6 Days, Group Safari to Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli

Planning a safari in Kenya? This 6-day group tour promises a mix of iconic landscapes, incredible wildlife sightings, and cultural insights, all wrapped in a well-organized package. While we haven’t experienced it firsthand, the detailed itinerary and glowing reviews suggest it’s a fantastic choice for those wanting to explore Kenya’s best with a knowledgeable guide and good value.

What we love about this safari are the diverse locations, especially Maasai Mara’s Big Five sightings, the stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro from Amboseli, and the birdwatching paradise that is Lake Nakuru. The organized nature and inclusion of all park fees mean no surprises, making it a straightforward way to see Kenya’s wildlife hotspots. However, be prepared for long days of game drives, which might be tiring for some.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy group adventures, wildlife photography, and want to experience Kenya’s diversity without the hassle of planning every detail. If you’re after a mix of adventure, comfort, and authentic encounters, this could be your ideal trip.

Contents show

Key Points

Comprehensive itinerary covering three major parks in Kenya, ensuring a well-rounded safari experience.
Expert guides like Sadam receive praise for their efficiency, knowledge, and pleasant attitude.
Inclusion of all park fees and meals simplifies budgeting and planning.
Comfortable, self-contained tents with private facilities provide a good balance of adventure and convenience.
Multiple wildlife sightings, including the Big Five, elephants, rhinos, and abundant bird species.
Flexible options such as optional Maasai village visit and balloon safari for additional experiences.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introducing the Safari Experience

This 6-day safari offers a well-structured exploration of Kenya’s most famous parks—Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli—each with its own unique charm. The journey begins in Nairobi with a scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley, immediately setting the tone with breathtaking views. From there, the experience unfolds through a series of carefully planned game drives, cultural stops, and relaxing accommodations.

What stands out early on is the emphasis on authentic wildlife encounters. The tour promises, and appears to deliver, sightings of the Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino—alongside countless other species. With a maximum group size of 7 per vehicle, you’ll enjoy personalized attention and excellent opportunities for photography, especially with the open-roof safari vehicles designed for perfect vantage points.

A notable highlight is the full day in Maasai Mara, where you’ll follow the riverbanks and plains in search of predators and herds. The Maasai Mara is famous for its concentration of wildlife year-round, and the possibility of witnessing the wildebeest migration (if timing aligns) adds a memorable touch. The guide’s expertise is frequently praised, with one reviewer mentioning Sadam’s efficiency and pleasant demeanor, making the game drives both fun and productive.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Nairobi

Exploring Maasai Mara in Depth

On Day 1, you’re picked up from your Nairobi hotel around 8 am, heading straight for the legendary Maasai Mara. The drive includes a quick stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint, a chance to snap photos of the vast landscape that shapes this part of Kenya. Once in Maasai Mara, you’ll enjoy lunch at your camp and later head out on a sunset game drive, which is often the best time for spotting elusive predators such as lions and cheetahs.

Day 2 is a full-day adventure with an early start—around 7 am—after breakfast. The goal is to maximize wildlife sightings, especially in the cooler hours of the morning. The lunch picnic inside the reserve allows you to stay immersed in the environment without returning to camp. The highlight is the Mara River, where you can watch crocodiles basking and hippos wallowing—spectacles that are just part of the daily wildlife show.

The guides’ knowledge really shines here. As one reviewer put it, Sadam was “efficient, available, and pleasant,” which makes a huge difference when you’re trying to spot wildlife in the vast open plains. The Maasai Mara’s grasslands are alive with activity, and even during the quiet moments, the scenery—vast, open, and dotted with acacia trees—is mesmerizing.

Transitioning to Lake Nakuru

On Day 3, after breakfast and perhaps a quick visit to a Maasai village (optional at $20), you head towards Lake Nakuru. This leg involves a scenic drive with a stop for lunch at a traveler’s motel en route. Lake Nakuru is often called a birdwatcher’s paradise due to its extensive flamingo populations and over 300 bird species.

This park is also famous for its rhino sanctuary, especially the rare white rhinos, which make for an inspiring sight. The shallow lake’s alkaline waters attract countless bird species, and the landscape offers stunning views, especially if you catch sight of the vibrant pink flamingos against the blue waters.

Reviewers have appreciated how this stop enhances the diversity of the trip, providing a relaxing afternoon for rest or optional boat rides on Lake Naivasha (at an extra $25). The accommodation at Lanet Matfam Resort or City Max Hotel offers a comfortable base for the night.

Moving on to Amboseli for Close Elephant Encounters

Day 4 kicks off early as you head to Amboseli National Park, known globally for its large herds of elephants and the sweeping views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The drive from Nakuru is scenic, with lunch en route in Naivasha. Arriving in the evening, you get a chance to settle into your camp and prepare for a full day of exploration.

