Guests riding camels led by a Samburu guide across a shallow river at Sasaab

Sample journey · Kenya · 9 days

The north and the Mara.

Nine days from the dry river country of Samburu to the grasslands of a Maasai Mara conservancy.

Begin a conversation See the day-by-day
Photo: The Safari Collection Scroll

The idea

The idea

Two very different Kenyas in one journey: the dry river country of the north, then the open plains of the Mara. Four nights in each, so there is time to settle in. This is one way we might shape nine days in Kenya.

At each stop you choose where to stay. Two complete combinations, with approximate prices, are shown further down the page. Every route, camp and flight is planned around you, and is confirmed only when your proposal is final and your deposit has arrived.

Length9 days, 8 nights
RouteNairobi, Samburu, the Maasai Mara conservancies
PaceFour nights, then four, with one move
Getting aroundLight aircraft throughout
Best timeJune to October, mid-December to March
SuitsCouples, families (ages vary by camp)

Day by day

Two stops, nine days.

01 · Samburu · 4 nights

River country in the north.

  1. Day 1

    North to Samburu.

    A scheduled light aircraft from Wilson Airport to the airstrip for your camp, then a short drive. An evening game drive.

  2. Day 2

    Northern species.

    Game drives in the conservancy, home to reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra and beisa oryx, and from Sasaab or Saruni Samburu a half or full day in Samburu National Reserve.

  3. Day 3

    On foot.

    A guided bush walk, a camel ride at Sasaab or a horseback safari at Sarara, and a visit to a Samburu village. A night drive after dinner where your camp offers it.

  4. Day 4

    Your choice.

    A guided climb of Mount Ololokwe from Sasaab, the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary from Saruni Samburu or Sarara, or a slower day by the pool.

StaySasaab, Saruni Samburu or Sarara Camp

  • Elephants crossing a wide river below a plunge pool, with mountains behind, at SasaabPhoto: The Safari Collection
  • Aerial view of thatched buildings, a tent and a pool on a bushy ridge above a river at SasaabPhoto: The Safari Collection
  • Four-poster bed under a canvas roof, with a desk and a plunge pool outside at SasaabPhoto: The Safari Collection
  • Red-roofed villas built among boulders on a rocky hillside at Saruni SamburuPhoto: Saruni Basecamp
  • Bed with a mosquito net and leather cushions beside a deck looking over hills at Saruni SamburuPhoto: Saruni Basecamp
  • Elephants and calves drinking at rocky waterholes among green bush at Sarara CampPhoto: Sarara
  • Tent bedroom with leather armchairs, opening onto a veranda with mountain views at Sarara CampPhoto: Sarara
01 / 07

Where to stay · one of three

Choose one camp for all four nights.

Aerial view of thatched buildings, a tent and a pool on a bushy ridge above a river at SasaabPhoto: The Safari CollectionOption 1
Westgate Community Conservancy

Sasaab

Fly to Sasaab airstrip

Why choose itEleven tented suites, each with a plunge pool, on a ridge above a river valley. Day and night drives, walks, camel rides and village visits, with Samburu National Reserve about 25 minutes away.

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Red-roofed villas built among boulders on a rocky hillside at Saruni SamburuPhoto: Saruni BasecampOption 2
Kalama Conservancy

Saruni Samburu

Fly to Kalama airstrip

Why choose itStone villas built into a rock face above northern Kenya, with day and night drives, a photographic hide, two pools and two-bedroom family villas. Samburu National Reserve is within reach for the day.

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Elephants and calves drinking at rocky waterholes among green bush at Sarara CampPhoto: SararaOption 3
Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, Mathews Range

Sarara Camp

Why choose itSix tents in acacia and juniper forest in the Mathews Range, with a pool. Walks, horseback safaris, fly camping and visits to the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, where orphaned elephants are raised by the community.

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02 · The Maasai Mara conservancies · 4 nights

Private conservancies of the Mara.

  1. Day 5

    To the Mara.

    A scheduled light aircraft from Samburu to the Maasai Mara, about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours with stops. From 1 April to 15 June, and 1 November to 15 December, it may route via Nairobi. Then a short drive from the airstrip to your camp.

  2. Day 6

    With your camp’s guides.

    Game drives across unfenced conservancy bordering the national reserve, where vehicle numbers are kept low. Kicheche Mara North adds a guided bush walk; Mara Plains Camp follows no fixed schedule, so drives can run as long as you like.

  3. Day 7

    A day further out.

    A night of wild camping from Kicheche Mara North, a visit to the Mara Elephant Project, or a full day in the national reserve with a picnic.

