4 Days Amboseli and Lake Naivasha Safari in Kenya

This 4-day Amboseli and Lake Naivasha safari combines classic wildlife viewing with a relaxed lake experience in Kenya. Start from Nairobi and travel to Amboseli National Park, one of Kenya’s best places to see large elephant herds and, on clear days, views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Continue to Lake Naivasha, a peaceful Rift Valley lake known for boat rides, birdlife, hippos and nearby Crescent Island walking experiences. This private Kenya safari is ideal for travellers who want a short itinerary with game drives, scenic landscapes, photography moments and a slower finish around Lake Naivasha.

Safari Highlights

Day 1, Pick-up in Nairobi and drive to Amboseli National Park
Day 1, Evening game drive in Amboseli
Day 2, Full day Amboseli safari with elephant herds and Kilimanjaro views
Day 3, Transfer to Lake Naivasha and visit Crescent Island
Day 3, Relaxed lake scenery, birdlife and optional boat ride
Day 4, Return to Nairobi for hotel or airport drop-off

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1, Pick-up in Nairobi and drive to Amboseli National Park

Your Kenya safari begins with pick-up from Nairobi by your safari guide, followed by a short briefing about the itinerary. Start the drive south towards Amboseli National Park, a journey of about 4 to 5 hours depending on traffic and road conditions. Amboseli is one of Kenya’s most famous safari destinations, known for large elephant herds, open plains, wetlands and views of Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days. Arrive at your lodge for check-in and lunch. In the evening, head out for your first game drive in Amboseli. Look out for elephants, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, antelopes and various bird species as the park becomes active in the cooler hours. After the game drive, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay. Accomodation: Luxury – Elewana Tortilis Camp Amboseli or Tawi Lodge, Mid-range –Ambokili Lodge or Kaliwa Lodge, Budget Kimana Amboseli Camp or Wild Amboseli Ndovu Cottages

Amboseli elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro

Day 2, Full Day Amboseli Safari and Kilimanjaro Views

After an early breakfast at the lodge, spend the day exploring Amboseli National Park with morning and afternoon game drives. The morning game drive is one of the best times for wildlife viewing and photography. On clear days, you may enjoy views of Mount Kilimanjaro rising above the Amboseli plains. Amboseli is famous for large elephant herds, but the park also supports lions, cheetahs, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hyenas, antelopes, and many bird species. Its wetlands, seasonal swamps and open plains attract wildlife throughout the year. Return to the lodge for lunch and a short rest during the warmer hours. In the afternoon, continue with another game drive across different sections of the park, giving you more chances to see wildlife movement before sunset. Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 3, Amboseli to Lake Naivasha and Crescent Island

After an early breakfast at your lodge in Amboseli, begin the journey to Lake Naivasha with your guide. After two days of game drives, Lake Naivasha offers a slower and more scenic experience. The freshwater lake is known for birdlife, hippos, peaceful landscapes and views of the surrounding Rift Valley area. On arrival, visit Crescent Island, a popular walking safari destination where you can explore open landscapes on foot with chances to see giraffes, zebras, waterbucks, gazelles and many bird species. Depending on your package and arrival time, you may also enjoy an optional boat ride on Lake Naivasha to see hippos and water birds from the water. After the lake experience, continue to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay. Accommodation: Luxury – Naivasha Sopa Resort or The Great Rift Valley and Golf Resort, Mid-range – Enashipia Resort or Naivasha Kongoni Lodge, Budget – Burch’s Resort Naivasha or Aloepark Hotel

Lake Naivasha - Crescent Island — Lake Naivasha – Crescent Island

Day 4, Lake Naivasha to Nairobi

After breakfast, check out and begin the drive back to Nairobi. The drive from Lake Naivasha to Nairobi usually takes about 2 to 3 hours depending on traffic and route conditions. Upon arrival, your guide will drop you off at your hotel, residence or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. If your departure flight is later in the day, an optional Nairobi city tour can be arranged depending on time. This marks the end of your 4-day Amboseli and Lake Naivasha safari.