Day 1

Kenya

10-Day Meru, Samburu & Maasai Mara Safari

Meru National Park, one of Kenya's least visited great parks, joined with Samburu and three nights on the plains of the Maasai Mara.

Duration10 days9 nights

From$9,400per person, estimated

Request this safari Book online

Trip overview

A tailor made circuit that opens with three nights in Meru, a park of rivers and doum palms far quieter than the classic circuit, before continuing to Samburu and closing with three nights at an exclusive concession beside the Maasai Mara.

CountryKenyaKenya

Duration10 days9 nights

ArrangementYour own vehicle

Starts & endsNairobi

Itinerary10 daysDay by day below

Best timeJun – Oct

From$9,400per person, estimated

How this price works. Per person sharing, in US dollars. An indicative starting price: your exact rate is quoted for your dates and party size, subject to availability. All prices shown are estimates. Your final price is confirmed in your written quote. Payment and cancellation terms

Map route

Route overview

Nairobi Day 1 · 1 night

Meru Days 2 to 5 · 3 nights

Samburu Days 5 to 7 · 2 nights

Maasai Mara Days 7 to 10 · 3 nights

Nairobi Day 10 · Ends here

Wildlife you are likely to see

Elephant Buffalo Grevy's zebra Lion Reticulated giraffe Black rhino

Solid tone means often seen on this route. Outline means possible, and worth the patience. Sightings vary with season and luck, and nothing wild is guaranteed.

Best months to travel

Best Quieter Green season

Book this safari Enquire Go to the day by day itinerary

Go to the day by day itinerary

Photos

Photos from this route

Itinerary

Day by day itinerary

Each day lists the route, the meals included and the lodge for that night. Lodges are as proposed for your dates and are confirmed by name in your written confirmation.

Main transfers on this trip

Day 2: Nairobi to Meru: Scheduled flight, as set out in the day below
Day 5: Meru to Samburu: Scheduled flight, as set out in the day below
Day 7: Samburu to the Maasai Mara: Scheduled flight, as set out in the day below
Day 10: Maasai Mara to Nairobi: Scheduled flight, as set out in the day below

Road times are estimates without game drives or stops. Traffic, weather, road works and border queues can add time, and your guide plans comfort breaks along the way. Flight times depend on the airline schedule for your date.

Nairobi

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi

A dedicated transfer meets the flight into Nairobi, and after a tailor made lunch, the afternoon goes to the Giraffe Centre, where the endangered Rothschild's giraffe lean down to the raised platform to be fed at eye level. It is a gentle, cheerful start to the safari, and a reminder of how close conservation work is to the city.

The rest of the evening is free at the hotel.

Dedicated arrival transferGiraffe Centre

Accommodation

One night

8 photos Hemingways Nairobi Karen, Nairobi Hotel · 8 photos View lodge & photosClose

Hemingways Nairobi is a boutique hotel in Karen, the leafy and peaceful suburb on the south-western side of Kenya’s capital, and the flagship of the Hemingways Collection. Its 45 suites are set in manicured gardens, and many look out towards the Ngong Hills. Interiors draw on Kenyan heritage, and the suite styles run from deluxe […]

One night in Nairobi, at a property such as Hemingways Nairobi. The exact hotel is confirmed with the final itinerary.

Nairobi to Meru

Day 2: Nairobi to Meru National Park

A flight from Wilson Airport heads north east to Meru National Park, a park of rivers, springs and doum palms, and far quieter than anywhere on Kenya's classic circuit. This is the country where Joy and George Adamson raised Elsa the lioness, the story told in Born Free.

Lunch is taken on arrival, and the rest of the day is left free, with the view over the plains from the lodge doing most of the work.

Scheduled flightAfternoon at leisure

Day 22 photos

Open country in Meru National Park

Wildlife on the Meru plains

Accommodation

Night 1 of 3

8 photos Elewana Elsa’s Kopje Meru Mughwango Hill, Meru National Park Tented camp · 8 photos View lodge & photosClose

Elewana Elsa’s Kopje is built into the rocky crags of Mughwango Hill in Meru National Park, just above the site of George Adamson’s original camp. The lodge takes its name from Elsa, the lioness made famous by Joy and George Adamson in Born Free, and the story is still part of the area’s history. Nine […]

Night 1 of 3 in Meru National Park, at a property such as Elsa's Kopje. The exact lodge is confirmed with the final itinerary.

Meru

Day 3: Full Day in Meru

Meru is fed by more than a dozen rivers running down from the Nyambene Hills, and the first full day follows them: through palm groves and riverine forest, across open grassland, and down to the banks where elephant and buffalo come to drink.

