8-Day Kenya Safari: Masai Mara, Nakuru & Amboseli
Location
Full Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Relax & Prepare for Safari
Your adventure begins as you arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), where a professional safari guide welcomes you. After a warm introduction, you are transferred to Sarova Panafric Hotel, a stylish midrange retreat just outside Nairobi’s bustling city center. This elegant hotel offers spacious, tastefully furnished rooms, lush gardens, and a swimming pool, providing the perfect ambiance to unwind before your safari.
Upon check-in, you have time to relax and soak in the excitement of the journey ahead. Enjoy a refreshing drink at the poolside lounge or indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment. If you prefer to explore Nairobi, optional excursions include a visit to the Giraffe Centre, where you can interact with the rare Rothschild’s giraffes, or the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, where rescued baby elephants are cared for before being reintroduced into the wild.
In the evening, a delightful dinner awaits at the hotel’s restaurant, offering a mix of local and international cuisine. Your safari guide provides a detailed briefing, outlining the incredible experiences ahead. After dinner, retreat to your comfortable room for a restful night, preparing for the adventure that awaits.
Accommodation: Sarova Panafric Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Distance & Travel Time: approx. 15 km, 30 minutes from JKIA to hotel
Day 2: Nairobi to Masai Mara – Afternoon Game Drive
After an early breakfast, you embark on a scenic drive to Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s most famous wildlife haven. The journey, approximately 5 to 6 hours, takes you through the stunning landscapes of the Great Rift Valley, where you pause at a viewpoint to admire breathtaking escarpment views. Along the way, glimpses of Maasai villages and acacia-dotted plains hint at the adventure ahead.
Arriving at Mara Sopa Lodge in time for lunch, you settle into your cozy, en-suite cottage set within lush gardens. The lodge’s rustic charm, panoramic views, and warm hospitality provide the perfect welcome to the wild.
In the afternoon, your first game drive introduces you to the wonders of the Masai Mara. The open plains are teeming with wildlife—elephants moving in family herds, giraffes browsing the treetops, and big cats like lions and cheetahs lounging in the grass. If visiting during the Great Migration (July–October), you may witness massive herds of wildebeest and zebras traversing the landscape.
As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple, you return to the lodge for a hearty dinner. Enjoy stories of the day’s sightings before retreating to your comfortable room for the night.
Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance & Travel Time: approx. 280 km, 5-6 hours
Day 3: Full-Day Safari in Masai Mara – Big Five & Wildebeest Migration
Rise early for a sunrise game drive, the best time to see predators in action. Lions stalk their prey, hyenas scavenge for a meal, and cheetahs prepare for a high-speed chase. The crisp morning air carries the distant roars of lions, adding to the thrill of the experience.
A highlight of the day is a visit to the Mara River, where massive crocodiles lurk in wait and hippos bask in the shallows. During the Great Migration, this river becomes a stage for dramatic crossings as wildebeests and zebras brave the waters.
You enjoy a picnic lunch under a shady acacia tree, surrounded by the untouched wilderness. The afternoon game drive offers more incredible encounters, from herds of elephants moving gracefully to elusive leopards hidden in the trees.
For those interested in cultural experiences, an optional visit to a Maasai village provides insight into their ancient traditions, colorful beadwork, and time-honored way of life. The day concludes with a return to Mara Sopa Lodge, where a delicious dinner and a starlit African night await.
Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance & Travel Time: Varies based on game drive routes, 4-6 hours of exploration
Day 4: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru – Birdwatcher’s Paradise
After breakfast, you journey towards Lake Nakuru National Park, a scenic 5-hour drive through diverse landscapes, from golden savannahs to the verdant Great Rift Valley Lakes region.
Upon arrival at Lake Nakuru Lodge, you check into a tranquil retreat overlooking the lake. This eco-friendly lodge offers comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and breathtaking views of the park’s wildlife-rich environment.
In the afternoon, embark on a game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its flamingo-lined shores and abundant wildlife. The alkaline lake attracts thousands of flamingos, forming a mesmerizing pink spectacle. The park is also a sanctuary for black and white rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and the elusive leopard. You drive up to Baboon Cliff, where panoramic views of the shimmering lake and surrounding landscapes provide a perfect photo opportunity. As the sun sets, you return to the lodge for a relaxing evening, enjoying a delectable dinner before retiring to your room.
Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance & Travel Time: approx. 230 km, 5-6 hours
Day 5: Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha – Boat Safari & Crescent Island Walk
After a leisurely breakfast, a short 2-hour drive takes you to Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake renowned for its tranquil beauty and diverse birdlife. Check into Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort & Spa, a stunning lodge set in lush gardens where giraffes and monkeys roam freely. The resort offers spacious cottages, a swimming pool, and stunning lake views.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on Lake Naivasha, gliding past floating papyrus reeds where hippos wallow and fish eagles soar. The serenity of the lake is unmatched, with vibrant birdlife enhancing the experience. Following the boat ride, embark on a guided walk on Crescent Island, a unique sanctuary where you can stroll among giraffes, zebras, and antelopes—all in a predator-free environment. As evening falls, return to the resort for a delightful dinner, reflecting on the day’s peaceful yet thrilling encounters.
Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort & Spa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance & Travel Time: approx. 80 km, 2 hours
Day 6: Lake Naivasha to Amboseli – The Shadow of Kilimanjaro
After a leisurely breakfast at Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort, you bid farewell to the tranquil lakeshore and embark on a scenic drive to Amboseli National Park, one of Kenya’s most iconic wildlife destinations. The 5 to 6-hour journey takes you through the Great Rift Valley, passing vibrant rural towns, rolling farmlands, and Maasai homesteads. As you approach Amboseli, the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro—Africa’s highest peak—comes into view, its snow-capped summit providing a stunning backdrop to the sprawling savannah. Upon arrival at Amboseli Sopa Lodge, you are welcomed with refreshing drinks and a hearty lunch. The lodge, set within a wooded oasis, offers charming thatched-roof cottages, a sparkling swimming pool, and a relaxed ambiance, making it a perfect retreat after your journey.
