6 Days Masai Mara and Amboseli Safari in Kenya

This 6-day Masai Mara and Amboseli safari combines two of Kenya’s most iconic wildlife destinations in one well-paced itinerary. You will begin in Nairobi, travel to Masai Mara National Reserve for Big Five game drives and wide savannah landscapes, then continue to Amboseli National Park, famous for large elephant herds and views of Mount Kilimanjaro. This Kenya safari is ideal for travellers looking for a short but rewarding wildlife experience with strong chances of seeing lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles and many bird species.

Safari Highlights

Day 1, Arrival in Nairobi and safari briefing
Day 2, Drive through the Rift Valley to Masai Mara National Reserve
Day 2, Afternoon game drive in Masai Mara
Day 3, Full day Masai Mara safari with Mara River wildlife
Day 4, Transfer to Amboseli National Park via Nairobi
Day 5, Full day Amboseli safari with elephants and Mount Kilimanjaro views
Day 6, Return to Nairobi for airport drop-off

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1, Arrival in Nairobi

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be welcomed by your safari guide. After a short briefing about your Kenya safari route, transfer to your hotel in Nairobi for check-in. Nairobi is the main gateway for most Kenya safaris, making it a convenient starting point before travelling to Masai Mara and Amboseli. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel as you prepare for the wildlife journey ahead. Accommodation: Luxury Radisson Blu Hotel or Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Hotel, Mid-range Best Western Plus Meridian Hotel or Karen Blixen Coffee Garden and Cottage, Budget Nairobi Boma Hotel

Day 2, Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve

After an early breakfast, begin your journey from Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve. The drive takes you through the Great Rift Valley, with scenic views along the way. Depending on time, your guide may stop at a viewpoint for photos before continuing through Narok and towards the open plains of the Mara. Arrive in time for lunch at your lodge, then head out for an afternoon game drive across the reserve. Masai Mara is known for wide savannah plains, big cats and rich wildlife viewing. During the game drive, you may see elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, antelopes, wildebeest, hyenas and, with luck, leopards or cheetahs. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay Accomodation: Luxury Mara Serena Lodge or Neptune Rianta Luxury Camp, Mid-range Mara Maisha Camp or Mara Sopa Lodge, Budget –Miti Mingi Tented Camp or Rhino Tourist Camp

Great Migration wildebeest crossing in Masai Mara

Day 3, Full Day Masai Mara Safari

Spend a full day exploring Masai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s most famous wildlife areas. After breakfast, head out for a morning game drive when animals are more active and the light is good for photography. Your guide will search for lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, gazelles and other plains wildlife. You may choose a full-day safari with picnic lunch inside the reserve, allowing more time in the wilderness, or return to the lodge for lunch before heading out again in the afternoon. The Masai Mara is also known for the Mara River, where hippos and crocodiles are often seen along the riverbanks. During the migration season, large herds of wildebeest and zebras may move through the reserve, although sightings depend on timing and wildlife movement. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4, Drive to Amboseli National Park via Nairobi

After an early breakfast, check out and begin your drive to Amboseli National Park, travelling via Nairobi with a lunch stop along the way. This is a long but scenic transfer day, connecting the Masai Mara plains with Amboseli’s open landscapes near the Tanzania border. Arrive in Amboseli in the late afternoon and check in at your lodge. If time allows, you may enjoy an optional evening game drive or relax at the lodge while taking in views of the surrounding plains. Amboseli is famous for large elephant herds, wetlands and views of Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days. Accomodation: Luxury Amboseli Serena Lodge or Tawi Lodge, Mid-range Ol Tukai Lodge or Kibo Safari Lodge, Budget Kimana Amboseli Camp, Wild Amboseli Ndovu Cottages

Day 5, Full Day Amboseli Safari and Mount Kilimanjaro Views

Amboseli elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro

Enjoy a full day of game viewing in Amboseli National Park, one of Kenya’s best places to see large elephant herds. After an early breakfast, set out for a morning game drive. Mornings often offer the clearest views of Mount Kilimanjaro, creating one of the most iconic safari scenes in East Africa. During the game drive, look out for elephants, lions, cheetahs, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, antelopes, hyenas and many bird species. Amboseli’s wetlands, open plains and acacia woodland attract wildlife throughout the year. Return to the lodge for lunch and rest, or enjoy a picnic lunch depending on your day’s arrangement. In the afternoon, continue with another game drive as animals become more active again in the cooler hours. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 6, Return to Nairobi for Departure

After breakfast, check out of your lodge and begin the drive back to Nairobi. Enjoy scenic views of rural Kenya along the way, with a lunch stop depending on your schedule. Upon arrival in Nairobi, your guide will drop you off at your hotel, residence or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward flight. This marks the end of your 6 days Masai Mara and Amboseli safari.