Kenya Classic Safari

7 days—A private safari through Lake Nakuru, the Maasai Mara and Amboseli, with three Mara nights and a short flight to Kilimanjaro’s doorstep.

$2300-7300 USD

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Safari summary

This 7-day, 6-night private safari from Nairobi covers three of Kenya’s most rewarding parks: Lake Nakuru, the Maasai Mara and Amboseli. It’s a great choice for a first safari in Kenya, with one night at Lake Nakuru, three nights in the Maasai Mara and two nights in Amboseli at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro.

The journey begins with a drive through the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park, home to white and black rhino, buffalo and Rothschild’s giraffe. You then continue to the Maasai Mara for three nights. That gives you a full day of game driving with a picnic lunch, plus extra time for sunrise and sunset drives. Lion, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and hyena are commonly seen, and leopard and cheetah are possible. From about July to October, the Great Migration herds fill the plains, and your guide will head towards the Mara River for a chance to see a crossing.

Instead of a long 8–9 hour drive, a short scheduled flight takes you from the Mara to Amboseli. There you’ll watch large elephant herds in the swamps, climb Observation Hill and, on clear mornings, see Kilimanjaro rising above the plains. A road-only option is also available at a lower price.

Across the trip, you have a strong chance of seeing the Big Five. You travel in a private 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof and your own English-speaking driver-guide, so you set the pace. Park fees are included.

Optional extras include a sunrise hot-air balloon flight over the Mara, Maasai community visits, an extra night at Lake Naivasha or in the Mara, a stay in a private Mara conservancy, and a beach extension on Kenya’s south coast. This safari suits first-time visitors, couples and families.

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	Game drives
	Activity level	Easy activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Kenya
	Parks	Amboseli Lake Nakuru Masai Mara

What’s included?

Accommodation
Airport transfers
Meals
Park fees
Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

Alcoholic beverages
All drinks
International flights
Laundry
Premium alcoholic beverages
Spa treatments
Tips and gratuities
Visas

Itinerary

Nairobi to Lake Nakuru

Lake Nakuru

Your driver-guide picks you up in Nairobi in a private 4x4 pop-up roof vehicle and drives through the Great Rift Valley, stopping at a viewpoint (about 3–4 hours). In the afternoon, set out on a game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park looking for white rhino, buffalo, waterbuck and Rothschild’s giraffe. Optional: sunset at Baboon Cliff. Meals: Lunch and dinner.

Lodge in or near Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru to the Maasai Mara

Masai Mara

Head out on an early game drive in search of black rhino, then drive about 5 hours via Narok to the Maasai Mara, the longest road day of the trip. Arrive at camp for a late lunch, followed by your first Mara game drive if time allows. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Camp near or inside the Maasai Mara

Full Day in the Maasai Mara

Masai Mara

Spend a full day exploring the Mara with a picnic lunch, searching for lion, cheetah, leopard and elephant. From about July to October, head towards the Mara River for a chance to see the migration herds (crossings can’t be predicted). Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner

Same Mara camp

Maasai Mara Morning and Afternoon

Masai Mara

Start with an early game drive, or take an optional sunrise hot-air balloon flight with breakfast (extra cost). Optional: visit a nearby Maasai community to learn about their culture and way of life. In the afternoon, set out on another game drive until sunset. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Same Mara camp

Fly from the Mara to Amboseli

Amboseli

Enjoy a short final morning drive or a relaxed breakfast, then transfer to the airstrip for a scheduled flight to Amboseli, usually via Wilson Airport. Arrive in the afternoon for a late-afternoon game drive among Amboseli’s elephants. Road option: leave early and drive via Nairobi, arriving in the late afternoon or evening with no game drive. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Lodge or camp in Amboseli

Full Day in Amboseli

Amboseli

Head out at sunrise for the best chance to see Kilimanjaro. Watch elephant families feed and bathe in the swamps, then climb Observation Hill for wide views. Rest at camp over midday. In the afternoon, explore the plains and dry lake bed for lion, cheetah, hyena, giraffe and zebra. Optional: visit a Maasai community. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Same Amboseli lodge or camp

Amboseli to Nairobi

Enjoy one last morning game drive among Amboseli’s elephants, then breakfast. Drive about 4–4.5 hours back to Nairobi, with drop-off at your hotel or JKIA in the afternoon. Meals: Breakfast (lunch on the road, if needed)

End of safari

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