15-Day Kenya Small-Group Safari with Masai Mara and Amboseli

15 Days Round trip from Nairobi Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 15 days across Kenya's diverse wildlife landscapes, from forests and lakes to savannahs and volcanic terrain
  • 02 Exceptional Big Five game viewing in the vast savannahs of the Masai Mara
  • 03 Discover Samburu National Reserve and look out for the unique Samburu Special Five
  • 04 Enjoy a Lake Naivasha boat ride and a guided walking safari on Crescent Island
  • 05 See Amboseli's elephants against breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro
  • 06 Explore Tsavo West's rugged wilderness, red elephants, and crystal-clear Mzima Springs

Embark on a 15-day small-group safari through Kenya's most spectacular wildlife destinations, from the rugged landscapes of Samburu and the flamingo-filled shores of Lake Nakuru to the legendary Masai Mara, tranquil Lake Naivasha, scenic Hell's Gate, elephant-filled Amboseli, and the dramatic wilderness of Tsavo West. Travel in a comfortable 4x4 safari Land Cruiser with a professional driver-guide and guaranteed window seats, while enjoying intimate game drives, cultural experiences, a Lake Naivasha boat ride, a walking safari on Crescent Island, and breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro. With no more than six guests, this safari offers a personal and immersive way to experience Kenya's incredible wildlife, landscapes, and culture.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 15 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Luxury
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Nyahururu, Naivasha, Narok, Nairobi, Masai Mara, Amboseli National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Samburu, Tsavo West National Park, Hell's Gate National Park, Aberdare National Park
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Nairobi to Aberdare and Treetops Lodge Safari

Your safari begins at CJ's Restaurant in Nairobi with a complimentary breakfast between 8:00 and 9:30 AM. After meeting your group, travel through Kenya's scenic highlands to Aberdare National Park. Arrive at Treetops Lodge for lunch, then relax before heading out for an afternoon game drive in the forested landscape, home to elephants, rhinos, leopards, hyenas, and colobus monkeys. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

2
Day 02

Across the Equator to Samburu National Reserve

After breakfast, depart for Samburu, crossing the equator en route through Kenya's changing landscapes. Arrive at Samburu Sopa in time for lunch and enjoy an afternoon game drive in this rugged northern reserve, known for elephants, lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

3
Day 03

Full-Day Wildlife Discovery in Samburu

Today offers a full day of discovery in the unique Samburu ecosystem. This less-traveled reserve is a haven for both seasoned wildlife enthusiasts and first-time safari-goers. In addition to the Big Five, Samburu is famed for the

4
Day 04

Samburu to Lake Nakuru via Thomson's Falls

After breakfast and a final morning game drive in Samburu, begin your journey towards Lake Nakuru with a stop at the breathtaking Thomson's Falls, where you can enjoy the refreshing highland scenery and capture photos of the majestic waterfall. Continue to Lake Nakuru National Park, arriving in time for lunch at Lake Nakuru Sopa. Take some time to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities before heading out for an afternoon game drive at around 4:00 PM. Explore the park's diverse landscapes, home to rhinos, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and a variety of birdlife. As the sun sets over the lake, return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

5
Day 05

Full-Day Game Drive in Lake Nakuru National Park

Following breakfast, embark on a full-day game drive through Lake Nakuru National Park, known for its rich biodiversity and breathtaking lake views. The park is home to rhinos, waterbucks, buffaloes, impalas, and Rothschild giraffes. The shallow, alkaline lake attracts thousands of flamingos and a variety of water birds, making it a hotspot for bird lovers. Traverse the park's savannahs and acacia forests as your guide shares insights into the region's wildlife and ecology. Break for a picnic lunch in a scenic location, then continue your exploration before returning to the Lake Nakuru Sopa for dinner and an overnight stay.

6
Day 06

Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara and Maasai Culture

After breakfast and check-out, depart Lake Nakuru with an en route game drive through the park, offering a final chance to spot flamingos, rhinos, and other wildlife in the area. Continue your journey to the legendary Masai Mara, traveling through the scenic Great Rift Valley and making a brief stop in Narok, a bustling Maasai town. Arrive at Mtito Safari Camp in the Mara in time for lunch and check-in. After a short rest, head out for a cultural experience at 4:00 PM. Return to camp in the early evening for dinner and a peaceful overnight stay.

7
Day 07

Full-Day Game Drives in the Masai Mara

Spend two extraordinary days exploring the vast savannahs of the Masai Mara. Begin each day with early morning game drives when wildlife is most active, followed by picnic lunches and more game viewing in the afternoon. Witness incredible scenes of predator-prey interactions, and if you're lucky, observe lions hunting or cheetahs sprinting across the plains. Visit the Mara River to see hippos, crocodiles, and migration paths, depending on the season. The rich concentration of wildlife ensures new sightings with each drive. After action-packed days, return to Mtito Safari Camp in the evenings for delicious dinners and storytelling around the campfire.

8
Day 08

Another Full Day in the Masai Mara

Spend two extraordinary days exploring the vast savannahs of the Masai Mara. Begin each day with early morning game drives when wildlife is most active, followed by picnic lunches and more game viewing in the afternoon. Witness incredible scenes of predator-prey interactions, and if you're lucky, observe lions hunting or cheetahs sprinting across the plains. Visit the Mara River to see hippos, crocodiles, and migration paths, depending on the season. The rich concentration of wildlife ensures new sightings with each drive. After action-packed days, return to Mtito Safari Camp in the evenings for delicious dinners and storytelling around the campfire.