With so few other vehicles in the park, sightings here tend to be tailor made ones. Lion, cheetah and leopard are all present, and the park's rhino sanctuary holds both black and white rhino.

Morning and afternoon drives

Day 32 photos

Open country in Meru National Park

Wildlife on the Meru plains

Accommodation

Night 2 of 3

Same lodge as Day 2: Elewana Elsa’s Kopje Meru. See photos and details on Day 2.

A second night at the same property in Meru.

Meru

Day 4: Second Full Day in Meru

Meru's scenery is among the most varied of any Kenyan reserve, and the second full day sets out to see it: the dense bush of the north, the open plains of the south, and the Tana River along the southern boundary.

Drives run in the morning and afternoon, with the heat of the day spent at the lodge. The evening is the last in Meru.

Morning and afternoon drives

Day 42 photos

Open country in Meru National Park

Wildlife on the Meru plains

Accommodation

Night 3 of 3

Same lodge as Day 2: Elewana Elsa’s Kopje Meru. See photos and details on Day 2.

A third night at the same property in Meru.

Day 5: Meru to Samburu

A short flight west reaches Samburu, where the landscape turns to red earth, dry hills and the riverine forest of the Ewaso Ng'iro. The wildlife here is its own, with several species found nowhere in southern Kenya.

Lunch is at camp, and the afternoon game drive follows the river, where elephant are rarely far away.

Scheduled flightAfternoon game drive

Day 52 photos

Grevy's zebra on the reserve floor

Elephants along the Ewaso Ng'iro riverbed

Accommodation

Night 1 of 2

8 photos Elephant Bedroom Camp Ewaso Nyiro River, Samburu National Reserve Tented camp · 8 photos View lodge & photosClose

Elephant Bedroom Camp sits on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River inside Samburu National Reserve, in Kenya’s dry, rugged north. The camp is shaded by doum palms and other indigenous trees, and as its name suggests, elephants are regular visitors, with herds coming down to the river close to camp almost every day. It […]

Night 1 of 2 in Samburu, at a property such as Elephant Bedroom Camp. The exact lodge is confirmed with the final itinerary.

Samburu

Day 6: Full Day in Samburu

Early morning and late afternoon are Samburu's two cool windows, and the full day is timed around them. The reserve is home to species found only in Kenya's dry north: the Grevy's zebra, the reticulated giraffe, the Somali ostrich, the beisa oryx, and the gerenuk, which rises onto its hind legs to reach the leaves.

The Ewaso Ng'iro ties the day together, drawing lion, leopard and big elephant herds to its banks through the heat.

Morning and afternoon drivesNorthern specials

Day 62 photos

Grevy's zebra on the reserve floor

Elephants along the Ewaso Ng'iro riverbed

Accommodation

Night 2 of 2

Same lodge as Day 5: Elephant Bedroom Camp. See photos and details on Day 5.

A second night at the same property in Samburu.

Day 7: Samburu to the Maasai Mara

The flight south crosses the Great Rift Valley, with a long view down to the valley floor and its lakes, and lands at an exclusive concession bordering the Maasai Mara.

Being on conservancy land changes the experience: vehicle numbers are limited, sightings are rarely shared, and the grass and the herds stretch away toward the reserve with nothing in between. The rest of the day is spent settling into camp.

Scheduled flight across the Rift ValleyArrival

Day 72 photos

Open plains as far as the light goes

The migration crossing the plains in the Maasai Mara

The herds moving across open ground, vehicles at the tree line

Accommodation

Night 1 of 3

8 photos Cottar’s 1920s Camp Olderkesi Conservancy, bordering the Maasai Mara Tented camp · 8 photos View lodge & photosClose

Cottar’s 1920s Camp is a traditional, family-run safari camp in the tailor made Olderkesi Conservancy, which borders the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Guests have access both to the conservancy, with its savannah, riverine woodland and hills, and to the reserve itself, giving you both tailor made game viewing and the wildlife of the main reserve. […]

Night 1 of 3 at a Mara concession, at a property such as Cottar's 1920s Camp. The exact lodge is confirmed with the final itinerary.

Maasai Mara

Day 8: Full Day in the Maasai Mara

The first of two full days on the reserve and the conservancy land around it. Drives go out at dawn and again in the afternoon, following lion prides, cheetah and the great herds across the plains.

Between the two, the camp offers a quiet middle of the day, and after dark the sounds of the bush come close: hyena whooping in the distance, and sometimes the low call of a lion.

