4-Day Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru Safari
Two of Kenya greatest wildlife destinations, in the shortest trip that does them justice.
Elephants, highland forest, two Rift Valley lakes and the Mara, the widest cross-section of Kenya on this list.
If the aim is to see as much of Kenya as one carefully planned trip allows, this is the route. Five destinations in eight days, and each one a genuinely different landscape rather than a variation on the last.
It opens in Amboseli, where enormous elephant herds move beneath the silhouette of Kilimanjaro, then climbs into the forested highlands of the Aberdare. From there the road drops to Lake Naivasha, where a nature walk and a boat trip replace the vehicle for a day, and continues through the Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru.
The finale is the Masai Mara, with a full day of game viewing across its open savannahs. Mountains, lakes, forest, plains, and four different styles of safari activity. It is the strongest option here for travellers who would rather not choose between the headline experiences.
Accommodation flexibility. Accommodation is subject to availability at the time of booking. Where a listed property is unavailable it may be replaced with another of a similar standard, location and overall experience, confirmed with you in writing before booking.
| Duration | 8 days / 7 nights |
|---|---|
| Group size | Private safari |
| Pace | Relaxed to moderate |
| Route | Nairobi, Amboseli, Aberdare, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Nairobi |
Amboseli elephant herds and Kilimanjaro views
The forested highlands of the Aberdare
Boat trip on Lake Naivasha
Nature walks and a walking safari with an armed guide
Lake Nakuru National Park
Two nights and a full day in the Masai Mara
Private safari vehicle throughout
Five distinct ecosystems in eight days
Drive south to Amboseli and take a first game drive, with a chance of elephants against the Kilimanjaro backdrop. Overnight at Kibo Safari Camp. Meals: lunch and dinner.
A full day in the park, looking for elephants, lions, giraffes and zebras across the open pans and swamps. Overnight at Kibo Safari Camp. Meals: all meals.
Leave the savannah for the central highlands. The landscape changes completely on the way up, as open plains give way to dense montane forest. Overnight at The Ark Lodge. Meals: all meals.
Explore the Aberdare environment before continuing to Lake Naivasha. The day can include a nature walk and a boat excursion, a different perspective from a vehicle. Overnight at Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort. Meals: all meals.
Continue to Lake Nakuru National Park for game viewing among the contrasting landscapes of the Rift Valley floor. Overnight at Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge. Meals: all meals.
Travel south west to the Masai Mara and begin exploring its open plains on arrival. Overnight at Zebra Plains Mara Camp. Meals: all meals.
A full day across different parts of the reserve, searching for big cats, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras and wildebeest. Overnight at Zebra Plains Mara Camp. Meals: all meals.
Breakfast in the Mara, then the drive back to Nairobi, where the safari ends. Meals: breakfast and lunch.
Two of Kenya greatest wildlife destinations, in the shortest trip that does them justice.
Big cats on the Mara plains, then elephants beneath Kilimanjaro.
A balanced week: elephants under Kilimanjaro, a walk through Hell Gate, and two nights in the Mara.
Tell us roughly when you want to travel and what you want to see. We will send back a real itinerary with real prices, usually within one working day.
