6 Days best of Kenya safari in Masai Mara, Amboseli and Lake Nakuru
6 Days Masai Mara, Amboseli and Lake Nakuru safari. Some journeys show you the world but this 6-days best of Kenya safari in Masai Mara, Amboseli and Lake Nakuru is for you to have a more intimate connection with the world of nature. Expect to experience the wildebeest migration in Masai Mara through to the Land of magnificent scenic views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Also, expect to see large herds of elephants in Amboseli and finally, to the renowned bird haven called Lake Nakuru.
The latter is known as the modern Eden because of its stunning beauty. Each of these Kenya safari destinations presents an opportunity to experience the uniqueness that each of these places to visit in Kenya. This affordable luxury 6 Days Masai Mara, Amboseli and Lake Nakuru safari starts and ends in Nairobi at Wilson Airport.
Worst/Best Time to go on this 6 Day Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru & Amboseli Safari
Visiting Amboseli, Masai Mara, and Lake Nakuru in Kenya can be done at any time of the year. However, the best months for the best Kenya safari experiences in these destinations are from June to late October. Firstly, there’s a wide range of opportunities for better game drive safaris due to good weather during this long dry period. Hence, enables one to do activities like nature walks comfortably in Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli National Park. Also, visibility of wildlife and scenic landscapes, including background landscapes of Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli, becomes easier.
The least ideal months for this 6-days best of Kenya safari are from March to May. So, the rains are heavy and this contributes to the growth of tall, lush grasslands, which makes sightseeing of wildlife in these Kenyan parks hard. Also, there are interruptions in this 6-Day Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, and Maasai Mara Safari by vehicle delays. So, this is due to these vehicles getting stuck in the muddy parts of the parks or the routes when one is heading to any of the safari areas.
Summary of 6-Day Best of Kenya Safari: Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Lake Nakuru
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi and Masai Mara National Reserve
- Pick up from Wilson International Airport, drive 4 hours (250 km) through the Great Rift Valley to Mara River Lodge.
- Lunch at lodge overlooking Mara River, rest, evening game drive to spot lions and elephants, dine, and overnight at lodge.
Day 2: Full-Day Maasai Mara Exploration and game drives
- Dawn game drive for sunrise, track predators like leopards in Musiara Swamp or Mara River (July–October for crossings).
- Picnic lunch under acacia trees, spot Big Five animals in Kenya, zebras, giraffes; wilderness dinner at Mara River Lodge.
Day 3: Maasai Mara Morning Drive and Cultural Visit
- 10:00 AM game drive after breakfast to see active lions, leopards hunting gazelles near water sources.
- Afternoon lunch at Mara River Lodge, walk to Maasai village for dances, Manyattas tour, and beadwork support; dinner at lodge.
Day 4: Transfer from Maasai Mara to Lake Nakuru in Kenya
- Drive 5 hours (200 km) north after breakfast, with scenic stops and snacks.
- Afternoon game drive at Lake Nakuru to see flamingos, rhinos, pelicans; buffet dinner with Kenyan cuisine at Lake Nakuru Lodge.
Day 5: Transfer from Lake Nakuru to Amboseli National Park
- Early breakfast, check out from Lake Nakuru Lodge. Drive 8 hours (370 km) south via Nairobi lunch stop to Amboseli, framed by Kilimanjaro views.
- Evening game drive for elephant herds, night bird sounds; dine on Kenyan cuisine at Kibo Villa Amboseli.
Day 6: Amboseli Morning Game Drive and Departure
- Open-grasslands breakfast, morning game drive to see wildebeest, zebras grazing.
- Drive 5 hours to Wilson International Airport in Nairobi, reflecting on your best Kenya safari memories.
Inclusions
- Transportation: 4×4 vehicle transfers in Kenya from Wilson Airport in Nairobi through the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli, and back.
- Accommodation: Nights at Mara River Lodge (Maasai Mara), Lake Nakuru Lodge, Kibo Villa Amboseli.
- Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunches, dinners (including wilderness and Kenyan cuisines).
- Activities: Game drives, Maasai village visit with dances and tour.
- Park Entry Fees: Entry to Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli National Parks.
- Guide Services: Professional safari guide from Serengeti Masai Mara Experts throughout.
Exclusions
- International/Domestic Flights: Flights to/from Nairobi or Wilson Airport.
- Travel Insurance and Visas: Kenya visa fees, personal insurance.
- Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, tips, laundry, beadwork purchases.
- Alcoholic Beverages: Drinks outside provided meals in this 6 day itinerary.
