Predator-rich plains meet giant tuskers beneath Kilimanjaro.
Overview
This beautifully balanced 5-day safari combines the legendary big cat territory of the Maasai Mara National Reserve with the vast elephant herds and iconic mountain backdrop of Amboseli National Park.
From dramatic predator encounters across the Mara’s golden savannah to unforgettable views of Mount Kilimanjaro rising above Amboseli’s plains, this journey delivers classic East African safari experiences, exceptional photography opportunities and outstanding wildlife density in just five days.
Trip Highlights
- Two full days in the Maasai Mara
- Extensive big cat viewing opportunities
- Optional hot air balloon safari
- Large elephant herds in Amboseli
- Mount Kilimanjaro views - weather permitting
- Big Five viewing opportunities
- Diverse landscapes within a compact itinerary
Itinerary
Two nights in the Maasai Mara followed by two nights in Amboseli, offering classic savannah game viewing and iconic elephant encounters before returning to Nairobi.
07:30 a.m. - 08:00 a.m. | Pick-up in Nairobi
Your safari begins with collection from your Nairobi hotel or from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. After a short briefing, depart westwards towards the Great Rift Valley.
10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Rift Valley Viewpoint Stop
Pause along the escarpment for photographs and sweeping views across the valley floor before continuing your journey.
10:30 a.m. - 02:30 p.m. | Scenic Drive to Maasai Mara
Travel through Narok County, with landscapes gradually opening into vast savannah as you approach the Mara.
02:30 p.m. - 03:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge or tented camp within the Maasai Mara National Reserve in time for lunch and relaxation.
04:00 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Head out for your first exploration of the Mara’s sweeping plains. Expect sightings of elephants, giraffes, zebra and wildebeest, with strong chances of encountering lions and cheetahs. Leopards inhabit the riverine forests but are more elusive.
07:30 p.m. - 09:00 p.m. | Dinner and Overnight
Return to camp for dinner and a relaxed evening under the African sky in 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
06:15 a.m. - 09:00 a.m. | Sunrise Game Drive
Depart early when predators are most active. The golden morning light offers exceptional photographic opportunities and heightened wildlife activity.
09:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. | Breakfast at Camp
Return to camp for breakfast and a short rest.
10:30 a.m. - 01:00 p.m. | Extended Mid-Morning Game Drive
Track lion prides, search for cheetahs across the open plains and observe vast herds of grazing herbivores. During the Great Migration season - typically July to October - wildebeest and zebra fill the landscape.
01:00 p.m. - 02:00 p.m. | Picnic Lunch in the Reserve
Enjoy lunch at a scenic location within the park, remaining immersed in the wilderness.
02:00 p.m. - 05:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Viewing
Visit the Mara River where hippos and crocodiles reside, and continue exploring different sectors of the reserve in search of further wildlife encounters.
07:30 p.m. - 09:00 p.m. | Dinner and Overnight
Return to camp for dinner and relaxation 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
Optional activity at additional cost: sunrise hot air balloon safari followed by a bush breakfast.
07:00 a.m. - 08:00 a.m. | Breakfast at Camp
Enjoy breakfast before preparing for departure.
08:00 a.m. - 03:30 p.m. | Drive to Amboseli
Depart the Mara and travel south-east via Nairobi towards Amboseli. The scenery changes dramatically as you approach the open plains near the Tanzania border.
03:30 p.m. - 04:30 p.m. | Arrival and Check-in
Arrive at your lodge within Amboseli National Park and settle in.
04:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Evening Game Drive
Set out across Amboseli’s expansive plains, renowned for their large elephant herds. With clear skies, Mount Kilimanjaro forms a spectacular backdrop. You may also encounter lions, cheetahs, buffalo and abundant birdlife near the marshes.
07:30 p.m. - 09:00 p.m. | Dinner and Overnight
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight at the accommodation 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
06:30 a.m. - 09:00 a.m. | Early Morning Game Drive
Depart at sunrise when wildlife is most active and Mount Kilimanjaro is often clearest. Watch elephants moving gracefully across the plains against the snow-capped summit.
09:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. | Breakfast at Lodge
Return for breakfast and a short rest.
10:30 a.m. - 01:00 p.m. | Mid-Morning Game Viewing
Explore additional areas of the park, including the swamps fed by underground streams from Kilimanjaro, attracting hippos and a variety of bird species.
01:00 p.m. - 02:00 p.m. | Lunch at Lodge
Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation during the warmer part of the day.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Head out again for further wildlife viewing. Amboseli offers some of Africa’s best close-up elephant photography opportunities, along with zebra, giraffe, hyena and occasionally big cats.
07:30 p.m. - 09:00 p.m. | Dinner and Overnight
Return for dinner and a relaxed final evening in or near the park at the accommodation 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
06:30 a.m. - 08:30 a.m. | Final Morning Game Drive
Enjoy a last sunrise safari, capturing final photographs and soaking in the atmosphere of the African bush.
08:30 a.m. - 09:30 a.m. | Breakfast at Lodge
Return for breakfast before departure.
10:00 a.m. - 03:00 p.m. | Drive Back to Nairobi
Begin the return journey to Nairobi, travelling through scenic plains and rural countryside.
03:00 p.m. - 04:30 p.m. | Arrival in Nairobi
Drop-off at your hotel or airport, marking the end of your Maasai Mara and Amboseli safari.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Package includes
- Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Park entrance fees
- Four nights’ accommodation
- All meals as per itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during game drives
Excludes
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities
- Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)
Frequently Asked Questions
The Maasai Mara offers excellent chances of seeing lions, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebra and numerous antelope species. Leopards are present but require patience. Amboseli is world-renowned for its large elephant herds and superb photographic settings.
Yes, though rhino sightings are less common in Amboseli and the Maasai Mara compared to other parks. Lion, elephant and buffalo sightings are very strong, while leopard sightings depend on timing and luck.
The safari operates year-round. The Great Migration in the Maasai Mara typically occurs between July and October. Amboseli offers excellent wildlife viewing throughout the year.
Yes. It combines two of Kenya’s most iconic parks, offering outstanding wildlife encounters and varied scenery within a manageable five-day itinerary.
Pack neutral-coloured clothing, a warm layer for early mornings, comfortable closed shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars and a good camera. Soft-sided luggage is recommended.
For many travellers, yes. It provides a breath-taking aerial perspective of the Mara plains followed by a memorable bush breakfast experience.