In the late afternoon, you set out on your first Amboseli game drive. The park is famous for its massive herds of free-roaming elephants, and it’s not uncommon to see them silhouetted against Kilimanjaro’s towering peak—a breathtaking sight. The park’s diverse ecosystems, including swamps, acacia woodlands, and open plains, are home to a variety of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, and buffaloes. Keep your camera ready for big cats on the hunt, as well as spectacular birdlife like African fish eagles, crowned cranes, and flamingos in the wetlands. As the sun sets over the park, painting the sky in warm hues, you return to the lodge for a delicious dinner. The evening is yours to relax—perhaps enjoy a fireside chat under the stars or sip on a cocktail while listening to the distant calls of hyenas in the wild.
Accommodation: Amboseli Sopa Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance & Travel Time: approx. 280 km, 5-6 hours
Day 7: Full-Day Safari in Amboseli – Big Tuskers & Maasai Culture
The day begins with an early morning game drive, one of the best times to experience Amboseli’s wildlife. The golden light of dawn illuminates the landscape, and predators like lions, hyenas, and cheetahs are often still active from their nocturnal hunts. Meanwhile, elephants march gracefully across the plains, heading toward the park’s lush swamps, where they spend most of the day cooling off.
After a rewarding morning drive, you return to the lodge for a leisurely breakfast and relaxation. Spend some time by the pool, take in the panoramic views from your veranda, or browse local crafts at the lodge’s gift shop. Following lunch, embark on an afternoon game drive to explore the park further. Visit Observation Hill, a scenic lookout offering 360-degree views of Amboseli’s vast landscape, where you can spot herds of zebras, wildebeests, hippos, and flamingos dotting the wetlands below.
For those interested in culture, an optional visit to a traditional Maasai village provides insight into the Maasai people’s fascinating way of life. You’ll be warmly welcomed with colorful traditional dances, intricate beadwork, and storytelling about their warrior traditions and deep connection to nature. It’s an opportunity to learn about their semi-nomadic lifestyle and how they coexist with wildlife. As the day comes to an end, you return to the lodge for a farewell dinner, celebrating your incredible safari experience. Enjoy a feast of grilled meats, fresh local vegetables, and tropical desserts, accompanied by African rhythms and warm hospitality.
Accommodation: Amboseli Sopa Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance & Travel Time: Varies based on game drive routes, 4-6 hours of exploration
Day 8: Amboseli to Nairobi – Farewell to the Wild
Your final day starts with one last sunrise game drive, offering a final chance to witness Amboseli’s wildlife in the golden morning light. The majestic sight of elephants against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro is one you will never forget. If you’re lucky, you might spot a lion pride on the move or a cheetah scanning the horizon for prey. After breakfast at the lodge, you check out and begin your scenic drive back to Nairobi (4 to 5 hours). Along the way, enjoy the changing landscapes, from Amboseli’s dry plains to the bustling roads leading into Kenya’s capital.
Upon arrival in Nairobi, you enjoy a farewell lunch at one of the city’s renowned restaurants, such as Carnivore (famous for its grilled meats) or Talisman (offering a fusion of African and international flavors). Depending on your flight schedule, there may be time for a quick visit to a souvenir market for last-minute shopping. Finally, your journey ends with a transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where you bid farewell to Kenya. As you board your flight, you carry with you the memories of an unforgettable safari, from the thrilling game drives of Masai Mara to the flamingo-filled shores of Lake Nakuru, the serene boat safari on Lake Naivasha, and the awe-inspiring elephants of Amboseli. Your Kenyan safari adventure may be over, but the experiences and stories you’ve gathered will last a lifetime.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Distance & Travel Time: approx. 240 km, 4-5 hours
Inclusions:
✔ Accommodation: Midrange lodges and hotels on a private basis, including Sarova Panafric Hotel, Mara Sopa Lodge, Lake Nakuru Lodge, Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort & Spa, and Amboseli Sopa Lodge.
✔ Meals: Full-board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) as per the itinerary.
✔ Transport: Private 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for optimal game viewing.
✔ Game Drives & Activities: Unlimited game drives in Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli, plus a boat safari on Lake Naivasha and a guided Crescent Island walk.
✔ Park Entry Fees: All entrance fees to Masai Mara National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, and Amboseli National Park.
✔ Professional Guide: English-speaking driver-guide (other language options available upon request).
✔ Bottled Water: Complimentary bottled water during game drives.
✔ Airport Transfers: Pick-up from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and drop-off at the airport or preferred location in Nairobi.
✔ Farewell Lunch: Complimentary farewell lunch in Nairobi at a renowned restaurant (Carnivore or Talisman).
✔ Government Taxes & Levies: VAT, conservation fees, and all mandatory government charges.
Exclusions:
✖ International Flights: Airfare to and from Kenya is not included.
✖ Visa Fees: Travelers are responsible for obtaining and paying for their visas.
✖ Personal Expenses: Costs such as souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, extra snacks, and laundry services.
✖ Optional Activities: Hot air balloon safari in Masai Mara, Maasai village visit, and any other optional excursions not mentioned in the inclusions.
✖ Travel & Medical Insurance: Highly recommended but not included in the package.
✖ Tips & Gratuities: Tips for guides, drivers, and lodge staff (at guests’ discretion).
✖ Additional Meals & Drinks: Any meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary.
✖ Additional Accommodation: Extra hotel nights before or after the safari unless requested.
