6 Days Samburu Masai Mara Fly-In Safari 2026/2027/2028

This 6 Days Samburu Masai Mara Fly-In Safari 2026/2027/2028 combines two contrasting Kenya wildlife destinations while reducing the long road transfers normally required between them. The journey follows the route Nairobi → Samburu National Reserve → Masai Mara → Nairobi, using scheduled bush flights so that more of your six days can be spent on safari rather than travelling between parks.

You will spend two nights in Samburu, where the semi-arid northern landscape, Ewaso Nyiro River and distinctive wildlife provide a very different safari experience from southern Kenya. In addition to elephants, lions and other classic safari wildlife, Samburu is particularly known for the Samburu Special Five: Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx and Somali ostrich.

The safari then continues by air to the Masai Mara, where you spend three nights exploring open savannahs known for big cats, elephants, buffaloes and abundant plains game. Between approximately July and October, migrating wildebeest and zebra may also be present in the greater Mara ecosystem, although migration movements and river crossings depend on natural conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

This itinerary is particularly suitable for travellers who want to combine northern Kenya's distinctive wildlife with the classic Masai Mara experience without spending several days on long road transfers. Accommodation can be selected according to your preferred comfort level, and the final safari arrangements are confirmed according to your travel dates, flight schedules and lodge availability.

6-Day Samburu & Masai Mara Fly-In Safari at a Glance

This six-day Kenya safari combines two nights in Samburu with three nights in the Masai Mara, using scheduled flights to reduce road-transfer time between the destinations.

Why choose the fly-in option? Samburu and the Masai Mara are geographically far apart. Scheduled flights reduce the amount of time spent travelling by road and allow a greater proportion of the six-day itinerary to be devoted to wildlife viewing and time at your safari camps or lodges.

This itinerary is designed around one important advantage: using scheduled bush flights to connect two very different Kenya safari regions within six days. Instead of spending a large part of the journey on long inter-park road transfers, the safari concentrates your time on Samburu and the Masai Mara, with two nights in northern Kenya followed by three nights in the Mara.

Two Contrasting Kenya Safari Ecosystems

Samburu and the Masai Mara offer noticeably different landscapes and wildlife experiences.

Samburu's semi-arid environment, riverine woodland and the Ewaso Nyiro River support wildlife adapted to northern Kenya, including Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx and Somali ostrich.

The Masai Mara provides a contrasting landscape of open grasslands and rolling savannah, with opportunities to look for lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, wildebeest, zebras and other plains wildlife.

Combining the two destinations gives you greater wildlife and landscape variety than spending all five safari nights in a single ecosystem.

Flights Reduce Long Road Transfers

Samburu and the Masai Mara are far apart by road. Using scheduled bush flights allows the itinerary to connect the two destinations without dedicating an entire safari day to a long inter-park drive.

This is particularly valuable on a six-day itinerary because the time saved can instead be used for game drives, relaxing at your camp or lodge and enjoying each destination at a more comfortable pace.

Scheduled flight times and routings vary. Some connections between Samburu and the Masai Mara may operate via Nairobi or another airstrip rather than as a direct flight, so the final routing is confirmed according to the available schedule for your travel date.

Two Nights in Samburu

Two nights provide enough time for an introduction to Samburu's wildlife and landscapes without making the northern section of the itinerary unnecessarily long.

Depending on flight arrival times, the safari normally provides wildlife-viewing opportunities on your arrival day followed by a more substantial game-viewing day before flying onward to the Masai Mara.

Your guide can focus on the Ewaso Nyiro ecosystem, elephant areas and habitats associated with Samburu's distinctive northern species.

Three Nights in the Masai Mara

The Masai Mara receives the larger share of the itinerary because three nights allow considerably more flexibility for wildlife viewing.

Rather than relying on a single full day, you have time to explore different areas according to wildlife movements, weather, recent sightings and your interests. This is particularly useful for travellers interested in big cats and wildlife photography.

During the seasonal Great Migration period, additional time can also improve your chances of locating migrating herds when they are present in the greater Mara ecosystem. However, migration movements and river crossings are natural events and cannot be guaranteed.

Different Wildlife Priorities in Each Destination

The itinerary does not treat Samburu and the Masai Mara as interchangeable safari stops.

In Samburu, one of the main wildlife priorities is looking for northern Kenya species such as Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx and Somali ostrich alongside elephants and predators.

In the Masai Mara, the emphasis shifts towards big cats, large concentrations of plains game and the wider savannah ecosystem.

This difference is one of the main reasons the two reserves work particularly well together.

A Strong Choice for Travellers With Limited Time

This fly-in itinerary is particularly suitable for travellers who want to experience more than one major Kenya wildlife region but do not want to spend several days driving between destinations.

It can work especially well for couples, honeymooners, families, photographers and travellers adding a safari to a wider East Africa or beach holiday.

The trade-off is that scheduled bush flights operate according to fixed timetables and generally have stricter baggage limits than international flights. Travellers who prefer unlimited luggage flexibility or want to experience more of Kenya by road may prefer a road-based itinerary.

Why Six Days Works Well

Six days provides a practical balance between safari variety and available wildlife-viewing time. Two nights introduce you to Samburu's northern ecosystem, while three nights give the Masai Mara enough time to become the main wildlife component of the itinerary.

If you have fewer days, combining both destinations can become rushed. If you have additional time, adding another night in Samburu or the Masai Mara can create a more relaxed safari and provide greater flexibility for photography and wildlife viewing.

• Fly between Kenya's leading safari regions – Use scheduled bush flights to connect Nairobi, Samburu and the Masai Mara while reducing long road transfers.

• Two nights in Samburu – Explore the semi-arid landscapes, riverine habitats and wildlife areas surrounding the Ewaso Nyiro ecosystem.

• Look for the Samburu Special Five – Search for Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx and Somali ostrich alongside elephants, lions and other wildlife.

• Three nights in the Masai Mara – Spend more time in Kenya's famous savannah ecosystem, allowing greater flexibility for game viewing and photography.

• Excellent big-cat opportunities – Look for lions, cheetahs and leopards while exploring the Masai Mara with an experienced safari guide.

• Seasonal Great Migration activity – From approximately July to October, migrating wildebeest and zebra may be present in the greater Mara ecosystem, depending on rainfall and natural herd movements.

• Contrasting landscapes in one safari – Experience Samburu's drier northern environment before continuing to the open grasslands of the Masai Mara.

• Guided 4×4 game drives – Explore both safari destinations with professional guides who adjust game-drive routes according to wildlife movements, recent sightings and local conditions.

• Accommodation to match your travel style – Choose from selected safari lodges and tented camps according to your preferred comfort level, travel dates and budget.

• Ideal for a time-efficient Kenya safari – A strong choice for couples, honeymooners, families, photographers and travellers who want to visit both northern Kenya and the Masai Mara within six days.

Wildlife sightings, Great Migration movements and river crossings are natural events and cannot be guaranteed. Scheduled flight times and routings are subject to the confirmed operating schedule for your travel dates.

