Kenya safari landscape
Kenya Safari

6-Day Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru & Amboseli National Park

Nairobi - Masai Mara - Lake Nakuru - Amboseli. The ultimate Kenya circuit with Big Five game drives, flamingos at Lake Nakuru, and elephants beneath Mount Kilimanjaro.

5.0/5.0 Trusted by 10,000+ Travelers Google Reviews TripAdvisor SafariBookings Rating

Nairobi - Masai Mara - Lake Nakuru - Amboseli

6-Day Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru & Amboseli National Park

Classic Kenya Circuit 6 Days / 5 Nights Nairobi / Nairobi 2-8 guests 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser

Introduction

The ultimate Kenya safari circuit takes you from the sprawling savannahs of the Masai Mara to the flamingo-fringed shores of Lake Nakuru and the elephant-rich plains of Amboseli National Park beneath the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. This 6-day journey delivers Kenya's finest wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and iconic safari experiences in one seamless itinerary. Expert guides, customised 4x4 vehicles, and carefully selected lodges ensure an unforgettable African adventure.

6 Days
Duration
Kenya
Destination
1 Country
Countries
Mid-range
Accommodation
2-8
Group Size
Jun-Oct, Jan-Feb
Best Time
Easy
Difficulty
Game Drives
Safari Type
Nairobi
Starting Point
Nairobi
Ending Point
English
Language
4x4 Safari
Transport
Full Board
Meals

Why This Safari?

Ultimate Big Five Safari

Track lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and rhinos across three of Kenya's finest wildlife reserves. Guaranteed sightings with expert guides.

Masai Mara's Great Migration

Witness the world's greatest wildlife spectacle - millions of wildebeest and zebras thundering across the Mara River between July and October.

Flamingos at Lake Nakuru

Experience the breathtaking spectacle of thousands of pink flamingos lining the shores of this alkaline Rift Valley lake.

Elephants & Kilimanjaro

Amboseli offers the most iconic backdrop in Africa - vast elephant herds framed against the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Expert Local Guides

Our experienced Kenyan guides bring decades of knowledge, ensuring you see more and understand deeper. Fluent in wildlife, culture, and history.

Conservation Focus

Every booking supports Kenya's national parks and local communities. Travel with purpose and leave a positive footprint.

Tour Highlights

Detailed Itinerary

Each day is carefully crafted to maximise your wildlife encounters while ensuring comfort and relaxation. Below you will find a complete breakdown of every day, from morning game drives to evening sundowners at your lodge.

Day 1

Nairobi Arrival & Safari Preparation

Full Day Transfer: 30-60 min Accommodation: Nairobi Lodge Meals: Dinner

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, you will be met by your driver-guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on arrival time, you can opt for a city tour visiting the Karen Blixen Museum, the Giraffe Centre, or relax at your lodge. Overnight at your Nairobi accommodation.

Morning: Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). Clear immigration and collect your luggage. Your professional driver-guide will be waiting outside the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name. Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, sits at 1,795 metres above sea level, offering a pleasant climate year-round.
Afternoon: Transfer to your hotel in Nairobi (30-60 minutes from the airport). If time permits, enjoy an optional city tour to the Karen Blixen Museum (author of Out of Africa), the Giraffe Centre to feed endangered Rothschild giraffes, or the Nairobi National Museum. Alternatively, relax at your lodge and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Evening: Check in and settle at your lodge. Enjoy a welcome dinner and a comprehensive briefing from your guide about the incredible safari ahead. Your guide will check your gear and ensure everything is ready for the journey. Recommended meal: Nyama Choma (Kenyan roasted meat) served with ugali and kachumbari salad.
Airport Transfer City Tour Option Safari Briefing
Day 2

Masai Mara Safari & Wildlife Exploration

Full Day Drive: ~5 hrs Accommodation: Masai Mara Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, depart Nairobi and drive south through the dramatic Great Rift Valley to the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve. Enjoy an afternoon game drive across the endless savannah plains searching for lions, cheetahs, elephants, and the Great Migration herds. Overnight at your Masai Mara lodge.

