The Cheetah Safari Premium is one of our Signature safaris. Experience a thrilling seven-night guided safari! This itinerary covers some of Kenya‘s highlights—from majestic rolling hills and towering mountains to arid deserts and vibrant savannahs.
You will be accompanied on your journey across the equator by a Somak expert driver-guide who will not only ensure your safety and comfort but also share their passion for wildlife, from lions and elephants to reptiles, insects, and birds.
Stay in a lodge shaped like Noah’s Ark in the picturesque highlands, see Samburu and Buffalo Springs game reserves where animals unique to the region reside, visit and go on a boat ride on Lake Naivasha, known for astonishing birdlife and hippos, and finish off your safari in the majestic Masai Mara, famed for its big cats, annual wildebeest migration and the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalo.
To really make the most of your time in Kenya why not follow the safari with a few nights on a beautiful, relaxing beach? Extensions to Mombasa, Zanzibar or Mauritius are available.
Welcome to Kenya! You will be met by a Somak Representative who will welcome you to the beautiful country of Kenya and escort you to meet your driver-guide for the coming journey. Begin with some refreshments before being taken through a short briefing to ensure you know what to expect for this exciting safari.
Your adventure begins as you leave the city and head for the hills of the Aberdare Range. You will arrive in time for lunch at your safari lodge, before taking in the scenery and witnessing the home of plentiful wildlife. Take advantage of salt licks and waterholes where elephants, lions, and various bird species regularly come to drink.
A stay at The Ark Lodge is a magical start to a safari. Shaped like a ship, it draws inspiration from Noah’s ark. Enjoy a special night viewing experience, watching the waterhole under cover of darkness with floodlights and night guides to spot wildlife. You can even ask to be woken if a particular animal comes into sight.
Enjoy breakfast after watching animals at the waterhole. Then it’s time for the next leg of your safari. Your driver-guide will take you north as you cross the equator to reach the next stop near Samburu National Reserve (180 km).
After settling in and lunch at Surana Buffalo Springs Camp , you will go on a game drive in Buffalo Springs Game Reserve, where you will have opportunities to spot not only elephants, lions, cheetahs and giraffes, but also a range of species of antelope such as oryx, gerenuk and Grant’s gazelle.
This reserve is also a great place for birdwatchers, with over 350 recorded species inhabiting the wilderness and skies.
A good night’s sleep will leave you refreshed for your exciting day ahead. After an early breakfast, your driver-guide will pick you up at the camp and take you to Samburu National Reserve for a game drive, leading you on a quest to spot the ‘Samburu Special Five’, comprising the elegant Reticulated Giraffe, the distinctive Grevy’s Zebra, the resilient Beisa Oryx, the unique Somali Ostrich, and the graceful gerenuk. These species, rarely seen elsewhere, make Samburu a must-visit destination.
After the game drive, return to your camp for lunch. Later in the afternoon, enjoy another game drive in Buffalo Springs Game Reserve, continuing your wildlife adventure, including a visit to the natural springs that give this reserve its name.
Travel across the equator as you head towards Solio Game Reserve, where you’ll have an afternoon game drive. This reserve is one of the most successful private rhino sanctuaries in Kenya. It plays a crucial role in the conservation of rhinos and has over 250 black rhinos thriving in their natural habitat. You can witness these endangered animals up close. The reserve also offers stunning views of Mount Kenya and the mountains of the Aberdare Range, a beautiful backdrop for game viewing. Solilo is also amazing for birders, with over 300 species recorded there.
After the game drive, return to the lodge and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. You may choose to relax by the pool or go on a short hike. In the evening, gather for dinner and reflect on the day’s adventures. As the sun sets, you may even spot nocturnal wildlife from the comfort of the lodge.
After breakfast you’ll hop back into the safari vehicle to head on to your next stop. Your driver-guide will point out when you are descending into the Great Rift Valley, within which you will continue to Lake Naivasha (200 km). You will arrive at your lodge in time for lunch. Then prepare to explore the beautiful lake from the water on an afternoon boat ride.
During the rest of the afternoon you will have opportunities to spot hippos and numerous bird species such as kingfishers, fish eagles, herons, and jacanas, and maybe even a few flamingos. The lake shores are also home to over a thousand protected hippos, as well as giraffes, zebras, waterbuck, and the occasional eland and wildebeest.
After breakfast your vehicle will be ready to take you on to the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve (320 km).
Upon reaching your camp, lunch will be waiting. Then it’s time for your Somak driver-guide to wow you with their knowledge of the Mara’s ecosystem as they take you on an adventure to spot Africa’s Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos—along with many other creatures, great and small, in one of the world’s most exciting game viewing locations.
Somak’s knowledgeable driver-guides will ensure you have the best opportunities to see a wide range of game from the best vantage point, so you have photos that will be the envy of all your family and friends.
Immerse yourself in the wonders of the Mara on an early morning game drive as the African bush awakens, followed by a delicious breakfast at camp. After lunch, set out again to explore the Mara’s incredible wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.
Alternate option today (pre-booking essential – contact us for prices)
Experience the magic of the Mara from a whole new perspective with an unforgettable early-morning hot air balloon flight. Soar above the vast plains as the sun rises, casting golden hues over the landscape teeming with wildlife. After landing, indulge in a luxurious ‘bubbly’ bush breakfast in the heart of the wilderness. Continue your adventure with a scenic game drive en route back to camp, where a delectable lunch awaits to complete your extraordinary morning.
After a final breakfast in the Masai Mara, make the return journey to Nairobi by road (around 270 km). If you would prefer a faster journey, contact your specialist for prices to upgrade to a flight transfer.
If you’re not ready for the journey to end, remain in the Mara for one last lunch and then take an afternoon flight to the stunning beaches of Mombasa (price on request). Our specialists can recommend the best luxury resorts for your tastes and budget. Alternatively, switch from a Kenyan beach stay to some blissful relaxation in Zanzibar, Mauritius, the Maldives, or the Seychelles. Contact us for further details.
Light aircraft baggage allowance: 15 kg
Due to operational reasons, both accommodations and the itinerary may be subject to change.
Speak to a specialist for pricing, availability and extension options.