Day 1: Nairobi → Samburu – Fly-In Safari & Afternoon Game Drive

Your safari begins in Nairobi with a transfer to the appropriate airport for your scheduled flight to the Samburu region. During the flight north, changing landscapes provide an aerial introduction to Kenya before you arrive at the designated Samburu airstrip. Your safari guide will meet you on arrival and transfer you to your selected lodge or tented camp, with game viewing possible depending on the location and arrival time.

After check-in and lunch, head out for your first guided game drive in the Samburu ecosystem. Look for elephants, lions and northern Kenya species such as reticulated giraffes, Grevy's zebras, gerenuks and Beisa oryx. Wildlife often concentrates around the Ewaso Nyiro River and surrounding habitats, although sightings vary naturally.

Meals: Lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Selected Samburu safari lodge or tented camp
Safari experience: Afternoon game drive
Transport: Scheduled flight from Nairobi to the Samburu region

Flight times, airstrips and the amount of afternoon game-viewing time depend on the confirmed flight schedule for your travel date.

Day 2: Full-Day Safari Experience in Samburu

Spend the day exploring Samburu and its surrounding wildlife areas with your safari guide. The semi-arid landscape, rocky hills, riverine woodland and Ewaso Nyiro ecosystem create a wildlife experience noticeably different from the grasslands you will encounter later in the Masai Mara.

One of today's priorities is searching for the Samburu Special Five: Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx and Somali ostrich. You may also encounter elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, antelopes and numerous bird species. Your guide will determine the most suitable game-drive areas according to recent sightings, wildlife movements, weather and road conditions.

Depending on your accommodation and safari arrangements, game viewing may be organised as morning and afternoon drives or as a longer wildlife-viewing programme with a break during the day.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Selected Samburu safari lodge or tented camp
Safari experience: Extensive game viewing in the Samburu ecosystem

Wildlife sightings are natural and cannot be guaranteed. Your guide will keep the day's programme flexible according to local conditions.

Day 3: Samburu → Masai Mara – Scheduled Flight & Afternoon Safari

After breakfast, enjoy game viewing or a relaxed morning at your camp or lodge, depending on the day's confirmed flight schedule. You will then transfer to the appropriate airstrip for your scheduled flight from the Samburu region towards the Masai Mara.

Flight routings vary according to airline schedules and operating conditions. Some services may involve a connection or routing through Nairobi or another airstrip rather than operating as a direct Samburu–Masai Mara flight. Your final flight arrangement will therefore be confirmed before travel.

On arrival in the Masai Mara, meet your safari guide and transfer to your selected lodge or tented camp. Depending on arrival time, begin exploring the Mara's open savannahs in search of elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, plains game and predators such as lions, cheetahs and leopards.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Selected Masai Mara safari lodge or tented camp
Safari experience: Game viewing subject to flight arrival time
Transport: Scheduled flight from the Samburu region to the Masai Mara

The exact flight route, departure time, arrival time and connecting arrangements are subject to the confirmed schedule.

Day 4: Full-Day Masai Mara Wildlife Safari

Today is dedicated to exploring the Masai Mara, giving your guide time to follow current wildlife activity rather than rushing between predetermined stops. The reserve and surrounding ecosystem support lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, antelopes, hippos and many other species.

Your game-drive route will depend on recent sightings, weather, seasonal wildlife movements and the location of your accommodation. During approximately July to October, migrating wildebeest and zebra may be present in the greater Mara ecosystem, although the timing and location of the herds change from year to year.

Depending on your safari arrangements, you may take a packed lunch for extended game viewing or return to your lodge or camp between drives.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Selected Masai Mara safari lodge or tented camp
Safari experience: Full day of Masai Mara wildlife viewing

Migration movements and Mara River crossings are natural events and cannot be predicted or guaranteed.

Day 5: Masai Mara – Flexible Full-Day Game Viewing

Your second full day in the Masai Mara provides additional flexibility to explore areas that could not be covered the previous day and to respond to current wildlife sightings. Rather than repeating a fixed route, your guide can adjust the day's game viewing according to your interests and conditions in the reserve.

Photographers may choose to spend more time observing particular animals or waiting for better light and behaviour, while wildlife-focused travellers can concentrate on predators, elephants, plains game or areas where recent activity has been reported. During the migration season, the day's route may also be influenced by the location of wildebeest and zebra herds when they are present.

Optional activities such as a hot-air balloon safari can be arranged at additional cost and should normally be reserved in advance.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Selected Masai Mara safari lodge or tented camp
Safari experience: Flexible full-day game viewing

The day's route remains flexible because wildlife movements, weather and road conditions can change.

Day 6: Masai Mara → Nairobi – Final Game Viewing & Scheduled Flight

Enjoy your final morning in the Masai Mara, with game viewing depending on your lodge location and scheduled departure time. This provides another opportunity to look for wildlife before returning to camp for breakfast or transferring towards the designated airstrip.

At the appropriate time, board your scheduled bush flight from the Masai Mara to Nairobi. On arrival, your onward arrangements will proceed according to your confirmed itinerary, which may include an airport transfer, Nairobi accommodation or another separately arranged service.

Your six-day safari concludes after experiencing two contrasting Kenya wildlife regions: Samburu's northern ecosystem and distinctive species followed by the open savannahs and predator-rich landscapes of the Masai Mara.

Meals: Breakfast; additional meals according to the confirmed flight and accommodation arrangement
Accommodation: None – end of safari
Safari experience: Morning wildlife viewing where flight timing allows
Transport: Scheduled flight from Masai Mara to Nairobi

We recommend allowing sufficient time between your scheduled bush flight and any same-day international departure. Final connection planning should be confirmed before booking onward flights.

The two-night Samburu and three-night Masai Mara combination is designed to give you meaningful time in two contrasting wildlife areas while keeping the overall safari to six days.

Two nights provide a good introduction to Samburu's northern Kenya ecosystem and distinctive wildlife, while three nights in the Masai Mara allow more flexibility for big-cat viewing, photography and exploring different areas of the wider Mara ecosystem.

Why Two Nights Work Well in Samburu

With scheduled flights reducing road-transfer time, two nights allow you to experience Samburu on your arrival day and dedicate additional time to wildlife viewing before continuing to the Masai Mara.

The focus is not simply on ticking animals off a list. Samburu introduces you to a different ecosystem, with northern Kenya species and landscapes that you are unlikely to experience in the same way once you reach the Mara.

Why We Give the Masai Mara Three Nights

Three nights provide greater flexibility because wildlife viewing in the Masai Mara can change considerably from one area or day to another.

The additional time allows your guide to respond to recent predator sightings, wildlife movements, weather and your particular interests rather than trying to cover the reserve within a single full day.

For photographers, this also creates more opportunities to revisit wildlife, wait for animal behaviour and work with different morning and afternoon light.

During the seasonal Great Migration period, additional time can be particularly valuable because wildebeest and zebra herds are constantly moving. Their location and any river-crossing activity cannot be guaranteed.

Would an Extra Night Be Worth Adding?

Yes, if your schedule and budget allow.

Travellers particularly interested in the Samburu Special Five, elephants, birdlife or photography may benefit from adding a third night in Samburu.

Travellers whose main priority is big cats, wildlife photography or seasonal migration activity may prefer to add an additional night in the Masai Mara.

For most travellers with exactly six days available, however, two nights in Samburu followed by three nights in the Masai Mara provides a well-balanced fly-in safari.

