7-Day Samburu, Laikipia & Masai Mara Photographers Fly In Safari

Samburu, Laikipia & Masai Mara

Rates From $8,465

About This Tour

This photography-focused journey follows a steady rhythm through Kenya’s most iconic northern and southern wildlife havens. It suits passionate photographers, couples, and wildlife enthusiasts who want a calm travel pace and premium opportunities to capture rare species. The trip balances unhurried movement with exceptional field time, minimizing long road journeys by using domestic flights.

The journey begins in the arid landscapes of Samburu before moving to the private conservation acres of Laikipia. It concludes on the rolling savannah plains of the Masai Mara. This sequence provides a beautiful contrast of light, color, and wildlife behavior.

Travellers enjoy a reassuring sense of comfort and seamless transitions. Every flight and airstrip transfer is carefully coordinated. This ensures guests remain rested and fully focused on their creative wildlife viewing.

Our Community Impact

This safari directly supports local communities by paying mandatory conservancy fees and employing local guides and camp staff. Your visit contributes to community craft initiatives and funds local schools and village development projects in Samburu and Lewa.

Our Sustainability Promise

Johnbow prioritizes eco-conscious camps that run on solar power, manage waste responsibly, and support long-term wildlife protection. By staying in private conservancies like Lewa and Olare Motorogi, this itinerary actively helps protect fragile ecosystems from over-tourism.

Why This Safari Works

The itinerary avoids travel fatigue by connecting distant wilderness zones with quick domestic flights. It begins in the rugged north, moves smoothly into Laikipia, and reaches a dramatic climax in the Masai Mara. This creates a wonderful narrative arc for photography and wildlife viewing. The pace is relaxed, spending two nights at every location. This rewards guests with deep exploration rather than rushed transits. It works perfectly for photographers, couples, and first-time safari guests who value comfort and efficient routing. Subtle personalization is always available to suit your specific creative goals.

Your Trip at a Glance

A snapshot of your entire experience, from key highlights to where you'll stay and what to expect each day.

  • Big Five Experience
  • Children Allowed
  • Family
  • Flight Transfer (Fly-in)
  • Fly-In Safari
  • Friends
  • Full Board
  • Game Drives
  • Group Travel
  • Photography Safaris
  • Rare Wildlife Sightings
  • Rhino Tracking
  • Special Diets on Request
  • Vegan Options Available

Trip Summary

  • Day 1: Nairobi to Samburu (Flight)
  • Day 2: Samburu National Reserve
  • Day 3: Samburu to Laikipia (Road transfer)
  • Day 4: Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Laikipia
  • Day 5: Laikipia to Masai Mara (Flight)
  • Day 6: Masai Mara National Reserve
  • Day 7: Masai Mara to Nairobi (Flight)

Destinations

  • Samburu National Reserve
  • Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Laikipia
  • Masai Mara National Reserve

Where You Stay

  • Base Camp Samburu (2 nights)
  • Lewa Wilderness Camp (2 nights)
  • Kicheche Bush Camp (2 nights)

Safari Highlights

  • Soft morning light over the red earth of Samburu.
  • Tracking the northern "Special Five" wildlife species.
  • Smooth flight transitions over the dramatic Great Rift Valley.
  • Quiet wildlife viewing within the private Lewa sanctuary.
  • Educational insights at the Lewa conservation headquarters.
  • Wide-open savannah views across the iconic Masai Mara.
  • Night game drives searching for nocturnal predators.
  • Intimate tented camp hospitality beneath starlit African skies.

Featured Destinations

Where You Stay

Route Map

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Itinerary Highlights

  • Board a scheduled morning flight from Nairobi to Samburu.

  • Settle into camp and enjoy a late afternoon game drive.

  • Watch the sunset over the Ewaso Nyiro River.

Itinerary information

The journey starts with a scenic flight from Nairobi, soaring past Mount Kenya to the semi-arid north. Arriving in Samburu, the landscape shifts to striking red dirt, doum palms, and acacia trees. After lunch and time to unpack, the afternoon game drive introduces the unique atmosphere of this region. The air cools as dusk approaches, providing ideal lighting for your first wildlife photographs.

  • Meals: Lunch and Dinner

  • Accommodation: Base Camp Samburu

Itinerary Highlights

  • Morning and afternoon game drives tracking rare species.

  • Midday rest during the heat of the sun.

  • Guided bush walk along the riverbanks.

Itinerary information

A full day lets you explore the reserve when wildlife is most active. You will look for the “Special Five”—the reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk. The midday hours are spent resting at camp. Later, an afternoon drive or guided walk reveals how wildlife gathers near the vital river waters.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Accommodation: Base Camp Samburu
3-Day Laikipia Conservation Safari Experience

Itinerary Highlights

  • Morning road transfer into the Laikipia plateau.
  • Afternoon game drive in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.
  • Evening drinks overlooking the plains.

