Majestic elephants beneath Kilimanjaro, tranquil freshwater shores alive with birdlife, and the untamed drama of the Maasai Mara – a perfectly balanced safari of serenity, scenery and thrilling wildlife encounters.
Overview
This six-day safari presents a beautifully curated journey through three of Kenya’s most iconic and contrasting landscapes: Amboseli National Park, Lake Naivasha and the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Beginning and ending in Nairobi, the itinerary is designed to offer a progressive safari experience – starting with Amboseli’s vast elephant-dotted plains framed by Mount Kilimanjaro, transitioning into the serene freshwater ecosystem of Lake Naivasha, and culminating in the predator-rich savannahs of the Maasai Mara.
This journey combines dramatic scenery, diverse ecosystems and exceptional wildlife density, making it ideal for travellers seeking both visual beauty and immersive game viewing. From close-up elephant encounters to boat safaris among hippos and finally the raw theatre of the Mara, every day builds toward a richer and more rewarding safari experience.
Trip Highloights
- Large elephant herds beneath Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli
- Scenic wetlands and open plains ideal for photography
- Boat safaris and walking experiences at Lake Naivasha
- Hippos and rich birdlife in a freshwater ecosystem
- Big Five safari experience in Maasai Mara
- Expansive savannah game drives and predator sightings
Itinerary
This six-day safari unfolds as a dynamic yet well-paced journey through Kenya’s southern plains and the Great Rift Valley, blending high-energy wildlife encounters with moments of calm and scenic immersion.
Distance: Approx. 240 km
Drive Time: Approx. 4 - 5 hours
07:30 a.m. - 08:30 a.m. | Pickup from Nairobi Hotel / Residence
Your safari begins with a scenic departure from Nairobi, heading south across gradually opening landscapes.
The city quickly gives way to rural countryside and Maasai grazing lands, where herds of cattle and traditional homesteads dot the horizon.
As you approach Amboseli National Park, the towering presence of Mount Kilimanjaro begins to dominate the skyline, offering one of Africa’s most iconic backdrops.
12:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge or camp and enjoy lunch overlooking the expansive plains.
In many cases, elephants, zebras or antelope can already be seen moving across the landscape even before your first game drive begins.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Set out into Amboseli’s open terrain, where the sparse vegetation allows for excellent visibility and frequent wildlife encounters.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Large elephant herds, often seen moving in family groups
-Lions resting in shaded areas
-Buffalo, zebras and wildebeests grazing across the plains
-Giraffes browsing acacia trees
-Abundant birdlife around swampy wetlands
The combination of golden light, open plains and Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak creates a cinematic safari experience that is both visually striking and deeply memorable.
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Return to the lodge as the sun sets behind the mountain, casting warm hues across the plains.
Dinner is served in a relaxed setting, followed by overnight stay surrounded by the quiet sounds of the wild at the accommodation of your choice from the options below.
Option 1 : Budget | Amboseli Mountain View Camp | Manjaro Tented Camp | Nyati Safari Camp
Option 2 : Standard | Little Amanya Camp | Penety Amboseli Resort | Olemayian Amboseli Cottages
Option 3 : Luxury | AA Lodge | Sopa Lodge | Sentrim Amboseli | Kibo Safari Camp | Kilima Safari Camp
Option 4 : Above Luxury | Oltukai Lodge | Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge | Tulia Amboseli Safari Camp
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Maasai cultural village visit
-Guided nature walk
-Private sundowner experience
06:30 - 08:30 | Early Morning Game Drive
Depart at sunrise when Amboseli is at its most active.
Elephants move through the morning mist, predators conclude their hunts and the plains are illuminated by soft golden light.
08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast
Return to the lodge for breakfast or enjoy a bush breakfast surrounded by nature.
10:00 - 13:00 | Extended Game Viewing
Explore deeper into Amboseli, including the swamp areas fed by underground streams from Kilimanjaro.
These lush pockets attract large concentrations of wildlife, offering excellent opportunities for close-range viewing and photography.
13:00 - 14:00 | Lunch
Lunch at the lodge with uninterrupted views of the plains.
15:30 - 18:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Continue exploring new areas of the park as wildlife becomes more active in the cooler hours.
Elephants gather near water sources, giraffes move gracefully across the landscape and predators begin to stir.
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight at your designated accommodation, with Kilimanjaro often visible under the evening sky from the options below.
Option 1 : Budget | Amboseli Mountain View Camp | Manjaro Tented Camp | Nyati Safari Camp
Option 2 : Standard | Little Amanya Camp | Penety Amboseli Resort | Olemayian Amboseli Cottages
Option 3 : Luxury | AA Lodge | Sopa Lodge | Sentrim Amboseli | Kibo Safari Camp | Kilima Safari Camp
Option 4 : Above Luxury | Oltukai Lodge | Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge | Tulia Amboseli Safari Camp
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Photography safari experience
-Sundowner with Kilimanjaro views
Distance: Approx. 350 - 400 km
Drive Time: Approx. 7 - 8 hours
06:30 a.m. - 07:30 a.m. | Breakfast with Mountain Views
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast as Kilimanjaro provides a final dramatic backdrop before departure.
08:00 a.m. - 01:30 p.m. | Scenic Drive via Nairobi into the Great Rift Valley
Travel north through Nairobi before descending into the Great Rift Valley, one of Africa’s most striking geological features.
The journey offers sweeping views of escarpments, fertile farmlands and distant lakes shimmering below.
01:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge near Lake Naivasha and enjoy lunch in a peaceful lakeside setting.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Lake Experience
The pace shifts as you enter a more tranquil environment.
Lake Naivasha offers a unique safari dimension, where wildlife interactions are quieter but equally captivating.
Expect to see:
-Hippos partially submerged along the lake edges
-Fish eagles diving dramatically for prey
-Giraffes, zebras and antelope grazing along the shores
-A rich variety of birdlife
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight surrounded by the gentle sounds of water and birdlife at the accommodation of your choice from the options below.
Options 1 : Budget | Hotel Chambai Safari
Options 2 : Standard | Panorama Hotel
Options 3 : Luxury | Naivasha Crescent Camp
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Boat Safari on Lake Naivasha
-Guided Walking Safari on Crescent Island
-Cycling or Hiking in Hell’s Gate National Park
-Visit Olkaria Geothermal Spa
-Birdwatching Experience
06:30 - 07:30 | Breakfast by the Lake
Enjoy breakfast with views of grazing wildlife and birdlife along the shores.
08:00 - 01:00 | Scenic Drive to Maasai Mara
Depart Naivasha and travel through rolling highlands and Maasai countryside.
The terrain gradually transforms into expansive savannah as you approach the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve.
01:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your camp or lodge and enjoy lunch before a short rest.
03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Your first game drive introduces you to one of Africa’s richest ecosystems.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Lions resting in prides
-Cheetahs scanning the plains
-Elephants moving in herds
-Zebras and wildebeests grazing in large numbers
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight in the heart of the savannah.
Options 1 : Budget | Hotel Chambai Safari
Options 2 : Standard | Panorama Hotel
Options 3 : Luxury | Naivasha Crescent Camp
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Maasai cultural village visit
-Private guided game drive
06:30 - 08:30 | Early Morning Game Drive
Experience the Mara at sunrise when predators are most active and the plains glow in golden light.
08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast
Return to lodge or enjoy a bush breakfast.
10:00 - 13:00 | Extended Game Viewing
Explore river systems where hippos and crocodiles are found.
During migration season, vast herds dominate the landscape, followed closely by predators.
13:00 - 14:00 | Lunch
Lunch at the lodge or picnic within the reserve.
15:30 - 18:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Continue exploring different territories, maximising chances of spotting the Big Five.
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Option 1: Budget Rhino Tourist Camp | Lenchada Tourist Camp | Mara Ntulele Camp | Enchoro Wildlife Camp | Sunset Camp Masai Mara
Option 2: Standard Jambo Mara Safari Lodge | Aruba Mara Camp | Osero Camp | Enkorok Mara Camp | Simba + Oryx Nature Camp
Option 3: Luxury Mara Sopa Lodge | Sentrim Maasai Mara | AA Lodge | Sekenani Camp
Option 4: Above Luxury Sarova Mara Game Camp | Ashnil Mara Camp | Muthu Keekorok Lodge | Mara Serena Safari Lodge | Simba Lodge | Fig Tree Camp
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Hot air balloon safari (subject to availability, Pre-booking required)
-Maasai cultural village visit
-Private sundowner experience
Distance: Approx. 270 km
Drive Time: Approx. 5 - 6 hours
06:30 a.m. - 07:30 a.m. | Breakfast with Savannah Views
Enjoy your final morning in the Mara with sweeping views across the plains.
08:00 a.m. | Departure with Optional Game Viewing
Depart the reserve with a chance for final wildlife sightings along the way.
01:00 p.m. - 02:00 p.m. | Lunch Stop En Route
Optional stop for lunch during the journey back.
03:00 p.m. - 04:00 p.m. | Arrival in Nairobi
Drop-off at your hotel, residence or airport, marking the end of your safari.
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Souvenir shopping stop en route
Inclusions / Exclusions
Package includes
- Transport in a 4x4 Land Cruiser safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Park entrance fees for Amboseli and Maasai Mara
- Accommodation for 5 nights
- All meals as per itinerary
- Game drives as per itinerary
- Bottled mineral water during game drives
- Government taxes and levies
Excludes
- International flights
- Personal travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Optional activities
- Lunch on Day 6 (unless specified)
- Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)
- Personal expenses
Frequently Asked Questions
This itinerary blends dramatic wildlife viewing in Amboseli and Maasai Mara with the calm, scenic experience of Lake Naivasha, creating a well-balanced safari that combines excitement with relaxation.
Kilimanjaro is most visible early in the morning and late in the afternoon, when clouds tend to clear, offering breathtaking views that enhance wildlife photography.
Lake Naivasha offers unique experiences such as boat safaris among hippos, guided walking safaris on Crescent Island and cycling in Hell’s Gate, allowing closer and more immersive wildlife encounters.
Yes, the Maasai Mara is one of the best locations in Africa to spot the Big Five due to its high wildlife density and open landscapes.
The reserve offers excellent game viewing year-round, with the Great Migration typically occurring between July and October.
Yes, it provides a comprehensive introduction to Kenya’s most iconic landscapes and wildlife.
No, game drives are conducted in comfortable vehicles and are well-paced with breaks for meals and relaxation.
Accommodation ranges from budget camps to luxury lodges, all selected for comfort, safety and prime locations.
Pack light clothing in neutral colours, a warm layer for early mornings, comfortable footwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars and a good camera.
Yes, the itinerary can be tailored with upgrades, additional nights or optional activities based on your preferences.
