Trip Highlights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Meet your safari guide and transfer to your hotel near the airport or in the Karen suburb. Evening briefing over dinner.
Activities
- Airport pickup and transfer
- Welcome briefing with safari guide
- Optional visit to Giraffe Centre if time allows
Arrive a day early if possible to adjust to the time zone. The Karen Blixen Museum is a lovely way to ease into Kenya.
Day 2: Nairobi to Amboseli National Park
Depart early for the 4-hour drive south to Amboseli National Park. Arrive for lunch and an afternoon game drive across the open plains with Mount Kilimanjaro towering above.
Activities
- Scenic drive through Maasai land to Amboseli
- Afternoon game drive focusing on elephants and plains game
- Sundowner drinks with Kilimanjaro views
Early mornings offer the best chance of clear Kilimanjaro views — clouds usually roll in by midday.
Day 3: Full Day in Amboseli
Full day exploring Amboseli with morning and afternoon game drives. Visit Observation Hill for panoramic views of the park and its swamps, where elephants gather in large herds.
Activities
- Sunrise game drive to the marshes
- Visit Observation Hill for panoramic views
- Afternoon game drive around Lake Amboseli
- Optional Maasai village visit
Amboseli has some of the largest tusker elephants left in Africa. Keep your camera ready near the swamp areas where they congregate.
Day 4: Amboseli to Lake Naivasha
Drive north through the Great Rift Valley to Lake Naivasha. Enjoy a boat ride on the lake to spot hippos and African fish eagles before settling in for the night.
Activities
- Drive through the Rift Valley escarpment
- Afternoon boat ride on Lake Naivasha
- Spot hippos, fish eagles, and waterbuck
- Optional walk on Crescent Island
Crescent Island is a walking sanctuary where you can walk freely among giraffes, zebra, and wildebeest — a unique experience.
Day 5: Lake Naivasha to Masai Mara
Depart for the Masai Mara National Reserve, arriving in time for an afternoon game drive through the richest wildlife area in Kenya. Spot lions, cheetahs, and elephants on the open grasslands.
Activities
- Scenic drive to the Masai Mara
- Afternoon game drive in the Mara Triangle
- Search for big cats on the open plains
If visiting July–October, ask your guide to head for the Mara River — this is where the dramatic wildebeest crossings happen.
Day 6: Full Day in the Masai Mara
Full day of game drives in the Masai Mara. Morning and afternoon drives cover different areas of the reserve, maximising your chances of seeing the Big Five and the Great Migration herds.
Activities
- Optional sunrise balloon safari (extra cost)
- Morning game drive to Mara River
- Picnic lunch in the bush
- Afternoon game drive to leopard country
A hot air balloon ride at sunrise costs around $450 but is absolutely worth it — one of Africa's most iconic experiences.
Day 7: Masai Mara to Nairobi & Departure
Early morning game drive for last wildlife sightings, then drive back to Nairobi. Arrive late afternoon for your flight home or onward travel.
Activities
- Final sunrise game drive
- Drive back to Nairobi (5-6 hours)
- Airport transfer for departure
Book an evening flight to make the most of your last morning game drive. Nairobi traffic can be heavy — allow extra time.
What to Pack
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Learn more about this destination: Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
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