Safari Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Kenya’s heartland with our 6-Day sarova shaba-lionhill-mara luxurious safari, a curated experience blending rugged beauty with iconic wildlife. This curated journey seamlessly blends the rugged, volcanic beauty of the northern frontier with the lush birdlife of the Great Rift Valley and the iconic savannahs of the Masai Mara. Staying exclusively in Sarova’s premier luxury lodges, you will enjoy world-class hospitality, expert-led game drives, and the refined Olchani Club all-inclusive experience. From tracking the “Samburu Special 5” to witnessing the Big 5 in the Mara, this safari offers an unparalleled deep dive into Kenya’s most diverse wildlife habitats.
The Masai Mara, renowned globally for its abundant wildlife and the spectacular Great Migration, promises an unforgettable climax to your adventure. Here, you’ll find daily opportunities to encounter lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos in their natural habitat, alongside vast herds of wildebeest and zebra, especially during migration season. This sarova shaba-lionhill-mara luxurious safari is meticulously designed to offer both thrilling wildlife encounters and moments of serene luxury.
Your journey through Kenya will be punctuated by moments of awe and discovery, carefully curated to showcase the best of each region. From the unique species of Samburu to the avian wonders of Lake Nakuru, every day brings a new spectacle. However, it is the grand finale in the Masai Mara that truly captivates, offering classic safari scenes that will remain etched in your memory forever. Prepare for thrilling game drives, breathtaking landscapes, and unparalleled luxury with this sarova shaba-lionhill-mara luxurious adventure.
Unforgettable Safari Highlights
- Olchani Club Luxury: Enjoy an all-inclusive food and beverage experience at the exclusive Olchani lounge in the Masai Mara, a hallmark of the sarova shaba-lionhill-mara luxurious experience.
- The Samburu Special 5: Spot rare northern species including the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and gerenuk, a unique aspect of your sarova shaba-lionhill-mara luxurious journey.
- Rhino Sanctuary: Visit Lake Nakuru, one of Kenya’s most successful conservation areas for Black and White rhinos, another highlight of the sarova shaba-lionhill-mara luxurious circuit.
- Mara Sundowners: Toast to the African sunset with included evening sundowners on the vast plains of the Masai Mara, enhancing your sarova shaba-lionhill-mara luxurious stay.
- Guided Nature Walks: Explore the intricate details of the bush with a professional naturalist at Sarova Mara, adding depth to your sarova shaba-lionhill-mara luxurious safari.
Beyond these specific highlights, your safari with Bison Safaris ensures a seamless and luxurious experience. Our expert guides, deeply knowledgeable about the local ecosystems and wildlife, will enhance every game drive with fascinating insights. You’ll travel in comfortable, custom-built safari vehicles, ensuring optimal viewing opportunities and a smooth journey across diverse terrains. Every detail, from gourmet meals to comfortable accommodations, is meticulously arranged for your ultimate comfort and enjoyment on this sarova shaba-lionhill-mara luxurious adventure.
Maximizing Your sarova shaba-lionhill-mara luxurious Experience
To truly immerse yourself in the magic of the Masai Mara, consider visiting during the Great Migration season (July to October) for a chance to witness millions of wildebeest and zebra crossing the Mara River – a spectacle of nature unlike any other. However, the Mara offers exceptional wildlife viewing year-round, with resident predators and herbivores providing constant action. Don’t forget your binoculars and a good camera to capture the incredible moments, from a lioness stalking her prey to a herd of elephants bathing at a waterhole, all part of your sarova shaba-lionhill-mara luxurious journey.
Beyond the wildlife, the Masai Mara is also home to the Maasai people, whose vibrant culture and traditional way of life are an integral part of the landscape. Many lodges offer opportunities to visit local Maasai villages, providing a respectful and enriching cultural exchange. Photography enthusiasts will find endless subjects, from dramatic landscapes at sunrise to close-up portraits of Africa’s magnificent creatures. The golden hour light in the Mara creates stunning photographic opportunities, making every shot a potential masterpiece during your sarova shaba-lionhill-mara luxurious stay.
This 6-Day Sarova Luxury Experience is more than just a safari; it’s an odyssey through Kenya’s most cherished natural wonders, culminating in the unparalleled beauty of the Masai Mara. It’s an invitation to connect with nature, witness incredible wildlife, and indulge in world-class luxury. Let Bison Safaris craft your dream adventure, where every moment is designed to inspire and delight. Book your journey today and prepare for the safari of a lifetime with our sarova shaba-lionhill-mara luxurious offering.
Safari Route Map
Nairobi
Samburu - Shaba National Reserve
Lake Nakuru
Masai Mara National Reserve
Nairobi
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1
Day 1: Nairobi to Shaba National Reserve
Depart 7:30 AMDepart Nairobi in the morning, crossing the Equator as you head into the rugged northern frontier. Arrive at Sarova Shaba Game Lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, explore the volcanic landscapes of Shaba National Reserve, a unique ecosystem home to rare wildlife. Spend your evening relaxing by the lodge’s natural spring-fed pool or enjoying the views of the Ewaso Nyiro River before dinner.
