Kenya Safari 2026

Kenya Safari 2026

Kenya Adventure

Day 1 | Arriving in Kenya & First Safari Experiences

My Kenya adventure began with a direct Kenya Airways flight from London Heathrow into Nairobi. There’s always something special about arriving in Kenya, knowing that incredible wildlife encounters are just around the corner.

After landing, we wasted no time heading straight out on safari. Our first stop was Nairobi National Park, one of the most unique wildlife destinations in the world. Seeing giraffes, rhinos, and zebras grazing against the backdrop of Nairobi’s skyline was an unforgettable introduction to the country. It’s hard to believe that such incredible wildlife exists just minutes from a major capital city.

One of the highlights of the day was visiting the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for the orphaned elephant feeding session. Watching the baby elephants come charging in for their bottles of milk before enthusiastically rolling around in the mud was a moment none of us will forget. The work the Trust does to rescue, rehabilitate and eventually return elephants and rhinos to the wild is truly inspiring.

Lunch was enjoyed at the beautiful Karen Blixen Coffee Garden, a tranquil oasis tucked away in the leafy suburbs of Nairobi. It was the perfect place to relax and reflect on an action-packed morning.

After such an exciting first day, we checked into Ole Sereni Hotel and settled in for an early night ahead of the journey north.

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Day 2 | Nairobi to Buffalo Springs National Reserve

Today we swapped Nairobi‘s city skyline for the rugged wilderness of northern Kenya as we travelled towards Samburu.

The day started with breakfast overlooking Nairobi National Park at Ole Sereni before setting off at7 amm with our fantastic driver-guide, Dan, who would be accompanying us throughout the journey.

Arriving at Surana Buffalo Springs in time for lunch, we immediately fell in love with the property. With only 17 luxury tented suites, each featuring its own private plunge pool, it offers an intimate and exclusive safari experience in the heart of Samburu country.

Later in the afternoon, we headed into Buffalo Springs National Reserve in search of the famous "Samburu Special Five" - Grevy‘s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, gerenuk and Somali ostrich. These fascinating species are unique to northern Kenya and aren't typically seen in the south of the country.

As the African sun began to set, we enjoyed sundowners overlooking the reserve, watching the landscape glow golden as another memorable day came to an end. Dinner under the stars rounded off our first evening in Samburu.

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Day 3 | Exploring Samburu

Today was dedicated to discovering more of Samburu’s spectacular landscapes and some of its most impressive safari camps.

The morning began in truly special fashion with a bush breakfast arranged by Surana Mara Camp. Enjoying fresh coffee and breakfast beneath the acacia trees while the reserve slowly came to life around us was pure safari magic.

Our next stop was Soroi Larsen's Camp, beautifully positioned along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River. During our site inspection and lunch, we watched wildlife coming down to the river to drink, creating a wonderfully authentic safari atmosphere.

In the afternoon, we visited Elephant Bedroom Camp, aptly named thanks to the elephants that frequently wander through the camp itself. It was easy to see why this intimate property remains a favourite among safari travellers.

A late afternoon game drive through the reserve brought us back towards Buffalo Springs, where we checked into Ashnil Samburu Camp for the evening. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we reflected on another incredible day immersed in the wild beauty of northern Kenya.

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Day 4 | Samburu to Lake Naivasha

Today we said goodbye to Samburu and began the long journey south towards the shores of Lake Naivasha.

After breakfast at Ashnil Samburu Camp, we set off with Dan behind the wheel for one of Kenya’s most scenic drives. Along the way, we stopped at the Equator near Nyahururu, marking our crossing from one hemisphere to the other.

Arriving at Lake Naivasha brought a complete change of scenery. Swapping dusty plains for sparkling water, we enjoyed a relaxing boat trip across the lake, passing pods of hippos resting in the shallows while fish eagles soared overhead. The peaceful atmosphere provided a welcome contrast to days spent tracking wildlife across the savannah.

Later, we checked into Enashipai Resort & Spa, beautifully positioned on the shores of the lake. Meaning "a state of happiness" in the Maa language, the name felt entirely appropriate after such a rewarding day of travel and exploration.

With lake views, comfortable surroundings and a slower pace, it was the perfect place to unwind for the evening.

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Day 5 | Journey to the Maasai Mara

Today we headed towards one of the world's most iconic safari destinations, the legendary Maasai Mara.

After breakfast at Enashipai Resort & Spa, we travelled west through the breathtaking landscapes of the Great Rift Valley before continuinn towards the Mara.

Our first stop was Sarova Mara Camp for a site inspection and lunch, providing a great opportunity to experience another of the region's popular safari properties.

Later, we visited the spectacular JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, where luxury blends seamlessly with the surrounding wilderness. Exploring the lodge and its facilities offered a fascinating insight into the continually evolving luxury safari market in Kenya.

As afternoon turned to evening, we arrived at Surana Mara Camp, our home for the next stage of the adventure. Set above the Mara River, the riverfront suites offer stunning views across the landscape and a real sense of connection with nature.

To end the day, we gathered for sundowners overlooking the plains, drinks in hand as the sun slowly disappeared beneath the horizon. It was one of those classic African safari moments that reminds you exactly why the Maasai Mara is considered one of the greatest wildlife destinations on Earth.

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Rebecca Germano

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