- Optional Kenya Safari Activities: Activities not listed (e.g., hot air balloon safaris in Masai Mara).
- Medical Costs: Emergency or medical expenses.
Things to Do during your 6 Days Amboseli, Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara Safari Holiday
- Game Drives: Spot lions, leopards, elephants in Maasai Mara (Days 1–3); flamingos, rhinos in Lake Nakuru (Day 4); wildebeest, zebras in Amboseli (Days 5–6).
- Wildlife Photography: Capture sunrises, predator hunts in Masai Mara (Day 2), pink flamingos at Lake Nakuru (Day 4), Kilimanjaro views in Amboseli (Day 5).
- Maasai Cultural Visit: Experience dances, Manyattas tour, and beadwork in the village (Day 3).
- Birdwatching in Kenya: See pelicans, cormorants at Lake Nakuru (Day 4), superb starlings in Amboseli (Day 5).
- Picnic Lunch: Dine under acacia trees in the Maasai Mara (Day 2).
- Wilderness Meals: Enjoy dinners overlooking the Mara River or in open grasslands (Days 1–2, 5).
- Scenic Drives: Traverse the Great Rift Valley to Masai Mara National Park (Day 1), escarpments to Lake Nakuru (Day 4), and Kilimanjaro-framed plains to Amboseli (Day 5).
- Predator-Prey Observation: Watch lion hunts in Masai Mara (Days 2–3), rhinos grazing at Lake Nakuru (Day 4).
- Landscape Exploration: Admire misty grasslands, Mara River (Days 1–3), Lake Nakuru shores (Day 4), Amboseli acacia woodlands (Days 5–6).
- Lodge Relaxation: Unwind at Mara River Lodge terrace, Kibo Villa suites (Days 1–5).
Recommended lodges in Amboseli, Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru
| Park | Lodge | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Maasai Mara | Jambo Mara Safari Lodge | $315 |
| Masai Mara Sopa Lodge | $442 | |
| AA Lodge Masai Mara | $240 | |
| Mara Chui Eco-Resort | $230 | |
| Lake Nakuru | The Ole-Ken Hotel | $102 |
| Sarova Woodlands Hotel and Spa | $130 | |
| Lily Pond Camp | $27 | |
| East Mark Hotel | $54 | |
| Amboseli | Kilima Safari Camp | $342 |
| Amboseli Amanya Lodge | $73 | |
| AA Lodge Amboseli | $235 | |
| Kibo Safari Camp | $390 |
Detailed Itinerary for your 6 day Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli safari from Nairobi
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi and Transfer to Masai Mara National Reserve
The starting point for this 6-day best of Kenya safari in Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli is at the Wilson International Airport in Nairobi. Your tour guide will pick you up after arrival from your scheduled flight. The trip to Masai Mara takes you through Kenya’s great rift valley and also explore the distinct communal town of Kenya. Additionally, the road trip from Nairobi covers over 250km and in about 4 hours, you’ll reach the Mara River lodge in Masai Mara. So, this is your accommodation for this safari while in the Maasai Mara.
You will be welcomed by lunch that will be served at the terrace that is overlooking the popular Mara River. Later, rest because the journey is tiring, and embark on an evening game drive through the Maasai Mara. So, witness the lion prides resting in the shade as the herds of elephants wander through the dazzling savannas. Return to the Mara River Lodge after this evening’s drive and have dinner before you head to your cozy bed.
Day 2: Full-day Masai Mara Exploration and game drive experience.
This is a full-day of game viewing that allows you to venture deep into the core conservation areas of Masai Mara. Wake before dawn to catch the sunrise shedding unto the misty grasslands and enjoy your morning meal. Next, follow the tracks of predators and search for the elusive leopard in your morning game drive. Visit places for wildlife viewing including the Musiara Swamp for lions. Also, visit the Mara River for potential dramatic action of the wildebeests. This action is best watched if you do this best of Kenya safari in months from July to October.
This day provides the time and flexibility needed to witness the Mara’s unpredictable drama, from a lion hunt to the serene sight of a giraffe herd moving against the horizon. In the afternoon, enjoy a lunch picnic under the acacia trees. Apart from the the big cats or witness the dramatic crossings also see other big five in Kenya. So, see rhinos, buffaloes, and elephants alongside other animals like zebras, impalas, giraffes, and many more. Lastly, head back to Mara River Lodge and in the night you will have a wilderness meal.
Day 3: Morning game drives and cultural interaction in the Maasai Mara.
