Amboseli and Maasai Mara Safari

Amboseli and Maasai Mara Safari – A Classic Kenya Wildlife Adventure Itinerary

Are you dreaming of an unforgettable safari in Kenya? Amboseli and Maasai Mara are two of the most spectacular wildlife destinations in Africa, offering breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife and an immersive safari experience. Below is our recommended itinerary for the best Amboseli and Maasai Mara Safari in Kenya.

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Explore Kenya’s Capital City

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), our team will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Nairobi. You can spend the afternoon at leisure or explore some of Nairobi’s top attractions:

Optional Nairobi Excursions:

• Giraffe Centre – Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, this sanctuary allows you to interact with and feed endangered Rothschild giraffes while supporting conservation efforts.
• Karen Blixen Museum – Step back in time at the former home of Danish author Karen Blixen, best known for Out of Africa. The house, set against the scenic Ngong Hills, offers a glimpse into Kenya’s colonial past.
• Utamaduni Craft Center – A one-stop shop for authentic African crafts, jewelry, homeware and antiques, supporting local artisans and communities.
• Bomas of Kenya – Experience Kenya’s cultural heritage through live music, traditional dances and vibrant performances representing the country’s diverse ethnic groups.

Overnight in Nairobi

Day 2: Nairobi to Amboseli National Park – Scenic Drive and Afternoon Game Drive

After breakfast, we depart Nairobi via the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway, heading towards Amboseli National Park. Along the way, enjoy scenic views of the countryside and on clear days, you might catch a glimpse of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro.

Afternoon Game Drive in Amboseli: Amboseli National Park is renowned for its stunning views of Africa’s highest peak and its large herds of elephants. The park’s diverse landscapes range from dry lake beds and savannahs to wetlands and woodlands, providing a haven for a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, giraffes and over 400 bird species.

Dinner and Overnight at a Safari Camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Full-Day Wildlife Safari in Amboseli National Park

Today is dedicated to a full-day game drive in Amboseli, with a picnic lunch in the wild. Experience the magic of the park as you observe elephants up close, track predators on the hunt and take in panoramic views from Observation Hill.

Highlights of the day include:

• Incredible sightings of large elephant herds.
• Spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop to your safari.
• A variety of wildlife, including zebras, buffalo and giraffes.
• A visit to the seasonal Lake Amboseli, which attracts flocks of flamingos during the rainy season.

Dinner and Overnight at a Safari Camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Amboseli to Lake Elementeita – Scenic Rift Valley Drive

After breakfast, we embark on a scenic drive back towards Nairobi, stopping for lunch (at own cost), before continuing to Lake Elementeita. Nestled in the Great Rift Valley, Lake Elementeita is a serene retreat known for its flamingos, pelicans and other bird species.

Evening at Leisure at a Lakeside Camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 5: Lake Elementeita to Maasai Mara National Reserve – Arrival and Afternoon Game Drive

After breakfast, we set off for the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve. This iconic safari destination is part of the vast Serengeti ecosystem and is best known for the Great Migration and the Big Five – lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo and rhinos.

Afternoon Game Drive in Maasai Mara: After settling in at your lodge, we head out for an afternoon game drive to explore the sprawling plains dotted with acacia trees and teeming with wildlife. This is the perfect introduction to the Mara, often referred to as “the Africa of your dreams.”

Dinner and Overnight at a Safari Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Full-Day Game Drive in Maasai Mara – Experience the Big Five and Great Migration

Start your day with an early breakfast before setting off on an exciting full-day game drive across Maasai Mara’s stunning landscapes. As you explore the vast plains dotted with acacia trees and rolling hills, you’ll have a front-row seat to some of Africa’s most incredible wildlife, including lions, elephants, cheetahs and the legendary black-maned Maasai Mara lions.

Your guide will choose a scenic spot for a picnic lunch, where you can enjoy your meal while listening to the sounds of the savannah—the roar of distant lions, the calls of exotic birds and the gentle flow of the Mara River.

In the afternoon, continue your safari, capturing breathtaking moments of the wildlife spectacle that never gets old. Later, return to your lodge for a well-deserved dinner and overnight stay.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Optional: Morning & Evening Game Drives

If you prefer, you can opt for separate morning and evening game drives instead of a full-day excursion. This can be arranged in advance with your guide.

The Great Migration Experience (Seasonal – July to October)

During this time, over a million wildebeests, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, migrate from Tanzania’s Serengeti to Kenya’s Maasai Mara in search of fresh grazing lands. Hot on their heels are predators like lions, hyenas and cheetahs, creating one of the most dramatic wildlife spectacles on Earth.

Enhance Your Maasai Mara Safari with Optional Cultural and Balloon Experiences

Maasai Village Cultural Visit – $20 per person

Step into the heart of Maasai culture with a visit to a traditional Maasai village. Be welcomed by Maasai warriors performing their iconic jumping dance, explore their unique mud-and-dung homesteads (Manyattas) and learn about their fascinating traditions, including beadwork and fire-making. This is a chance to interact with the Maasai people and gain a deeper understanding of their way of life.

Maasai Mara Balloon Safari – $450 per person

Experience the magic of the Maasai Mara from above with a hot air balloon safari. As the sun rises over the savannah, drift silently across the plains, witnessing wildlife from a unique aerial perspective. The adventure concludes with a champagne breakfast in the bush—a perfect way to celebrate your African safari.

Note: Balloon safari age limit is 8 years and above.

Day 7: Maasai Mara to Lake Naivasha – Boat Safari and Optional Walking Tour

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Lake Naivasha, arriving in time for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on the lake, where you can spot hippos, fish eagles, pelicans and other water birds.

Optional Activity: Crescent Island Walking Safari

Take a boat ride to Crescent Island Game Sanctuary, one of Kenya’s hidden gems. This peaceful, wildlife-rich peninsula offers an up-close experience with giraffes, zebras, wildebeests and gazelles—all in a predator-free environment. Walk alongside these magnificent animals and take in breathtaking views of Lake Naivasha and the surrounding escarpments.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight: Lodge at Lake Naivasha

Day 8: Return to Nairobi and Departure

Enjoy an early breakfast before departing for Nairobi. Upon arrival, transfer directly to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for your flight home, marking the end of your Amboseli & Maasai Mara Safari.

Why Book Your Kenya Safari with Trek Africa Gorillas?

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we craft unforgettable, eco-friendly safari experiences across Kenya and East Africa. We are highly rated on TripAdvisor and committed to responsible tourism that supports conservation efforts and local communities.

When you book with us, you get:

• Expertly curated itineraries tailored to your needs
• Knowledgeable safari guides with in-depth wildlife expertise
• Sustainable travel experiences that protect nature and uplift local communities
• Seamless safari extensions to Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Botswana and Namibia

Contact us today to start planning your dream Amboseli & Maasai Mara Safari in Kenya!