From the Mara to Kilimanjaro

SAFARI AT A GLANCE

From the Mara to Kilimanjaro

This 9-day safari invites you to discover Kenya’s most iconic landscapes, from the vast plains of the Masai Mara, to the serene lakes and volcanic peaks of the Great Rift Valley, and finally the dramatic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli. A perfect blend of wildlife adventure, nature hikes, and scenic discovery, offering a complete picture of Kenya’s beauty and diversity

Detailed Safari

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi - Masai Mara National Reserve

Pick up from your city hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport after breakfast and depart for the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve. Drive across the Rift Valley escarpment, descending into the rolling savannahs dotted with acacias and herds of wildlife. Arrive at Talek Bush Camp in time for lunch and a short rest. In the afternoon, enjoy your first game drive in the Mara, exploring the home of Africa’s “Big Five” and a myriad of plains game. As the sun sets, return to camp for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Talek Bush Camp
Meals: Lunch, Dinner & Breakfast

Days 2-3: Full Days in the Masai Mara

Spend the next two days exploring the incredible Masai Mara ecosystem, Kenya’s most famous wildlife sanctuary. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives, or a full-day game drive with picnic lunch boxes, venturing deep into the plains for a chance to witness predators on the hunt or herds of elephants crossing the Mara River. Optional activities include a sunrise hot-air balloon safari followed by champagne breakfast, or a visit to a traditional Maasai village to experience the culture and lifestyle of this iconic tribe.

Accommodation: Talek Bush Camp
Meals: Lunch, Dinner & Breakfast

Day 4: Masai Mara - Lake Naivasha

After breakfast, depart for Lake Naivasha, located in the heart of the Great Rift Valley. Arrive at Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge in time for lunch and enjoy a relaxed afternoon by the lake. Optional: Take a short evening walk in the lush lodge gardens or simply unwind as you enjoy the peaceful setting of the freshwater lake.

Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge
Meals: Lunch, Dinner & Breakfast

Day 5: Mount Longonot Hike - Lake Naivasha Activities

After an early breakfast, proceed to Mount Longonot National Park for a 3–5 hour guided hike to the summit of this dormant volcano. The trail ascends through forested slopes alive with birds and small wildlife before opening up to panoramic views of the crater floor and Rift Valley escarpments, a perfect photo opportunity! Return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on Lake Naivasha, gliding past pods of hippos and flocks of waterbirds, followed by a guided walking safari on Crescent Island, where giraffes, zebras, and antelopes roam freely.

Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge
Meals: Lunch, Dinner & Breakfast

Day 6: Lake Naivasha - Lake Nakuru National Park

After breakfast, depart for Lake Nakuru National Park, famed for its spectacular birdlife and thriving populations of rhinos and Rothschild’s giraffes. Enjoy a full-day safari in the park with either picnic lunch boxes or a hot lunch at a nearby lodge, as you explore the Baboon Cliff, Lion Hill, and the acacia woodlands. Expect to encounter buffalos, lions, leopards, and a variety of antelopes along the lakeshore.

Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge (or nearby lodge)
Meals: Lunch, Dinner & Breakfast

Day 7: Naivasha - Amboseli National Park

After breakfast, depart for Amboseli National Park, arriving in time for lunch at Amboseli Sopa Lodge or Sentrim Amboseli. In the afternoon, embark on your first game drive in Amboseli, famous for its large herds of elephants and the stunning backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Accommodation: Amboseli Sopa Lodge/Sentrim Amboseli
Meals: Lunch, Dinner & Breakfast

Day 8: Full Day in Amboseli National Park

Spend the day exploring Amboseli’s vast plains, acacia woodlands, and swamp ecosystems. Early morning and late afternoon game drives offer the best light for photography, often capturing elephants silhouetted against Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped summit. Between game drives, relax at your lodge or take a dip in the pool as you watch wildlife wander by in the distance.

Accommodation: Amboseli Sopa Lodge/Sentrim Amboseli
Meals: Lunch, Dinner & Breakfast

Day 9: Amboseli - Nairobi / Departure

After breakfast, check out and depart for Nairobi, arriving in time for lunch at a city restaurant or the famous Carnivore Restaurant. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a short evening game drive at Nairobi National Park before transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward homebound flight.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Safari Includes:

  • Transport in a 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • All park entry fees and government taxes
  • Full board accommodation during safari
  • Bottled mineral water during safari (3L per person per day)
  • All transfers and pick-up/drop-off as per itinerary

Safari Excludes:

  • International flights and visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses (tips, laundry, drinks, etc.)
  • Optional activities (balloon safari, village visits)
  • Any meals or services not mentioned in the itinerary

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