Safari price: From USD 2,650 per person sharing

The cost of this six-day fly-in safari varies according to your travel dates, selected accommodation, scheduled flight fares and game-drive arrangements. The starting rate is based on two travellers sharing accommodation and the services specified in the confirmed quotation.

Estimated Safari Prices Per Person

Prices are indicative starting rates per person sharing and should be confirmed for your exact travel dates before booking. Accommodation rates, conservation fees, domestic flight fares and availability can change.

What Does the Starting Price Include?

The from USD 2,650 per person sharing rate represents the entry-level accommodation option for this six-day fly-in itinerary during the applicable lower-priced travel period.

Your confirmed quotation will specify the exact Samburu and Masai Mara accommodation, scheduled flights, transfers, game-drive arrangements, park or conservation fees, meals and other included services.

We recommend comparing quotations based on the complete package rather than accommodation category alone, because the type of game-drive vehicle, private or shared safari arrangements, camp location, flight routing and conservation fees can significantly affect the final cost.

What Affects the Cost of This Safari?

Travel season: July to October is generally one of the most sought-after periods in the Masai Mara, and accommodation availability and rates can be higher during this period.

Accommodation: Camps and lodges vary considerably in location, room style, service level and included activities. A premium camp in a private conservancy will therefore be priced differently from a standard lodge.

Scheduled flights: Bush-flight fares form an important part of a fly-in safari. Final fares depend on the confirmed routing and flight schedule.

Game-drive arrangements: The price can differ depending on whether game drives are operated on a shared basis by the lodge or camp or with a private vehicle and guide.

Number of travellers: Some safari costs can be distributed across the travelling party, while accommodation and flight charges are normally calculated per traveller.

Optional experiences: Hot-air balloon safaris, private vehicles, cultural visits, bush meals and additional nights can increase the final safari cost.

Which Accommodation Level Should You Choose?

Value / Standard
Suitable for travellers whose priority is the wildlife experience and fly-in convenience while keeping accommodation costs lower. Properties are selected for practical access to the safari area, comfort and suitability for the itinerary.

Mid-Range
A good balance between comfort and safari cost, with established lodges or tented camps, private rooms and convenient access to game-viewing areas.

Luxury
Designed for travellers looking for smaller camps, higher service levels, more distinctive locations and an upgraded overall safari experience.

Premium Luxury
Best suited to travellers prioritising exclusive locations, highly personalised service, premium accommodation and a more private safari experience.

Private or Shared Game Drives

Game-drive arrangements are important when comparing fly-in safari prices.

Some fly-in camps and lodges operate shared game drives, where guests staying at the property join other travellers in the camp's safari vehicle. Other arrangements can include a private 4×4 safari vehicle and guide exclusively for your travelling party.

Your quotation will clearly state whether your game drives are shared or private.

If you prefer exclusive use of a safari vehicle, request the private game-drive option when making your enquiry so that it can be included in the quotation.

Children and Family Safari Prices

Travelling with children? Family rates depend on the children's ages, room configuration, selected camp or lodge, park-fee rules and airline policies.

Send us the number of adults, number of children and each child's age so that we can prepare the correct family safari price rather than applying a general adult rate.

Single Traveller and Single-Room Rates

The prices above are based on travellers sharing accommodation. Solo travellers and guests requesting single rooms may pay a supplement depending on the selected accommodation and travel season.

Contact us with your travel dates and preferred accommodation level for an exact quotation.

Important Pricing Note

Safari prices can change when accommodation tariffs, park or conservancy fees, taxes or scheduled flight fares are revised. Your final quotation will show the services and rates applicable to your requested travel dates.

Once your safari is confirmed, the booking terms and payment schedule will be stated clearly on your invoice and confirmation documents.

Get an Exact Safari Price

Tell us your travel dates, number of travellers, children's ages if applicable and preferred accommodation level, and we will prepare a personalised quotation showing the available camps, scheduled flights and safari arrangements.

WhatsApp: +254 728 567308
Email: sales@eastafricajungle.com

Your safari includes two nights in the Samburu region and three nights in the Masai Mara. Accommodation can be selected according to your preferred comfort level, travel dates and budget.

Because safari lodge and camp availability changes throughout the year, the exact properties included in your safari will be clearly stated in your personalised quotation before you confirm the booking.

Accommodation Levels

Value / Standard Accommodation

The Value / Standard option is designed for travellers who want to experience the convenience of a fly-in safari while keeping accommodation costs more manageable.

Properties in this category are selected for comfort, location and practical access to game-viewing areas rather than elaborate luxury facilities. Rooms or permanent safari tents should provide the facilities specified in your quotation, while meals are normally included according to the safari package.

This is the accommodation level associated with the safari's lowest advertised starting price when available for the requested travel period.

Mid-Range Accommodation

The Mid-Range option provides a balance between safari cost and comfort. Accommodation may include established safari lodges or permanent tented camps with comfortable rooms or tents, private bathroom facilities and full-board meal arrangements.

This category is suitable for travellers who want comfortable accommodation while keeping the main focus of the journey on wildlife viewing and the fly-in experience.

Luxury Accommodation

Luxury options generally provide a more intimate safari environment, enhanced service, higher accommodation standards and carefully selected locations.

Depending on the property, additional features may include larger rooms or tents, private verandas, upgraded dining experiences, swimming pools or smaller camp settings.

The exact facilities vary between properties, so your quotation will identify the proposed camps or lodges before booking.

Premium Luxury Accommodation

Premium Luxury is intended for travellers looking for a more exclusive accommodation experience alongside the wildlife safari.

Properties in this category may offer highly personalised service, distinctive locations, spacious suites or tents, premium dining and a smaller number of guests.

Some premium camps are situated in private conservancies or exclusive wildlife areas where the safari experience and included activities can differ from accommodation inside the main national reserve.

Are the Lodges and Camps Guaranteed?

The specific accommodation shown in your quotation is subject to availability at the time of booking.

If a proposed lodge or camp is unavailable before confirmation, we will recommend a suitable alternative in a comparable category and explain any resulting price difference before you make a booking decision.

Once your accommodation has been reserved and confirmed, the final properties will be listed in your safari confirmation documents.

Full-Board Safari Accommodation

Safari accommodation on this itinerary is generally arranged on a full-board basis, including breakfast, lunch and dinner during your stay.

Meal arrangements on flying days can vary according to flight schedules, arrival times and departure times. Your final itinerary will therefore specify the meals included on each day.

Vegetarian and other dietary requirements can usually be accommodated with advance notice. Please provide any dietary requirements when confirming your safari so that they can be communicated to the selected properties.

• Scheduled bush flights for the Nairobi–Samburu–Masai Mara–Nairobi safari routing, according to the confirmed flight itinerary. Connections or routing via another airstrip or Nairobi may apply depending on the operating schedule.

• Airstrip transfers between the designated safari airstrips and your confirmed lodges or tented camps in Samburu and the Masai Mara.

• 5 nights' safari accommodation – 2 nights in the Samburu region and 3 nights in the Masai Mara.

• Full-board meals while on safari, subject to the meal arrangements shown in your confirmed itinerary.

• Guided 4×4 game drives in Samburu and the Masai Mara according to the safari arrangement specified in your quotation.

