8-Day Kenya Small-Group Safari with Mara, Amboseli and Naivasha

8 Days Round trip from JKIA Airport Nairobi. Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Guaranteed small-group departures with as few as 2 guests and a maximum of 6 guests per safari vehicle
  • 02 Travel across Kenya in a custom 4x4 safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof and guaranteed window seats
  • 03 Full-day Maasai Mara safari with picnic lunch and time near the Mara River
  • 04 Boat ride on Lake Naivasha and guided walking safari on Crescent Island
  • 05 Lake Nakuru game viewing for rhinos, Rothschild giraffes, and seasonal flamingos
  • 06 Amboseli game drives with chances to see large elephant herds against Mount Kilimanjaro
  • 07 Visit a traditional Maasai village for an authentic cultural experience
  • 08 Finish with a sunset game drive in Nairobi National Park

Discover Kenya's classic safari circuit on this 8-day small-group journey through Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli, and Nairobi National Park. Enjoy a well-paced mix of scenic drives, comfortable lodge and camp stays, and expertly guided game drives across some of Kenya's most wildlife-rich landscapes. Along the way, experience a Maasai village visit, a boat ride on Lake Naivasha, a guided walking safari on Crescent Island, and the dramatic scenery of Hell's Gate National Park. The journey ends with a memorable lunch at Carnivore Restaurant and a unique sunset game drive in Nairobi National Park.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Luxury
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Naivasha, Nairobi, Masai Mara, Amboseli National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Hell's Gate National Park, Nairobi National Park
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Nairobi and Transfer to Sarova Stanley

Arrive at Nairobi's JKIA International Airport, where our representative will be waiting to receive you. After a brief introduction to your safari and itinerary, transfer to Sarova Stanley for check-in. Spend the rest of the day relaxing, or choose one of our city tours and excursions in Nairobi, depending on your arrival time.

2
Day 02

Drive to Maasai Mara and Your First Game Drive

After breakfast and check-out, you will be picked up by your guide and head to the Mara, with the first stop at the Great Rift Valley escarpments for a photo session. Continue with the 5-hour drive and arrive at Mtito Safari Camp for check-in and lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing.

Around 4:00 PM, embark on your first afternoon game drive in search of zebras, antelopes, giraffes, elephants, and lions. At sunset, after a wonderful time in the reserve, drive back to camp for dinner and your overnight stay.

3
Day 03

Full-Day Maasai Mara Safari at the Mara River

This morning after breakfast, your guide will pick you up from the camp at your agreed time with a packed picnic lunch box and transfer you to the main reserve for a full-day game drive. Here, you'll have the opportunity to spot the Big Five along with other animal species in the reserve.

Drive to the banks of the Mara River to witness the wildebeest crossings and observe crocodiles patiently waiting for their prey. Enjoy lunch here, or under an acacia tree, overlooking snorting hippos in the water and the stunning landscape. After lunch, continue with an afternoon game drive to see animals most active during this time. After a wonderful day, exit the park and return to Mtito Safari Camp for dinner, relaxation, and an overnight stay.

4
Day 04

Maasai Village Visit and Transfer to Lake Nakuru

After breakfast, you'll check out of the camp and visit a traditional Maasai village for a cultural experience. Following the visit, you'll begin the scenic drive to your next destination, Lake Nakuru. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Great Rift Valley as you travel through rural towns and lush escarpments.

You'll enjoy an en-route game drive as you make your way to Lake Nakuru Sopa, arriving in time for lunch and check-in. Take some time to relax before heading out on an afternoon game drive at 4:00 PM. Lake Nakuru National Park is renowned for its seasonal flocks of flamingos, as well as sightings of both white and black rhinos, Rothschild giraffes, buffaloes, and, with luck, the elusive leopard. The park also features stunning landscapes, from acacia woodlands to the serene lakeshore. After your game drive, return to the lodge for dinner and your overnight stay.

