Exclusive Safaris · Kenya

5-Day Amboseli & Masai Mara Safari

5 daysPrivate departure - any date

About this journey

If you only have five days, this Amboseli and Masai Mara safari covers the two images most people picture when they think of Kenya: elephants walking beneath snow-capped Kilimanjaro, and the endless golden grasslands of the Mara.

The safari begins with two nights in Amboseli National Park, four to five hours south-east of Nairobi. Amboseli is the best place in East Africa to watch elephants up close; its herds are among the most studied anywhere and are famous for their relaxed behaviour and big-tusked bulls. Early mornings usually bring the clearest views of Kilimanjaro across the border in Tanzania.

On day three you transfer to the Maasai Mara. There is no direct road between the two parks, so the journey runs back through Nairobi and is a long day of eight to nine hours. Many guests prefer to fly: we can arrange a light-aircraft hop from Amboseli to the Mara via Nairobi's Wilson Airport, which saves most of the day for game viewing.

Two nights in the Mara give you a full day on the plains for big cats, buffalo, hippo in the Mara River and, from July to October, the migration herds. The last morning includes a final game drive before the return to Nairobi.

Best time to go: June to October and January to March are the dry seasons, with the best game viewing in both parks. Kilimanjaro is often clearest in the early morning and after rain.

Highlights

  • Elephant herds with Kilimanjaro as the backdrop in Amboseli
  • Big cats and the Great Migration plains of the Maasai Mara
  • Two nights in each park
  • Option to fly between Amboseli and the Mara
  • Private 4x4 Land Cruiser and driver-guide throughout

What's included

Included

  • Private 4x4 safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof and window seat for every guest
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Pick-up and drop-off at your Nairobi hotel or the airport
  • All park entry fees and government taxes
  • Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
  • Bottled drinking water on game drives

Not included

  • International flights
  • Kenya eTA and any visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Drinks, tips and personal expenses
  • Optional activities (hot-air balloon safari, Maasai village visit)
  • Optional Amboseli – Mara flight (can be added)

Day by day

  • Morning pick-up in Nairobi and drive south-east via Emali (4–5 hours)
  • Lunch at your lodge and an afternoon game drive
  • Meals: Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp in or near Amboseli (budget, mid-range or luxury, confirmed when you book)

Questions about this safari

What is included in the price?

Private 4x4 safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof and window seat for every guest, Professional English-speaking driver-guide, Pick-up and drop-off at your Nairobi hotel or the airport, All park entry fees and government taxes, Accommodation and meals as per itinerary and Bottled drinking water on game drives.

Are park fees included?

Yes. Park, reserve and conservancy entry fees for every day of the itinerary are included in the price.

Can I add a hot-air balloon safari?

Yes. A sunrise balloon flight over the Maasai Mara with a champagne bush breakfast can be added at an extra cost. It needs booking in advance, as places are limited.

Destinations on this safari

Kenya’s crown jewelMaasai MaraElephants beneath KilimanjaroAmboseli

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