Morning: Early breakfast followed by departure for the Masai Mara. The 5-hour drive takes you through the spectacular Great Rift Valley escarpment with stops at the viewpoint for panoramic photography. The landscape transitions from Nairobi's highlands to the vast open plains of Maasailand. Keep your camera ready for roadside wildlife and traditional Maasai manyattas (villages).
Afternoon: Arrive at the Masai Mara National Reserve (1,510 sq km) by midday. Check in at your lodge, enjoy lunch, and rest briefly. At 3:30 PM, depart for an afternoon game drive across the Mara's rolling grasslands. Search for the Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. During July to October, witness the Great Wildebeest Migration with dramatic river crossings. Photography tip: late afternoon golden light is ideal for wildlife photography.
Evening: Return to the lodge as the sun sets over the Mara. Enjoy sundowner drinks overlooking the savannah. Dinner and overnight at your Masai Mara lodge. Many lodges offer stargazing opportunities away from light pollution - ask your guide about this.
Great Rift Valley Masai Mara Big Five Safari Sunset Game Drive
Day 3

Masai Mara Full Day & Lake Nakuru Transfer

Full Day Morning Game Drive: 3-4 hrs Transfer to Nakuru: ~4 hrs Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rise early for a spectacular sunrise game drive across the Mara. After breakfast, drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its thousands of flamingos and pelicans. Enjoy an afternoon game drive along the lake shore searching for rhinos, lions, and waterbucks. Overnight at your Lake Nakuru lodge.

Morning: Early morning tea or coffee at 6:00 AM, then depart for a 3-4 hour game drive across the Masai Mara at sunrise. This is the best time for predator sightings as lions and cheetahs are most active in the cool morning hours. Search for leopards in the riverine forests along the Mara River. The early morning light provides spectacular photography conditions with the golden sun illuminating the savannah.
Afternoon: Return to the lodge for breakfast and check out. Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park (approximately 4 hours) through the beautiful Rift Valley landscape. Arrive at Lake Nakuru, a soda lake famous for its massive flocks of flamingos that turn the shoreline pink. Enjoy a game drive along the lake shore spotting white rhinos, black rhinos, buffalo, waterbuck, and the elusive leopard. Lake Nakuru is also a birding paradise with over 400 species recorded.
Evening: Check in at your lodge near Lake Nakuru. Enjoy dinner and panoramic views over the Rift Valley floor. The lodge often offers elevated views of the lake and surrounding escarpment.
Lake Nakuru Flamingo Viewing Rift Valley Scenery Birding Paradise
Day 4

Amboseli Safari & Wildlife Exploration

Full Day Drive: ~4 hrs Accommodation: Amboseli Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, depart Lake Nakuru and drive south through Nairobi to Amboseli National Park, home to Kenya's largest elephant herds. The snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro forms a breathtaking backdrop. Enjoy an afternoon game drive across the open plains. Overnight at your Amboseli lodge.

Morning: Breakfast at the lodge and check out. Depart Lake Nakuru for the journey south to Amboseli National Park (approximately 4 hours driving). The route passes through Nairobi and continues south towards the Tanzanian border. Keep watch for the first glimpse of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak at 5,895 metres, appearing on the southern horizon.
Afternoon: Arrive at Amboseli National Park (392 sq km) and check in at your lodge. Enjoy lunch with views of Kilimanjaro. At 3:30 PM, depart for an afternoon game drive through the park's open plains, swamps, and woodlands. Amboseli is world-famous for its large elephant herds - some of the largest tuskers in Africa. Look out for lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and over 400 bird species. Photography tip: the best elephant photos with Kilimanjaro backdrop are taken in the late afternoon golden hour.
Evening: Continue game drive as the sun sets behind Kilimanjaro, creating an unforgettable silhouette. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight. Many Amboseli lodges offer views of Kilimanjaro from the dining area.
Amboseli National Park Kilimanjaro Views Elephant Herds Scenic Drive
Day 5

Amboseli Full Day Safari

Full Day Game Drives: 6+ hrs Accommodation: Amboseli Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A full day dedicated to exploring Amboseli National Park. Rise before dawn for a sunrise game drive when the animals are most active and the light on Kilimanjaro is at its finest. Return to the lodge for breakfast and relaxation. Afternoon game drive to explore different areas of the park. Overnight at your Amboseli lodge.

