6 Day Safari to Amboseli National Park Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara

Exploring Kenya’s Big Five and Beyond: A 6-Day Safari Adventure

Our review of this 6-day safari tour through Kenya’s most iconic parks offers a glimpse into an adventure packed with wildlife sightings, breathtaking scenery, and authentic safari moments. While we haven’t personally trekked it, detailed descriptions and traveler insights help paint a vivid picture of what you can expect.

What we love about this experience is its comprehensive itinerary, giving ample time to explore Amboseli’s elephants, Nakuru’s flamingo-flocked lake, and the legendary Masai Mara. The value for money stands out, considering the diverse locations, included meals, and transportation. Plus, the small group size (maximum 15 travelers) promises a more intimate, less rushed experience.

One possible drawback is the inclusion of park entrance fees as optional extras, which could increase the overall cost if you’re keen on visiting all the parks. Also, the early start times may feel long for some, but they’re designed to maximize wildlife sightings.

This safari suits travelers eager to see Africa’s Big Five, photographers craving iconic wildlife moments, and those wanting a well-rounded Kenyan experience without sacrificing comfort or value.

Key Points

• Diverse Wildlife Encounters: From elephants in Amboseli to flamingos in Nakuru and the wildebeest migration in Masai Mara.
• Balanced Itinerary: Combines game drives, scenic drives, and time to relax at camps.
• Inclusion of Meals & Transport: Most meals and transportation are covered, adding convenience.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 15 travelers, ensuring more personal attention.
• Authentic Kenyan Landscapes: Stunning views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Great Rift Valley, and Maasai plains.
• Flexible and Informative: Day-to-day activities designed to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities.

The 6-Day Kenyan Safari in Detail

Day 1: Arrival at Amboseli National Park

Starting at around 7:30 am, the tour kicks off with a pickup from your Nairobi hotel and a drive southward to Amboseli National Park. Known as the “Home of Elephants,” this park rests at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering the chance to see herds of large elephants against the iconic mountain backdrop.

Expect to arrive by lunchtime, where after a quick rest, you’ll head out for your first afternoon game drive. The landscape here is open, with acacia trees, swamps, and stunning vistas. The park’s popularity isn’t just for its elephants—zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, and antelopes are plentiful, giving you plenty of photo opportunities.

We loved how the simple plan allows you to settle into the safari rhythm, with the afternoon game drive setting the tone for the adventure. Travelers report that transportation is comfortable, with Wi-Fi on board adding a touch of modern convenience.

Day 2: Full Day at Amboseli

This day is dedicated to exploring Amboseli’s wildlife at a more leisurely pace. The full-day schedule includes a break for a picnic lunch, which means you’ll be out in the park from morning until late afternoon. The park’s reputation as the “Home of Elephants” doesn’t disappoint—some of the largest elephants in Kenya are often seen here, with many travelers noting sightings of herds crossing swamps or grazing in open plains.

Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the diversity of animals—giraffes, wildebeests, zebras, and more. The scenery, with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background, creates a majestic setting that photographs will love. According to reviewer feedback, guides are knowledgeable and attentive, often pointing out interesting behaviors or rare sightings.

Day 3: Journey to Lake Nakuru via Nairobi

After breakfast, you’ll leave Amboseli and head back through Nairobi en route to Lake Nakuru National Park. The drive offers scenic views of the Great Rift Valley, with plenty of opportunities to take photos of the landscape.

Lake Nakuru is famous for its massive flocks of flamingos that turn the shallow lake a brilliant pink. As you arrive in the early evening, you’ll go for an evening game drive—a perfect chance to see some of the park’s other residents, including rhinos, lions, and baboons.

Guests often mention that watching thousands of flamingos in flight is a surreal experience, and the park’s varied birdlife makes it a paradise for birdwatchers. Dinner and overnight accommodation at Lake Nakuru Guest House ensure a comfortable stay after a day of travel and excitement.

Day 4: To Masai Mara – The Legendary Migration Home

The next morning begins with an early game drive at Lake Nakuru, giving a final chance to photograph the flamingos and other bird species. Afterwards, you’ll depart for Masai Mara, with a stop for lunch in Nairobi or Narok.

