Experience the Magical Moments Of Uganda Safari
9 Days Samburu & Mara Wilderness Trail
Overview: 9 Days Samburu & Mara Wilderness Trail
This nine-day expedition is crafted for travelers seeking a deeper, more intimate journey through Kenya’s wildest landscapes. Beginning in the rugged, culturally rich lands of Samburu and flowing into the legendary plains of the Maasai Mara, the Wilderness Trail reveals rare wildlife, dramatic scenery, and authentic encounters far from the ordinary safari routes. Each day layers the experience—desert-bronze horizons, unique northern Kenya species, sweeping grasslands, and finally the predator-rich Mara—offering one of the most balanced, immersive adventures in East Africa.
Tour Highlights
- Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Beginning the Northern Journey
- Day 2: Nairobi to Samburu – Into the Rugged North
- Day 3: Full Day in Samburu – Special Five & Cultural Encounters
- Day 4: Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy – Big Five & Rare Rhinos
- Day 5: Ol Pejeta Wildlife Experiences – Chimpanzees & Savannah Game Drives
- Day 6: Ol Pejeta to Maasai Mara – Entering the Epic Savannah
- Day 7: Full-Day Safari in the Maasai Mara – Big Cats, Herds & Horizons
- Day 8: Mara River Region – Predator Territory & Scenic Wilderness
- Day 9: Sunrise Game Drive & Return to Nairobi – Farewell to the Wild
Detailed Itinerary: 9 Days Samburu & Mara Wilderness Trail
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Beginning the Northern Journey
Your journey starts in Nairobi, where modern city life meets Kenya’s timeless nature. After settling into your hotel, the rest of the day is free to unwind or explore the city’s cultural highlights. As the evening settles, anticipation builds for the wilderness awaiting you beyond the city lights.
Day 2: Nairobi to Samburu – Into the Rugged North
Leaving Nairobi after breakfast, your route heads north, crossing dramatic escarpments and drylands that hint at the unique beauty of Samburu. Upon arrival, the arid, sun-baked landscapes reveal a world unlike any other in Kenya. Samburu’s wildlife is strikingly distinct—Grevy’s zebras, Somali ostriches, reticulated giraffes, and gerenuks stand tall against the dusty horizon. Your afternoon game drive offers your first taste of this northern wilderness, where elephants roam along the Ewaso Nyiro River and lions patrol the riverbanks.
Day 3: Full Day in Samburu – Special Five & Cultural Encounters
Your full day in Samburu immerses you in the rhythms of this semi-desert ecosystem. At sunrise, you explore riverine forests and open plains where leopards often rest on acacia branches, and oryx trot gracefully through the grass. The “Samburu Special Five” dominate the region—unique species found only in northern Kenya—and your guide helps track each one. In the afternoon, optional visits to local Samburu communities offer insight into their rich traditions, colorful beadwork, and pastoral lifestyle. The day ends with golden light sweeping across the rugged cliffs and dry riverbeds.
Day 4: Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy – Big Five & Rare Rhinos
After breakfast, you travel south toward Ol Pejeta, a conservancy known for its pioneering conservation programs and thriving wildlife. As you enter this fertile region, the scenery shifts from dusty plains to green savannahs. Afternoon game viewing introduces you to the conservancy’s large elephant herds, predators, and rhinos—including some of the last remaining northern white rhinos protected within a secure sanctuary. The blend of wildlife diversity and conservation impact makes this day uniquely inspiring.
Day 5: Ol Pejeta Wildlife Experiences – Chimpanzees & Savannah Game Drives
Your day begins with a visit to the renowned Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the only place in Kenya where rescued chimpanzees find refuge and rehabilitation. Later, game drives take you through Ol Pejeta’s rolling plains, home to lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, buffalos, and abundant birdlife. With Mount Kenya rising dramatically in the distance, the landscape feels both powerful and serene—an ideal midpoint in your wilderness journey.