Morning: Early breakfast at 5:30 AM. Depart for a sunrise game drive - the best time to see Kilimanjaro clearly before clouds obscure the peak. Explore the Enkongo Narok swamp area where large herds of elephants gather to drink and bathe. This is the prime photography time with the mountain forming a spectacular backdrop. Look out for lions, hyenas, and cheetahs hunting on the open plains. The park is also excellent for birding with species like ostriches, secretary birds, and crowned cranes.
Afternoon: Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast and midday relaxation. Many lodges have swimming pools offering views of Kilimanjaro. At 3:00 PM, depart for an afternoon game drive exploring the Observation Hill area and the dry lake bed of Lake Amboseli. The afternoon drive focuses on different wildlife zones, increasing your chance of spotting all the park's major species. Photography tip: the late afternoon light creates warm tones perfect for elephant portraits.
Evening: Final game drive as the sun sets behind Kilimanjaro. Return to the lodge for a farewell dinner under the stars. Share stories and photos with your guide and fellow travellers.
Sunrise Safari Elephant Photography Full Day Exploration Kilimanjaro Views
Day 6

Final Game Drive & Return to Nairobi

Full Day Morning Game Drive: 2 hrs Drive to Nairobi: ~4 hrs Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Rise early for one last spectacular game drive in Amboseli with the morning light on Kilimanjaro. Enjoy a farewell bush breakfast before departing for Nairobi. Arrive in Nairobi in the late afternoon for your airport transfer or onward connections. End of tour.

Morning: Early breakfast and check out. Depart for a final 2-hour game drive in Amboseli, capturing the extraordinary morning light and wildlife activity. This is another excellent opportunity to photograph elephants with Kilimanjaro in the background before clouds obscure the peak. Enjoy a farewell bush breakfast set up in the wilderness - a memorable safari experience.
Afternoon: Depart Amboseli for the drive back to Nairobi (approximately 4 hours). Stop at the Kenya-Tanzania border viewpoint for photos and souvenir shopping at local craft markets. Enjoy lunch en route at a restaurant with views of the African landscape. Continue the drive through the outskirts of Nairobi.
Evening: Arrive in Nairobi (approximately 4:00-5:00 PM). Transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight or onward connections. End of tour. We recommend booking flights departing after 7:00 PM to allow ample time for the drive.
Final Game Drive Bush Breakfast Airport Drop-off Farewell Safari

Destinations You'll Explore

Masai Mara National Reserve

Masai Mara National Reserve

Kenya's most iconic wildlife reserve and the stage for the Great Wildebeest Migration. Endless savannah plains teeming with lions, cheetahs, elephants, and over 450 bird species.

Big Five Safari Great Migration 450+ Bird Species
Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park

A stunning Rift Valley soda lake famous for its breathtaking flocks of pink flamingos. Home to both black and white rhinos, lions, leopards, and over 400 bird species.

Flamingo Spectacle Rhino Sanctuary Birding Hotspot
Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park

World-famous for its enormous elephant herds set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Open plains, swamps, and woodlands create diverse wildlife habitats.

Kilimanjaro Views Elephant Paradise Big Cats Sightings
Included
  • All Park Permits
  • Mid-range Accommodation
  • Professional Driver
  • Ground Transport
Excluded
  • Visa
  • Insurance
  • Personal Spending
  • Tips
Transport
  • Travel With 4x4 Safari Vehicle

Kenya Wildlife

Kenya is one of Africa's premier wildlife destinations. Here's what you can expect to see.

