Day 1: Journey to Masai Mara National Reserve

Your adventure begins early in the morning as you set off from Nairobi toward one of Kenya’s most iconic wildlife destinations—the Masai Mara. The drive takes you through the Great Rift Valley, offering scenic views and cultural glimpses along the way. Upon arrival at Zebra Plains Mara Camp, you’ll settle in and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch, followed by some time to rest and take in the surroundings.

In the late afternoon, you’ll head out for your first game drive, exploring the vast savannahs where lions, cheetahs, and elephants roam freely. As the sun dips below the horizon, the golden light paints the plains, creating the perfect backdrop for your wildlife encounters. Dinner is served back at the camp, where you’ll spend your first night under canvas, immersed in the sounds of the bush.

🏕️ Accommodation: Zebra Plains Mara Camp

Days 2–3: Exploring the Wildlife of Masai Mara

Spend the next two days delving deeper into the Masai Mara ecosystem, renowned for its thriving populations of the Big Five. Whether you choose morning and afternoon drives or a full-day safari with a picnic lunch on the plains, your guide will help you track the movements of predators and herds. The reserve’s rolling landscapes are home to thousands of zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, and the elusive black rhino.

Beyond the iconic mammals, the Masai Mara is a birder’s paradise, boasting more than 500 species including vultures, bustards, and sunbirds. Cheetahs are often spotted lazing in the tall grass or even hopping atop vehicles for better views of prey. Each drive offers new surprises, and your stay at Zebra Plains ensures you return to comfort after days filled with extraordinary sightings.

🏕️ Accommodation: Zebra Plains Mara Camp

Day 4: From the Mara to Lake Nakuru

After breakfast, you’ll leave the Mara behind and drive north to Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its lake fringed with flamingos and its rhino conservation efforts. On arrival, check in to Lake Nakuru Lodge, nestled within the park’s boundaries, and enjoy lunch with sweeping views of the Rift Valley landscape.

In the afternoon, embark on a game drive through this lush, acacia-dotted reserve. Keep your camera ready—this park is a sanctuary for endangered black and white rhinos and is also home to tree-climbing lions, Rothschild’s giraffes, and herds of buffalo. As dusk falls, return to the lodge for a relaxing evening and dinner overlooking the lake.

🏕️ Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Lodge

Day 5: Lake Naivasha and a Change of Pace

This morning, you’ll head out toward Lake Naivasha, the highest of the Rift Valley lakes and known for its tranquil beauty. Upon arrival, settle into the Great Rift Valley Lodge, perched above the lake with panoramic views. Optional activities include a boat safari to see hippos and waterbirds or a walking safari on Crescent Island where zebras and giraffes roam freely.

Lake Naivasha is a peaceful contrast to the big-game safaris, offering time to slow down and enjoy nature at a gentler pace. Its papyrus-lined shores are alive with birdlife, and the surrounding area is known for its vineyards and flower farms. In the evening, return to the lodge for a quiet dinner and restful night.

🏕️ Accommodation: Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort

Day 6: Southward to Amboseli National Park

Depart Naivasha early and journey southward toward Amboseli, where Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, rises above the plains. Arriving in time for lunch, you’ll check in at Kibo Safari Camp, a comfortable tented lodge near the park entrance.

In the afternoon, venture into the park for your first Amboseli game drive. With its open landscapes and swampy springs, Amboseli is a haven for wildlife, especially elephants. Watching large herds of tuskers with Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak in the background is one of Africa’s most iconic safari images. After the drive, return to camp for dinner under the stars.

🏕️ Accommodation: Kibo Safari Camp

Day 7: Full Day in Amboseli

Start the day early to catch clear views of Kilimanjaro before the clouds roll in. Today’s full-day game drive allows you to cover more ground in search of lions, buffalo, hyenas, and countless bird species. Picnic lunch is provided so you can maximize your time in the field.

For those interested in culture, a visit to a nearby Maasai village can be arranged to learn about traditional customs, homes, and dances. In the evening, head back to Kibo Safari Camp for your final night surrounded by the sounds of the wild.

🏕️ Accommodation: Kibo Safari Camp

Day 8: Return to Nairobi

Enjoy a final morning drive through Amboseli as you say goodbye to the plains and its magnificent wildlife. After breakfast, begin your journey back to Nairobi, arriving in the late afternoon. Your driver will drop you off at your hotel or the airport, marking the end of this unforgettable 8-day safari through some of Kenya’s most captivating landscapes.

Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve

Your adventure begins with a timely pick-up from your Nairobi hotel. You’ll set off on a scenic drive to the iconic Masai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s premier safari destinations. Upon arrival, you’ll check in to the budget-friendly Miti Mingi Eco Camp, located just outside the reserve. After settling in, enjoy a delicious lunch before taking some time to relax and soak in the surroundings. Later in the afternoon, embark on your first game drive through the vast Mara plains, searching for wildlife until the sun dips below the horizon. Expect to see a rich variety of animals such as elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of endless savannah. Return to camp for a hearty dinner and a restful overnight stay.

🏕️ Accommodation: Miti Mingi Eco Camp

Day 2: Full Day in Masai Mara National Reserve

Start your day early with a morning game drive when wildlife is most active and the light perfect for photography. Return to camp for breakfast before heading back out to explore more of the Mara’s diverse ecosystems. Whether you choose to continue on guided game drives through the reserve or spend time observing the vibrant birdlife and herds of animals, your expert guide will tailor the day to your interests. Enjoy lunch back at camp or opt for a full-day outing with a packed picnic lunch in the wilderness. In the late afternoon, venture out once more to catch the animals during the cooler hours, before returning to Miti Mingi Eco Camp for dinner and overnight accommodation.

🏕️ Accommodation: Miti Mingi Eco Camp

Day 3: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park

After a relaxed breakfast, check out from the camp and depart for Lake Nakuru National Park. The journey will take you through Kenya’s scenic landscapes, arriving in time for lunch at Hotel CityMax, a budget-friendly hotel located within an hour’s drive of the park. After lunch, prepare for an afternoon game drive through the park, known for its stunning birdlife, including vast flocks of flamingos, and resident black and white rhinos. Your guide will help you spot giraffes, buffalos, hippos, zebras, and possibly the elusive black rhino. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight rest.

🏕️ Accommodation: Hotel CityMax

Day 4: Lake Nakuru to Amboseli National Park via Lake Naivasha

Following an early breakfast, you will leave Lake Nakuru and travel towards Amboseli National Park. Along the way, there is an opportunity to visit Lake Naivasha, where you may enjoy an optional boat ride on the lake’s tranquil waters or visit Hell’s Gate National Park for a walking or cycling excursion through its dramatic gorges and wildlife-filled plains. Continue your journey with lunch en route before arriving at Amboseli National Park, famous for spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. Check in at Nyati Safari Camp, a budget tented camp located just outside the park, then relax before heading out for dinner and overnight accommodation.

🏕️ Accommodation: Nyati Safari Camp

Day 5: Full Day at Amboseli National Park

Enjoy an early breakfast before setting off on a full-day game drive across Amboseli’s diverse habitats. This park is renowned for its large herds of elephants, often seen near swampy areas, along with lions, wildebeests, zebras, giraffes, and smaller species such as dik-diks. Your guide will help you explore the best spots and provide insights into the rich ecosystem. A picnic lunch will be served during your game drive. After a rewarding day of wildlife viewing, return to Nyati Safari Camp to freshen up, enjoy dinner, and spend the night surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.

🏕️ Accommodation: Nyati Safari Camp

Day 6: Amboseli to Tsavo East National Park

After breakfast, depart Amboseli and head towards Tsavo East National Park, one of Kenya’s largest and oldest parks. Known for its impressive elephant populations and the infamous man-eating lions, Tsavo East offers unique landscapes dotted with baobab trees and open plains. Arrive at Red Elephant Safari Lodge, a comfortable mid-range lodge just outside the park. After lunch, set off on an afternoon game drive to spot elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and hippos. Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

🏕️ Accommodation: Red Elephant Safari Lodge

Day 7: Tsavo East to Mombasa/Diani

Begin your last morning with an early game drive in Tsavo East National Park, taking in the morning light as animals go about their daily routines. Following the drive, depart for the coastal city of Mombasa or Diani Beach, where the tour concludes. Expect to arrive around midday, when you will be dropped off at your hotel or resort, ready to relax and reflect on your incredible Kenyan safari experience.