Day 6: Ol Pejeta to Maasai Mara – Entering the Epic Savannah
After breakfast, you begin your scenic journey toward the Maasai Mara, descending through the Great Rift Valley and into one of Africa’s greatest wildlife realms. As soon as you enter the reserve, wildlife becomes plentiful—elephants foraging beside acacias, herds of gazelles sweeping in graceful arcs, and giraffes walking in slow elegance across the horizon. An evening game drive welcomes you to the Mara’s dramatic, predator-rich atmosphere.
Day 7: Full-Day Safari in the Maasai Mara – Big Cats, Herds & Horizons
Your seventh day unfolds across the rolling grasslands of the Maasai Mara, where every turn reveals wildlife in its purest form. From vast congregations of wildebeest and zebras to lions resting with their cubs, the Mara is a constant theatre of movement and life. Cheetahs patrol the plains, scanning for opportunity, while leopards remain elusive in the thicker woodland areas. The stunning mix of riverine forests, winding valleys, and sweeping plains ensures a day filled with unforgettable scenes.
Day 8: Mara River Region – Predator Territory & Scenic Wilderness
Traveling toward the Mara River, you explore one of the reserve’s most wildlife-intense areas. Hippos grunt from deep pools, crocodiles lie motionless along the banks, and birds fill the trees in colorful flocks. Predator activity is particularly strong here, with lions and hyenas trailing the herds and dramatic wildlife interactions occurring throughout the day. By sunset, the river glows under warm light, offering a peaceful close to your adventure.
Day 9: Sunrise Game Drive & Return to Nairobi – Farewell to the Wild
Your final day opens with a sunrise game drive, a quiet, magical moment when the plains awaken with soft color and early wildlife activity. After breakfast at your camp or lodge, you begin your journey back to Nairobi, carrying with you memories of Samburu’s rugged beauty, Ol Pejeta’s conservation legacy, and the Maasai Mara’s breathtaking wildlife encounters. The Wilderness Trail leaves you with the essence of Kenya—raw, diverse, and deeply moving.
Tour Includes
- Safari Park fees
- All Tour activities
- All Tour accommodation
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation ( To & From )
- All Taxes/VAT
- Everyday Meals ( As specified )
- Drinking water ( On all days )
Tour Excludes
- International flights ( From / to home )
- Additional Accommodation
- Tips
- Personal items(Souvenirs, etc.)
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Gov increase of taxes and/or park fees
Inquiry Form: 9 Days Samburu & Mara Wilderness Trail
Start your journey today by filling out the form below. Share your travel dates, interests, and preferences, and our team at Lifepath Safaris Africa will design a personalized safari just for you. From gorilla trekking to Big Five game drives, we’ll tailor every detail to create your perfect East African adventure.
Why Travel with Us
Locally Rooted, Expertly Guided
Lifepath Safaris is proudly Ugandan — founded, guided, and managed by locals who know East Africa beyond maps. Our guides are storytellers, naturalists, and cultural ambassadors with years of experience leading safaris across Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Authentic, Tailor-Made Experiences
We believe no two travelers are the same, and neither should their safaris be. Lifepath Safaris specializes in custom-designed itineraries — from luxury fly-in gorilla treks and Big Five safaris to cultural encounters, honeymoon getaways, and family adventures. Every detail — from lodge selection to pacing — is tailored around your interests, comfort, and sense of adventure.
Conservation with Heart
Our safaris are guided by a deep respect for nature and the communities who protect it. Lifepath Safaris actively supports eco-conscious lodges, community tourism projects, and local conservation initiatives that sustain wildlife habitats. When you travel with us, your journey contributes directly to protecting Uganda’s gorillas, elephants, and the incredible ecosystems that make Africa thrive.
Safety, Trust & Personalized Care
Your safety and comfort are our top priorities. Our team follows strict operational standards, uses well-maintained vehicles, and partners only with trusted lodges and camps. You’ll have 24/7 local support and personalized assistance from the moment you inquire to the day you return home — because at Lifepath, every traveler is family.