Big cats, boat safaris and giant tuskers beneath Kilimanjaro.
Overview
This wonderfully diverse 5-day safari blends the predator-rich plains of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, the tranquil freshwater beauty of Lake Naivasha and the iconic elephant landscapes of Amboseli National Park.
From thrilling big cat encounters in the Mara to a scenic boat safari among hippos on Lake Naivasha and finally vast elephant herds roaming beneath Mount Kilimanjaro, this journey delivers remarkable variety, strong photographic opportunities and excellent overall value within five rewarding days.
Trip Highlights
- Two nights in the Maasai Mara
- Optional hot air balloon safari
- Boat safari on Lake Naivasha
- Walking safari option at Crescent Island
- Large elephant herds in Amboseli
- Mount Kilimanjaro views - weather permitting
- Big Five viewing opportunities
Itinerary
Two nights in the Maasai Mara, one night at Lake Naivasha and one night in Amboseli, offering classic savannah wildlife, Rift Valley lake scenery and dramatic mountain backdrops 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, where the landscape gradually opens into wide savannah as you approach the Mara ecosystem.
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 golden plains. Expect sightings of elephants, giraffes, zebra and wildebeest, along 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 in the heart of the African wilderness 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
06:15 a.m. - 09:00 a.m. | Sunrise Game Drive
Depart early when predators are most active. The cool morning air and golden light create superb conditions for wildlife viewing and photography.
09:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. | Breakfast at Camp
Return 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 open plains and observe large herds of herbivores. During the Great Migration season - typically July to October - vast numbers of 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 departure.
08:00 a.m. - 01:30 p.m. | Drive to Lake Naivasha
Travel northwards across the Rift Valley floor towards Lake Naivasha, enjoying changing scenery from open savannah to lush lakeside vegetation.
01:30 p.m. - 02:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge near Lake Naivasha in time for lunch and relaxation.
03:30 p.m. - 05:00 p.m. | Boat Safari on Lake Naivasha
Enjoy a guided boat safari across the freshwater lake, where you may observe pods of hippos, fish eagles diving for prey and a variety of waterbirds along the shoreline.
05:00 p.m. - 06:00 p.m. | Optional Crescent Island Visit
You may opt for a guided walking safari on Crescent Island, where zebra, giraffe and antelope roam freely without large predators.
07:30 p.m. - 09:00 p.m. | Dinner and Overnight
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight at the accommodation options below.
Option 1 : Budget | Hotel Chambai Safari
Option 2 : Standard | Panorama Hotel
Option 3 : Luxury | Naivasha Crescent Camp
Option 4 : Above Luxury | Sawela Lodge | Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort | Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge
07:00 a.m. - 08:00 a.m. | Breakfast at Lodge
Enjoy breakfast before beginning your journey south-east towards Amboseli.
08:00 a.m. - 02:30 p.m. | Scenic Drive to Amboseli
Travel via Nairobi and onwards to Amboseli National Park, with landscapes gradually transitioning to open plains near the Tanzania border.
02:30 p.m. - 03:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge within Amboseli National Park in time for lunch and relaxation.
04:00 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Set out across Amboseli’s expansive plains, renowned for their large elephant herds. With clear skies, Mount Kilimanjaro provides a dramatic backdrop. You may also encounter lions, cheetahs, buffalo and abundant birdlife around the park’s 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. - 08:30 a.m. | Early Morning Game Drive
Enjoy a final sunrise safari. Early mornings often offer the clearest views of Mount Kilimanjaro and active wildlife moving across the plains.
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 through scenic countryside towards the capital.
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, Lake Naivasha 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
- Boat safari on Lake Naivasha
- 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 strong chances of seeing lions, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, giraffes and numerous antelope species. Lake Naivasha provides close views of hippos and abundant birdlife. Amboseli is world-renowned for its large elephant herds and superb photographic backdrops.
Lion, elephant and buffalo sightings are very strong. Leopard sightings depend on timing and luck in the Maasai Mara. Rhino sightings are less common in these particular parks compared to Lake Nakuru or Ol Pejeta.
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.
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.
Yes. It combines classic savannah wildlife, a scenic freshwater lake experience and iconic elephant encounters, offering excellent diversity within five days.