• Professional English-speaking safari guides or driver-guides during the included game drives.

• Applicable park or conservation entry fees for the wildlife areas included in your confirmed itinerary.

• Drinking water during included game drives.

• Applicable government taxes and statutory charges included in the confirmed safari quotation.

• Emergency evacuation cover where specifically stated in your confirmed package.

• Pre-safari planning and operational support from our East Africa Jungle safari team.

Important Note About Game Drives

Depending on the accommodation and package selected, game drives may be operated on a shared basis with other guests from your lodge or camp or with a private safari vehicle exclusively for your travelling party.

Your quotation will clearly state which arrangement is included. If you prefer private game drives throughout the safari, request this when making your enquiry so that the correct vehicle arrangement can be priced.

• International flights to and from Kenya.

• Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) or other entry-document costs, where applicable.

• Comprehensive personal travel insurance.

• Accommodation in Nairobi before or after the safari unless specifically included in your quotation.

• Meals and drinks not stated as included in the confirmed itinerary.

• Alcoholic beverages, premium drinks and other personal bar expenses.

• Laundry and other personal expenses.

• Tips and gratuities for safari guides, camp or lodge staff and other service personnel.

• Optional activities such as hot-air balloon safaris, cultural visits, bush meals and other experiences not included in the confirmed quotation.

• Private safari vehicle upgrades where the standard package includes shared game drives.

• Additional nights, flight changes or itinerary extensions requested by the traveller.

• Passport, visa or entry requirements for additional destinations visited before or after Kenya.

• Any service specifically identified as excluded from your confirmed safari quotation.

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend arranging suitable travel insurance for your trip. Your policy should be appropriate for your personal circumstances and planned activities, including relevant cancellation, interruption, baggage and medical coverage.

Travellers are responsible for checking the entry, health and insurance requirements applicable to their nationality and individual circumstances before travel.

Personalise your Samburu and Masai Mara safari with selected optional experiences. Availability and prices depend on your travel dates, accommodation and operating conditions.

Masai Mara Hot-Air Balloon Safari

Add an early-morning hot-air balloon safari over the Masai Mara, followed by the operator's included post-flight arrangements. Advance booking is recommended, particularly during busy travel periods.

Additional cost: From USD 480 per person, subject to confirmation.

Samburu Cultural Experience

A cultural visit can be arranged for travellers interested in learning more about Samburu traditions and local community life.

The experience and applicable community contribution will be confirmed before booking.

Maasai Cultural Experience

During your Masai Mara stay, an optional visit to a Maasai community can be arranged. Ask us to include the experience in your quotation if cultural interaction is an important part of your safari.

Private Safari Vehicle Upgrade

If your selected lodge or camp package operates shared game drives, you can request a private safari vehicle for greater flexibility and exclusive use by your travelling party.

Private vehicle availability and cost depend on the selected properties and travel dates.

Add an Extra Safari Night

Travellers wanting a slower pace can add an additional night in either Samburu or the Masai Mara.

An extra Samburu night is particularly useful for travellers interested in northern Kenya wildlife and photography, while an additional Masai Mara night provides more time for game viewing and seasonal wildlife activity.

Kenya Beach Extension

After your safari, continue to the Kenyan coast for a beach stay in destinations such as Diani. Flight and accommodation options can be incorporated into a personalised safari-and-beach itinerary.

Want Something Different?

Bush breakfasts, sundowners, special-occasion arrangements, photography-focused activities and other experiences may also be available depending on your selected lodge or camp.

Tell us what you would like to include and we will advise what is practical for your itinerary.

One of the strengths of combining Samburu with the Masai Mara is the variety of wildlife habitats covered within a single safari. Samburu introduces you to species associated with northern Kenya's drier landscapes, while the Masai Mara provides the classic open-savannah experience for which Kenya is famous.

Wildlife sightings vary according to season, weather, habitat and natural animal movements, so no individual species can be guaranteed.

Samburu Special Five

Samburu is particularly known for five species commonly referred to as the Samburu Special Five:

• Grevy's zebra – distinguished by its narrow stripes, large ears and white belly.

• Reticulated giraffe – recognised by its distinctive geometric coat pattern.

• Gerenuk – a long-necked antelope often seen browsing shrubs and bushes.

• Beisa oryx – a striking antelope with long, straight horns and distinctive facial markings.

• Somali ostrich – a large ostrich associated with the dry landscapes of northern Kenya.

Finding all five is an exciting safari objective, but sightings depend on wildlife movements and conditions during your visit.

Other Wildlife in Samburu

Beyond the Special Five, Samburu provides opportunities to look for African elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, impalas, dik-diks, warthogs, baboons and other wildlife.

The Ewaso Nyiro River and surrounding riverine vegetation are particularly important features of the ecosystem. Your guide will use recent sightings, local knowledge and wildlife movements to determine where to concentrate each game drive.

Masai Mara Big Cats & Plains Wildlife

The Masai Mara is particularly rewarding for travellers interested in predators and classic East African plains wildlife.

Game drives may produce sightings of lions, cheetahs and leopards, together with elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, topi, impalas, gazelles, hippos and other species.

Rather than following a fixed wildlife checklist, your guide can adjust the game-drive route according to recent sightings and your interests. Having three nights in the Masai Mara gives you more flexibility to explore different areas and spend additional time observing wildlife behaviour.

Can You See the Big Five on This Safari?

This itinerary provides opportunities to see several members of Africa's Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino.

Lions, elephants and buffaloes may be encountered during game drives, while leopards are naturally more elusive. Rhino sightings should not be treated as a guaranteed feature of this particular Samburu and Masai Mara itinerary.

If seeing rhinos is one of your main safari priorities, consider our Ol Pejeta & Masai Mara Fly-In Safari, which combines Ol Pejeta's rhino conservation experience with several nights of wildlife viewing in the Masai Mara.

No safari operator can guarantee sightings of all five species because wildlife is free-ranging and viewing conditions change daily.

Great Migration Wildlife in the Masai Mara

During approximately July to October, migrating wildebeest and zebra may enter the greater Masai Mara ecosystem as part of the annual Great Migration.

Their exact timing, location and concentration vary from year to year according to rainfall, grazing conditions and natural herd movements.

River crossings are especially unpredictable. Even during the main migration period, a crossing cannot be scheduled or guaranteed for a particular day.

For travellers visiting specifically for migration activity, spending three nights in the Masai Mara provides more flexibility than relying on a single day of game viewing.

Birdlife

Both Samburu and the Masai Mara can also be rewarding for birdwatchers.

The contrasting habitats mean that travellers may encounter a wide variety of raptors, water-associated birds, savannah species and birds adapted to the drier landscapes of northern Kenya.

If birdwatching is a major priority, let us know when planning your safari so that your guide can incorporate more time for bird identification and photography alongside general wildlife viewing.

Wildlife Photography

This itinerary works particularly well for photography because the two destinations provide contrasting subjects and landscapes.

In Samburu, photographers can concentrate on distinctive northern species, elephants and the drier scenery around the river ecosystem. In the Masai Mara, the emphasis shifts towards open landscapes, predators, plains wildlife and animal behaviour.