Your morning game drive starts at around 10:00 am after your breakfast at the Mara River lodge. Spot animals, including the leopards and lions, which are active during this time. Additionally, they are seen hunting down weaker animals, most especially the gazelles and impalas. You will be driven near a water source to see animals in Masai Mara congregating around to quench their mid-morning thirst.
In the afternoon, go back to the Mara River lodge for lunch before your nature walk to the Maasai community. Then, you’ll be led by a local guide through the village exploring their unique architectural bushings (the Manyattas). The visit to the village starts with a welcome traditional dance and song. So, interact by respectfully asking what you would want to know about these people. Also, show kindness by further supporting the beadworks of the Maasai people. In the evening, head to the Mara River Lodge for your last morning meal in the Maasai Mara. Later, rest as you prepare for your trip to Lake Nakuru the next day.
Day 4: Transfer from Masai Mara National Reserve to Lake Nakuru in Kenya
Depart Masai Mara after breakfast at Mara River lodge. Your tour guide will drive you north through lush farmland and dramatic escarpments. So, the trip to Lake Nakuru National Park takes approximately 5 hours, over 200km. Also, stop over at some points for meals and to view scenic landmarks on your way to Lake Nakuru. So, as you reach Lake Nakuru, proceed for an afternoon game drive to the lake. Observe the beautiful displays made by the pink flamingos on the shoreline of Lake Nakuru.
Additionally, Lake Nakuru is a sanctuary for endangered species, including black and white rhinos. These rhinos graze calmly near the lake’s edge, while flocks of flamingos tint the water pink. Also, see pelicans, cormorants, and storks sweeping low over the surface. Also, you might watch for leopards in the yellow-barked acacia forest and baboon troops along the cliffs. After this game drive, go for a buffet with traditional cuisines of Kenya at Lake Nakuru Lodge. Check in at this lodge, and this is where you will sleep while in Lake Nakuru.
Day 5: Transfer from Lake Nakuru to Amboseli National Park
After an early breakfast, check out of the Lake Nakuru Lodge and start your journey southwards to Amboseli. Stop in Nairobi for lunch before continuing towards Amboseli. Also, the trip to Amboseli National Park from Lake Nakuru is 370km and takes about 8 hours to get there. Observe the land opening wide again, framed by the towering majesty of Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro. So, this is the first dramatic scenery in Amboseli National Park that your eyes will meet.
Check in directly at Kibo Villa Amboseli, one of the best luxury accommodations in Kenya. Later, transfer to your room and refresh before having the best Kenyan cuisine of your life. In the evening, go for your first game drive in Amboseli National Park. So, spot large elephant herds and some other wildlife in Amboseli. and as the day comes to an end, you will hear the night sounds of birds. Lastly, head back to Kibo Villa Amboseli as you prepare for your last day of this 6-day Lake Nakuru, Amboseli and Masai Mara holiday in Kenya.
Day 6: Amboseli Morning game drive and Departure to Nairobi
Have breakfast served in the open grasslands of the Amboseli National Park. Also, enjoy the fresh morning breeze coming from the acacia woodlands during your Amboseli safari tours. Your guide will then transfer your luggage to the safari vehicles. Next, check out from Kibo Villa Amboseli lodge and head for the morning game drive at this park. Watch animals like the wildebeests and zebras as they graze while the day comes to life.
Lastly, depart from the Amboseli grasslands, and this marks the end of your 6 days Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli safari in Kenya. So, you’ll be driven for about 5 hours to Nairobi for your scheduled flight at Wilson Airport. Along the journey, take time and reminisce about your past adventurous days in these national parks in Kenya.
Why choose this 6-Day Masai Mara, Amboseli and Lake Nakuru Safari?
- During the 6-days expedition in Kenya, one can experience the unmatched diversity of breathtaking scenic landscapes in Masai Mara, Amboseli and Lake Nakuru.
- Also, get to compare and contrast how different endangered species behave in each of these safari destinations in Kenya. So, this safari offers one enough time to have a more genuine experience compared to the short, rushed safaris of like 2- 3 days in Kenya.
- Unlike other safaris in Kenya, this one will involve movement by road. Hence, the 6- days are enough to compensate the road trip with the game safaris. Also, during the road adventures, travelers can view the day-to-day lifestyles of the local communities they pass through.
- Tourists in this 6-day Masa Mara, Amboseli and Lake Nakuru tours tourists can immerse themselves in the culture of the people who coexist on the same land as the endangered wild species.