Sarova Shaba Game Lodge
Lunch, Dinner
Journey north across the Equator to the volcanic springs and riverside luxury of Shaba.
2
Day 2: Full Day in Shaba National Reserve
Full DayDedicate the day to tracking the “Samburu Special 5”- species like the Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe that are only found in this arid region. Between game drives, you can enjoy a “fish foot therapy” session in the lodge’s springs or a guided walk along the river. As there are no sundowners in Shaba, the evening is focused on the tranquility of the lodge and its unique chalets.
Sarova Shaba Game Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Track the unique "Samburu Special 5" wildlife species found only in Kenya’s arid north.
3
Day 3: Shaba to Lake Nakuru National Park
Full DayAfter breakfast, drive toward the Great Rift Valley, stopping at Thompson’s Falls. Arrive at Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge in time for lunch. The afternoon is dedicated to a game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, a premier sanctuary for both Black and White rhinos. Observe the seasonal flamingo populations and enjoy the lodge’s elevated views of the lake.
Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore the rhino sanctuary and flamingo-lined shores of Lake Nakuru from a hilltop lodge.
4
Day 4: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara
Full DayTravel to the world-famous Masai Mara, arriving at Sarova Mara Game Camp for lunch. Upon arrival, you can enjoy the Olchani Club experience, featuring all-inclusive food and beverages (excluding premium drinks). Head out for an evening game drive to spot the Big 5, followed by a sundowner on the Mara plains (weather permitting) before returning to camp.
Sarova Mara Game Camp
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arrive in the Masai Mara for Big 5 tracking and all-inclusive Olchani Club hospitality.
5
Day 5: Full Day in the Masai Mara
Full DayImmerse yourself in the Mara with flexible morning and afternoon game drives. Enhance your experience with a guided nature walk led by the camp’s resident naturalist, providing a closer look at the local flora and smaller wildlife. Your stay continues with the all-inclusive Olchani lounge benefits. End your final safari day with another signature Mara sundowner as the sun sets over the savannah.
Sarova Mara Game Camp
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Experience expert-led nature walks and signature sundowners across the iconic Mara plains.
6
Day 6: Masai Mara to Nairobi
ReturnFollowing a sunrise game drive and breakfast, depart the Mara for your return journey. You will stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint for panoramic photos before arriving back in Nairobi by late afternoon for your hotel or airport drop-off.
Breakfast, Lunch
Capture final sunrise views of the savannah before returning to Nairobi via the Great Rift Valley.
What's Included & Excluded
Included in Your Safari
- Full board accommodation (All-Inclusive in Mara/Olchani)
- Olchani Club Experience: All-inclusive food and beverage at the Olchani lounge in the Masai Mara (excludes premium brands).
- Mara Sundowners: Included every evening in the Masai Mara, subject to weather conditions.
- Naturalist Walks: Expert-led guided nature walks through the Masai Mara landscape.
- Samburu Special Five: Exclusive wildlife viewing in the arid Shaba ecosystem.
- Pick up and drop off in Nairobi.
- Transport in a private 4x4 safari vehicle with professional guide.
- Park fees and conservancy fees.
Not Included
- International flights to and from Kenya.
- Visa fees to Kenya.
- Personal travel and medical insurance.
- Alcoholic and soft drinks at Sarova Shaba and Sarova Lion Hill.
- Tips for safari guides & lodge staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Olchani Club experience at Sarova Mara is exclusive to guests staying in the Club Tents. It includes all-inclusive food and beverages at the Olchani Lounge (house wines, spirits, beers, and soft drinks), all-day snacks, a private mini-bar, and laundry/pressing services (limited to 2 garments per day).
Sundowners are a signature inclusion specifically at Sarova Mara, offered every evening on the savannah (weather permitting). At Sarova Shaba and Sarova Lion Hill, evening drinks are available at the lodge bars but are not included in the standard safari package.
In Shaba, you will look for five rare species found only north of the Equator: the Grevy’s Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Somali Ostrich, Beisa Oryx, and the Gerenuk (long-necked antelope).
Yes. To maintain a tranquil environment, children under the age of 13 are not permitted in the Olchani Club Tents or the Olchani Lounge. Families with children are warmly welcomed in the Deluxe or Family Tents at Sarova Mara.
Yes. Guided nature walks at Sarova Mara are led by professional, armed camp naturalists who are experts in animal behavior and bush safety. They provide a fascinating "macro" view of the ecosystem that you often miss from a vehicle.
This is a unique natural spa experience where you can dip your feet into the lodge’s natural spring-fed pools, and the resident "doctor fish" gently exfoliate your skin - a perfect way to relax between game drives.
