Duration
9-Day
Accra, Kenya
9-Day Spots and Stripes Adventure
Overview
Did you know that there are three species of giraffe and two species of zebra found in Kenya? And the differences are noted by their spots and stripes. The Reticulated, Rothschild's, and Maasai giraffes will all be seen, as will the plains and Grevy's zebras. There are two species of hyena, spotted and striped, and spots and stripes also define many of the cats! This amazing tour circuit makes sure we will see all the giraffes, both zebras, and as many of the others as we can find.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Nairobi to Nairobi (City)
Via Samburu NR, Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Laikipia Plateau), Lake Nakuru NP
Country & park
Kenya
Style
Mid-range safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Activities
game drives
Accommodation
Samburu Sopa Lodge - Mid-range lodge inside Samburu NR – All Meals Included
Meals
All Meals Included; Breakfast Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
Rates Per Person
USD
Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 1, 2026 - Jun 30, 2026
n/a* USD
$4,266 USD
Jul 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
n/a* USD
$5,018 USD
Before booking
Important To Know
This tour is not available to solo travelers.
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour accepts children of all ages. Children under 13 receive a discount and children under 3 are free.
Quote flow
Request Guidance
We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators ()
Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
Route
country
Kenya
Start
Nairobi (Day 1)
Day 1-2
Samburu NR
Day 3-4
Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Laikipia Plateau)
Day 5
Lake Nakuru NP
Day 6-8
Masai Mara NR
End
Nairobi (City) (Day 9)
Tour Features
Mid-range tour
This mid-range tour uses lodges and tented camps.
Private tour
This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't be shared with others.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can be customized
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Not for solo travelers
Solo travelers cannot book this private tour.
Suitable for all ages
This tour is suitable for children of all ages.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: game drives
Game drives: pop-up roof 4x4 vehicle
Getting around: pop-up roof 4x4 vehicle
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Accommodation & Meals
Day 1-2
Samburu Sopa Lodge
Mid-range lodge inside Samburu NR – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 3-4
Sweetwaters Serena Camp
Luxury tented camp inside Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Laikipia Plateau) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 5
Lake Nakuru Lodge
Mid-range lodge inside Lake Nakuru NP – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 6-8
Sarova Mara Game Camp
Luxury tented camp inside Masai Mara NR – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 9
End of tour
(No accommodation)
Breakfast Included
Day By Day
Tour step
Arrival
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Across the Equator
We will start our safari by traveling to Samburu National Reserve which was established in 1948. The drive from Nairobi will take us through rural areas and farmland, punctuated by small towns bustling with activity. We will take a break at the equator, a fun landmark to take photos and see the changing laws of physics. Along the way, we may spot wildlife along the road and take in the endless natural beauty of Kenya, including views of Mt. Kenya. We arrive at the park in time for lunch, and after a rest, an evening game drive will reveal the exciting animals of the Samburu region, including some that you will not find elsewhere. Mid-range lodge located inside Samburu NR All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Samburu National Reserve Stay: Samburu Sopa Lodge Mid-range lodge located inside Samburu NR Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
The Samburu Five
Following morning tea or coffee, your experienced guide will take you on a game drive in the setting of the rising sun. You have heard of The Big Five, and the Samburu ecosystem has its own Samburu Five, found only in that region: the gerenuk, the Reticulated giraffe, the Somali ostrich, Grevy's zebra, the Beisa oryx. Your knowledgable guide can point them out and tell you all about these unique creatures. The Reticulated giraffe is the one seen frequently in toys and cartoons because the coat has a geometric network of spots outlined by thick white lines. The spots are more defined than in other giraffe species. After a couple of hours, you will stop for a beautiful breakfast in the bush, then continuing on the quest for wildlife interactions until a midday return to camp for rest and lunch. An evening game drive will finish up the day, with opportunities for beautiful sunset photos. Mid-range lodge located inside Samburu NR All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Samburu National Reserve Stay: Samburu Sopa Lodge Mid-range lodge located inside Samburu NR Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
Committed to Conservation
After an early breakfast, you and your guide will have a last game drive on your way to leave Samburu and embark on a scenic journey to Ol Pejeta Conservancy. The drive takes you through the arid beauty of Samburu to more lush greenery, and you may see wildlife along the way. Arrive in time for lunch and a short rest before immersing yourself in the historic conservation community of Ol Pejeta, with rhino and chimpanzee sanctuaries. Ol Pejeta also is home to the Reticulated Giraffe and Grevy's Zebra. Grevy's Zebra is the largest and most endangered zebra species. Known for its distinct narrow black and white stripes, it has a white belly and large rounded ears. Luxury tented camp located inside Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Laikipia Plateau) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Laikipia Plateau) Stay: Sweetwaters Serena Camp Luxury tented camp located inside Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Laikipia Plateau) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
In the Heart of Safety
