Discover the quintessential Kenyan safari experience on this perfectly paced 6 day luxury journey through its most celebrated southern landscapes. Designed for Canadian travellers seeking iconic wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and premium comfort without feeling rushed, this itinerary immerses you in the majesty of Amboseli under Mount Kilimanjaro, the serene beauty of Lake Naivasha, and the unparalleled wildlife theatre of the Maasai Mara. As Kenyan based experts, Bubble Tours & Travel crafts your seamless and unforgettable bespoke Kenya itinerary, blending adventure with relaxation.

Brief Day by Day Itinerary Outline

Day 1: Nairobi to Amboseli National Park
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drives in Amboseli
Day 3: Amboseli to Lake Naivasha
Day 4: Lake Naivasha to Maasai Mara National Reserve
Day 5: Full-Day Game Drives in Maasai Mara
Day 6: Maasai Mara to Nairobi

Activities:

* Multiple game drives in Amboseli and Maasai Mara National Parks
* Boat safari on Lake Naivasha.
* Nature walk on Crescent Island.
Optional activities: Enjoy a bush walk, experience a Maasai village visit, or take a hot air balloon safari in the Maasai Mara (additional cost).

Optional Travel Upgrade:

Travel Between Parks with Light Aircraft: For a seamless and time-efficient experience, consider upgrading your transportation between parks with a scenic light aircraft flight. This option offers breathtaking aerial views of the Kenyan landscape and significantly reduces travel time, allowing you to maximize your time on safari.

Wildlife & Scenic Highlights:

Amboseli National Park: Elephants, lions, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, and a plethora of bird species, including ostriches, eagles, and secretary birds.
Mount Kilimanjaro: The majestic backdrop of Africa's highest peak, offering stunning photo opportunities.
Lake Naivasha: Hippos, African fish eagles, cormorants, pelicans, herons, kingfishers, and a variety of other water birds.
Crescent Island: Zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, impalas, waterbucks, gazelles, and numerous bird species.
Maasai Mara National Reserve: The Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes), cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, crocodiles, and a diverse array of bird species, including ostriches, eagles, and vultures.
The Great Wildebeest Migration: Witness the annual spectacle of millions of wildebeests, zebras, and other herbivores crossing the Mara River in search of fresh grazing lands. (Seasonal, typically July-October)
Scenic Landscapes: The vast plains, rolling hills, and acacia-dotted savannahs of the Maasai Mara, the picturesque landscapes of the Rift Valley, acacia forests, and the shimmering waters of Lake Naivasha, with the volcanic Mount Longonot looming in the distance.

Tailoring Your Classic Kenya Safari

This popular 6 day itinerary provides an ideal foundation. Being specialists in bespoke Kenya itinerary design, we welcome customizations:

• Extend Your Stay: Easily add extra nights in the Maasai Mara or Amboseli for deeper exploration or relaxation.
• Accommodation Preferences: Choose from a curated selection of premium properties to perfectly match your style.
• Specific Interests: Incorporate special activities like guided walks, cultural visits, or perhaps even combine with a short extension to another nearby area if time permits.

Best Time for This Safari

This classic circuit offers exceptional experiences year round:

• Dry Seasons (June October, January February): Generally offer the best conditions for clear Kilimanjaro views from Amboseli and concentrate wildlife. July to October is prime time for the potential Great Migration spectacle in the Mara.
• Green Seasons (March May, November December): Feature lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and excellent birdlife around Lake Naivasha. Wildlife viewing remains very good.

Our specialists will advise on the nuances based on your preferred travel dates.

Why Choose This Iconic Trio Journey?

• Perfect Pacing: Balances travel with ample time for game viewing and relaxation at iconic locations.
• Classic Highlights: Covers the essential Kenyan experiences: Amboseli's elephants & views, Rift Valley lake serenity, and the world famous Maasai Mara.
• Ideal Introduction: A fantastic choice for first time safari goers or couples seeking a romantic and comprehensive Kenyan experience.

Ready to Plan Your Classic Kenyan Safari?

The detailed day by day itinerary, featuring specific accommodation suggestions and logistical details, follows below. If this iconic journey appeals to you, contact our specialists to begin crafting your personalized adventure.

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Itinerary

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Day 1: Nairobi to Amboseli National Park (Approx. 4-5 hours drive)

• Morning (Arrival): Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), Nairobi, you will be met by your professional driver/guide. After a brief welcome and safari briefing, depart for Amboseli National Park.
• Mid-morning: The drive takes you south, passing through diverse landscapes and local Maasai villages. A stop for lunch will be arranged en route, often in a town like Emali.
• Afternoon: Arrive at your chosen lodge or camp in or near Amboseli National Park. Check in and have some time to freshen up.
• Late Afternoon: Embark on your first game drive in Amboseli. This park is renowned for its large herds of elephants, often seen against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro (weather permitting).
• Evening: Return to your lodge/camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation Suggestions: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, Tortilis Camp Amboseli, Ol Tukai Lodge Amboseli, Sopa Amboseli Lodge, or similar.

