6 Day Kenya Luxury Safari: Tsavo W, Amboseli, Naivasha & Mara
Maximize your Kenyan adventure with this exhilarating 6 day luxury safari, designed to showcase the stunning highlights of the southern circuit efficiently. Perfect for discerning Canadian travellers with limited time, this journey, expertly managed by Kenyan based specialists, whisks you through the dramatic landscapes of Tsavo West, offers iconic views in Amboseli, explores the Rift Valley's Lake Naivasha, and culminates in the legendary Maasai Mara. Experience Kenya's icons with seamless logistics and premium comfort, ideally utilizing light aircraft for swift transfers.
Brief Day by Day Itinerary Outline
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.
Tailoring Your Express Safari
While this 6 day itinerary is designed for efficiency, customization is still possible, primarily through:
- Pre or Post Safari Extensions: Easily add time in Nairobi, a relaxing beach stay on the coast, or combine this with a short trip to Tanzania.
- Activity Choices: Select optional activities that align with your interests within the existing timeframe.
- Accommodation Preferences: Discuss preferred styles or specific properties within each location.
- Note: Significantly altering the core route or adding parks generally requires extending beyond the 6 day timeframe for a comfortable luxury experience.
Best Time for This Highlights Tour
This express safari offers unique aspects year round:
- Dry Seasons (June October, January February): Generally best for clearer Kilimanjaro views from Amboseli and concentrating wildlife visibility. July to October aligns with potential Migration viewing in the Mara.
- Flight Advantage: Utilizing flights makes travel comfortable regardless of season, mitigating potential impacts of rain on road travel during wetter months (March May, November December).
Consult with our specialists for advice based on your specific travel dates.
Why Choose This Express Journey?
- Iconic Highlights Quickly: Covers Tsavo West's landscapes, Amboseli's views, Naivasha's charm, and the Maasai Mara's wildlife density efficiently.
- Ideal for Limited Time: Perfect for travellers wanting a significant Kenyan safari experience within a short vacation period or as part of a larger trip.
- Flight Focused Comfort: Best enjoyed using light aircraft transfers for a true luxury feel despite the fast pace.
Plan Your Whirlwind Kenyan Safari
The detailed day by day itinerary, including specific accommodation suggestions and flight recommendations, follows below. Ready to experience Kenya's highlights efficiently and luxuriously?
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is this 6 day itinerary very rushed? This itinerary is designed as an express highlights tour and is indeed fast paced, involving movement between locations most days. To ensure a comfortable luxury experience, we strongly recommend incorporating the optional light aircraft flights between parks, which significantly reduces travel time.
2. Are flights mandatory or just recommended for this trip? While technically possible by road (involving very long travel days), we highly recommend light aircraft flights for this 6 day itinerary to meet luxury travel standards for comfort, efficiency, and maximizing time spent enjoying the destinations rather than commuting. The detailed itinerary typically outlines recommended flight sectors.
3. What might I miss compared to a longer safari covering these areas? A 6 day trip naturally allows less time for in depth exploration within each park compared to longer itineraries. You'll experience the key highlights, but may have fewer game drives or less time for relaxation at lodges compared to spending 2 or 3 nights in each major location.
4. Who is this fast paced 6 day safari best suited for? This itinerary is ideal for travellers with limited time who want to see major Southern Kenya highlights, those combining a safari with other destinations or business travel, or perhaps experienced safari goers wanting to revisit specific parks efficiently. Its suitability for young families would depend on their tolerance for frequent travel.