This 6-day safari gives you the opportunity to explore three of Kenya’s most iconic wildlife destinations—Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli National Park—offering a well-rounded experience of Kenya’s breathtaking landscapes and wildlife diversity. Below is a detailed itinerary, including highlights, what to expect, inclusions, and pricing for this unforgettable adventure.
Safari Highlights
- Big Five Game Viewing: Masai Mara offers unparalleled opportunities to spot the Big Five (lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos).
- Birdwatching: Lake Nakuru is renowned for its flocks of flamingos and over 400 bird species.
- Scenic Landscapes: Amboseli is famous for its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, along with large herds of elephants and other wildlife.
- Rothschild Giraffes and Rhinos: Encounter the endangered Rothschild giraffe and both black and white rhinos in Lake Nakuru National Park.
- Photography Opportunities: Capture amazing shots of wildlife against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro, especially in Amboseli, and panoramic views in both Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru.
Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve
- Pick-Up: Start your journey with a 7:00 AM pick-up from your Nairobi hotel or residence.
- Drive to Masai Mara: Take a scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley, with a photo stop to capture the stunning escarpments and landscapes.
- Drive Time: Approximately 5-6 hours (270 km).
- Arrival and Check-In: Arrive at your lodge or camp in time for lunch, followed by a short rest.
- Afternoon Game Drive: Embark on an exciting 2-3 hour game drive in the Masai Mara, spotting wildlife like elephants, lions, giraffes, and more.
- Dinner and Overnight: Return to your lodge or camp for dinner and rest.Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Full-Day Safari in Masai Mara
- Morning Game Drive: Begin the day with an early morning game drive at 6:30 AM. Witness animals like lions and cheetahs in action as they hunt and graze in the early hours.
- Return for Breakfast: Return to the lodge for breakfast, then relax or enjoy lodge amenities.
- Full-Day Game Drive: After breakfast, depart for a full-day game drive with a packed lunch. Explore different parts of the park, and if visiting between July and October, witness the Great Migration as wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River.
- Picnic Lunch: Enjoy your lunch in the park while surrounded by wildlife.
- Return to Lodge: Conclude the day with a final evening game drive before returning for dinner.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park
- Early Breakfast and Check-Out: After breakfast, leave Masai Mara for Lake Nakuru.
- Drive Time: Approximately 5-6 hours (240 km).
- Arrival at Lake Nakuru: Check in at your lodge and have lunch before heading out for an afternoon game drive.
- Afternoon Game Drive: Explore Lake Nakuru, known for its large population of flamingos, white rhinos, and Rothschild giraffes. Visit viewpoints like Baboon Cliff for panoramic views of the park.
- Dinner and Overnight: Return to the lodge for dinner and rest.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Lake Nakuru to Amboseli National Park
- Morning Game Drive: Start the day with a morning game drive to catch early wildlife activity.
- Breakfast and Departure: After breakfast, check out and head to Amboseli National Park.
- Drive Time: Approximately 5-6 hours (300 km).
- Arrival at Amboseli: Arrive at your lodge or camp for lunch and a short rest.
- Afternoon Game Drive: Explore Amboseli’s open plains, searching for elephants, zebras, and buffaloes, with the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro providing breathtaking photo opportunities.
- Dinner and Overnight: Return to your lodge for dinner.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Full-Day Safari in Amboseli National Park
- Morning Game Drive: Set off for an early morning game drive at 6:30 AM, when elephants and other animals are most active.
- Return for Breakfast: Head back to the lodge for breakfast, then relax and enjoy the camp facilities.
- Full-Day Safari: Depart for a full day of exploration in Amboseli, where you’ll encounter large herds of elephants, zebras, and possibly cheetahs and lions. Visit observation points and swamps where wildlife gathers for water.
- Picnic Lunch: Enjoy lunch in the wild, overlooking the beautiful landscapes and Kilimanjaro in the background.
- Dinner and Overnight: Return to the lodge for a relaxing evening and dinner.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Amboseli to Nairobi
- Morning Game Drive: Start the day with a final game drive in Amboseli, taking in the early morning views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Breakfast at Lodge: After the game drive, return for breakfast.
- Return to Nairobi: Check out and begin the journey back to Nairobi.
- Drive Time: Approximately 4-5 hours (240 km).
- Drop-Off: Arrive in Nairobi in the afternoon, with a drop-off at your hotel or preferred location.Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions:
- Transport: Round-trip transportation from Nairobi in a 4×4 Land Cruiser or pop-up roof safari van.
- Park Fees: Entry fees for Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli National Park.
- Accommodation:
- 2 nights in Masai Mara at a tented camp or lodge.
- 1 night in Lake Nakuru at a safari lodge.
- 2 nights in Amboseli at a lodge or camp.
- Meals: Full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the safari.
- Game Drives: Professionally guided game drives in all parks.
- Bottled Water: Provided throughout the trip.
Exclusions:
- Travel Insurance: Personal insurance is highly recommended but not provided.
- Drinks: Alcoholic and soft drinks at the lodges.
- Gratuities: Optional but appreciated for drivers, guides, and lodge staff.
- Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, snacks, or additional activities not included in the itinerary.
- Optional Maasai Village Visit: This is available for an additional fee if you wish to experience Maasai culture.
Safari Vehicle Options:
- 4×4 Land Cruiser: This is the ideal option for safaris, providing comfort and excellent handling on rough terrain. It comes with a pop-up roof for unobstructed wildlife viewing.
- Safari Van: A budget-friendly option that also offers a pop-up roof for game viewing. Suitable for small groups or families.
Safari Pricing:
- Price Per Person: The cost of the safari typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,800 per person, depending on the season, group size, type of accommodation, and vehicle choice.
- Lower rates may apply to larger groups, and East African residents benefit from reduced park fees.
What to Expect:
- Wildlife Sightings: Throughout the safari, expect to see the Big Five in the Masai Mara, flamingos and rhinos at Lake Nakuru, and elephants against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli.
- Photography: Each park offers excellent opportunities for photography, particularly with the diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. Bring a camera with good zoom for capturing animals in action.
- Comfortable Lodges: Enjoy stays in well-maintained lodges or camps, with amenities to relax after your game drives.
- Variable Weather: Mornings and evenings can be cool, so pack layers for comfort throughout the day.
Expert Guide and Tips:
- Packing Essentials: Binoculars, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are must-haves. Bring warm clothing for mornings and evenings, and lighter gear for daytime.
- Health and Safety: Make sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Travel insurance is a must for emergencies.
- Be Patient: Some wildlife sightings may take time, but your experienced guide will help you find the best spots for optimal viewing.
This 6-day safari combines the best of Kenya’s wildlife destinations, offering a rich and diverse experience. From the expansive plains of the Masai Mara, to the flamingo-filled Lake Nakuru, and the elephant herds of Amboseli, this itinerary ensures unforgettable wildlife encounters, scenic beauty, and an authentic Kenyan safari adventure.