6-days Amboseli-Naivasha-Nakuru-Maasai Mara
Embark on an unforgettable 6-day Kenyan safari, exploring four of the country's most iconic wildlife destinations. Begin in Amboseli, renowned for its majestic elephants against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Next, journey to the tranquil shores of Lake Naivasha, home to hippos, vibrant birdlife, and the unique Crescent Island sanctuary. Then, experience the flamingo spectacle at Lake Nakuru National Park, followed by the thrill of the Maasai Mara, witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration (seasonal) and encountering the Big Five. This tour offers a comprehensive Kenyan safari experience, showcasing the country's diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife.
Day 1: Nairobi to Amboseli National Park
Day 2: Amboseli National Park to Lake Naivasha
Day 3: Lake Naivasha to Lake Nakuru National Park
Day 4: Lake Nakuru 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, Lake Nakuru, and Maasai Mara National Parks
* Boat safari on Lake Naivasha.
* Nature walk on Crescent Island.
Optional activities: Visit the Mzima Springs, 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.
Lake Nakuru National Park: Flamingos, rhinos (both black and white), lions, leopards, Rothschild's giraffes, buffaloes, waterbucks, zebras, and a plethora of bird species, including pelicans, eagles, and storks.
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, the shimmering waters of Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha, and the volcanic Mount Longonot.
Itinerary
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.
- 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 famous 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: Amboseli National Park to Lake Naivasha (Approx. 4-5 hours drive)
- Morning: Enjoy an early morning game drive in Amboseli for the best chance to see Kilimanjaro clearly and observe wildlife activity in the cool morning air.
- Mid-morning: Return to the lodge for breakfast.
- Late Morning: Enjoy a final short game drive or relax at the lodge.
- Afternoon: 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 3: Lake Naivasha to Lake Nakuru National Park (Approx. 1-2 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 Lake Nakuru National Park.
- Afternoon: Arrive at Lake Nakuru and check in to your accommodation near the park.
- Late Afternoon: Enjoy a game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. While the large flamingo flocks are not always present (their presence depends on water levels), the park remains a haven for wildlife, especially rhinos (both black and white), Rothschild giraffes, lions, and leopards. It's also excellent for birdwatching.
- Evening: Dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Suggestions: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge, The Cliff Nakuru, Flamingo Hill Tented Camp, or similar.
Day 4: Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara National Reserve (Approx. 4-5 hours drive)
- Morning: Enjoy a final game drive in Lake Nakuru.
- Mid-morning: After breakfast, check out and 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. A stop for lunch will be arranged en route.
- 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 allows you to explore different areas of the reserve and maximize your chances of seeing the "Big Five" 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 to suit your preferences, budget, and travel dates.
- 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.