Duration
9-Day
Accra, Kenya
9-Day Kenya Cat Scratch Circuit
Overview
This safari lets you check off the rare Kenyan cats (both big and small) on your "must see" list in a single tour. Our expert Maasai guides will lead you in search of leopards, lions, serval cats, cheetahs, golden cats, African wild cats, and African civet cats. Your guide will meet you in Nairobi, and you'll be privately transported in a pop-up roof land cruiser to Samburu, then to Lake Nakuru, Mara North Conservancy, Masai Mara National Reserve, and finally back to Nairobi.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Nairobi to Nairobi (City)
Via Samburu NR, Lake Nakuru NP, Masai Mara NR
Country & park
Kenya
Style
Safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
1 years
Activities
game drives, evening/night game drives, walking safaris (with an armed guide) & nature hikes/walks
Accommodation
Ashnil Surana Buffalo Springs Camp - Luxury tented camp less than 1hr drive from 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
Dec 21, 2025 - Jun 30, 2026
n/a* USD
$5,928 USD
Jul 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
n/a* USD
$6,642 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 who are 1 year and older. Children under 4 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
Lake Nakuru NP
Day 5-6
Masai Mara NR
Day 7-8
Mara North Conservancy (Greater Masai Mara)
End
Nairobi (City) (Day 9)
Tour Features
Luxury tour
This luxury 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.
1
Minimum age of 1 year
The minimum age for this tour is 1 year.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: game drives, evening/night game drives, walking safaris (with an armed guide) & nature hikes/walks
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
Ashnil Surana Buffalo Springs Camp
Luxury tented camp less than 1hr drive from Samburu NR – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 3-4
Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge
Luxury lodge inside Lake Nakuru NP – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 5-6
Lorian Safari Camp
Mid-range tented bush camp inside Masai Mara NR – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 7-8
Karen Blixen Camp
Luxury tented camp inside Mara North Conservancy (Greater Masai Mara) – 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
Nairobi - Samburu
After breakfast from your hotel in Nairobi, pick up with a private 4x4 WD pop-roof land cruiser and transferred to your upscale lodge in the Samburu. You'll arrive in time for lunch, then set out on a long afternoon game drive. Elusive black leopard can be spotted here. On your second day, you'll have the option of a full-day game drive with a packed lunch or split it into morning and afternoon adventures with lunch at the lodge in between. Here in Samburu, you'll have the opportunity to view rare cats such as serval cats, golden cats, African wild cats, and African civet cats, along with wild dogs and several of the “Big Five.” Samburu is also within viewing distance of Mount Kenya, which towers over the horizon as you approach the park. Cheetahs, lions, and leopards frequent Samburu as do elephants, waterbucks, zebras, and countless others. Luxury tented camp located less than 1hr drive from Samburu NR All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Samburu National Reserve Stay: Ashnil Surana Buffalo Springs Camp Luxury tented camp located less than 1hr drive from Samburu NR Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 3
Samburu - Lake Nakuru National Park
Lions, leopards, and cheetahs top the list of big cats to see against the breathtaking backdrop of Kenya's "pink lake," Lake Nakuru. You will arrive in time for an afternoon game drive on your first day and set out on an all-day game drive on your second day. Alternatively, you can split the game drives between the morning and afternoon with lunch at the lodge spaced between. The thousands of flamingos here create the illusion of pink, moving waters. On the land, you'll also see black rhinos, the endangered Rothschild's giraffes, antelopes, and many more. Your lodge is a luxurious place to unwind after your game drives. Luxury lodge located inside Lake Nakuru NP All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Lake Nakuru National Park Stay: Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge Luxury lodge located inside Lake Nakuru NP Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
Masai Mara National Reserve
You will arrive at the Masai Mara in time for lunch and then set out on an afternoon game drive in search of cheetahs, several lion prides, leopards, and big game like hippos, giraffes, and antelopes. Your home for this segment of the adventure is a tented luxury camp inside the Mara gates. Enjoy any of your picnic lunch at the reserve during an all-day game drive with views of zebras and antelopes! Dinner will be in the camp as the Mara doesn't allow game drives after dark. On your return at the end of an action-packed day, you'll have the chance to look carefully for serval cats running through the brush escaping headlights. On your final day, you will take a trip to the Maasai village where the villagers will give you a tour of their homes, perform ceremonial dances, and invite you to shop their hand-crafted beadwork and carvings. Mid-range tented bush camp located inside Masai Mara NR All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Masai Mara National Reserve Stay: Lorian Safari Camp Mid-range tented bush camp located inside Masai Mara NR Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 7
Mara North Conservancy
The Mara North Conservancy borders Masai Mara National Reserve to the north. On the relatively short drive to Mara North gates, you'll have the chance to stop along the Mara River for a walking game tour with an armed park ranger to view crocodiles and hippos up close. Inside Mara North, lions, cheetahs, and leopards are known to congregate in greater numbers than inside the neighboring Mara, making this final stop a big cat lover's dream come true. This is exclusive conservancy with only few camp. You will enjoy a unique night game drive. Luxury tented camp located inside Mara North Conservancy (Greater Masai Mara) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Mara North Conservancy (Greater Masai Mara) Stay: Karen Blixen Camp Luxury tented camp located inside Mara North Conservancy (Greater Masai Mara) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 8
Mara North Conservancy
You'll enjoy a packed breakfast on the Mara as you watch the zebras and giraffes graze while the sun rises. Afterward, we’ll drive to the Mara North Conservancy, taking in the views of the elephants along the way. On this second day in Mara North, your Maasai guide will note any of your special requests and do his best to accommodate special cat sightings—such as lion cubs or leopards having breakfast in a tree. Due to the density of big cats inside Mara North, there's always an awe-inspiring sight to witness. Lunch will be taken on the plains, safe from the big cats. You’ll return to your camp in the afternoon via the Mara, stopping to photograph the majestic landscape from the heights of Mara Lookout Hill along the way. Luxury tented camp located inside Mara North Conservancy (Greater Masai Mara) All meals included All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)
Destination: Mara North Conservancy (Greater Masai Mara) Stay: Karen Blixen Camp Luxury tented camp located inside Mara North Conservancy (Greater Masai Mara) Meals: All meals included All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)
Day 9
Nairobi
After breakfast, you’ll enjoy a game drive on the Masai Mara as we leave the camp bound for Nairobi. Along the way, you'll stop for souvenirs (if you are interested) and take some final photos standing on the rim of the escarpment overlooking the Rift Valley. You can stop for lunch along the way or arrange a packed lunch with the camp before departure. Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Nairobi (City) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) 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)
Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
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 who are 1 year and older. Children under 4 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?
Ashnil Surana Buffalo Springs Camp - Luxury tented camp less than 1hr drive from 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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