9-Day Big Kenya Safari: Masai Mara, Amboseli & Tsavo East and West

Overview

Trip highlights

• Red elephants of Tsavo
• Mzima Springs
• Lugard Falls
• Volcanic Shetani lava flows

Day by day

1. Day 1

   Nairobi/Masai Mara National Reserve

   An early morning drive to Maasai Mara National Reserve, it holds on as one of the few places left on earth where wildlife still lives comparatively undisturbed, in the numbers that once roamed the plains and forests of Africa. As the northern tip of the vast Serengeti ecosystem, the Mara hosts the spectacular seasonal migration of many thousands of Wildebeest, Zebras and attendant predators. Arrive in time for lunch then have an afternoon game drive.

2. Day 2

   Masai Mara National Reserve

   After breakfast we have a full day dame drive, with packed lunch provided. The reserve is well known for its black- manned lion, as well as its abundant resident wildlife and its one of the few places where it's possible to see the big five during a morning's game drive. Many of the cheetahs are so tame they seek shelter from the hot sun under one's vehicle and several even climb onto the roof to get better view of prospective prey. For the bird enthusiast, almost 500 species have been recorded: among these 16 species of eagle, plus many hawks and falcons, 6 species of vultures, 8 species of storks 4 of bustard (including the Kori bustard, the world's heaviest flying bird), and 9 species of sun birds.

3. Day 3

   Masai Mara/ Lake Nakuru National Park

   Begin your day with an early morning pickup and drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, crossing the Equator as you travel through Kenya’s scenic Great Rift Valley. Arrive in time for lunch before heading out on an afternoon game drive. Explore the park in search of black and white rhinos, lions, leopards, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and other wildlife. Lake Nakuru is also renowned for its birdlife and, when conditions are right, large flocks of flamingos can be seen along the lake’s shores. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.

4. Day 4

   Lake Naivasha

   After breakfast, drive to Lake Naivasha, one of the most scenic lakes in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. Located at a high altitude, the freshwater lake is surrounded by lush vegetation and extensive papyrus beds, creating an ideal habitat for a wide variety of birdlife. Keep an eye out for kingfishers, herons, fish eagles, and other water birds as you explore the area. Lake Naivasha is also home to large numbers of hippos, often seen resting in the shallow waters or along the shoreline. Enjoy the peaceful scenery and abundant wildlife before continuing with your safari adventure. The lake’s beautiful setting makes it a wonderful stop for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and photographers.

5. Day 5

   Lake Naivasha/Amboseli

   Start the day with an early morning drive to Amboseli National Park, arriving in time to check in at your accommodation and settle in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, relaxing and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Amboseli is famous for its open plains, seasonal wetlands, acacia woodlands, and spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The park’s diverse landscapes support a variety of wildlife, while the lush areas around its swamps provide important habitats for elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and numerous bird species.

6. Day 6

   Amboseli National Park

   Rise early for the best chance of seeing Mount Kilimanjaro before clouds gather around the summit. Enjoy a morning game drive through Amboseli, where large elephant herds are often seen feeding and bathing around the park’s wetlands. Keep watch for lions, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and other wildlife as you explore the open plains. After breakfast, you may choose an optional visit to a Maasai village, offering an opportunity to learn about local traditions, traditional homes, music, dance, and community life. A packed lunch will be provided as you continue exploring Amboseli before returning to your accommodation later in the day.

7. Day 7

   Tsavo West National Park

   Depart by road from Amboseli towards Tsavo West National Park, enjoying the changing scenery along the way. Arrive in time for lunch and check in at your accommodation. In the afternoon, you may enjoy an optional game drive through the park, with opportunities to spot elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and other wildlife. Tsavo West is known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, rugged hills, lava flows, and diverse wildlife. The park is also home to the famous Mzima Springs, where crystal-clear water emerges from underground sources and creates a lush oasis that attracts hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife.

8. Day 8

   Tsavo West National Park

   After breakfast, set out for a full-day game drive through Tsavo West National Park with a packed lunch provided. Explore the park’s dramatic volcanic landscapes and wildlife-rich plains while searching for elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and other species. Visit some of Tsavo West’s fascinating attractions, including the Roaring Rocks, which offer spectacular views across the park, and the Poacher’s Lookout. You may also explore the volcanic Chaimu Crater, where adventurous travelers can enjoy a climb and look out for the elusive klipspringer. Depending on the route and time available, continue towards Lake Jipe, a scenic lake along the Kenya-Tanzania border, before returning to your accommodation in the evening.

9. Day 9

   Tsavo west to Nairobi

   After breakfast, enjoy an early morning game drive through Tsavo West National Park, taking advantage of the cooler hours when wildlife is often active. Continue exploring the park before departing late in the morning for Nairobi. Enjoy lunch en route as you travel through Kenya’s scenic countryside, arriving in Nairobi in the afternoon or evening, marking the end of your safari.