Elephant giants beneath Kilimanjaro, flamingo-lined Rift Valley shores and the untamed theatre of the Maasai Mara – a classic Kenyan safari rich in contrast, wildlife and unforgettable landscapes.
Overview
This six-day safari offers a seamless and immersive journey through three of Kenya’s most iconic and wildlife-rich destinations: Amboseli National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park and the world-renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Beginning and ending in Nairobi, this itinerary is carefully structured to maximise wildlife encounters while showcasing Kenya’s most dramatic landscapes. From the vast elephant-filled plains of Amboseli set against the majestic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, to the birdlife-rich shores and rhino sanctuary of Lake Nakuru, and finally to the expansive savannahs of the Maasai Mara, this safari delivers a complete and deeply rewarding experience.
Designed for travellers seeking high-impact wildlife viewing, scenic diversity and exceptional photographic opportunities, this itinerary blends comfort, adventure and iconic African landscapes into one unforgettable journey.
Trip Highlights
- Large elephant herds beneath Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli
- Scenic wetlands and open plains ideal for photography
- Flamingos, rhinos and rich birdlife at Lake Nakuru
- Big Five safari experience in Maasai Mara
- Expansive savannah landscapes and predator sightings
- Classic Rift Valley scenery and viewpoints
Itinerary
This six-day safari unfolds across Kenya’s southern plains and the Great Rift Valley, offering a progressive and enriching wildlife experience across three distinct ecosystems.
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 morning departure from Nairobi, heading south through open countryside and Maasai lands.
As the journey progresses, the landscape opens into expansive plains dotted with acacia trees, and the distant silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro begins to emerge on the horizon.
12:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge in Amboseli National Park and enjoy lunch overlooking the park’s vast open plains, often with wildlife visible nearby.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Set out for your first game drive across Amboseli’s iconic terrain, known for its open visibility and dramatic scenery.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Large elephant herds with impressive tusks
-Lions resting in the grasslands
-Buffalo, zebras and wildebeests
-Giraffes and abundant birdlife around wetlands
The golden light of late afternoon, combined with Kilimanjaro’s backdrop, creates one of Africa’s most iconic safari experiences.
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight, surrounded by the peaceful ambience of the African wilderness 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 wildlife is most active. Elephants move across the plains in golden light, while predators conclude their night hunts.
08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast
Return to the lodge for breakfast or enjoy a bush breakfast depending on wildlife movement.
10:00 - 13:00 | Extended Game Viewing
Explore different sections of the park, including swamp areas fed by underground springs where wildlife gathers in large numbers.
13:00 - 14:00 | Lunch
Lunch at the lodge with sweeping views of the plains.
15:30 - 18:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Continue exploring Amboseli’s diverse habitats, capturing more wildlife encounters and stunning scenery.
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight at your designated accommodation.
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
Enjoy breakfast with final views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
08:00 a.m. - 01:30 p.m. | Scenic Drive via Nairobi into the Rift Valley
Travel north through Nairobi before descending into the Great Rift Valley, where dramatic escarpments and panoramic viewpoints offer breathtaking scenery.
01:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge near Lake Nakuru National Park and enjoy lunch in a tranquil setting.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Explore the park’s compact yet wildlife-rich ecosystem.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-White and black rhinos
-Flamingos and pelicans
-Lions and leopards
-Rothschild giraffes and buffalo
The lake itself provides a stunning visual centrepiece, often framed by pink hues from flamingo flocks.
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight at the lodge in the cool Rift Valley climate at the accommodation of your choice from the 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,
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Guided birdwatching experience
-Nature walks around the lodge
06:30 - 08:30 | Early Morning Game Drive
Begin the day with a morning game drive as wildlife is most active in the cool early hours.
08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast
Return for breakfast at the lodge.
10:00 - 01:30 | Scenic Drive to Maasai Mara
Travel through rolling hills, farmlands and Maasai countryside before arriving at the vast savannah plains of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
01:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge or camp and enjoy lunch before a short rest.
03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Your first game drive in the Mara introduces you to one of Africa’s richest wildlife ecosystems.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Lions in prides
-Cheetahs and leopards
-Elephants and buffalo
-Zebras, wildebeests and antelope
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight at your camp in the heart of the savannah 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):
-Maasai cultural village visit
-Private guided game drive
06:30 - 08:30 | Early Morning Game Drive
Depart at sunrise to witness the Mara at its most active, with predators on the move and herbivores grazing across the plains.
08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast
Return to lodge or enjoy a bush breakfast.
10:00 - 13:00 | Extended Game Viewing
Explore river systems and open plains, including the Mara River where hippos and crocodiles are commonly found.
13:00 - 14:00 | Lunch
Lunch at lodge or picnic within the reserve.
15:30 - 18:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Continue exploring new areas of the reserve, maximising chances of spotting the Big Five.
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight at your designated lodge.
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
Enjoy your final breakfast overlooking the savannah.
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 for lunch along the way.
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, Lake Nakuru 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
It combines three of Kenya’s most iconic parks, offering a balanced mix of landscapes, wildlife density and photographic opportunities.
Kilimanjaro is most visible early morning and late afternoon when cloud cover is minimal, offering spectacular views.
Flamingo numbers vary with water levels, but the park consistently offers rich birdlife and excellent rhino sightings.
The Mara is one of the best places in Africa for lions, cheetahs and leopards due to its high prey density.
Yes, it provides a comprehensive introduction to Kenya’s most famous wildlife destinations.
Yes, you will have a dedicated vehicle and professional guide throughout the safari.
Light, neutral-coloured clothing, a warm layer, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable shoes and camera equipment.
Yes, upgrades, extensions and modifications can be arranged based on preferences.