5
Day 05

Lake Naivasha Boat Safari and Hell's Gate Adventure

After breakfast and check-out, depart Lake Nakuru for Lake Naivasha. Upon arrival, enjoy a scenic boat ride on the lake, where you may spot hippos and a variety of birdlife. Continue to Crescent Island for a guided walking safari among giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and other freely roaming wildlife.

After the excursion, proceed to Lake Naivasha Sopa for check-in and lunch. Later in the afternoon, visit Hell's Gate National Park, famous for its dramatic gorges, volcanic landscapes, and unique walking or cycling safari experiences. Explore the park while spotting wildlife such as zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, and warthogs. Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and your overnight stay.

6
Day 06

Scenic Drive to Amboseli and Evening Game Drive

After breakfast, you'll check out of your hotel and begin your scenic journey to Amboseli National Park, one of Kenya's most iconic safari destinations, set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Arrive at Amboseli Sopa in time for lunch and a bit of rest.

In the afternoon, embark on a game drive through the park's varied landscapes - from open plains and acacia woodlands to swamps fed by underground springs from Kilimanjaro's melting snow. Amboseli is especially famous for its large elephant herds, often seen walking in single file with Kilimanjaro's snow-capped peak in the background - a classic African scene. Return to your camp in the evening for dinner and your overnight stay, with the sounds of the wild surrounding you.

7
Day 07

Amboseli Safari and Observation Hill

Have breakfast, then set off for a day of game viewing in Amboseli National Park. During your game drive, you may encounter buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, various antelope species, and predators such as lions and cheetahs. Amboseli is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, with over 400 recorded bird species. The seasonal wetlands attract large flocks of pink flamingos, spoonbills, Egyptian geese, and many other water birds.

At midday, you'll enjoy lunch at one of the scenic designated sites within the park, followed by a walk up Observation Hill, which offers a panoramic view of the park's plains, swamps, and wildlife below. After a rewarding day of wildlife sightings and exploration, you'll return to Amboseli Sopa in the afternoon for some well-earned relaxation. Unwind at the bar, or simply relax in your room and take in the peaceful atmosphere. In the evening, enjoy a freshly prepared dinner, then spend the night at the camp.

8
Day 08

Return to Nairobi with Carnivore Lunch and Sunset Safari

After an early breakfast, you'll check out and begin your journey back to Nairobi, enjoying the scenic drive through the countryside. Along the way, there will be a stop for souvenir shopping, giving you a chance to pick up local crafts and gifts.

Upon arrival in Nairobi, you'll enjoy a delicious lunch at the famous Carnivore Restaurant, known for its all-you-can-eat selection of grilled meats, including exotic game options, served in a vibrant and lively setting. At around 3:30 PM, you'll head out for a sunset game drive in Nairobi National Park - the only national park located within a capital city. As the sun begins to set, you may be lucky enough to witness a breathtaking silhouette of giraffes against Nairobi's skyline. After the game drive, you'll exit the park and be transferred to the airport or dropped off at your hotel for a continued stay in Nairobi.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from JKIA Airport Nairobi. 7 cities · 8 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 we may provide similar accommodations 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/Land Rover 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.
    • Complimentary lunch at Carnivore Restaurant.
    • Bottled drinking water is provided during game drives and in rooms, as per the lodge or hotel policy.
    • Sunset game drive at Nairobi National Park.

What's Not Included

  • 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

  • To make the most of your safari experience, we recommend packing thoughtfully for comfort and changing weather conditions:
    • 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

  • All transport and game drives are shared.
  • Departures are on the 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd of every month.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Arrivals Terminal, JKIA Airport, Nairobi.
Tour start
JKIA Airport Nairobi.
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 8 days finish where they began, in JKIA Airport Nairobi..

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

Create your own adventure

Can't find the perfect tour? Tailor your dream trip.

  • Tell us your destination, dates and group size.
  • Our travel experts and local guides design a tailored itinerary, just for you.
  • Enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
Plan my holiday

Say goodbye to travel stress.

Starting from

USD 3,600 /person
Book This Tour

When

Travellers

Total