Your guide can adapt game-drive priorities according to sightings and available time, although vehicle positioning and off-road access always remain subject to the rules of the wildlife area being visited.

The Samburu and Masai Mara fly-in safari can be enjoyed throughout the year, but the experience changes according to rainfall, wildlife movements, visitor numbers and seasonal accommodation rates.

For generally dry conditions and strong wildlife viewing, January to March and June to October are particularly attractive periods. Travellers interested specifically in seasonal Great Migration activity in the Masai Mara normally focus on approximately July to October, while the greener months can appeal to travellers interested in landscapes, birdlife, photography and fewer visitors.

January to March – Excellent General Wildlife Viewing

January to March is a strong period for travellers whose priority is wildlife rather than the Great Migration.

Samburu's generally drier conditions can concentrate wildlife around important water sources, while the Masai Mara continues to support resident predators and plains wildlife throughout the year.

This period can be particularly attractive for photographers and repeat safari travellers who want to combine Samburu's distinctive northern species with the Masai Mara without making migration activity the main purpose of the trip.

April to May – Green Season

Seasonal rains bring greener landscapes to both destinations. Vegetation can become thicker and some roads may be affected by rainfall, but the safari experience can also be quieter than during the busiest travel periods.

The green season can be rewarding for travellers interested in birdlife, dramatic landscapes and photography. Accommodation rates may also be more attractive at some properties.

Because rainfall varies from year to year, exact conditions cannot be predicted far in advance.

June – An Excellent Transition Month

June can be an attractive month for travellers looking for strong general wildlife viewing before the busiest part of the Masai Mara migration season.

Conditions generally become drier, and Samburu can provide rewarding wildlife viewing around the Ewaso Nyiro ecosystem. The Masai Mara remains excellent for resident wildlife, including predators and plains game, whether or not migrating herds have reached the area.

Choose June primarily for the overall safari experience rather than specifically for Mara River crossings.

July to October – Peak Safari & Migration Season

July to October is one of the most popular periods for combining Samburu and the Masai Mara.

Dryer conditions can make wildlife viewing particularly rewarding in Samburu, while migrating wildebeest and zebra may be present within the greater Masai Mara ecosystem during this period.

This is also a high-demand travel season. Safari camps, lodges and scheduled bush flights can have more limited availability, so travellers planning for these months should consider arranging their safari well in advance.

Travelling primarily for the migration? Read our Great Migration in Kenya 2027–2028 guide for a more detailed explanation of seasonal herd movements, the best months, accommodation areas and possible Mara River crossings.

Is the Great Migration Guaranteed?

No. The Great Migration is a natural, continuously moving wildlife event rather than an attraction operating according to fixed dates.

Wildebeest and zebra movements are influenced by rainfall, grazing conditions and other natural factors. Although migration activity is commonly associated with the Masai Mara from approximately July to October, the precise arrival and departure of the herds varies.

A particular Mara River crossing cannot be guaranteed, even when large herds are present near the river.

If witnessing migration activity is your main safari priority, tell us when planning your trip so that we can recommend suitable travel dates and accommodation areas based on the seasonal pattern.

November to December – Green Landscapes & Resident Wildlife

Seasonal rains can refresh the landscapes towards the end of the year, creating greener scenery in Samburu and the Masai Mara.

Resident wildlife remains present, and the changing landscape can be particularly attractive for photography and birdwatching. Conditions can vary according to rainfall, so game-drive routes remain flexible.

This period can be a good alternative for travellers who are less concerned about the Great Migration and want to experience both destinations outside the main July–October peak.

Which Months Should You Choose?

Choose January–March if your priority is general wildlife, photography and the Samburu Special Five rather than migration.

Choose April–May if you prefer greener scenery, fewer visitors and potentially better seasonal value.

Choose June for a strong general safari before the main migration-season demand.

Choose July–October if seasonal Great Migration activity in the Masai Mara is an important part of your safari.

Choose November–December for resident wildlife, birdlife and greener landscapes without making migration sightings the main objective.

There is no single month that is best for every traveller. The right time depends on whether your priority is wildlife viewing, migration activity, photography, fewer visitors or safari cost.

Planning Your Safari Around the Seasons?

For a broader comparison of Kenya's safari seasons, rainfall, wildlife viewing and migration periods, see our Best Time to Visit Kenya & Tanzania for a Safari guide.

One of the main advantages of this itinerary is the use of scheduled bush flights to reduce long road transfers between Nairobi, Samburu and the Masai Mara.

Safari flights operate differently from large international airline services. Aircraft are smaller, baggage allowances are more restrictive, and some routes may include intermediate airstrip stops or connections. Your final flight schedule will be confirmed as part of your safari arrangements.

Nairobi to Samburu

Your safari begins with a scheduled flight from Nairobi to the Samburu region.

Most safari flights operate from Wilson Airport, Nairobi's main airport for domestic safari flights. On arrival at the designated Samburu airstrip, you will be met and transferred to your confirmed lodge or tented camp.

The exact airstrip used depends on your accommodation and the airline operating the flight.

Samburu to Masai Mara

The flight between Samburu and the Masai Mara should not automatically be treated as a guaranteed nonstop flight.

Depending on the airline, travel date and operating schedule, the service may include intermediate airstrip stops or a connection before reaching your Masai Mara airstrip.

Your final itinerary will show the confirmed routing and expected flight arrangements once the safari flights have been booked.

Masai Mara to Nairobi

On Day 6, you will transfer from your safari camp or lodge to the appropriate Masai Mara airstrip for your scheduled flight back to Nairobi.

The exact departure time depends on the confirmed airline schedule and the airstrip serving your accommodation.

If you have an international flight departing Nairobi on the same day, please provide the flight details before confirming the safari. We will advise on a suitable connection based on the scheduled bush-flight arrival, airport transfer requirements and available connection time.

Safari Flight Baggage Allowance

Small aircraft used on Kenya's safari routes have limited luggage space. A 15 kg / 33 lb total baggage allowance per person, including hand luggage, is common on scheduled safari flights, and soft-sided bags are generally required by operators using this limit.

However, baggage conditions can vary according to the airline, route and aircraft operating your confirmed flights.

Your final safari documents will therefore state the baggage allowance applicable to the airline booked for your itinerary.

Baggage conditions depend on the airline operating your confirmed safari flights. Where AirKenya is used, travellers should check the current AirKenya baggage policy before departure in addition to the information supplied with their safari documents.

Why Are Soft-Sided Bags Recommended?

Safari aircraft have smaller and differently shaped luggage compartments than large commercial aircraft.

Soft duffel-style bags are easier to fit into these spaces than large rigid suitcases. Travellers should therefore avoid bringing oversized hard-shell luggage unless the confirmed airline specifically permits it.

If your wider holiday requires a large suitcase, ask us about luggage-storage or other arrangements before your safari.

What Happens If My Luggage Is Overweight?

Excess baggage is not automatically guaranteed to travel on the same safari flight.

Depending on the airline, aircraft payload and available luggage space, additional baggage may need to be paid for in advance, carried subject to space availability or accommodated through another arrangement.

If you expect to travel with more than the confirmed allowance, please tell us before departure so that we can check the available options with the operating airline.

