6-Day Kenya Safari through Amboseli, Rift Valley Lakes and Maasai Mara

6 Days Round trip from Nairobi (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport) Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 See large elephant herds in Amboseli with Mount Kilimanjaro as a dramatic backdrop
  • 02 Explore the Great Rift Valley lakes, including Lake Naivasha and UNESCO-listed Lake Elementaita
  • 03 Look out for the Big Five on guided game drives in the Maasai Mara
  • 04 Witness the Great Migration from July to October, when wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River
  • 05 Choose an optional boat trip on Lake Naivasha to spot hippos and birdlife up close

Experience an exclusive 6-day safari through three of Kenya's most spectacular destinations, linked by the scenic lakes of the Great Rift Valley. Explore Amboseli National Park, the "Land of Giants," where large elephant herds roam beneath the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, then continue to Lake Naivasha and the tranquil shores of Lake Elementaita, part of the Kenya Lake System UNESCO World Heritage Site. Conclude in the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve, where expertly guided game drives reveal the drama of the Big Five across endless golden plains, with the possibility of witnessing the Great Migration from July to October. This thoughtfully curated journey combines remarkable wildlife encounters, beautiful landscapes, and warm Kenyan hospitality.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Luxury
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Naivasha, Nairobi, Masai Mara, Amboseli National Park, Lake Elmenteita

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Nairobi to Amboseli and Mount Kilimanjaro Views

Land of Giants - Scenic Landscapes & Kilimanjaro Views

Distance: Approx. 240 km | Drive Time: 4-5 hours

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), you will be warmly welcomed by a safari representative and introduced to your experienced driver-guide, who will accompany you throughout your safari.

Depart Nairobi and journey south through Kenya's picturesque countryside, passing through Emali and the expansive plains leading towards Amboseli National Park. As you approach Amboseli, enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro, whose majestic snow-capped peak dominates the horizon, creating a spectacular introduction to the Land of Giants.

Arrive at Sentrim Amboseli in time for lunch. After settling into your accommodation, spend the afternoon at leisure, enjoying the lodge's tranquil surroundings and the beautiful Amboseli landscape. In the evening, savour a delicious dinner and unwind as you prepare for the exciting wildlife experiences ahead.

Meal Plan: Full Board (Lunch & Dinner)

Overnight: Sentrim Amboseli Lodge

2
Day 02

Full-Day Amboseli Safari with Elephants and Kilimanjaro

Land of Giants - Wildlife, Elephants & Mount Kilimanjaro

Today is dedicated to exploring the spectacular Amboseli National Park, renowned for its large elephant herds, open savannah plains, and breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro. With the mountain rising majestically in the background, the park offers excellent opportunities to experience Kenya's wildlife in a truly scenic setting.

After breakfast at Sentrim Amboseli Lodge, set out with your professional driver-guide for a memorable safari experience. Depending on your preferred pace, you may enjoy a full-day game drive with a picnic lunch, allowing you to spend more time exploring the park, or return to the lodge for a relaxing midday break before heading out again for an afternoon and evening game drive.

As you explore the park, keep an eye out for elephants, lions, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, and a variety of bird species. The changing light across the Amboseli plains provides wonderful opportunities for photography, particularly when Mount Kilimanjaro is clearly visible.

Return to Sentrim Amboseli Lodge in the evening for dinner and a relaxing overnight stay, surrounded by the peaceful atmosphere of the African bush.

Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Overnight: Sentrim Amboseli Lodge

3
Day 03

Amboseli to Lake Naivasha and Lake Elementaita

From the Land of Giants to the Great Rift Valley

After breakfast at Sentrim Amboseli Lodge, check out and begin your journey towards the Great Rift Valley, with a scenic stop at Lake Naivasha, one of Kenya's most beautiful freshwater lakes.

Arrive at Lake Naivasha in time for lunch at a scenic lakeside restaurant. After lunch, you may choose to enjoy an optional boat ride on the lake, offering an opportunity to see hippos up close and observe the rich birdlife along the shoreline. The experience may also include a visit to Crescent Island, where you can encounter herbivores such as zebras, wildebeest, and antelopes. Subject to water levels and local conditions, you may go ashore and enjoy a guided walking safari among the wildlife.

After your Lake Naivasha experience, continue your journey to Lake Elementaita, a tranquil destination nestled within the Great Rift Valley and part of the Kenya Lake System UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, check in at Sentrim Elementaita Lodge and take some time to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at the lodge as you unwind and reflect on the day's journey from the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro to the scenic lakes of the Great Rift Valley.

Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Overnight: Sentrim Elementaita Lodge

4
Day 04

Lake Elementaita to Maasai Mara's Golden Plains

From Lakes to Golden Plains (Approx. 230 km, 5-6 hrs by road)

After a leisurely breakfast at Sentrim Elementaita Lodge, check out and bid farewell to the tranquil shores of Lake Elementaita as you journey southwest towards the world-renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve. Enjoy the changing landscapes as you travel through the scenic Great Rift Valley and into the rolling grasslands of the Mara region.