Arriving in the Mara around lunchtime, you’ll settle into your camp and then head out for your first afternoon game drive. The Mara’s rolling plains, dotted with acacia trees, are a mecca for wildlife and a highlight for all safari lovers.

Reviews highlight the thrill of spotting lions lounging in the grass or cheetahs stalking prey. The landscape here feels vast and wild, with the endless plains giving a true sense of African wilderness.

Day 5: Full Day in Masai Mara

A full day in the Mara is a wildlife lover’s dream. After breakfast, you’ll set out for a whole day of game drives, with a picnic lunch in the bush. The Mara River, famous for its wildlife crossings, is a key highlight, often part of travelers’ photos and stories.

Most guests emphasize the incredible variety of animals—big cats, elephants, buffalo, and the elusive Big Five—are your companions throughout the day. The landscape offers many photo opportunities, especially with the chance to see predators in action.

A day here can feel like a wildlife documentary, with every turn revealing something new. The guides are often praised for their keen eyes and storytelling skills, adding context to the animals’ behaviors.

Day 6: Final Morning in Masai Mara and Return to Nairobi

Your last morning begins with an early game drive from 6:30 am to 9:30 am. This is your best chance to glimpse the Big Five or catch a lion pride waking up. After breakfast, you’ll head back to Nairobi with a stop for lunch in Narok.

Expect to arrive in Nairobi early afternoon, filled with memories of Africa’s iconic landscapes and wildlife. The transfer back is straightforward, with Wi-Fi and comfortable transport ensuring a relaxed end to your adventure.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour covers transport, most meals (breakfasts, lunches, dinners), bottled water, and Wi-Fi on the vehicle. However, park entrance fees for Amboseli, Nakuru, and Masai Mara are not included, meaning you’ll need to budget for these if you wish to explore all the parks fully.

Travelers have appreciated the clear communication and the organized schedule, which balances wildlife viewing with relaxed camp time.

Practical Considerations

Start times are early, often around 5:00 am, to maximize wildlife sightings when animals are most active and the temperatures are cooler. The group size is capped at 15, creating a more intimate experience and allowing guides to personalize attention.

While the tour is priced at $1,230 per person, this includes most meals and transportation, making it a good value considering the number of parks visited and the diversity of wildlife. Keep in mind the optional nature of park entrance fees, which can add to your overall expenses if you choose to visit all areas.

Final Thoughts

This safari offers a balanced mix of wildlife encounters, scenic drives, and comfortable stays. It’s ideal for travelers looking for a well-structured adventure with ample opportunity to see Kenya’s most famous parks and animals.

The itinerary’s focus on early mornings and full days of game viewing ensures you won’t miss out on prime wildlife moments. Plus, the small group size enhances the personal vibe and flexibility for the guides to share their knowledge.

While the cost doesn’t include park entrance fees, the overall experience, scenic diversity, and wildlife sightings make it a worthwhile investment. If your goal is to capture stunning photos, experience authentic landscapes, and see the Big Five in their natural environment, this tour delivers.

FAQs

Are airport transfers included?
This specific tour starts from your hotel in Nairobi, with pickup included. It does not mention airport transfers, so you might need to organize your arrival and departure separately.

What is the group size?
The maximum number of travelers is 15, which helps keep the atmosphere friendly and less crowded.

Are meals included?
Most meals—breakfasts, lunches, and dinners—are included, making planning easier and your trip smoother.

Can I visit all parks?
Park entrance fees are not included, so visiting Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, and Masai Mara depends on whether you purchase those tickets separately.

What if I want to see the Big Five?
The itinerary’s early morning and full-day game drives increase your chances of spotting lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo.

Is Wi-Fi available during the trip?
Yes, Wi-Fi is provided on the vehicle, so you can share your wildlife photos on the go.

What’s the accommodation like?
Guests usually stay at camps or guest houses, offering comfortable amenities after full days in the wild.

When are the best times to go?
While not specified, most safaris thrive in dry seasons (June to October), when animals congregate around water sources.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Most travelers find it suitable, but early mornings and long game drives might be challenging for very young children. Check with the provider for age restrictions.

This 6-day safari offers a compelling blend of scenic beauty, wildlife encounters, and authentic adventure, making it a fantastic choice for those eager to experience Kenya’s wild heart.