Morning and afternoon drives

Day 82 photos

Open plains as far as the light goes

The herds moving across open ground, vehicles at the tree line

Accommodation

Night 2 of 3

Same lodge as Day 7: Cottar’s 1920s Camp. See photos and details on Day 7.

A second night at the same property in the Maasai Mara.

Maasai Mara

Day 9: Second Full Day in the Maasai Mara

The second full day follows whatever the reserve offers that morning, with the guide free to range between the conservancy and the main reserve as the animals move.

In the migration months that can mean the great herds of wildebeest; in any month, the cats. The evening is the last in the bush.

Morning and afternoon drives

Day 92 photos

Open plains as far as the light goes

The herds moving across open ground, vehicles at the tree line

Accommodation

Night 3 of 3

Same lodge as Day 7: Cottar’s 1920s Camp. See photos and details on Day 7.

A third night at the same property in the Maasai Mara.

Maasai Mara to Nairobi

Day 10: Departure

A last game drive at first light, and then the flight back to Nairobi. Lunch is at a well known Nairobi restaurant, followed by a day room at a hotel such as Emara Ole Sereni, where there is time to rest and repack before the transfer to the airport.

Flight to NairobiDeparture

Accommodation

No overnight

8 photos Emara Ole Sereni Mombasa Road, Nairobi, bordering Nairobi National Park Hotel · 8 photos View lodge & photosClose

Emara Ole Sereni is a contemporary hotel just off Mombasa Road in Nairobi, set between Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Wilson Airport and right on the edge of Nairobi National Park. Opened in 2019 as the newer wing of the Ole Sereni complex, it offers 148 stylish, air-conditioned rooms and suites, some on the upper […]

No overnight. Day room at a property such as Emara Ole Sereni before the departure flight.

Price

Price and what is included

Written plainly so there are no surprises at the airport. Anything optional can be added to the quote before you pay.

Included

Already in the price you see.

All internal flights
Accommodation as specified
All meals as mentioned
Transfers and game drives
Park fees and entrance charges
Services of a professional guide

Not included

Budget for these separately.

International flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Personal expenses, including tips
Drinks and meals not mentioned
Optional activities and excursions

Reviews

What our guests say

      
   Volcan Tours & Travel
   8 Google reviews 
  Write a review 
  
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Eleftheria Kapoula 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our family had an absolutely incredible experience with Volcan Tours and Travel during our trip to Africa. Traveling with two young children (a 2 year old and a 6 year old) can sometimes be challenging, but thanks to their excellent organization and attention to detail everything went smoothly from beginning to end.
The entire trip was perfectly planned from the beautiful accommodations to the unforgettable safari experiences. Seeing the wildlife up close was truly magical and everything was arranged in a way that made it comfortable and enjoyable for our whole family.
A special mention to the amazing guides and drivers who were professional, friendly and wonderful with our children. They made us feel safe and welcome at all times and helped create memories that our family will cherish forever.
We are so grateful to the Volcan Tours and Travel team for organizing such a unique and unforgettable journey. We highly recommend them to anyone planning a trip to Africa, especially families traveling with young children!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Matias Agnolin 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an unforgettable safari visiting Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli, and everything was simply perfect from start to finish. The organization, the lodges, the guides — every detail was beyond expectations.

A very special thank you to Marion, who was incredibly kind, helpful, and always available. She took care of every detail, answered all my questions, and made sure everything went smoothly throughout the trip. Her dedication and warm attitude truly made the experience even better.

I couldn’t have asked for a better safari — the wildlife, landscapes, and people were amazing. I highly recommend this agency and would definitely book with them again.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Lydia Collett 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a brilliant time doing the day tour of Nairobi National Park, the Elephant Sanctuary & Giraffe centre with Anthony who was super friendly and informative about all the animals! It was a busy and tiring day but totally worth it!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   samuel davis 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you for making our first trip to Africa such an awesome experience, alway on time, knowledgeable and friendly, and for going the extra mile so we saw all of the "big five" animals on our safari.
Thanks Marion and Ben our guide and Driver.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Carleen Williams 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our tour guides were absolutely wonderful.  I can't say enough about the experience.  We definitely will be using their services when we do return to The Motherland. Blessings.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Márcio Santos 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I did a very good walking tour around Nairobi with Marion. She is kind, helpful and well-informed about the city.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Bonface Ngui 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Without doubt one of the favourite game park in Kenya(Amboseli Game Park)

Upon arrival we were warmly welcomed by Volcan Tour Guide Marion, our names were mentioned on the board and we felt welcomed and with such a friendly atmosphere we had a fantastic start! The guide and tour was extremely good, very flexible and for that she deserves a special thanks. We had two great days there, which obviously also added up to the experience.