Arrive at Sentrim Mara Lodge in time for lunch and take some time to settle into your accommodation. After a short rest, head out with your professional driver-guide for your first afternoon game drive in the Maasai Mara. Explore the golden plains in search of lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and other wildlife, while enjoying the spectacular scenery of the reserve.

As the sun begins to set over the Mara, return to Sentrim Mara Lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening. Unwind to the peaceful sounds of the African bush as you prepare for the following day's wildlife adventure.

Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Overnight: Sentrim Mara Lodge

5
Day 05

Maasai Mara Morning and Evening Game Drives

Maasai Mara - Morning & Evening Game Drives

Rise early for a refreshing morning game drive in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, when the savannah is at its most active. With your professional driver-guide, explore the golden plains as wildlife begins its day. Keep watch for lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and other species, while enjoying the beautiful early-morning light across the reserve.

Return to Sentrim Mara Lodge for a hearty breakfast and some time to relax. Spend the late morning and early afternoon at leisure, enjoying the lodge's peaceful surroundings before lunch and preparing for your next wildlife adventure.

Later in the afternoon, head out for an evening game drive. Explore different areas of the reserve as the afternoon light softens and wildlife becomes increasingly active. This is another excellent opportunity for photography and wildlife viewing, with the possibility of witnessing predators on the move and animals gathering before sunset.

As the sun sets over the Mara, return to Sentrim Mara Lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening surrounded by the sounds of the African bush.

Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Overnight: Sentrim Mara Lodge

6
Day 06

Maasai Mara to Nairobi Departure

Farewell to the Wild (Approx. 250 km, 5-6 hrs by road)

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Sentrim Mara Lodge and take in your final views of the beautiful Maasai Mara. After breakfast, check out and bid farewell to the golden plains as you begin your journey back to Nairobi.

Travel through the scenic countryside and the dramatic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley, with opportunities to enjoy the changing scenery along the way. Your professional driver-guide will ensure a comfortable journey as you make your way towards Nairobi.

Upon arrival in Nairobi, you will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for your international departure flight, marking the end of your memorable Kenya safari adventure.

Meal Plan: Breakfast
Overnight: In Transit

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Nairobi (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport) 5 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Airport transfers and arrival/departure assistance at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)
  • Accommodation for 5 nights as specified in the itinerary (2 nights in Amboseli, 1 night at Lake Elementaita, and 2 nights in Maasai Mara)
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary - Full Board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), starting with lunch on Day 1 and ending with breakfast on Day 6
  • Private safari transportation in a customized 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide throughout the safari
  • All scheduled game drives in Amboseli National Park and Maasai Mara National Reserve
  • Applicable park entrance and conservation fees
  • Bottled drinking water during safari excursions (1 litre per person per day)
  • Government taxes and statutory levies

What's Not Included

  • International flights to and from Kenya
  • Domestic or regional flights unless specifically included
  • Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional excursions and activities, including the Lake Naivasha boat trip, Crescent Island visit, hot air balloon safari, and Maasai cultural visits
  • Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, telephone calls, and shopping
  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages not included in the specified meal plans
  • Tips and gratuities for driver-guides and camp staff
  • Meals not specifically mentioned under inclusions
  • Additional accommodation before or after the scheduled itinerary
  • Medical expenses and emergency evacuation costs
  • Any increase in park fees, government taxes, or fuel-related costs imposed after booking
  • Any service not specifically mentioned under safari inclusions

What to bring

  • Lightweight, comfortable clothing
  • Neutral-coloured safari clothing
  • A warm layer or jacket for early mornings and evenings
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • A hat or cap
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Personal toiletries and medication
  • A camera and extra batteries/power bank
  • Binoculars
  • A reusable water bottle
  • A small daypack
  • Travel documents, passport, and travel insurance details
  • A light rain jacket or waterproof layer
  • Packing tip: Keep luggage reasonably compact for easy transfer between destinations.

Know before you go

  • Safari Vehicle: The safari is conducted in a private customized 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, allowing excellent visibility and photography opportunities during game drives.
  • Professional Guide: You will be accompanied by a professional English-speaking safari driver-guide who will assist with wildlife spotting, navigation, and interpretation of the landscapes and ecosystems.
  • Game Viewing: Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Animals move freely within their natural environment, and sightings depend on weather, season, water availability, and animal movements.
  • Mount Kilimanjaro: The best views are generally dependent on weather and cloud conditions. Early mornings often provide particularly rewarding opportunities for mountain views and photography.
  • Optional Activities: A boat trip on Lake Naivasha and a hot air balloon safari in the Maasai Mara are available at an additional cost and can be arranged with your guide.
  • Conservation: Visitors are encouraged to respect wildlife regulations, maintain safe distances from animals, avoid littering, and follow the instructions of their professional guide throughout the safari.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Nairobi, Kenya - JKIA Airport
Tour start
Nairobi (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport)
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 6 days finish where they began, in Nairobi (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport).

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