5-Day Maasai Mara and Amboseli Safari from Nairobi – Iconic Wildlife & Scenic Landscapes
5 Days / 3 Nights Days
Nairobi, Kenya → Nairobi, Kenya (Wilson Airport on Day 5)
Migration
Easy
From
USD $ 940
per person
Why Choose This Safari?
This five-day safari brings together two of Kenya’s most rewarding parks, linked by a scenic domestic flight. Amboseli National Park covers about 392 square kilometres at its core, within an ecosystem of about 8,000 square kilometres, and is known for its large herds of free-ranging elephants. On a clear morning or evening, Mount Kilimanjaro can rise above the plains. The second half of the trip takes you to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, a reserve of about 1,510 square kilometres in Narok County, established in 1961. It is the northernmost part of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem, where herds of wildebeest usually arrive around July and most leave around October, crossing the Mara River as they go. Game drives in custom 4x4 vehicles, mid-range lodges and camps, and a fly-in between the two parks make this a comfortable and varied safari.
Safari Highlights
- We may have to re-route the itinerary or accommodation in similar Lodges/Tented Camps in case of non – availability
- Upgrades are available eg To Luxury Accommodation Safari
- Tour above can be customized based on your needs or requirements
Destinations to Travel
Nairobi · Amboseli National Park · Namanga and Loitoktok area (scenic drive) · Maasai Mara National Reserve · Wilson Airport, Nairobi
Itinerary
Day 1 — Nairobi to Amboseli National Park (Afternoon Game Drive)
You depart Nairobi at about 6:30 am for a scenic drive of four to five hours to Amboseli National Park, passing towns and local markets along the way. You arrive in time for lunch at your lodge or camp, where you may catch your first view of Mount Kilimanjaro. In the afternoon you take your first game drive across the open plains and marshes, famous for large elephant herds. You watch the sunset over Kilimanjaro, weather permitting, before dinner.
Day 2 — Full-Day Safari in Amboseli National Park
You start with a sunrise game drive, when wildlife is most active, looking for elephants, giraffes, wildebeest, zebras and perhaps lions or leopards returning from their hunts. After lunch and some rest at the lodge, you may choose an optional Maasai village visit at extra cost, to learn about their traditions and craftsmanship. The evening drive gives you another chance to see Kilimanjaro’s snowy peak at sunset.
Day 3 — Fly from Amboseli to the Maasai Mara (Afternoon Game Drive)
After breakfast you transfer to the airstrip for your domestic flight to the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The flight gives you aerial views of Kenya’s landscapes and the Great Rift Valley. You arrive mid-morning and transfer to your camp. After lunch you take an afternoon game drive across the rolling savannahs, home to the Big Five and many other species. During the migration season, wildebeest and zebra cross the Mara River, and you may see the crossings in person, though they can’t be guaranteed.
Day 4 — Full-Day Game Drive in the Maasai Mara
You spend the day on a full-day game drive, with a packed picnic lunch, tracking predators and visiting the Mara River. You explore famous areas including Musiara Marsh and Paradise Plain. An optional hot air balloon safari at sunrise is available at additional cost, followed by a champagne bush breakfast. You return to camp in the late afternoon for sundowners and dinner by the fire.
Day 5 — Morning Game Drive and Flight Back to Nairobi
You begin your last morning in the Mara with a short sunrise game drive or a leisurely breakfast in the bush. You transfer to the airstrip for your flight back to Nairobi, landing at Wilson Airport by about noon. Depending on your flight schedule, you may enjoy a farewell lunch or visit the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage or the Giraffe Centre at extra cost, before your international departure.
What's Included
Rate Includes
- All Park fees as per the Program.
- All activities mentioned on the Itinerary
- All accommodation on Full board plan.
- Services of an English Speaking driver guide.
- Transportation based on Safari van with Pop Up roof for game viewing.
- Complimentary bottle of mineral water in the vehicle.
- Emergency evacuation Insurance
Rate Excludes
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before/after the tour
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Extras, park fees, Some meals (not specified in the day-by-day)
- Extras at the lodges i.e. drinks, telephone, laundry, Internet etc
- Visa and travel insurance into Kenya
- Easter, Christmas & New Year’s supplements may apply
Best Time to Go
There are two good windows for this safari. July to October is the best time for the Great Migration, when the herds usually reach the Maasai Mara around July and most leave around October, with river crossings possible during those months. December to March is the best window for clear Mount Kilimanjaro views from Amboseli, when the drier skies give better visibility. The Maasai Mara offers game viewing across the year, so the trip can be enjoyed in any month, though the migration is seasonal and the Kilimanjaro view depends on the weather. Our team can advise on the best dates for your trip.
Pricing
From USD $ 940 per person
| Option | Price | Pax |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Accommodation Safari | US$ 940 Per person sharing | Minimum 2 Pax |
| Mid-Range Accommodation Safari | US$ 1,150 Per person sharing | Minimum 2 Pax |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this safari start and end, and how long does it last?
It starts in Nairobi with a 6:30 am departure on Day 1 and ends at Wilson Airport in Nairobi on Day 5. The safari runs for 5 days and 4 nights, with two nights in Amboseli National Park and two in the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
How do we get from Amboseli to the Maasai Mara?
You fly on a domestic flight from the Amboseli airstrip on Day 3, and our team will confirm the airline and times when you book. The flight takes you over the Great Rift Valley. Please ask our team whether a road transfer is available as an alternative.
Will we see Mount Kilimanjaro from Amboseli?
Kilimanjaro can be seen from Amboseli on clear days, with the best chances at sunrise and sunset. The view depends on the weather, so it can’t be guaranteed. The December to March window is the best time for clear skies.
Will we see the wildebeest migration?
The herds usually reach the Maasai Mara around July and most leave around October, so the migration is best seen in those months. Timing changes from year to year, so it can’t be guaranteed on your dates.
Is the hot air balloon safari included?
No. The balloon safari on Day 4 is optional and carries an additional cost, so please ask our team for the price.
What happens after the safari ends in Nairobi?
You fly back to Nairobi on Day 5, arriving at Wilson Airport by about noon. Accommodation in Nairobi and the international flight home are not included in the rate.