Amboseli’s terrain is a mix of swampy areas, open plains, and savannah, which makes it ideal for observing large herds of elephants up close. The park’s hallmark is the opportunity to view Kilimanjaro’s slopes, providing a stunning backdrop for your game drives.

The evening game drive often yields sightings of predators such as lions and cheetahs. As one reviewer mentions, the guides take visitors to an observation point with panoramic views of the park, giving you a “bird’s eye view” of the landscape and wildlife. The chance to see flamingos here, although less predictable, adds a splash of color and a unique experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

A Full Day of Wildlife in Amboseli

The next day, you’ll start early with a game drive that aims to catch animals during the most active hours. The full-day schedule ensures maximum wildlife sightings, including elephants, lions, and possibly cheetahs. The guide’s expertise is again highlighted, helping you spot animals and giving insights into their behaviors.

The park’s open plains and views of Kilimanjaro make every moment photo-worthy. The observation point overlooking the park offers a panoramic perspective, letting you appreciate the vastness of the ecosystem and the incredible herds of elephants.

In the evening, you return to camp for dinner and reflection on a day packed with some of Kenya’s most famous wildlife encounters.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Nairobi

Wrapping Up and Returning to Nairobi

Day 6 involves a short morning game drive in Amboseli, followed by breakfast and the journey back to Nairobi. The drive provides a last chance for wildlife sightings and scenic photos. You’ll be dropped off at your hotel or airport, with lunch served along the way.

Throughout the trip, the inclusion of all park entrance fees, meals, and transport means you can focus on enjoying your time without worrying about extra costs. The safari vehicle, with its pop-up roof, enhances game viewing and photography, which many reviewers find to be a major plus.

What Makes This Tour Worth Considering?

This safari delivers on its promise of a well-rounded Kenyan wildlife experience. The expert guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making each game drive informative and enjoyable. The quality of accommodations balances comfort with adventure, especially in the tents, which are large, self-contained, and equipped with modern amenities.

The diversity of stops—from the plains of Maasai Mara to the flamingos of Lake Nakuru and the elephants of Amboseli—ensures you get a taste of Kenya’s ecological variety. The value for money is notable when considering all park fees, meals, and transportation are included in the price of $1,249 per person, which is competitive for a six-day safari.

While the long days of game driving may be tiring, the experience of witnessing Kenya’s iconic wildlife in their natural habitat is undeniably worth it. The optional activities, like the Maasai village visit or balloon safari, allow for extra personalized experiences if you wish to splurge a little.

Who Is This Safari Best For?

This tour is perfect for adventurous travelers who want a comprehensive Kenyan safari without the hassle of logistics. It suits wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and culture curious travelers alike. The group size of up to 7 ensures a more intimate experience, ideal for those who prefer a slightly personalized touch.

It’s also a good option for those with a flexible travel schedule, thanks to the guaranteed daily departures and pay-later booking option. If you’re after a balance of adventure, comfort, and authentic wildlife encounters, this safari delivers on all fronts.

FAQ

What is included in the price of this tour?
All park entrance fees for Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli, all meals, accommodations, transport in a safari vehicle, bottled water, and pickup and drop-off from your hotel or the airport are included.

Are the accommodations comfortable?
Yes, the tents are large, self-contained, with showers, toilets, and linen. They offer a good mix of adventure and convenience, though upgrades are available if you prefer more luxury.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
You can expect to see the Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino—as well as large herds of elephants, flamingos, crocodiles, hippos, and over 300 bird species.

Is there free airport pickup?
Yes, the tour includes a complimentary pickup and drop-off service, making airport logistics simple.

Can I join this tour if I am traveling alone?
Absolutely. The tour is a small group, with a maximum of 7 persons per vehicle, which creates a friendly and personalized atmosphere.

What is the best time to go?
While the tour schedule isn’t specified for particular months, Kenya’s wildlife is visible year-round, with great chances to see the migration if the timing aligns.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The description doesn’t specify age restrictions, but with long game drives and outdoor camping, it’s generally more suitable for teens and adults.

Are there optional activities?
Yes, you can opt for a Maasai village visit ($20) and a balloon safari ($450), which occurs early on Day 2.

How long are the game drives?
Game drives typically last several hours each day, with the full-day drives allowing ample time for wildlife viewing and photography.

Can I customize this safari?
While the itinerary is fixed, optional activities can be added, and accommodations upgraded if desired. Contact the provider for specific customizations.

To sum it up, this 6-day Kenyan safari offers an excellent blend of wildlife, scenery, and cultural experiences at a set price that includes most essentials. It’s well suited for travelers wanting an organized, authentic adventure with knowledgeable guides and comfortable camping. Whether it’s your first safari or a return visit to Kenya, this tour promises unforgettable moments and great value.