6-days Tsavo west-Amboseli-Naivasha-Maasai Mara
Embark on an unforgettable 6-day Kenyan safari adventure, exploring four of the country's most iconic wildlife destinations. Begin in Tsavo West National Park, renowned for its dramatic volcanic landscapes and diverse wildlife. Then, journey to Amboseli National Park, home to majestic elephants against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Please continue to the tranquil shores of Lake Naivasha, known for its hippos, vibrant birdlife, and the unique Crescent Island sanctuary. Finally, experience 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 Tsavo West National Park
Day 2: Tsavo West to Amboseli National Park
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 Tsavo West, Amboseli, and Maasai Mara National Parks.
* Explore the unique landscapes and geological formations of each park
* Boat safari on Lake Naivasha.
* Nature walk on Crescent Island.
Optional activities: Visit the Mzima Springs, Shetani Lava Flow, Chaimu Crater, 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:
Tsavo West National Park: Lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, zebras, black rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.
Scenic Landscapes: The Mzima Springs, Shetani Lava Flow, and the Chaimu Crater in Tsavo West.
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 volcanic Mount Longonot, the lush green shores of Lake Naivasha, and the vast plains, rolling hills, and acacia-dotted savannahs of the Maasai Mara.
Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi to Tsavo West 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 Tsavo West National Park.
- Mid-morning: The drive takes you south, passing through changing landscapes. A stop for lunch will be arranged en route.
- Afternoon: Arrive at your chosen lodge or camp in or near Tsavo West National Park. Check in and have some time to freshen up.
- Late Afternoon: Embark on your first game drive in Tsavo West, known for its dramatic landscapes, including volcanic hills, lava flows, and springs. Visit the Mzima Springs, a series of natural springs home to hippos and crocodiles.
- Evening: Return to your lodge/camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Suggestions: Finch Hattons Camp, Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge, Severin Safari Camp, or similar.
Day 2: Tsavo West to Amboseli National Park (Approx. 1-2 hours drive)
- Morning: Enjoy a final game drive in Tsavo West, perhaps visiting the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary (check availability and pre-booking requirements).
- Mid-morning: After breakfast, check out and drive to Amboseli National Park, famous for its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Afternoon: Arrive at your chosen lodge or camp in or near Amboseli. Check in and have lunch.
- Late Afternoon: Begin your game drive in Amboseli, with fantastic photo opportunities of elephants against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro.
- Evening: Dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Suggestions: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, Tortilis Camp Amboseli, Ol Tukai Lodge Amboseli, Sopa Amboseli Lodge, or similar.
Day 3: Amboseli 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: After breakfast, check out and drive towards Lake Naivasha. A stop for lunch will be arranged en route.
- Afternoon: Arrive at Lake Naivasha and check in to your lakeside accommodation.
- Late Afternoon: Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Naivasha, offering excellent birdwatching and close encounters with hippos. Consider a visit to Crescent Island for a walking safari among zebras, giraffes, and other plains game (optional).
- 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 relaxed morning at Lake Naivasha.
- Mid-morning: After breakfast, depart for the world-renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve. The drive will take you through scenic landscapes. 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: Begin 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 (pre-booking essential).
- 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.
- 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.