Iconic savannah drama, flamingo-fringed lakes and elephants beneath Kilimanjaro.
Overview
This exceptional 5-day safari links three of Kenya’s most celebrated wildlife destinations – the predator-rich plains of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, the scenic and rhino-thriving Lake Nakuru National Park, and the breathtaking landscapes of Amboseli National Park set against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.
From thrilling big cat encounters in the Mara to Rift Valley beauty and finally vast elephant herds roaming beneath Africa’s highest mountain, this journey delivers diversity, spectacle and unforgettable photography within five perfectly paced days.
Trip highlights
- Extensive game drives in Maasai Mara
- Black and white rhino sightings at Lake Nakuru
- Large elephant herds in Amboseli
- Views of Mount Kilimanjaro - weather permitting
- Big Five viewing opportunities
- Scenic Great Rift Valley landscapes
- Optional hot air balloon safari in the Mara
Itinerary
Two nights in the Maasai Mara, one night at Lake Nakuru and one night in Amboseli, offering varied landscapes and exceptional wildlife viewing before returning to Nairobi.
07:30 - 08:00 | Pick-up in Nairobi
Your safari begins with collection from your hotel or from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. After a briefing, depart westwards towards the Great Rift Valley.
10:00 - 10:30 | Rift Valley Viewpoint Stop
Pause at a scenic viewpoint along the escarpment for photographs and sweeping views across the valley floor.
10:30 - 14:30 | Drive to Maasai Mara
Continue through Narok County, with landscapes gradually opening into vast savannah as you approach the Maasai Mara.
14:30 - 15:30 | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge or tented camp within the Maasai Mara National Reserve in time for lunch and relaxation.
16:00 - 18:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Embark on your first exploration of the Mara’s sweeping plains. Expect sightings of elephants, giraffes, zebra and wildebeest, along with strong chances of encountering lions and cheetahs. Leopards are present though more elusive, often seen in riverine woodland.
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Return to camp for dinner and an evening at leisure under the African sky 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 - 09:00 | Sunrise Game Drive
Depart early when predators are most active. The golden morning light provides outstanding photography opportunities and excellent wildlife activity.
09:00 - 10:00 | Breakfast at Camp
Return for a relaxed breakfast before continuing the day’s exploration.
10:30 - 13:00 | Extended Mid-Morning Game Drive
Track lion prides, search for cheetahs across open plains and observe large herds of grazing herbivores. During the Great Migration season - typically July to October - vast numbers of wildebeest and zebra dominate the landscape.
13:00 - 14:00 | Picnic Lunch in the Reserve
Enjoy lunch at a scenic spot within the reserve, remaining immersed in the wilderness.
14:00 - 17:30 | 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.
19:30 - 21:00 | 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 - 08:00 | Breakfast at Camp
Enjoy breakfast before departure.
08:00 - 13:30 | Drive to Lake Nakuru
Travel northwards across the Rift Valley floor towards Lake Nakuru, passing rural towns and rolling farmland.
13:30 - 14:30 | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge near Lake Nakuru National Park in time for lunch and a short rest.
16:00 - 18:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Explore Lake Nakuru National Park, renowned for its strong black and white rhino populations. You may also encounter Rothschild giraffes, buffalo, lions, waterbuck and large flocks of pelicans and seasonal flamingos along the lake shore.
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight at the accommodation options below.
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,
07:00 - 08:00 | Breakfast at the Lodge
Enjoy breakfast before beginning your journey south-east towards Amboseli.
08:00 - 14:30 | Scenic Drive to Amboseli
Travel through Nairobi and onwards to Amboseli National Park, with views of changing landscapes from highlands to open plains.
14:30 - 15:30 | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge within Amboseli National Park in time for lunch and relaxation.
16:00 - 18:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Set out across Amboseli’s open plains, famous for its large elephant herds. With clear skies, Mount Kilimanjaro forms a dramatic backdrop. You may also see lions, cheetahs, buffalo, zebra and numerous bird species around the park’s marshes.
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Return to 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 - 08:30 | Early Morning Game Drive
Enjoy a final sunrise safari in Amboseli. Early mornings often provide the clearest views of Mount Kilimanjaro and active wildlife against its snow-capped summit.
08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast at Lodge
Return for breakfast before departure.
10:00 - 15:00 | Drive Back to Nairobi
Begin the return journey to Nairobi, arriving in the afternoon.
15:00 - 16:30 | Arrival in Nairobi
Drop-off at your hotel or airport, marking the end of your Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru 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
You have strong chances of seeing lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebra, hyenas and numerous antelope species. Rhino sightings are reliable at Lake Nakuru. Amboseli offers some of Africa’s best elephant viewing opportunities. Leopards are present in the Maasai Mara but remain elusive.
Yes. All three parks host members of the Big Five, though leopard sightings depend on luck and timing.
Absolutely. In just five days you experience Kenya’s most iconic reserve, a leading rhino sanctuary and one of Africa’s best elephant destinations, offering exceptional diversity and photographic variety.
The safari operates year-round. The Great Migration typically occurs in the Maasai Mara between July and October. Amboseli offers excellent wildlife viewing throughout the year.
Yes. It provides a comprehensive introduction to Kenya’s wildlife, landscapes and safari experience within a manageable timeframe.
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.