Marion is such a warm personality and highly motivated guide not forgetting -recommendable!. We truly enjoyed walking the six of us through the area. The scenery was beautiful and it was a relieve to walk in such a quiet and peaceful environment. The beautiful animals at the park carried our adventure.

The atmosphere is so special that it really felt like home to all of us. All respect for Marion who did a great job there; a true sample of excellent tour guide!

Many thanks again and I recommend Volcan Tour Guide Marion to everyone! Welcome to the great nation of Kenya: HAKUNA MATATA!

See all reviews on Google

Before you book

Frequently asked questions

What travellers ask us most about a safari like this one. Anything else, ask below and a specialist in Nairobi replies during office hours, Monday to Saturday.

Will we have the vehicle and guide to ourselves?

Yes. This safari is just for your group: your own vehicle and guide for the whole trip, and we never merge your party with another to cut costs.

How do we book, and how much is the deposit?

Press Book this safari. You can hold your dates for three days without paying while a specialist checks availability with the lodges and parks, or pay a deposit of 30, 40 or 50 percent, or the full amount, by credit or debit card through Pesapal. You can also pay by bank transfer, or in person at our Nairobi office by card. The standard schedule is a 30 percent deposit to confirm and the balance 60 days before arrival; bookings made within 60 days of departure, and gorilla or chimpanzee permits, are paid in full at booking. Card details go to Pesapal, never to Volcan.

Will we see the Great Migration and a river crossing?

The herds usually reach the Maasai Mara around July and stay until about October, crossing the Mara River many times in that period. For the rest of the year they are in the Serengeti in Tanzania. The timing is set by the rains, so no operator can promise a crossing on a given day, but our guides follow the reports every morning and position you as well as experience allows.

Do we need a visa?

Kenya: most visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), applied for online before travel at etakenya.go.ke, together with the mandatory Kenyan inbound travel health insurance (bought during the eTA application or on the eCitizen portal). Rules depend on your passport and change from time to time, so check them before you book flights, and always apply through the official government portal, never a third-party agent. We tell you what applies to your route when we confirm your trip.

Which vaccinations and health precautions do we need?

See a travel clinic at least six weeks before you go. Malaria is present in most safari areas of East Africa, so ask about antimalarials, insect repellent and cover-up clothing for the evenings. A yellow fever certificate can be required depending on your route and where you arrive from.

What vehicle will we travel in?

A pop up roof 4x4 safari vehicle, usually a Toyota Land Cruiser, provided through the licensed Kenyan transport partners we contract and work with regularly, with the same driver guide from the first day to the last. It is yours alone for the whole safari, and every vehicle carries reusable water bottles.

Can children come on this safari?

Yes, and having your own vehicle makes it easy to set the pace around them. Child rates depend on the lodges, and some camps and activities set minimum ages, so tell us the ages of everyone travelling and we confirm what applies before you pay anything.

What happens if we need to cancel?

Tell us in writing as early as possible. The cancellation charges for your trip are set out in your written booking confirmation. Gorilla permits, internal flights and non-refundable lodge deposits already paid on your behalf cannot be recovered, so they are charged in full. Refunds go back to the card or account the payment came from. The detail is in our Booking & Payment Terms.

Enquire

Plan this safari with us

Send your dates and who is travelling. A specialist checks availability with the lodges and parks and replies during Nairobi office hours, Monday to Saturday, with an itemised price.

Free, and no obligation
Ask about changing the dates, lodges or pace
Answered by the team in Nairobi who plan the trip

Request this safari

10-Day Meru, Samburu & Maasai Mara Safari

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Prefer email? Write to info@volcantours.com

Availability

10-Day Meru, Samburu & Maasai Mara Safari

Dates are held for 72 hours without payment while you check flights. Nothing is charged until the itinerary is confirmed in writing.

From $9,400 Per person sharing, in US dollars. An indicative starting price: your exact rate is quoted for your dates and party size, subject to availability. All prices shown are estimates. Your final price is confirmed in your written quote.

Book this safari Enquire first

Prices are for guidance and are confirmed against current lodge and park rates before any payment.

Enquire first for questions and a written quote, with no commitment. Book this safari asks us to hold your dates for 72 hours without payment. Your booking is confirmed only when we confirm it in writing and your deposit is received under our booking terms.

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