Kenya: Safari Amboseli, Rift Valley & Masai Mara tour

Summary

Eight days across Kenya’s wild parks, lakes & savannahs

You’ll wake up to Kilimanjaro’s silhouette in Amboseli, cycle past zebras at Hell’s Gate, watch flamingos turn Lake Bogoria pink, and share stories with Maasai villagers. With a local guide handling every detail from pickup to picnic lunches in Masai Mara, this safari is full of moments you’ll remember long after the trip ends.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was the dust — not in a bad way, but that dry, salty smell as we rolled into Amboseli National Park from Nairobi. Our guide Daniel had this easy laugh and knew every bump in the road. We stopped for lunch at the camp (rice, beans, something spicy I still can’t name) before heading out for our first game drive. The air felt heavy but clear, and then suddenly there it was: Mount Kilimanjaro peeking through clouds like it was playing hide-and-seek. I’d seen photos before but seeing it with my own eyes — well, you just stop talking for a second.

The next morning we watched elephants move through the grasslands so close you could see their eyelashes. Daniel explained how “Amboseli” means “salty dust” in Maasai — honestly, it fits. Later we visited a Maasai village; kids ran up to us giggling, and one of the elders tried to teach me how to say hello in Maa (I definitely failed). There’s something about hearing stories from people who’ve lived here forever — makes you realize how much is layered under what you see on safari.

After Amboseli we drove north to Lake Naivasha — long ride but worth it for that first glimpse of flamingos at dawn. The cycling bit at Hell’s Gate National Park was wild (I’m not much of a cyclist but managed not to fall off). The wind smelled faintly of sulfur near the springs and there were zebras just… standing by the road like they owned it. At Lake Bogoria the flamingos were everywhere — pink clouds moving together — and I remember thinking how small I felt compared to all this space.

By the time we reached Masai Mara I was tired but weirdly energized. The savannah looked golden in late afternoon light and our camp had these canvas tents that let you hear everything at night (hyenas sound way closer than they probably are). We ate lunch by the Mara River watching hippos grunt and splash around. On our last day Daniel pointed out a black-maned lion lounging under an acacia tree — he said if you’re lucky you might spot all of the Big Five here on one game drive. I didn’t expect to feel so connected to this place or these people; even now back home I catch myself thinking about those quiet mornings before sunrise when everything felt possible.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Nairobi to Amboseli Park

• Drive to Amboseli National Park, check-in and lunch
• View Mount Kilimanjaro

Day 2 — Amboseli Game Drives & Culture

• Morning and afternoon game drives
• Masai Village cultural visit

Day 3 — Amboseli to Lake Naivasha

• Drive to Lake Naivasha, check-in and lunch
• Game drive in Hell's Gate National Park
• Visit Great Rift Valley

Day 4 — Lake Naivasha to Lake Bogoria

• Travel to Lake Bogoria with lunch en route
• Stopover on the way to Lake Bogoria

Day 5 — Lake Bogoria to Lake Nakuru

• Full day game drive at Lake Nakuru National Park
• See black and white rhinos

Day 6 — Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara

• Drive to Masai Mara, lunch and rest
• Introductory afternoon game drive

Day 7 — Full Day Masai Mara Game Drive

• Full day game drive with picnic lunch
• Lunch at Mara River crossing

Day 8 — Masai Mara to Nairobi

• Visit Masai village, then depart to Nairobi
• Masai cultural experience

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Kenya safari tour?

Yes, early morning pickup from your Nairobi hotel or residence is included.

Are meals provided during the safari?

Yes, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included each day at your lodges or camps.

Is this safari suitable for children or families?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult throughout the tour.

Can vegetarians or those with dietary needs be accommodated?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested at booking; please advise any dietary requirements in advance.

Are all areas wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options and most areas are wheelchair accessible on this tour.

What wildlife can I expect to see on this tour?

You may see elephants in Amboseli, flamingos at Lake Bogoria and Nakuru, rhinos at Nakuru National Park, lions in Masai Mara, plus many other animals.

How long is the drive between parks?

The drives vary; some days involve several hours between destinations such as Amboseli to Naivasha or Nakuru to Masai Mara.

Is there a visit to a Maasai village included?

Yes, there is a cultural visit to a Maasai village during your stay near Amboseli or Masai Mara.

What’s included

Your journey includes private transportation with hotel pickup in Nairobi, expert local guiding throughout all parks (Amboseli, Hell’s Gate, Lake Bogoria & Nakuru, Masai Mara), daily meals—breakfasts, lunches (sometimes picnic-style), dinners—accommodation in lodges or camps each night plus cultural visits like meeting Maasai villagers before returning comfortably to Nairobi at tour’s end.