Itinerary information

Leaving Samburu, you travel by road up into the beautiful highlands of Laikipia. You arrive at Lewa Wilderness Camp in time for a fresh lunch. This private conservancy is famous for its pioneering rhino conservation. The afternoon game drive offers a quiet, exclusive environment with very few other vehicles around.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lewa Wilderness Camp
Ashnil Samburu, Samburu National Reserve

Itinerary Highlights

  • Educational visit to the Lewa Conservancy Headquarters.
  • Choice of camel walking or horseback riding.
  • Evening night drive to spot nocturnal wildlife.

Itinerary information

Today mixes traditional game tracking with unique wilderness experiences. You can see conservation in action at the headquarters or head out on a camel walk. After an afternoon drive, the journey continues into the dark with a night safari. This is an excellent chance to spot hunting lions, leopards, or elusive bush babies.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lewa Wilderness Camp
3-Day Samburu Kenya Safari

Itinerary Highlights

  • Scheduled morning flight to the Masai Mara.
  • Afternoon safari in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy.
  • Traditional sundowner in the wild.

Itinerary information

You board a morning flight directly to the world-famous Masai Mara. The landscape transforms into endless rolling grasslands. Your new base is an intimate tented camp inside a private conservancy. The afternoon drive reveals an incredible density of big cats, including large lion prides and cheetahs.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Accommodation: Kicheche Bush Olare
7 Day Amboseli & Masai Mara Fly In Safari

Itinerary Highlights

  • Early morning game drive for optimum predator action.
  • Picnic lunch under an acacia tree.
  • Final afternoon drive on the open savannah.

Itinerary information

This day is dedicated to the magic of the Masai Mara. You head out at dawn to catch predators active in the cool morning air. The vast plains offer beautiful, clean backdrops for photography. You will spend hours observing wildlife behavior before returning to camp for a peaceful final night in the bush.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Accommodation: Kicheche Bush Olare

Itinerary Highlights

  • Last morning game drive at sunrise.
  • Scheduled flight back to Nairobi Wilson Airport.
  • Onward travel connection or departure.

Itinerary information

Enjoy one final morning drive as the sun rises over the Mara. After a hearty breakfast, a brief transfer brings you to the airstrip. Your return flight gives you a final aerial view of Kenya’s beautiful landscape before landing in Nairobi.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: None (End of journey)

JohnBow Safari Expert Insight

❝ We chose this fly-in routing to maximize your time behind the lens. Skipping long, dusty roads keeps your energy high for the incredible wildlife spectacles in Samburu and the Mara ❞

~JohnBow Safari Expert Team

Rates

Competitive rates for unforgettable experiences

SeasonDate Range2 Guests4 Guests6 Guests
Peak Season1 July – 30 Sept, 2026$8,760$8,585$8,465

Important Rate Notes

  • Internal baggage limits are strictly 15kg per person in soft-sided bags.
  • Similar standard camps may be substituted if primary lodges are fully booked.
  • Child policies and age limits vary by camp and require confirmation.
  • Single room supplements apply during Peak and Festive seasons.

What's Included

  • 6 nights full board accommodation with house drinks at Lewa.
  • Scheduled domestic flights and all local airstrip transfers.
  • All national park and conservancy entry fees plus shared game drives.
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide and guided bush walks.
  • Horse riding, Camel walks and Prehistoric site visits
  • Community crafts & visits to selected villages and schools

Optional Addons

  • Masai Village cultural visit.
  • Ngare Ndare Forest canopy walk and waterfall day trip.
  • Hot air balloon safari over the Masai Mara.
  • Exclusive use of the safari vehicle.

What's Not Included

  • International flights and entry visas.
  • Premium spirits, champagne, and cellar wines.
  • Tips, gratuities, and items of a personal nature.
  • Travel and medical insurance.

Ready to start planning your Safari? Tell us your travel dates, who you are traveling with, and what matters most to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Northern Kenya has a dry environment and unique wildlife species. Starting here lets you photograph rare animals first. Ending in the Mara builds up to the dramatic, classic savannah landscapes.
Staying in private conservancies means our vehicles can gently go off-road for key sightings. This helps you get the perfect angle and lighting without other tourist vehicles blocking your view.
Yes. All three selected camps cater directly to photographers. They provide 24-hour power charging stations in the tents or main areas to keep your gear ready.

See What Our Travellers Have To Say

info@johnbowtoursandtravel.com
Kenya Cinema Plaza, 3rd Floor Room 3-8. Moi Avenue, Nairobi