Experience the best of Kenya's classic safari destinations on this 8-day Kenya safari from Nairobi. The journey combines Amboseli National Park, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru National Park and the Masai Mara National Reserve in one well-paced private safari.
This route gives you a mix of landscapes and wildlife experiences. See elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background in Amboseli, take a boat ride on Lake Naivasha, search for rhinos and other wildlife in Lake Nakuru, and spend two nights exploring the Masai Mara.
The safari is operated as a private safari in a specially equipped 4x4 Land Cruiser Jeep with a pop-up roof, giving you better viewing and photography opportunities during game drives.
The itinerary includes 7 nights of accommodation, full-board meals, park entry fees, a professional English-speaking driver-guide, airport transfers and AMREF Flying Doctors evacuation cover.
Safari Highlights
- 8 days / 7 nights
- Private 4x4 Land Cruiser Jeep
- Nairobi arrival and departure transfers
- Amboseli National Park
- Lake Naivasha boat ride and Crescent Island walk
- Lake Nakuru National Park
- Two nights in the Masai Mara
- Big Five game-viewing opportunities
- Mount Kilimanjaro views
- Giraffe Centre visit
- Full-board accommodation
- Suitable for couples, families and private groups
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Nairobi
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), where a Beyond The Plains Safaris representative will meet you and transfer you to your Nairobi hotel.
Spend the evening relaxing after your international flight and preparing for the safari ahead.
Nairobi to Amboseli National Park
After breakfast, depart Nairobi for Amboseli National Park. The park is famous for its large elephant herds, open plains and spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch before heading out for your first afternoon game drive. Look out for elephants, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, buffalo and other wildlife as you explore the Amboseli ecosystem.
Full-Day Amboseli Safari
Start with an early morning game drive when wildlife is active and visibility is usually good. After breakfast, continue exploring Amboseli with a packed picnic lunch.
The day allows more time to explore different areas of the park and search for elephants, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, buffaloes and other plains wildlife. You can have another game drive in the afternoon or return to the lodge to relax.
Amboseli to Lake Naivasha
After breakfast, leave Amboseli and travel towards the Great Rift Valley and Lake Naivasha. After checking in and having lunch, enjoy a boat ride on the lake. You may see hippos and a variety of water birds.
Continue to Crescent Island for a guided walking safari. The island is known for encounters with giraffes, zebras and antelopes in an open environment.
Lake Naivasha to Lake Nakuru National Park
After breakfast, drive to Lake Nakuru National Park. The park is an important habitat for rhinos and supports lions, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes and numerous bird species.
Lake Nakuru is also historically associated with large flamingo populations, although their numbers and location can vary depending on lake conditions. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon game drive before returning to your lodge.
Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara
After breakfast, continue towards the Masai Mara through the Great Rift Valley. Arrive at your camp for lunch before heading out for an afternoon game drive.
The Masai Mara is one of Kenya's leading wildlife destinations, known for its resident big cats, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras and other plains wildlife. From around July to October, the reserve can also offer opportunities to witness parts of the Great Migration, although wildlife movements are naturally unpredictable.
Full-Day Masai Mara Safari
Spend a full day exploring the Masai Mara with your private safari guide. After breakfast, depart with packed lunch and explore different sections of the reserve.
The Mara offers excellent opportunities to look for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras and many other species. Enjoy a picnic lunch near the Mara River before continuing with the game drive.
Optional Activities
A Maasai village visit or a hot-air balloon safari can both be arranged for this day at an additional cost.
Masai Mara to Nairobi
Enjoy breakfast before beginning your journey back to Nairobi. On arrival, visit the Giraffe Centre, where you can learn about the conservation of the endangered Rothschild's giraffe.
Depending on your departure schedule, you will then be transferred to your Nairobi hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Get Free Quote ›Tour Cost & Pricing
This is a private Land Cruiser Jeep safari, not a shared van or tour-van departure. The vehicle is specially equipped for safari game viewing and photography and has a pop-up roof.
Season Guide
- Low SeasonApril–May
- High SeasonJune and November–December
- Peak SeasonJuly–October and festive dates
Indicative Private Safari Rates Per Person
| Season | 2 People | 4 People | 6 People |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Season | From $1,663 | From $1,350 | From $1,230 |
| High Season | From $1,850 | From $1,550 | From $1,430 |
| Peak Season | From $2,150 | From $1,850 | From $1,700 |
All festive season supplements are included in the peak-season figures. This tour can start any day of the week, with a minimum of 2 travellers per departure.
Get a Live Quote for Your Dates ›What's Included & Excluded
Included
- 7 nights' accommodation in selected safari lodges and camps
- Full-board accommodation during the safari
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner as specified
- Private 4x4 safari Land Cruiser Jeep with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Game drives and activities listed in the itinerary
- Applicable national park entry fees
- Airport arrival and departure transfers
- Meet-and-greet service
- Bottled mineral drinking water during the safari
- AMREF Flying Doctors medical and evacuation cover
- Government taxes and applicable levies
- Giraffe Centre visit on the final day
Excluded
- International flights
- Kenya eTA/visa-related costs
- Travel insurance
- Accommodation before or after the safari unless specifically included
- Optional activities
- Hot-air balloon safari
- Maasai village visit where charged separately
- Drinks and meals not specified
- Laundry
- Souvenirs and other personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Any services not specifically listed under inclusions
Getting There
The safari starts in Nairobi, making it convenient for travellers arriving through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). Beyond The Plains Safaris provides airport pickup and transfers at the beginning of the safari.
The main safari route is travelled by road in a private 4x4 Land Cruiser Jeep. For travellers already staying in Nairobi, pickup can be arranged from a suitable Nairobi hotel.
Route Map
Fly-In Alternative
A fly-in option can also be discussed if you prefer to reduce long road transfers, particularly for the Masai Mara — see our Fly-In Kenya Safaris page. However, the road safari offers a more complete overland experience and allows you to see more of Kenya between destinations.
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