Witness the awe inspiring spectacle of elephants roaming beneath Mount Kilimanjaro and experience the vast plains of the legendary Maasai Mara on this classic 8 day Kenya luxury safari. Perfectly crafted for discerning Canadian travellers seeking iconic wildlife and stunning landscapes within a comfortable timeframe, this journey showcases Southern Kenya's greatest treasures. As Kenyan based experts, Bubble Tours & Travel ensures a seamless, authentic, and bespoke Kenya itinerary, planned with premium comfort and local insight.

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 Lake Nakuru National Park
Day 5: Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara National Reserve
Day 6: Full-Day Game Drives in Maasai Mara
Day 7: Full-Day Game Drives in Maasai Mara
Day 8: 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.

Tailored To Your Preferences

This popular 8 day itinerary provides an excellent foundation based on classic highlights. As specialists in bespoke Kenya itinerary design, we excel at tailoring journeys. Wish to linger longer for that perfect Kilimanjaro photo? Add specific birding excursions? Adjust the pace for a multi generational family trip? We collaborate closely with you to refine the activities and accommodation choices to create your ideal Kenyan safari adventure.

Best Time for This Safari Circuit

This route offers incredible experiences throughout the year:

• Dry Seasons (June October, January February): Offer the best chances for clear views of Mount Kilimanjaro from Amboseli and typically concentrate wildlife near water sources. July to October aligns with the potential Great Migration period in the Maasai Mara.
• Wet Seasons (March May, November December): Present lush green landscapes, fewer crowds, and often dramatic skies. Flamingo numbers at Lake Nakuru can vary; the park's rhino sanctuary is a year round highlight.

We provide tailored advice based on your specific travel dates.

Why Choose This Iconic Journey?

• Kilimanjaro Views & Elephants: Offers the quintessential Amboseli experience.
• Rift Valley Lakes: Includes refreshing stops at Naivasha and Nakuru for diverse birdlife, hippos, and rhino sightings.
• Maasai Mara Finale: Culminates in one of the world's premier wildlife destinations.
• Efficient Timeframe: Provides a fantastic overview of key southern parks within about a week.

Ready to Plan Your Kenyan Safari?

The detailed day by day itinerary, featuring specific accommodation suggestions and further insights, follows below. If you're ready to discuss customizing this iconic Kenyan journey or have immediate questions, our specialists are here to assist.

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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 small towns.
• Afternoon: Arrive at your chosen lodge or camp in or near Amboseli National Park. Check in and have lunch.
• Late Afternoon: Embark on your first game drive in Amboseli. This park is famous for its large herds of elephants roaming against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.
• 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 also ideal for photography.
• Mid-morning: Return to the lodge for 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 variety of birdlife.
• 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.
• Afternoon: Arrive at Lake Naivasha and check in to your lakeside accommodation. Have lunch.
• Late Afternoon: Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Naivasha. This is a fantastic 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).
• 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 Lake Nakuru National Park (Approx. 1-2 hours drive)

• Morning: Enjoy a relaxed morning at Lake Naivasha. You might consider a nature walk or more birdwatching along the lake shores.
• Mid-morning: Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park.
• Afternoon: Arrive at Lake Nakuru and check in to your accommodation near the park.
• Late Afternoon: Embark on a game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. Although the flamingo population fluctuates, the park remains a haven for wildlife, including both black and white rhinos, Rothschild giraffes, lions, leopards, and various antelope species.
• 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 5: Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara National Reserve (Approx. 4-5 hours drive)

• Morning: Enjoy a final game drive in Lake Nakuru, perhaps focusing on rhino tracking or birdwatching.
• Mid-morning: After breakfast, depart for the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The drive will take you through scenic landscapes, including the floor of the Great Rift Valley and rolling hills.
• Afternoon: Arrive at your chosen accommodation in or near the Maasai Mara. Check in and have lunch.
• Late Afternoon: Begin your first game drive in the Maasai Mara, world-renowned for its exceptional 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 6: 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 for extensive exploration of the reserve and increases your chances of seeing the "Big Five" and other iconic African wildlife. You could focus on specific areas of the Mara, such as the Mara River (during migration season) or the plains where predators are often found. 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 7: Full-Day Game Drives in Maasai Mara National Reserve

• Full Day: Another full day dedicated to exploring the Maasai Mara. This allows you to revisit favourite spots, track specific animals, or explore different areas of the reserve. You can also consider a cultural visit to a local Maasai village (optional and can be arranged locally).
• Evening: Return to your lodge/camp for a farewell dinner and overnight stay.

Day 8: 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. How does this Amboseli Lakes Mara route differ from itineraries including Samburu or Tsavo? This classic circuit focuses on the iconic southern parks known for elephant populations against Kilimanjaro (Amboseli), Rift Valley lake highlights (Nakuru rhinos/flamingos, Naivasha boats), and the dense wildlife of the Maasai Mara. It differs from northern routes featuring Samburu's unique arid species or Tsavo's vast scale and red elephants.

2. What are the chances of getting clear views of Mount Kilimanjaro? Clear views are most common during the early mornings, especially in the dry seasons (June Oct, Jan Feb). However, weather patterns vary, and cloud cover can obscure the peak at any time. Amboseli remains a spectacular destination regardless.

3. Is 8 days comfortable for this itinerary? How is travel managed? Eight days is a popular timeframe for this circuit. Travel between Amboseli and the Rift Valley involves a significant drive; opting for a light aircraft flight for this sector is highly recommended for comfort and time saving, maximizing your enjoyment. The detailed itinerary outlines typical travel methods and times.

4. Is this itinerary suitable for first time visitors or families? Yes, this route is often excellent for first time visitors to Kenya as it covers several iconic highlights. It can also be wonderful for families, offering diverse activities like boat trips alongside game drives. We can tailor activities and lodge choices further for specific age groups.