredictable, but this specific 8-day route is designed to maximize your odds by visiting Kenya’s highest-density predator zones. Our guides are experts at tracking and communicate via radio to locate active sightings.
Is it safe to stay in “tented camps”? Absolutely. “Tented camps” in Kenya are luxury suites with solid floors, ensuite bathrooms, and real beds. While the walls are canvas to let you hear the sounds of the bush, the camps are patrolled 24/7 by Maasai warriors (Askaris) to ensure wildlife stays at a respectful distance.
Can I charge my camera and phone? Yes. Most lodges and Sunup Adventures vehicles are equipped with charging stations. Kenya uses Type G (UK-style) three-pin plugs. We recommend bringing a power bank for long days in the bush.
Packing & Budgeting
What should I pack for a Big Cat safari? Focus on layers! Mornings in Samburu and the Mara can be chilly (15°C), while afternoons are hot (30°C). Stick to neutral colors (khaki, tan, olive) and avoid dark blue or black, which can attract Tsetse flies.
How does tipping work? Tipping is a customary way to show appreciation. A general guideline is $10–$20 USD per guest, per day for your Safari Guide, and about $5–$10 USD per day for the general lodge staff (usually placed in a communal “Tip Box”).
Is there Wi-Fi on safari? Most lodges offer Wi-Fi in the common lounge areas, though it can be slower than city speeds. Sunup vehicles are also equipped with onboard Wi-Fi to keep you connected between parks.