Kenya Classic Safari
Duration: 9 Days | Route: Nairobi -> Maasai Mara -> Lake Nakuru -> Lake Naivasha -> Amboseli -> NairobiItinerary Outline
- Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi and hotel transfer
- Day 2: Drive to Maasai Mara and afternoon game drive
- Day 3: Full day safari in Maasai Mara
- Day 4: Morning and evening safaris in Maasai Mara
- Day 5: Transfer to Lake Nakuru and game drive
- Day 6: Drive to Lake Naivasha and boat ride
- Day 7: Transfer to Amboseli and evening safari
- Day 8: Full day safari in Amboseli
- Day 9: Return to Nairobi and departure
Tour Overview
Kenya has a way of delivering wildlife moments that stay with you long after the trip ends. The Maasai Mara brings you into open savannah where predator and prey share the same ground and big cat sightings are part of a normal morning out. Further north, Lake Nakuru sits inside a compact park that punches well above its size rhino, flamingo, leopard, and lion all within a relatively small area that rewards slow, unhurried game drives.
Lake Naivasha offers a different kind of encounter, one that happens on water rather than land, with hippo pods and a birdlife variety that contrasts sharply with the dry savannah further south. Amboseli rounds the trip off on its own terms wide open plains, elephant herds that are among the most accessible on the continent, and on clear days a view of Kilimanjaro that makes a strong case for staying longer than planned.
Highlights
- Maasai Mara safaris with chances to see the Big Five and open savannah landscapes
- Lake Nakuru with flamingos, rhinos and rich birdlife
- Boat ride at Lake Naivasha with hippos and bird species
- Amboseli National Park with large elephant herds and views of Mount Kilimanjaro
- Scenic drives through the Great Rift Valley
- Multiple game drives across different ecosystems
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Nairobi. After check in, the day is free to relax or explore the city. You can visit places like the Karen Blixen Museum or Nairobi Gallery. Return to your hotel for overnight stay.
Day 2: Nairobi to Maasai Mara
After breakfast, drive to Maasai Mara National Reserve. The journey takes you through the Great Rift Valley with scenic views along the way. On arrival, check in at your lodge and relax. Later, go for an afternoon game drive to explore the reserve and spot wildlife. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Full Day Safari in Maasai Mara
Spend the day exploring Maasai Mara with a full day game drive. Carry a packed lunch and cover different areas of the reserve. You may see lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras and other wildlife. Return to your lodge in the evening.
Day 4: Maasai Mara Safaris
Start with a morning game drive when wildlife is active. Return to the lodge for rest. In the afternoon, head out again for another safari. This increases your chances of spotting the Big Five including lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and rhino.
Day 5: Maasai Mara to Lake Nakuru
After breakfast, drive to Lake Nakuru National Park. On arrival, check in at your lodge and relax. Later, go for an afternoon game drive. The park is known for flamingos and birdlife, along with rhinos and other animals. Return to your lodge for overnight stay.
Day 6: Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha
After breakfast, drive to Lake Naivasha. On arrival, check in at your lodge. Later, enjoy a boat ride at Crescent Island. You may see hippos, giraffes and a variety of birds in a calm lake setting. Return to your lodge.
Day 7: Lake Naivasha to Amboseli
After breakfast, drive to Amboseli National Park. On arrival, check in at your lodge and relax. In the afternoon, go for a game drive. Amboseli is known for large elephant herds and views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Return to your lodge for dinner.
Day 8: Amboseli Full Day Safari
Start with a morning game drive with clear views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Return to the lodge for rest and later go for an afternoon safari. You can continue spotting elephants, lions and other wildlife across open landscapes.
Day 9: Return to Nairobi and Departure
After breakfast, drive back to Nairobi. You will be dropped at the airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your safari
Day 10: Maasai Mara Safari
Start the day with a morning game drive. This is a good time to see wildlife before the day gets warmer. Return to the lodge to relax. You can enjoy views of the plains and surroundings before your final night.
Day 11: Departure from Nairobi
After breakfast, transfer to Nairobi for your flight back home. This marks the end of your safari covering key regions in Kenya and Tanzania.
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Places You Will Visit
Where You’ll Stay
Travel Information
Inclusion
- Accommodation in lodges and camps throughout the safari
- All meals including breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Game drives in Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli
- Boat ride at Lake Naivasha
- Park entry fees and conservation charges
- Private safari vehicle with experienced driver guide
- Picnic lunches during full day safaris
- All transfers between parks and Nairobi
- Airport pick up and drop in Nairobi
- All applicable taxes and on ground support
Exclusion
- International and domestic flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry and phone calls
- Tips and gratuities for lodge staff and guides
- Any optional activities not included in the itinerary
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions section
Customization options
- Upgrade to luxury lodges or tented camps in Maasai Mara and Amboseli
- Replace long road transfers with internal flights to Maasai Mara or Amboseli
- Add extra nights in Maasai Mara for better wildlife sightings
- Include hot air balloon safari in Maasai Mara with bush breakfast
- Add Nairobi experiences like Giraffe Centre or Elephant Orphanage
- Extend the trip with a beach stay in Diani or Zanzibar
- Private safari with flexible game drive timings
Cancellation Policy
- If cancellation requested before 120 days (or more) prior to departure, Full refund.
- If cancellation requested before 60 days (or more) prior to departure – 75% of the tour cost will be refunded.
- If cancellation requested before 45 to 59 days prior to departure – 50% of the tour cost will be refunded.
- If cancellation requested before 30 to 44 days prior to departure – 25% of the tour cost will be refunded.
- If cancellation requested before 15 to 29 days prior to departure – 10% of the tour cost will be refunded.
- If cancellation requested less than 15 days prior to departure, No Show – No Refund.
Further Information
- Best time to visit is June to October for wildlife viewing and migration sightings
- Game drives are conducted in private safari vehicles with experienced guides
- Some travel days involve drives of 4 to 6 hours between parks
- Maasai Mara and Amboseli offer different landscapes and wildlife experiences
- Suitable for first time safari travellers, couples, families and wildlife enthusiasts
- All park fees, meals and lodge stays are included as per itinerary