Day 2: Full-Day Game Drives in Amboseli National Park

• Morning: Early morning game drive to maximize your chances of seeing Kilimanjaro clearly and observe wildlife during their most active hours. The morning light is excellent for photography.
• Mid-morning: Return to the lodge for a leisurely breakfast.
• Late Morning/Afternoon: Continue exploring Amboseli with extended game drives, focusing on different areas of the park, such as the observation hill for panoramic views. Look for lions, hyenas, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, and a wide variety of birdlife. The dry lakebed provides unique photo opportunities.
• Evening: Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3: Amboseli to Lake Naivasha (Approx. 4-5 hours drive)

• Morning: Enjoy a final early morning game drive in Amboseli.
• Mid-morning: After breakfast, check out and drive towards Lake Naivasha. The drive offers changing landscapes as you descend from the foothills of Kilimanjaro towards the Great Rift Valley. A stop for lunch will be arranged en route.
• Late Afternoon: Arrive at Lake Naivasha and check in to your lakeside accommodation.
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation Suggestions: Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge, Enashipai Resort & Spa, Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort, Kiboko Luxury Camp, or similar.

Day 4: Lake Naivasha to Maasai Mara National Reserve (Approx. 4-5 hours drive)

• Morning: Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Naivasha. This is a great opportunity for birdwatching and getting close to hippos. You can also opt to visit Crescent Island for a walking safari among zebras, giraffes, and other plains game (optional).
• Mid-morning: After the boat ride/island visit, depart for the world-renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve. The drive will take you through scenic landscapes, including the floor of the Great Rift Valley and past Mount Longonot. A stop for lunch will be arranged en route, often in Narok town.
• Afternoon: Arrive at your chosen accommodation in or near the Maasai Mara. Check in.
• Late Afternoon: Embark on your first game drive in the Maasai Mara, famous for its incredible wildlife concentrations and the Great Migration (seasonal).
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation Suggestions: Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Mara Intrepids Camp, Angama Mara, Mahali Mzuri, &Beyond Bateleur Camp, or similar.

Day 5: Full-Day Game Drives in Maasai Mara National Reserve

• Full Day: Enjoy full-day game drives in the Maasai Mara with packed lunches. This maximizes your time for exploring different areas of the reserve and increases your chances of seeing the "Big Five" (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) and other iconic African wildlife. Consider a hot air balloon safari for a unique perspective of the Mara plains (pre-booking essential). You can also discuss with your guide options for a shorter morning and afternoon game drive with some relaxation time at the camp/lodge in the middle of the day.
• Evening: Return to your lodge/camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 6: Maasai Mara to Nairobi (Approx. 5-6 hours drive)

• Morning: Enjoy a final early morning game drive in the Maasai Mara.
• Mid-morning: After breakfast, check out and depart for Nairobi.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Nairobi and transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) for your departure flight or to a hotel for onward travel.

Important Notes :

• This is a sample itinerary and can be customized.
• Driving times are estimates and depend on road conditions..
• It is highly recommended that you book your safari well in advance, especially during peak season (July-October for the Great Migration).
• Pack appropriate clothing for varying weather, including warm layers, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and binoculars.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How does the pace of this 6 day itinerary compare to shorter versions? This 6 day itinerary covering three main locations (Amboseli, Naivasha, Mara) offers a significantly more relaxed pace compared to 5 or 6 day itineraries attempting to cover four or more locations. It typically allows for two nights in both Amboseli and the Maasai Mara, providing more time for game drives and enjoying the lodges.

2. Are flights necessary or just optional for this route? While driving the entire circuit is possible, incorporating flights (especially Amboseli to Naivasha area, and Naivasha area to Mara) is highly recommended to maintain a luxury standard, maximize comfort, reduce travel time significantly, and enhance the overall experience.

3. What wildlife can I expect to see at Lake Naivasha? Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake primarily known for its large hippo population viewable by boat and incredible birdlife including fish eagles and pelicans. Crescent Island offers unique guided walks among resident herbivores like zebras and giraffes.

4. How does omitting Lake Nakuru impact this trip compared to a 7 day classic? By focusing on Naivasha instead of including Nakuru, this itinerary prioritizes the unique boat safari and walking opportunities at Naivasha over the dedicated rhino sanctuary and potential mass flamingo spectacle at Lake Nakuru. Both are excellent lakes; this itinerary simply chooses one for a more relaxed pace within 6 days.