Travelling With Camera Equipment

Photographers should include cameras, lenses and other hand luggage when calculating the applicable total baggage allowance unless the confirmed airline provides a different arrangement.

If you are travelling with substantial photography equipment, tell us during the planning stage. This gives us an opportunity to check the airline's current baggage conditions and any available additional-baggage arrangements before tickets are issued.

Scheduled Flight Times & Routing

Safari flight schedules can be affected by operational requirements, weather, passenger loads and the number of airstrips served on a particular flight.

A scheduled safari flight may therefore make one or more intermediate stops before reaching your airstrip.

Final flight times and routings will be provided with your confirmed safari arrangements. We recommend keeping your programme flexible around flying days rather than planning time-sensitive activities immediately after a scheduled bush flight.

Important for International Flight Connections

Wilson Airport and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport are separate airports in Nairobi.

If your Masai Mara flight arrives at Wilson Airport and you have an international departure from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, additional transfer and connection time will be required.

Please provide your international flight details before booking a same-day connection so that the safari itinerary can be planned accordingly.

1. What is the 6-Day Samburu & Masai Mara Fly-In Safari?

This is a six-day Kenya safari combining two nights in the Samburu region and three nights in the Masai Mara, with scheduled bush flights used to reduce long road transfers.

The itinerary starts in Nairobi, flies to Samburu, continues to the Masai Mara and returns to Nairobi on Day 6. The safari combines northern Kenya's distinctive wildlife and landscapes with the classic savannah wildlife experience of the Masai Mara.

2. Where does the safari start and end?

The safari starts and ends in Nairobi, Kenya.

Scheduled safari flights normally operate through Wilson Airport, while international travellers commonly arrive and depart through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

If you require airport transfers, Nairobi accommodation or assistance connecting between airports, these arrangements should be confirmed as part of your personalised itinerary.

3. Are the domestic safari flights included?

Yes. The package includes the scheduled bush flights specified in your confirmed itinerary for the Nairobi–Samburu–Masai Mara–Nairobi safari routing.

The exact airlines, departure times, airstrips and routing will be confirmed according to availability and the flight schedules operating on your travel dates.

4. Is the Samburu to Masai Mara flight direct?

Not necessarily.

Scheduled safari flight routings can vary according to the airline, travel date and operating schedule. Some services may involve intermediate airstrip stops or a connection rather than operating as a nonstop Samburu–Masai Mara flight.

Your confirmed safari documents will show the actual routing booked for your travel dates.

5. Are the game drives private or shared?

This depends on the accommodation and safari package selected.

Some fly-in lodges and tented camps operate shared game drives, where you join other guests from the property in a safari vehicle. A private 4×4 vehicle can also be arranged for travellers who prefer exclusive game drives and greater flexibility.

Your quotation will clearly state whether the included game drives are shared or private.

6. What wildlife can I see in Samburu?

Samburu is particularly known for the Samburu Special Five: Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx and Somali ostrich.

You may also encounter elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, antelopes and numerous bird species.

Wildlife is free-ranging, so individual sightings cannot be guaranteed.

7. What wildlife can I see in the Masai Mara?

The Masai Mara supports a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, hippos, antelopes and many bird species.

The Mara is particularly rewarding for big-cat viewing and classic East African savannah wildlife, although sightings depend on natural wildlife movements and conditions during your visit.

8. Can I see the Big Five on this safari?

There are opportunities to see several members of the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino – during a Kenya safari, but seeing all five cannot be guaranteed.

Rhino should not be considered the main wildlife focus of this particular Samburu and Masai Mara itinerary.

If seeing rhinos is one of your highest priorities, ask about combining Ol Pejeta Conservancy and the Masai Mara instead.

9. Can I see the Great Migration on this safari?

Seasonal Great Migration activity may be present in the greater Masai Mara ecosystem from approximately July to October, but the exact timing varies from year to year.

Wildebeest and zebra movements are influenced by rainfall, grazing conditions and other natural factors.

If the Great Migration is your main reason for travelling, let us know when planning the safari so that the dates and accommodation area can be selected with the seasonal migration pattern in mind.

10. Are Mara River crossings guaranteed?

No.

Mara River crossings are natural and unpredictable wildlife events. Even when large wildebeest and zebra herds are present near the river, it is impossible to guarantee that a crossing will occur during a particular game drive or on a specific day.

Spending several nights in the Masai Mara provides more wildlife-viewing flexibility, but it still cannot guarantee a river crossing.

11. What is the best time for this safari?

The safari operates throughout the year.

January to March can be excellent for general wildlife viewing, while June to October generally offers drier safari conditions. Approximately July to October is the main period associated with seasonal Great Migration activity in the Masai Mara.

April and May can provide greener landscapes, seasonal rainfall and fewer visitors.

The best month depends on whether your priority is general wildlife, migration activity, photography, fewer visitors or safari cost.

12. How much luggage can I take on the safari flights?

Baggage allowances depend on the airline operating your confirmed safari flights.

Many scheduled safari flights use smaller aircraft with strict luggage restrictions, and an allowance of around 15 kg / 33 lb per person including hand luggage is common. Soft-sided bags are also commonly required.

Your final safari documents will state the exact baggage allowance and luggage conditions applicable to the airline booked for your trip.

If you are travelling with substantial camera equipment or additional luggage, tell us before the flights are booked.

13. What accommodation is included?

The safari includes five nights of accommodation: two nights in the Samburu region and three nights in the Masai Mara.

Accommodation can be arranged at Value / Standard, Mid-Range, Luxury or Premium Luxury level according to your travel dates, preferences and budget.

The exact lodges or tented camps will be stated in your quotation before you confirm the safari.

14. What does the “From USD 2,650 per person” price mean?

The advertised starting price represents the lowest applicable package rate based on the stated accommodation level, season and travellers sharing accommodation.

Your actual safari price depends on your travel dates, selected lodges or camps, scheduled flight fares, park or conservation fees, game-drive arrangements and number of travellers.

We will provide a personalised quotation showing the exact accommodation and services included before you book.

15. Is this safari suitable for families and children?

Yes, the itinerary can be arranged for families.

However, children's rates and accommodation arrangements depend on their ages, room configuration, selected properties and airline or park policies.

When requesting a family quotation, provide the number of adults, number of children and each child's age so that the correct arrangements and rates can be calculated.

16. Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

Vegetarian and other dietary requirements can usually be accommodated by safari lodges and tented camps when advance notice is provided.

Please tell us about any dietary requirements when confirming your safari so that they can be communicated to the selected properties.

Travellers with serious allergies or specific medical dietary requirements should also discuss their needs directly with the relevant qualified professionals and ensure the safari operator is informed in advance.

17. Can I add a hot-air balloon safari?

Yes. An optional Masai Mara hot-air balloon safari can be added at additional cost, subject to availability and operating conditions.

Balloon safaris normally depart early in the morning, so the activity should be incorporated into the itinerary in advance rather than arranged at the last minute.

18. Can I extend the safari?

Yes.

You can add extra nights in Samburu or the Masai Mara or combine the safari with other Kenya destinations.

Travellers looking for a safari-and-beach holiday can also continue to the Kenyan coast after the Masai Mara. Tell us how many additional days you have available and we can recommend a suitable extension.