After an early breakfast, our Maasai guides will take you for an amazing exploration of the conservancy. Here, you will immerse yourself in unique conservation initiatives. Ol Pejeta was transformed in the 1980s from a cattle ranch to a wildlife conservancy, famous as a rhino sanctuary. The Northern White Rhino Enclosure at Ol Pejeta serves as a symbol of hope for the conservation community. It embodies the unwavering commitment to reversing the trajectory of a species on the brink of extinction. Ol Pejeta has an interesting and extensive anti-poaching squad. There are numerous activities. You can choose to interact with the anti-poaching dogs and their handlers, including hiding bullets for the dogs to find and hiding yourself to be tracked! Another fun activity is a horseback ride with the rhinos. Spend time with experienced horses and guides viewing the rhinos and other wildlife from horseback Another evening game drive completes the day. Luxury tented camp located inside Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Laikipia Plateau) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Laikipia Plateau) Stay: Sweetwaters Serena Camp Luxury tented camp located inside Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Laikipia Plateau) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
In Search of Pink
After breakfast, depart for picturesque Lake Nakuru, known for its vibrant flamingo population and rhinos. Again, you have the opportunity to view the varying beautiful terrain of Kenya, observing the different bustling towns and friendly waves. Arrive in time for lunch and settle into your accommodations before an afternoon game drive, spotting diverse wildlife and a stunning array of water fowl, including white pelicans, plovers, egrets, and Marabou storks. Marvel at the spectacle of flamingos turning the lake into a pink celebration, and maybe you will be lucky enough to simultaneously see rhinos along the lake in the foreground. Lake Nakuru National Park was established in 1961, originally as a bird sanctuary, and it has evolved into a beautiful protected area for various wildlife. It is home to the endangered Rothschild's Giraffe, characterized by large, irregularly shaped spots, distinguished from the Maasai Giraffe by its white legs which lack markings. Mid-range lodge located inside Lake Nakuru NP All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Lake Nakuru National Park Stay: Lake Nakuru Lodge Mid-range lodge located inside Lake Nakuru NP Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6
The Amazing Maasai Mara
After an early breakfast, you will embark on a game drive as the animals stir in the beautiful early morning light. After, you have the option of driving directly to the Maasai Mara, arriving in time for lunch and rest before an exciting evening game drive, or you may choose to first drive about an hour to Lake Naivasha and. Go on a horseback ride among the animals, including giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and other non-predatory animals. It is a unique and wonderful experience. The Maasai Mara was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1961 and later gained national reserve status. It is home to the famous wildebeest migration and a dizzying variety of creatures. Here, we see the final species of giraffe, the Maasai giraffe, characterized by jagged and irregularly shaped spots all over its body. It is the largest-bodied giraffe species. Luxury tented camp located inside Masai Mara NR All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Masai Mara National Reserve Stay: Sarova Mara Game Camp Luxury tented camp located inside Masai Mara NR Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 7
More Spots and Stripes
Embark on a sunrise game drive into the Maasai Mara. Animals are awakening. Lions may be spotted feasting on a recent kill, and it is delightful to see the different species of non-predators interacting. Large herds of plains zebras may be seen side by side with wildebeest and gazelles. The cats are also noted for their spots and stripes. We all know the leopard's beautiful spots. The cheetah has beautiful spots, as well as stripes surrounding the end of the tail. Similarly, the breathtaking serval has spots, merging into stripes down the back of the neck, and rings around the tail. The cheetah is the fastest land mammal, sprinting up to 120 km/h (75 mph), but the lion is king. Spotted hyenas are a common site, but the striped hyena is rarely seen in the day time. Back to the camp for lunch and a rest and preparation for the evening game drive and more beautiful sunset photos. Luxury tented camp located inside Masai Mara NR All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Masai Mara National Reserve Stay: Sarova Mara Game Camp Luxury tented camp located inside Masai Mara NR Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 8
Memories Await
No two days on the Mara are alike, so the option of another day of game drives will not be simply a repeat of the day before. The Mara is large with many unique areas to explore, and there is no way to predict the excitement that the day will bring. But there are other options for activities you can choose. You could choose to purchase a spot on a beautiful sunrise hot air balloon ride, gathering before dawn and flying over the Mara watching the animals from a unique perspective. A champagne brunch in a beautiful spot on the Mara follows. You could also choose to visit a traditional Maasai village, learning more about their unique culture and continuing traditions. You cannot go wrong with any of these choices! A sunset dinner in the Mara is also a possibility. Luxury tented camp located inside Masai Mara NR All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Masai Mara National Reserve Stay: Sarova Mara Game Camp Luxury tented camp located inside Masai Mara NR Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 9
Sunrise Safari Farewell
Bid farewell to the Mara with a final morning game drive after breakfast. You never know what animals will show up to say goodbye. The drive back to Nairobi will take you along the Great Rift Valley Escarpment, a tectonic plate boundary. You will see steep cliffs, rugged terrain, and panoramic vistas of the valley. A stop along this highway will provide for amazing photos and souvenirs to bring home. There are also colonies of rock hyraxes, small mammals that live in these rocky, cliff areas and have amazing climbing ability. Upon your return to Nairobi, you can be dropped at the airport or at a hotel, if you are staying in Nairobi, or you would like to get a hotel room to rest and prepare of your journey home. We are sure you will leave with wonderful memories of your unique safari. Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Nairobi (City) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Tour step
End of tour
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.
