Big Five encounters, flamingo lakes and the drama of the Mara plains.
Overview
This five-day safari showcases three of Kenya’s most iconic and diverse wildlife destinations: Amboseli National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, and the world-renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Your journey begins in Amboseli, where vast open plains and wetlands are set against the majestic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering some of Africa’s most photographed wildlife scenes.
You then travel through the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru, a compact yet wildlife-rich park famous for flamingos, rhinos and picturesque lake views.
The safari culminates in the Maasai Mara, Kenya’s premier game reserve, celebrated for its exceptional predator sightings and the iconic savannah landscapes that define the African safari experience.
Trip Highlights
- Iconic elephant encounters in Amboseli
- Views of Mount Kilimanjaro
- Views of Mount Kilimanjaro
- Flamingos and rhinos at Lake Nakuru
- Big Five safari experience in Maasai Mara
- Expansive savannah game drives
Itinerary
This five-day safari begins with an early morning departure from Mombasa, Diani Beach, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu, travelling inland to Amboseli National Park. The journey continues through the scenic Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru before culminating in the legendary Maasai Mara. The safari concludes with a return to Nairobi.
Distance: Approx. 450–500 km
Drive Time: 8–9 hours
05:00 a.m. - 06:00 a.m. | Pickup from Coastal Hotel
Your safari begins before sunrise with a scenic departure from the coast (Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Malindi, Watamu). As you leave behind the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, the landscape gradually transforms into open plains and rural countryside, setting the tone for the adventure ahead.
01:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive in Amboseli and check in at your lodge or camp, where lunch is served with sweeping views of the plains and, on clear days, the towering silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Your first game drive introduces you to Amboseli’s iconic scenery - golden grasslands, seasonal wetlands and vast open spaces framed by Mount Kilimanjaro.
Wildlife commonly observed in the park includes:
-Large elephant herds
-Lions resting in the grasslands
-Buffalo, giraffes and zebras
-Wildebeests and antelope
-Abundant birdlife around wetlands
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Return to your lodge as the sun sets behind Kilimanjaro, painting the sky in dramatic colours. Dinner is served in a relaxed setting, accompanied by the distant sounds of the wild followed by overnight stay at the accommodation of your choice from the options below.
Option 1 : Budget | Mountain View Camp | Manjaro Tented Camp | Nyati Safari Camp
Option 2 : Standard | Little Amanya Camp | Penety 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)
-Guided nature walks in Amboseli
-Cultural visit to a Maasai village near Amboseli
-Balloon safari experience in Amboseli (subject to availability)
Distance: Approx. 350–400 km
Drive Time: 7–8 hours
06:30 a.m. - 07:30 a.m. | Breakfast
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with views of the plains.
08:00 a.m. | Departure for Lake Nakuru
Depart Amboseli and journey through Nairobi before descending into the breathtaking landscapes of the Great Rift Valley, with panoramic viewpoints along the way.
01:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge near Lake Nakuru and enjoy lunch overlooking the surrounding landscapes.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Explore Lake Nakuru National Park, known for its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty.
Wildlife commonly observed in the park includes:
-White and black rhinos
-Flamingos and other water birds
-Lions and leopards
-Buffalo and Rothschild giraffes
-Zebras and antelope species
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight, surrounded by the peaceful ambiance of the Rift Valley.
Option 1 : Standard | Lake Nakuru Lodge | Flamingo Hill Camp
Option 2 : Luxury | Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge | Sarova Lion Hill
Option 3 : Above Luxury | The Cliff, Nakuru,
Optional Activities (at additional cost)
-Guided nature walks around the lodge
-Bird watching excursions
Distance: Approx. 230 km
Drive Time: 5–6 hours
06:30 a.m. - 08:00 a.m. | Morning Game Drive and Breakfast
Begin the day with a morning game drive, capturing the park in its most active state.
09:30 a.m. | Departure for Maasai Mara
Drive towards the Maasai Mara, passing through rolling hills, rural villages and expansive countryside.
01:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your camp or lodge in the Maasai Mara and enjoy lunch before a short rest.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Your first game drive in the Mara introduces you to one of the most wildlife-rich ecosystems in the world.
Wildlife commonly observed in the reserve includes:
-Lions, including large prides
-Cheetahs and leopards
-Elephants and buffalo
-Zebras and wildebeests
-Hyenas and other predators
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
As the sun sets over the savannah, return to camp for dinner and a tranquil evening under the stars, followed by overnights stay at the accommodation of your choice from the options below.
Option 1: Budget Rhino Tourist Camp | Lenchada Tourist Camp | Mara Ntulele Camp | Enchoro Wildlife Camp | Sunset Camp Masai Mara | Greenwood Safari Camp
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 | Mara Simba Lodge | Fig Tree Camp
Optional Activities (at extra cost)
-Early morning Hot Air Balloon Safari
-Maasai cultural village visit
06:30 a.m. - 08:30 a.m. | Sunrise Game Drive
Start the day early to experience the Mara at its most կենդ active, with predators often on the move.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Lions and cheetahs hunting
-Elephants moving across plains
-Giraffes and zebras grazing
-Large herds of wildebeests (seasonal)
12:30 p.m. | Picnic Lunch in the Bush
Enjoy lunch at a scenic spot within the reserve, surrounded by nature.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Continue exploring the vast plains, tracking wildlife and taking in the endless horizons that define the Mara.
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Return to camp for your final evening in the Mara, reflecting on the day’s unforgettable sightings for dinner and overnight at the accommodation options below.
Option 1: Budget | Rhino Tourist Camp | Lenchada Tourist Camp | Mara Ntulele Camp | Enchoro Wildlife Camp | Sunset Camp Masai Mara | Greenwood Safari Camp
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 | Mara Simba Lodge | Fig Tree Camp
Distance: Approx. 270 km
Drive Time: 5–6 hours
06:30 a.m. - 07:30 a.m. | Breakfast
Enjoy your final breakfast in the Mara.
08:00 a.m. | Departure
Optional short game drive as you exit the reserve.
01:00 p.m. - 02:00 p.m. | Lunch Stop En Route
Optional stop along the way.
03:00 p.m. - 04:00 p.m. | Arrival in Nairobi
Arrival and drop-off at your hotel, residence or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, marking the end of your safari experience.
Optional Activities (at extra cost)
-Souvenir shopping stop en route to Nairobi
Inclusions / Exclusions
Package Includes
- This five-day safari begins with an early morning departure from Mombasa, Diani Beach, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu, travelling inland to Amboseli National Park. The journey continues through the scenic Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru before culminating in the legendary Maasai Mara. The safari concludes with a return to Nairobi.
Excludes
- International flights
- Personal travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Optional activities
- Lunch on Day 5 (unless specified)
- Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)
- Personal expenses
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this itinerary combines three of Kenya’s most iconic parks, offering a well-rounded and highly rewarding safari experience.
The Maasai Mara is excellent year-round, but the Great Migration typically occurs between July and October.
Flamingo numbers vary depending on water levels, but the park consistently offers excellent birdlife and rhino sightings.
Mount Kilimanjaro is often visible early in the morning and late afternoon when cloud cover is minimal.
Expect elephants, lions, rhinos, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, antelope species and a wide range of birdlife.
Pack light clothing, a warm layer, comfortable shoes, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and a camera or binoculars.
Options range from budget camps to luxury lodges, all carefully selected for comfort and location.
Yes, accommodation levels, routing and additional experiences can be tailored to your preferences.