19. Can I fly internationally from Nairobi on Day 6?

Possibly, but the international departure time needs to be checked carefully.

Safari flights from the Masai Mara normally arrive at Wilson Airport, while most international flights depart from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. These are separate airports, and sufficient time must be allowed for the transfer, traffic, check-in and possible safari-flight delays.

Send us your international flight details before confirming a same-day connection so that we can advise whether the proposed timing is practical.

20. How do I book this safari?

Send us your travel dates, number of travellers, children's ages if applicable and preferred accommodation level.

We will then prepare a personalised quotation showing the proposed accommodation, scheduled flights, game-drive arrangements, inclusions and total safari price.

Once you are satisfied with the arrangements, the booking and payment requirements will be provided with your safari confirmation.

A successful Samburu and Masai Mara safari is not simply about visiting two famous wildlife destinations. The experience depends on how your time is divided, where you stay, how flights connect and how game drives are adapted to wildlife conditions each day.

Here are some of the practical considerations we use when planning this six-day fly-in itinerary.

What We Look for in Samburu

In Samburu, we do not recommend concentrating only on finding the Special Five as quickly as possible.

The wider experience includes elephants, predators, birdlife and the relationship between wildlife and the Ewaso Nyiro ecosystem. Different habitats can produce different sightings, so game-drive routes should remain flexible rather than following exactly the same circuit each day.

For photographers, Samburu also provides an important visual contrast with the Masai Mara. The drier northern landscape and distinctive species make the first part of the safari feel very different from the open grasslands encountered later.

Why We Keep Two Full Wildlife Days in the Masai Mara

Having two substantial wildlife-viewing days in the Masai Mara is one of the strengths of this itinerary.

We recommend avoiding the temptation to cover every part of the Mara on the first full day. Wildlife viewing is often better when your guide can respond to recent sightings and spend meaningful time with interesting animal behaviour rather than constantly moving between locations.

The second full day then provides flexibility to explore another area, return to promising wildlife locations or concentrate on particular interests such as big cats or photography.

When Is an Extra Night Worth Adding?

If your schedule allows seven days instead of six, an additional night can be worthwhile.

Add the extra night in Samburu if your priorities are the Special Five, elephants, birdlife, northern Kenya landscapes or wildlife photography.

Add it in the Masai Mara if your priorities are predators, extensive game viewing, photography or seasonal Great Migration activity.

For most first-time travellers with six days available, however, two nights in Samburu and three nights in the Masai Mara provides a practical balance.

Fly-In Safari or Road Safari – Which Is Better?

Neither option is automatically better for every traveller.

A fly-in safari is particularly useful when time is limited and you want to combine destinations separated by long driving distances. It reduces time spent on major road transfers and can create a more relaxed itinerary.

A road safari can be preferable if you want to see more of the country between destinations, have more luggage, include additional stops along the route or keep transport costs lower.

For a six-day itinerary focused specifically on Samburu and the Masai Mara, flying is particularly attractive because of the distance between the two wildlife regions.

Do Not Plan the Safari Around a Guaranteed River Crossing

If you travel during the Great Migration season, avoid planning the entire safari around seeing a Mara River crossing.

Wildebeest and zebra do not cross according to a timetable. Herds can gather near a crossing point and move away, remain in an area for an extended period or cross at a time when you are elsewhere in the ecosystem.

We recommend treating a river crossing as a possible highlight rather than the measure of whether your safari was successful.

The Masai Mara offers excellent wildlife viewing beyond the migration, including resident predators, elephants and plains game.

Choose Camp Location as Carefully as Accommodation Category

A more expensive room does not automatically mean a better safari for every traveller.

When comparing accommodation, consider location, access to game-viewing areas, transfer time from the airstrip, included activities and game-drive arrangements alongside room quality.

For wildlife-focused travellers, a well-located camp that suits the intended game-drive area can sometimes be more valuable than upgrading primarily for additional room facilities.

Ask Whether Game Drives Are Shared or Private

This is one of the most important questions to ask when comparing fly-in safari quotations.

Many safari camps operate shared game drives for their guests. This can work very well, but the day's programme must consider the interests of everyone sharing the vehicle.

A private vehicle provides more control over departure times, photography stops and how long you remain at particular sightings.

Neither arrangement is necessarily wrong; the important point is knowing which one your quotation includes before comparing prices.

Tell Us Your Priorities Before We Choose the Camps

The best accommodation combination depends on what you want from the safari.

A honeymoon couple may prioritise privacy and atmosphere. A photographer may care more about vehicle arrangements and wildlife access. A family may prioritise room configuration, meal flexibility and shorter transfers.

When requesting a quotation, tell us whether your main priority is wildlife, photography, migration activity, accommodation, privacy, family comfort or overall safari value. We can then recommend camps and safari arrangements that better match the way you want to travel.

The following feedback comes from travellers who have experienced East Africa safaris arranged by our team. Individual itineraries, accommodation and wildlife experiences vary according to the safari booked, travel dates and local conditions.

James & Rebecca Thompson – United Kingdom

Travel Month: September 2025
Group Type: Couple
Safari Highlights: Samburu Special Five, Big Five Sightings, Scenic Flights

"Our 6 Days Samburu & Masai Mara Fly-In Safari exceeded every expectation. The flights were smooth and saved us so much travel time. Samburu was unlike anywhere we had visited before, and the Masai Mara delivered incredible lion and cheetah sightings. Everything was perfectly organized from start to finish."

Rajesh Patel & Family – India

Travel Month: August 2025
Group Type: Family Safari
Safari Highlights: Great Migration, Family-Friendly Lodges, Elephant Herds

"East Africa Jungle handled every detail professionally. We witnessed thousands of wildebeest crossing the Mara River and saw elephants almost every day. The accommodations were excellent, and our children loved every game drive. This was truly the trip of a lifetime."

Michael Anderson – United States

Travel Month: February 2025
Group Type: Solo Traveler
Safari Highlights: Leopard Sightings, Samburu Special Five, Photography

"As a wildlife photographer, this safari was exactly what I was looking for. Samburu provided unique species I had never photographed before, while the Masai Mara offered incredible predator action. The guides were knowledgeable and always positioned us perfectly for photography."

Sophie & Daniel Martin – France

Travel Month: July 2025
Group Type: Honeymoon Couple
Safari Highlights: Luxury Camps, Balloon Safari, Great Migration

"We chose this safari for our honeymoon and could not have made a better decision. The combination of Samburu and the Masai Mara was perfect. The balloon safari over the Mara was unforgettable, and the service throughout the trip was exceptional."

Ahmed & Noor Al-Mansoori – United Arab Emirates

Travel Month: January 2025
Group Type: Couple
Safari Highlights: Big Five, Scenic Flights, Luxury Accommodation

"The fly-in option made the entire safari comfortable and stress-free. We saw lions, elephants, leopards, and countless other animals. The lodges were beautiful, the food was excellent, and East Africa Jungle's team ensured everything ran smoothly."

Priya Sharma & Friends – India

Travel Month: October 2025
Group Type: Friends Safari
Safari Highlights: Great Migration, Cheetah Sightings, Cultural Experience

"This safari gave us the best of Kenya. Samburu was peaceful and authentic, while the Masai Mara was full of wildlife activity. We were lucky enough to witness a river crossing and several cheetah hunts. Every day brought a new adventure."

