8-Day Luxury Safari: Masai Mara, Nakuru, Naivasha & Amboseli Adventure
Location
Full Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi
Welcome to Kenya! Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met by your private safari guide and driver. After a warm Kenyan greeting, enjoy a seamless transfer to Hemingways Nairobi, a luxurious hotel located in the leafy suburb of Karen. Here, you will be welcomed with refreshing drinks and a smooth check-in process.
Depending on your arrival time, take the opportunity to relax at the hotel, or if you wish, explore some of Nairobi's renowned attractions. You can visit the Giraffe Centre, where you can interact with endangered Rothschild giraffes, or take a trip to the Karen Blixen Museum, once home to the author of Out of Africa. Both options are available at an additional cost.
In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner at the hotel’s Cin Cin Restaurant, known for its gourmet offerings with an emphasis on local and international flavors.
Accommodation Option: Hemingways Nairobi – A 5-star boutique hotel offering luxury, excellent dining, and impeccable service. It is an ideal place to start your Kenyan adventure.
Meals: Dinner at Cin Cin Restaurant at Hemingways Nairobi.
Day 2: Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve
After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, embark on a scenic drive to the Masai Mara National Reserve, located in the southwestern part of Kenya. The drive takes you through the stunning Great Rift Valley, where you’ll have opportunities to stop for breathtaking photo opportunities and admire the landscape’s dramatic escarpments.
Upon arrival at Elewana Sand River Masai Mara, your luxurious tented camp, check in and enjoy a refreshing lunch, surrounded by the sounds of nature. Afterward, you will embark on your first exciting game drive in the Masai Mara, one of the most famous reserves in Africa. The Mara is renowned for its abundant wildlife, including lions, elephants, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, and wildebeest. If you're visiting during the migration season, you may even witness the Great Migration in action!
As the sun sets, return to the camp to enjoy a sumptuous dinner under the stars. The camp's exclusive setting and exceptional service offer a perfect way to experience the African wilderness.
Accommodation Option: Elewana Sand River Masai Mara – A luxury tented camp offering elegant accommodations with modern amenities, located in a prime area of the Masai Mara Reserve.
Meals: Breakfast at Hemingways Nairobi, lunch at Elewana Sand River Masai Mara, and dinner at the camp.
Day 3: Full Day in Masai Mara National Reserve
Today is dedicated to a full day of exploration in the Masai Mara. After an early breakfast, head out for a morning game drive, when wildlife activity is at its peak. The Mara’s diverse ecosystems—open savannahs, riverine forests, and acacia woodlands—offer endless opportunities to spot the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino), as well as countless other species.
For an added thrill, you may opt for an optional hot air balloon safari (at an extra cost). This magical experience offers a bird’s-eye view of the Mara’s expansive plains, with the opportunity to spot wildlife from above. Afterward, enjoy a champagne breakfast in the bush.
During the day, you will have a picnic lunch in the wild, allowing you to maximize your time in the reserve and enjoy your surroundings. Continue exploring the park with your expert guide, who will help you spot various predators, herbivores, and bird species. As the day winds down, return to your camp for a delicious dinner and a relaxing evening under the African stars.
Accommodation Option: Elewana Sand River Masai Mara.
Meals: Breakfast at the camp, picnic lunch in the park, and dinner at the camp.
Day 4: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park
After a leisurely breakfast, depart from the Masai Mara and drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its flamingo populations that line the shores of the alkaline lake. En route, enjoy more scenic views of the Great Rift Valley.
Upon arrival at The Cliff Lodge, a luxurious lodge perched on a cliff overlooking Lake Nakuru, check in and savor a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a game drive within the park, which is also home to endangered species like the white rhino and black rhino, as well as Rothschild giraffes, baboons, and tree-climbing lions. The park’s lush landscapes—ranging from acacia forests to rocky escarpments—make it a photographer’s paradise.
In the evening, return to your lodge for dinner, and take in the spectacular views from the lodge’s terraces as the sun sets.
Accommodation Option: The Cliff – A luxurious lodge offering stunning views over Lake Nakuru, combining modern elegance with the beauty of nature.
Meals: Breakfast at Elewana Sand River Masai Mara, lunch, and dinner at The Cliff.
Day 5: Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha
After breakfast, head to Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake located in the heart of the Great Rift Valley. The drive takes you through scenic landscapes, and upon arrival, check into Loldia House, a charming lakeside lodge with sweeping views of the lake.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Naivasha, where you can see hippos wallowing in the water and spot bird species like fish eagles and pelicans. For a more adventurous experience, take a guided walking safari on Crescent Island, where you’ll encounter wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest in their natural habitat.
