We have crafted this 8-day Kenya safari itinerary crafted for a mid-range budget traveler. It blends Kenya’s most iconic safari parks, comfortable mid-range lodges, and one internal flight to make travel smoother and more enjoyable.
8-Day Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Masai Mara Overview
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Destinations: Nairobi – Amboseli – Lake Naivasha – Masai Mara
Style: Mid-range (comfortable lodges & tented camps)
Includes: Internal flight from Masai Mara to Nairobi
Ideal for: Wildlife enthusiasts, couples, families, and first-time safari-goers
Day 1 – Arrival in Nairobi
- Arrival: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
- Transfer: Meet and greet by your safari driver-guide and transfer to hotel.
- Optional Activities: Depending on arrival time, visit the Giraffe Centre or Nairobi National Museum.
- Accommodation: Tamarind Tree Hotel / Eka Hotel Nairobi
- Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
Day 2 – Nairobi to Amboseli National Park
- Drive: Approx. 4–5 hours via Emali
- Lunch: At your lodge upon arrival
- Afternoon: Game drive in Amboseli, famous for its large elephant herds and Mt. Kilimanjaro views.
- Accommodation: Sentrim Amboseli Lodge / AA Lodge Amboseli
- Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 3 – Full Day in Amboseli
- Morning Game Drive: Watch sunrise over Mt. Kilimanjaro and spot elephants, lions, and giraffes.
- Optional: Visit a Maasai village for a cultural experience.
- Evening: Relax at your lodge with views of the plains.
- Accommodation: Same as Day 2
Best time to get a stunning view of Mt. Kilimanjaro
The best time to view the snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro from Amboseli is:
- 6:00–9:00 AM is usually the clearest time.
- 4:00–6:00 PM can also offer good views before the evening clouds gather.
While Kilimanjaro can be visible year-round, the clearest months are during the dry seasons:
- January – March (clear skies, warm weather)
- June – October (long dry season, very reliable visibility)
Why visibility changes
Mount Kilimanjaro often gets covered by clouds as the day warms up, so sunrise hours give the highest chance of seeing the snowy peak.
Day 4 – Amboseli to Lake Naivasha
- Drive: 6 hours with lunch stop in Nairobi
- Afternoon Activity: Take a boat ride on Lake Naivasha to see hippos and birds.
- Optional: Short walk on Crescent Island among zebras and gazelles.
- Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge / Elsamere Lodge
- Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 5 – Lake Naivasha to Masai Mara National Reserve
- Drive: 5–6 hours across the Great Rift Valley
- Lunch: En route or upon arrival
- Afternoon Game Drive: Enter the legendary Masai Mara for your first wildlife encounter.
- Accommodation: Zebra Plains Mara Camp / Julia’s River Camp / Mara Simba Lodge
- Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 6 – Full Day in Masai Mara
- Early Morning: Game drive in search of the Big Five and predators on the hunt.
- Picnic Lunch: Out in the savanna under an acacia tree.
- Optional: Visit a local Maasai village.
- Accommodation: Same as Day 5
Day 7 – Masai Mara Game Viewing + Flight to Nairobi
- Morning: Early game drive and breakfast at the lodge.
- Late Morning: Transfer to the airstrip for your scheduled flight back to Nairobi (approx. 1 hour).
- Afternoon: Relax or shop for souvenirs in Nairobi.
- Accommodation: Tamarind Tree Hotel / Eka Hotel Nairobi
- Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
Day 8 – Departure
- Breakfast at hotel.
- Transfer: To Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your international flight home.
Estimated Price (Per Person Sharing)
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Mid-range safari (private 4×4, lodges, meals, park fees, internal flight) | $9,600 – $10,200 |
| Single supplement | +$350 – $500 |
| Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari | +$450 |
Inclusions
- All national park entry fees
- Accommodation and meals as stated
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Bottled water during game drives
- Flight from Masai Mara to Nairobi
- Airport transfers
- Economy international flight to/from Kenya
- Maasai village visit
Exclusions
- Visa fees
- Tips and personal expenses
- Optional activities (balloon safari)
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