Included
Park fees (For non-residents)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinking water (On all days)
Excluded
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Getting There
This tour starts and ends in Nairobi
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
Fly to/from Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO - Check price) in Nairobi
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
Offered by
Brighte Maasai Adventures
4.9 operator rating
24 reviews
Brighte Maasai Adventures offers a variety of services including pickup from Jomo Kenyatta Airport with transportation to Maasai Mara, visiting a Maasai village, nature walks, morning or evening game drives, bush breakfast and dinner, professional safari guide, and local pickup from Olkiombo airstrip in the Mara.
Office In
Kenya
Size
1-5 employees (Founded in 2021)
Tour Types
Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
Destinations
Kenya, Tanzania
Traveler feedback
Reviews
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5Great experience, knowledgeable and hospitable
The team was very professional when they met us. They gave recommendations on the best circuit to take in order to get the most out of the experience. We got to see 2 of the Big 5 at Maasai Mara even though we were on a tight schedule on other business. David has a wide array of knowledge about animals, hotels and Maasai culture, which was welcome. He was great to hang out with. I would ride with those guys again.
Mathenge · Kenya
Knowledgeable Guides leading game drives
We had a wonderful experience with Brighte Masai Adventures! The guides were accommodating, knowledgeable and meticulate with every detail making this a wonderful trip we will remember for the rest of our lives! The itinerary was well thought out and we saw dozens of different kinds of animals, impossible to count all the different species! What a gift to have been able to take this safari with Brighte and our guides Alpha and David were the best and very fun to hang out with as well.
Kathryn · United States
Top notch guides - professional, capable, great sense of humor.
This was my first safari experience, and I was impressed by Brighte Maasai all around. The guides were excellent and customized the tour to our schedule and preferences. Every night they would give us a couple of options for the following day, so we were able to make small adjustments on the fly, depending on weather, energy levels, etc. There was a great atmosphere the whole time - highly recommend.
Gene · United States
Best trip of my life - fabulous custom tour!
I’m a biologist and the safari trip was top of my bucket list. Visiting the Mara changed my life - can’t say enough how amazing it was to be where humanity began and large animals roam free. I checked with other companies but was impressed with Bright Maasai from the start because it is small and Maasai owned. Good communication, range of experiences and prices, and they let us customize a tour to Kisumu and Lake Victoria and then on to see the last bits of relic rainforest near Kakamega. At our request, Dickson also arranged for us to visit a local elementary school, where we provided some basic scientific equipment for the students and then had a hoot chatting up some of the most adorable kids I’ve met in a while. We had a group of 4 adults (and two expert guides at all times), which was perfect for the Land Cruiser. Vehicle had all the extras - pop up top for photographing, plugs for charging electronics, radios and safety equipment, hard windows for our city trips, and our guides knew how to drive that beast on and off the trails. Great guiding and animal spotting - our dude Dickson was so good he even spotted our lost iPhone in the middle of the Mara grass, while driving. Pro-tip: Pay extra for the off road permit so you can drive right up to where the animals are. Your guide will get a hefty fine if you don’t have that permit - so don’t pressure your guide to follow the other vehicles driving off track. Just pay for the permit. I most appreciated Brighte Maasai’s custom service, individual attention for our group and our preferences, comfortable accommodations (glamping in the Mara!), tasty food tailored to our various dietary restrictions (our group included a vegan, a gluten avoider, and a severe nut allergy). Ask for it how you want it and just go- it will be the trip of a lifetime.
Gina · United States
Practical answers
Tour FAQs
Are rates charged per person?
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
Which currency is this tour priced in?
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
Can children join this tour?
This tour accepts children of all ages. Children under 13 receive a discount and children under 3 are free.
Can this tour start on my preferred date?
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can the itinerary be customized?
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Where do travelers stay during this tour?
Samburu Sopa Lodge - Mid-range lodge inside Samburu NR – All Meals Included. Meals: All Meals Included
Where does this tour start and end?
This tour starts and ends in Nairobi
Are airport transfers included?
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Operator policy
Terms and Conditions
Disclaimer
This tour is offered by Brighte Maasai Adventures, not SafariBookings.
This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
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