  4. Day 8

    Your choice.

    Another full day on the plains, or a slower day in camp. A balloon safari can be added as an optional extra.

  5. Day 9

    Home.

    A last morning drive, then a light aircraft to Wilson Airport, timed for your onward flight.

StayKicheche Mara North or Mara Plains Camp

  • Aerial view of Kicheche Mara North tents among trees beside a winding stream, with hills on the horizonPhoto: Kicheche Safari Camps
  • Twin beds with red cushions, a daybed and a writing desk inside a tent at Kicheche Mara NorthPhoto: Kicheche Safari Camps
  • Two staff members holding trays on a rope suspension bridge among trees at Mara Plains CampPhoto: Great Plains Conservation
  • Canvas suite at Mara Plains Camp with leather armchairs, a writing desk and a deck opening into green treesPhoto: Great Plains Conservation
  • Tent interior with a bed and dining table, opening onto a deck facing green plains at Kicheche Mara NorthPhoto: Kicheche Safari Camps
01 / 05

Where to stay · one of two

Choose one camp for all four nights.

Aerial view of Kicheche Mara North tents among trees beside a winding stream, with hills on the horizonPhoto: Kicheche Safari CampsOption 1
Mara North Conservancy

Kicheche Mara North

Fly to Mara North airstrip

Why choose itNine tents and a two-bedroom family suite above a stream, run on solar power. Kicheche’s own guides drive the unfenced conservancy beside the national reserve, and bush walks and a night of wild camping are part of the stay.

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Two staff members holding trays on a rope suspension bridge among trees at Mara Plains CampPhoto: Great Plains ConservationOption 2
Olare Motorogi Conservancy

Mara Plains Camp

Fly to Olare Motorogi airstrip

Why choose itSeven canvas suites on raised decks in riverine forest, with copper baths and wood-burning stoves. Vehicle numbers are kept low, and drives in the conservancy and the national reserve follow no fixed schedule.

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Inspired? Let’s begin crafting a journey specifically around you.

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Pricing guide

Two ways to take this journey.

The price depends on the camps you choose. These two combinations show one camp from each stop; the second goes further north, to Sarara in the Mathews Range. Both prices are approximate.

Approximate all-inclusive, high season prices per person for the whole journey, including everything listed under What is included. We prepare an exact quote when your proposal is finalised, based on your dates, the stays you choose and the size of your group.

When to go

Timing this journey.

High seasonSource: Kenya Wildlife Service
Long rainsSource: Kenya Wildlife Service
Migration on the Kenyan side, typicallyNever certain; it moves with the rains
Kicheche Mara North closed1 April to 23 May 2026

The Kenya Wildlife Service calls July to March the high season, and April to June the long rains. Kicheche Mara North is closed from 1 April to 23 May 2026.

In the Mara, the wildebeest migration typically reaches the Kenyan side between July and October. It moves with the rains, so it is never certain.

Good to know

Before you decide.

Soft bags, 15 kg.

Safarilink and AirKenya allow 15 kg per person, hand luggage included, in soft bags.

Flight times move.

Light aircraft stop at several airstrips on the way, so times can shift by up to 40 to 45 minutes.

Ages differ by camp.

Sasaab adapts its activities to children’s ages, and at Kicheche families with children under 7 book a private vehicle. We check each camp’s age guidelines for your party.

Wildlife is wild.

Animals move freely, and no sighting can be promised. Your guide will read the land and the season for you.

Nothing is fixed until confirmed.

Flights, rooms and activities depend on availability when you book, and are held only once your proposal is final.

Shaped around you.

The length, the camps and the nights in each can all change, and the coast can be added at the end.

Additional details

What is included.

Included

  • All transport within Kenya, including light aircraft flights
  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • Game drives
  • Park and conservancy fees

Not included

  • Long-haul flights
  • Beverages
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas
  • Optional activities such as balloon safaris

Booking terms are on How we plan: a 30% deposit to confirm, with the balance due 60 days before departure.

Dirt vehicle tracks through Maasai Mara grassland, with topi and impala grazing among the bushes

Africa, Private & Personal

Would a journey like this suit you?

Tell us who is travelling and when, and we will shape it around you.

Begin a conversation Message us on WhatsApp
Email
enquiries@etanasafaris.com
Phone & WhatsApp
+254 795 887765
Office
The Piano Building, Brookside Drive, Nairobi
Your enquiry is answered personally by the family.
Photo: Shafiq Jagani, Maasai Mara
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