Photo Gallery

Location

What Our Travelers Say

Join thousands of satisfied travelers who have experienced Kenya with us.

5.0/5.0
Google Reviews
5.0/5.0
TripAdvisor
5.0/5.0
SafariBookings
Licensed Tour Operator TATO Registered Kenya Partners Secure Payment 10+ Years Experience

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time for this Kenya safari?

The dry seasons from June to October and January to February offer the best game viewing, especially for the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Masai Mara. However, the parks are accessible year-round with excellent wildlife sightings in all seasons.

Will I see the Great Migration?

The Great Migration occurs year-round in the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem, with the dramatic river crossings typically happening between July and October. Even outside these months, the Masai Mara offers exceptional wildlife viewing.

Do I need a visa for Kenya?

Most visitors require a Kenya eVisa, which can be applied for online before travel. Single-entry and East Africa Tourist Visas (also valid for Rwanda and Uganda) are available. Visas are not included in the tour price.

What should I pack for a Kenya safari?

Pack lightweight neutral-coloured clothing, a warm jacket for early morning game drives, comfortable walking shoes, a sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, and a camera with a zoom lens. Don't forget your charger adaptor (UK-style three-pin plug).

Is Kenya safe for tourists?

Yes, Kenya is a popular and safe safari destination. Major parks like Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Lake Nakuru have excellent infrastructure, professional guides, and secure lodges. Tourism areas are well-policed and welcoming.

What animals will I see on this safari?

You will see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino), giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, flamingos, and over 400 bird species. The Masai Mara alone hosts 95 species of mammals.

How much does this safari cost?

Please contact us for a personalised quote. Prices vary based on group size, accommodation level, and season. We offer mid-range and luxury options to suit your budget.

What is the accommodation like?

Mid-range lodges and tented camps with en-suite bathrooms, hot showers, and comfortable beds are included. Upgrades to luxury lodges with swimming pools and fine dining are available upon request.

Can children join this safari?

Yes, children of all ages are welcome on this safari. Family-friendly accommodations and game drives are available. Special rates apply for children under 12.

How do I book this safari?

You can book by contacting us via WhatsApp, email, or our website booking form. A deposit is required to secure your dates, with the balance due 30 days before departure.

What is the group size?

Our groups range from 2 to 8 guests, ensuring a personalised experience with dedicated attention from your guide. Private tours are also available.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory. It should cover medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and personal belongings.

What is the food like on safari?

Full board meals are included, featuring a mix of international and Kenyan cuisine. Dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.

Can I extend my stay?

Yes, we can arrange extensions to Nairobi city tours, Lake Naivasha, Samburu National Reserve, or a beach extension to Diani or Mombasa on the Kenyan coast.

Is the tour suitable for solo travellers?

Yes, solo travellers are welcome. You can join a group tour or book a private trip. Single supplements may apply for private accommodation.

What is the terrain like for game drives?

Game drives are conducted on well-maintained park roads using customised 4x4 safari vehicles with pop-up roofs for excellent wildlife viewing and photography. The terrain ranges from open grasslands to riverine forests.

What photography equipment should I bring?

A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a 70-200mm or 100-400mm lens is ideal for wildlife. A smartphone with a good camera works too. Bring extra memory cards and batteries as charging opportunities may be limited in remote areas.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellations made 60+ days before departure receive a full refund. 30-60 days: 50% refund. Less than 30 days: no refund. We recommend travel insurance.

Is the tour eco-friendly?

Yes. We follow responsible tourism practices, support conservation efforts, employ local guides, and minimise environmental impact. A portion of proceeds supports community projects in Kenya.

What language are the tours conducted in?

All tours are conducted in English. Guides are fluent and knowledgeable about wildlife, culture, and history.

Ready for the Ultimate Kenya Safari?

Book your 6-day journey through Kenya's greatest national parks and wildlife encounters.