9
Day 09

Masai Mara to Lake Naivasha with Boat and Walking Safari

After an early breakfast and checking out of your camp, visit a traditional Maasai village near the Masai Mara. Engage with the local community and gain insights into their unique customs, traditional dances, and way of life. After the visit, begin your journey to Lake Naivasha. Upon arrival, check into Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort and enjoy a refreshing lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a scenic boat ride across the calm waters of the lake, then proceed to Crescent Island Sanctuary. Here, you'll enjoy a guided walking safari among free-roaming wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, antelope, and wildebeest. Return to the hotel in the evening for dinner and a peaceful overnight stay.

10
Day 10

Hell's Gate National Park and Leisure Time

After an early breakfast, head out for a morning game drive through Hell's Gate National Park, known for its striking rock formations, canyons, and geothermal steam vents. Drive through the park's dramatic landscape and watch for zebras, buffalo, and baboons, all set against towering cliffs. Optional activities such as cycling or guided walks may be available at your own expense. Return to Lake Naivasha Sopa by midday and enjoy lunch. The afternoon is reserved for relaxation - unwind at the pool, catch up on rest, or take in the peaceful surroundings of Naivasha.

11
Day 11

Lake Naivasha to Amboseli with Sunset Game Drive

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and begin your journey to Amboseli National Park, famous for its breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Arrive at Amboseli Sopa for check-in and lunch. After lunch, take some time to relax and soak in the natural beauty around you. Later, at 4:00 PM, embark on an evening game drive through Amboseli's open plains and wetlands, where you can observe herds of elephants, wildebeests, and zebras, with the towering Kilimanjaro as your backdrop. Return to the lodge after the drive for dinner and a peaceful overnight stay.

12
Day 12

Amboseli Half-Day Game Drive

Start your day early with a thrilling game drive through Amboseli National Park, known for its abundant wildlife and iconic views of Mount Kilimanjaro. As the sun rises, observe large herds of elephants, graceful giraffes, flamingos in the wetlands, and a variety of other animals in their natural habitats. Take a break for a picnic lunch at one of the park's scenic spots. Continue your exploration until 3:00 PM, maximizing your time in the park for unforgettable wildlife experiences. Afterward, return to Amboseli Sopa for the rest of the afternoon at leisure. In the evening, enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.

13
Day 13

Amboseli to Tsavo West National Park

After breakfast, check out of your camp and embark on a scenic drive to Tsavo West National Park. As you enter the park, enjoy an en route game drive, keeping an eye out for Tsavo's iconic red elephants, lions, zebras, and other wildlife that roam freely in this incredible park. Arrive at Ngulia Safari Lodge, check in, have lunch, then head out for an exciting evening game drive at 4:00 PM. Explore the park's varied landscapes and wildlife as the day transitions into night. Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

14
Day 14

Full-Day Adventure in Tsavo West

Experience a full day of adventure in Tsavo West, a land of contrasts known for its volcanic hills, underground springs, and dense bushland. Begin with a visit to the crystal-clear Mzima Springs, where hippos and fish can be viewed through submerged observation windows. Explore the dramatic Shetani Lava Flow, a vast expanse of hardened volcanic rock with fascinating geological history. Continue your game drives in search of elusive leopards, kudu, and buffalo. Return to Ngulia Safari Lodge in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.

15
Day 15

Return to Nairobi

After breakfast and check-out, begin your return journey to Nairobi. Reflect on the unforgettable memories and breathtaking wildlife encounters you've experienced over the past two weeks. Arrive in Nairobi in the late afternoon, followed by a hotel or airport drop-off.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Nairobi 11 cities · 15 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Accommodation:
    • All accommodations are based on comfortable standard rooms with private facilities and are selected to ensure a consistent midrange safari experience throughout the journey.
    • Meals are provided on a full-board basis (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) at all lodges and camps.
  • Please note that similar accommodations may be provided based on availability at the time of booking.
  • Activities & extras:
    • All park and reserve entry fees as per the itinerary.
    • Travel in a customized 4x4 safari Land Cruiser designed for comfort and wildlife viewing, with guaranteed window seats for all guests.
    • Professionally guided game drives throughout the safari with one experienced driver-guide from start to finish.
    • Complimentary Maasai cultural experience in Maasai Mara.
    • Boat ride on Lake Naivasha and guided walking tour at Crescent Island.
    • Visit the scenic Thompson Falls viewpoint.
  • Bottled drinking water is provided during game drives and in rooms where offered by the lodge or hotel policy.

What's Not Included

  • Package exclusions:
    • Optional experiences such as the hot air balloon safari over the Maasai Mara ($530 per person) and any additional activities not listed in the itinerary.
    • Additional meals and beverages not specified in the itinerary or provided by the lodges.
    • Tips and gratuities for your driver-guide (recommended $20 per person per day).
    • Personal expenses such as travel insurance, souvenirs, and other incidental costs.
  • International flights to and from Kenya.

What to bring

  • Lightweight, breathable long-sleeved shirts and trousers for sun and insect protection
  • A warm jacket or fleece for early morning and evening game drives
  • Comfortable walking shoes or safari boots
  • Sunhat or cap, swimwear, sunscreen, and insect repellent
  • Binoculars for enhanced wildlife viewing
  • A good camera with extra batteries or a power bank
  • Soft-sided duffel bag (preferred for safari vehicles due to limited storage space)

Know before you go

  • Travel dates: 1st and 16th of every month.
  • Group joining experience with a minimum of 2 pax to operate.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Nairobi Hotel
Tour start
Nairobi
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 15 days finish where they began, in Nairobi.

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