End the day with a relaxing dinner at Loldia House, surrounded by serene views of the lake and the surrounding countryside.
Accommodation Option: Loldia House – A cozy and comfortable lodge offering luxury accommodations and easy access to Lake Naivasha's natural attractions.
Meals: Breakfast at The Cliff, lunch, and dinner at Loldia House.
Day 6: Lake Naivasha to Amboseli National Park
After breakfast, travel to Amboseli National Park, renowned for its large elephant herds and panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The drive takes you through diverse landscapes, from savannahs to swamps. Upon arrival at Elewana Tortilis Camp Amboseli, a luxurious tented camp with a spectacular view of Mount Kilimanjaro, check in and enjoy lunch.
In the afternoon, embark on your first game drive in the park. Amboseli is famous for its elephants, but you’ll also have the chance to spot lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and a wide variety of bird species. Capture iconic photographs of elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro towering in the background.
Return to the camp for dinner, where you can enjoy a gourmet meal and share stories of your adventures.
Accommodation Option: Elewana Tortilis Camp Amboseli – A luxury tented camp offering world-class service and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Meals: Breakfast at Loldia House, lunch, and dinner at Elewana Tortilis Camp Amboseli.
Day 7: Full Day in Amboseli National Park
Today is a full day dedicated to exploring Amboseli National Park. After an early breakfast, set out for a morning game drive to catch the park’s wildlife at its most active. During the drive, stop at Observation Hill for panoramic views of the park and its swampy areas, where elephants and buffaloes gather.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park to maximize your game-viewing time. In the afternoon, continue with another game drive to explore the park's diverse ecosystems. Amboseli offers unparalleled photographic opportunities, especially of elephants roaming freely with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background.
After a fulfilling day, return to the camp for a final dinner, followed by stargazing or relaxing by the campfire.
Accommodation Option: Elewana Tortilis Camp Amboseli.
Meals: Breakfast at the camp, picnic lunch in the park, and dinner at the camp.
Day 8: Amboseli to Nairobi and Departure
After breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive in Amboseli National Park before heading back to Nairobi. Upon arrival in Nairobi, you may have time for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing, depending on your flight time. Visit the Maasai Market for souvenirs or explore the Kazuri Beads Women’s Cooperative.
Later, you will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your flight back home, marking the end of your unforgettable 8-day safari adventure.
Meals: Breakfast at Elewana Tortilis Camp Amboseli.
Inclusions:
- Accommodation: 8 nights in luxury lodges and camps, including Elewana Sand River Masai Mara, The Cliff at Lake Nakuru, Loldia House at Lake Naivasha, and Elewana Tortilis Camp in Amboseli.
- Meals: Full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) throughout the trip.
- Transport: Comfortable, air-conditioned 4x4 safari vehicle with a professional guide and driver for game drives and transfers.
- Game Drives: Morning and afternoon game drives in Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, and Amboseli, led by an experienced safari guide.
- Hot Air Balloon Ride (Optional): A chance to enjoy an optional hot air balloon ride over the Masai Mara (additional cost).
- Boat Ride & Walking Safari: Boat ride on Lake Naivasha and walking safari on Crescent Island.
- Park Fees: All entrance fees to national parks and reserves (Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, and Amboseli).
- Bottled Water: Complimentary bottled water during the safari.
- Guided Tours: Guided game drives and activities with an expert local safari guide.
- Luxury Accommodation: Stay in top-tier accommodations, offering comfort and exclusive safari experiences.
Exclusions:
- International Flights: Flights to and from Nairobi are not included.
- Personal Expenses: Items such as souvenirs, personal tips, and extra drinks or snacks.
- Travel Insurance: Travel and medical insurance are not included.
- Optional Activities: Optional activities such as a visit to a Maasai village, hot air balloon ride in the Masai Mara, or additional excursions.
- Gratuities: Tips for the driver/guide and lodge staff are not included.
- Alcoholic Beverages: Alcoholic drinks and beverages are at an extra cost.
Important to Know
- Children aged between 0-2 years are free of charge.
- Children aged 3-12 years pay 50% of the adult rate when sharing the same room with adults
- Children between 3-12 years pay 75% of the adult rate when staying in their separate room from adults
- Children 13 years and above are recognized as adults