A fly-in safari involves more than reserving accommodation. Scheduled flights, airstrip transfers, game-drive arrangements, park or conservancy fees and lodge availability all need to work together as one itinerary.

Kenya-Based Safari Planning

East Africa Jungle plans safari itineraries from within East Africa, with practical knowledge of Kenya's major wildlife destinations, safari routes and travel logistics.

For this itinerary, we coordinate the journey between Nairobi, Samburu and the Masai Mara so that the flights, accommodation, transfers and game drives work together.

Coordinated Safari Flights & Transfers

We arrange the scheduled safari flights included in your confirmed itinerary and coordinate the relevant airstrip transfers with your selected camps or lodges.

Because bush-flight schedules and routings can vary, your final travel documents will show the confirmed flight details rather than relying on a generic timetable published on the safari page.

Accommodation Selected Around Your Priorities

We do not recommend the same accommodation combination for every traveller.

Your proposed Samburu and Masai Mara camps or lodges can be selected according to your travel dates, budget, preferred comfort level, wildlife interests and availability.

The exact accommodation will be shown in your quotation before you confirm the safari.

Clear Private or Shared Game-Drive Arrangements

Fly-in safari quotations can differ significantly depending on whether game drives are shared with other lodge guests or operated with a private vehicle.

Your quotation will clearly state the game-drive arrangement included in your safari.

If you prefer a private vehicle for photography, family travel or greater flexibility, we can include this when preparing your itinerary.

Clear Safari Inclusions & Pricing

Your personalised quotation will show the services included in the safari, such as accommodation, scheduled flights, game drives, applicable park or conservation fees, meals and transfers.

Optional experiences and services not included in the package are identified separately so that you can understand the safari cost before confirming your booking.

Support Before and During Your Safari

Our team assists with safari planning before arrival and remains available for operational support during your journey.

Before travel, we provide the confirmed itinerary and relevant safari information, including accommodation, flight arrangements and other services included in your booking.

If an operational change affects a scheduled flight, transfer or accommodation arrangement, our team works with the relevant service providers to assist with the next practical steps.

Planning a Longer East Africa Journey?

This six-day itinerary can also form part of a longer East Africa holiday.

Depending on your available time, we can help combine Samburu and the Masai Mara with other safari destinations or a beach extension after your wildlife safari.

Tell us your total number of travel days and priorities, and we can advise whether extending this itinerary or choosing a different safari route would work better.

Looking for a Shorter Samburu Safari?

If you want to concentrate on northern Kenya without continuing to the Masai Mara, our 3-Day Samburu Fly-In Safari offers a shorter flight-based itinerary from Nairobi.

Ready to explore Samburu and the Masai Mara by air?

Send us your travel dates, number of travellers, children's ages if applicable, preferred accommodation level and whether you would like private or shared game drives.

We will prepare a personalised safari quotation showing the proposed lodges or tented camps, scheduled bush flights, game-drive arrangements, applicable park or conservation fees and the services included in your itinerary.

Travelling during July to October? Accommodation and scheduled safari flights can have more limited availability during this popular travel period, so planning earlier can provide a wider choice of camps and flight arrangements.

WhatsApp: +254 728 567308
Email: sales@eastafricajungle.com

Not Sure Which Safari Level to Choose?

Tell us your approximate budget and what matters most to you – wildlife, photography, migration activity, accommodation, privacy, family comfort or overall value – and we will recommend the most suitable option for your travel dates.

This 6-Day Samburu & Masai Mara Fly-In Safari has been reviewed for itinerary practicality, wildlife information, seasonal guidance, scheduled-flight considerations and clarity of the services included in the safari.

Particular attention has been given to the flight-based routing between Nairobi, Samburu and the Masai Mara, including the possibility of intermediate stops or connections depending on the scheduled airline service.

The wildlife information has also been reviewed to distinguish between expected safari opportunities and guaranteed sightings. Wildlife movements, Great Migration timing and Mara River crossings remain natural events and cannot be guaranteed.

Safari prices, accommodation availability, park or conservation fees and scheduled flight arrangements can change. Travellers therefore receive a personalised quotation based on their actual travel dates before confirming the safari.

Reviewed by: John Peter
Role: East Africa Safari Consultant
Safari-planning experience: 16+ years
Last reviewed: August 2026

Packing light is particularly important for a fly-in safari because small safari aircraft have stricter baggage limitations than international flights. Choose practical clothing that works for both Samburu's warmer, drier environment and the cooler early mornings and evenings you may experience in the Masai Mara.

Safari Clothing

Pack lightweight, comfortable clothing that can be worn in layers:

• Lightweight shirts or T-shirts

• Comfortable safari trousers

• One or two long-sleeved shirts

• Light fleece, sweater or jacket for early mornings

• Lightweight rain jacket, particularly during wetter months

• Comfortable closed walking shoes

• Sandals or casual shoes for the lodge or camp

• Hat or cap for sun protection

• Swimwear if your selected accommodation has a swimming pool

Neutral colours such as khaki, beige, brown, grey and olive green are practical for safari travel.

You do not need a completely new safari wardrobe. Comfortable, lightweight clothing that can be layered is normally sufficient.

Sun & Personal Essentials

Samburu can be hot and exposed during the day, while long game drives also mean spending considerable time outdoors.

Useful personal items include:

• Sunglasses

• Sunscreen

• Lip balm

• Insect repellent

• Reusable water bottle

• Personal toiletries

• Any personal medication you normally require

Camera & Safari Equipment

For wildlife viewing and photography, consider bringing:

• Camera or smartphone

• Suitable wildlife lens if photography is a priority

• Spare batteries

• Extra memory cards

• Binoculars

• Power bank

• Charging cables

• Travel adapter

Remember that photography equipment normally forms part of your flight baggage allowance unless the operating airline confirms otherwise.

If you are travelling with substantial camera equipment, tell us before your safari flights are booked so that the applicable baggage arrangements can be checked.

Travel Documents

Keep important travel documents accessible during your journey, including:

• Valid passport

• Kenya entry authorisation or other required entry documentation, where applicable

• International and domestic flight information

• Safari confirmation or travel vouchers

• Travel insurance details

• Emergency contact information

Entry requirements depend on nationality and individual circumstances and can change. Before travelling, check the latest requirements through the official Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation website.

Pack for Cool Mornings and Warm Afternoons

Safari temperatures can change considerably during the day.

Early-morning game drives may feel cool, particularly in the Masai Mara, while daytime temperatures can become considerably warmer. Dressing in layers allows you to remove clothing as temperatures rise.

A light fleece or jacket is therefore useful even when travelling during generally warm months.

What Not to Bring

Avoid unnecessary heavy or bulky luggage because of the limited baggage capacity on safari aircraft.

Large rigid suitcases should also be avoided when the operating airline requires soft-sided baggage.

Expensive jewellery and other unnecessary valuables are best left at home.

Fly-In Safari Packing Tip

For this itinerary, pack light and use a soft-sided travel bag whenever required by your confirmed airline.

Your final safari information will state the applicable baggage allowance and luggage requirements for the scheduled flights included in your booking.