Where to go: Masai Mara National Reserve

Country: Kenya

Duration: 7 days

Activities: Big Five safaris, Birdwatching, Bush camping, Cultural Experience, Game Drives, tree-climbing lions

Short Itinerary

Day Route Activities
Day 1 Nairobi → Masai Mara Scenic drive with Great Rift Valley stopover; afternoon game drive in Masai Mara
Day 2 Masai Mara (Full Day) Sunrise or full-day game drives across the Mara plains
Day 3 Masai Mara → Lake Nakuru Scenic transfer; afternoon game drives at Lake Nakuru
Day 4 Lake Nakuru → Amboseli Scenic drive; evening game drives in Amboseli with Mount Kilimanjaro views
Day 5 Amboseli (Full Day) Morning and afternoon game drives in Amboseli
Day 6 Amboseli → Tsavo East Morning game drive; transfer to Tsavo East; evening at leisure
Day 7 Tsavo East → Nairobi Early morning game drive; transfer to Nairobi with en route lunch

Choose Your Travel Dates

Safari tour pricing varies based on departure date, group size, and accommodation preferences.

Start Date Adults Children Vehicle Options
Flexible 2+ 0+ 4×4 Land Cruiser / Safari Van

Accommodation Packages

Presented below are accommodation options for your journey. Properties include tented camps and lodges situated either within or near the parks. Each offers comfortable sleeping quarters with meals provided by the respective properties.

Please note: We couldn't find any packages for your dates. Please request a quote using the button below, and we will calculate and share the packages with you.

Option E1: Value Accommodations

Nights Accommodation Location Meal Plan
2 Nights Enchoro Wildlife Camp Masai Mara Full Board
1 Night Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge Lake Nakuru Full Board
2 Nights Amboseli Sopa Lodge Amboseli Full Board
1 Night Voi Safari Lodge Tsavo East Full Board
Safari Vehicle Price Per Adult
Safari Van To be quoted
Land Cruiser To be quoted

Option E2: Midrange Accommodations

Nights Accommodation Location Meal Plan
2 Nights Mara Serena Safari Lodge Masai Mara Full Board
1 Night Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge Lake Nakuru Full Board
2 Nights Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge Amboseli Full Board
1 Night Ashnil Aruba Lodge Tsavo East Full Board
Safari Vehicle Price Per Adult
Safari Van To be quoted
Land Cruiser To be quoted

Option E3: Superior Accommodations

Nights Accommodation Location Meal Plan
2 Nights Elephant Pepper Camp Masai Mara Full Board
1 Night Lake Nakuru Lodge Lake Nakuru Full Board
2 Nights Tortilis Camp Amboseli Full Board
1 Night Galdessa Camp Tsavo East Full Board
Safari Vehicle Price Per Adult
Land Cruiser To be quoted

Option E4: Signature Accommodations

Nights Accommodation Location Meal Plan
2 Nights Angama Mara Masai Mara Full Board
1 Night The Cliff - Lake Nakuru Lake Nakuru Full Board
2 Nights Ol Donyo Lodge Amboseli Full Board
1 Night Finch Hattons Luxury Camp Tsavo East Full Board
Safari Vehicle Price Per Adult
Land Cruiser To be quoted

A comprehensive list of inclusions is provided below. Additional accommodation options and add-on excursions are available upon request. Please share your specific requirements by clicking the "Request Quote" button, and our reservations team will respond promptly.


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Detailed Itinerary


Day 1 – Nairobi to Masai Mara

Your safari adventure begins with a 7:30 AM pickup from your Nairobi hotel or airport. You'll depart for Masai Mara National Reserve, a journey of approximately 5.5 to 6 hours covering 284 kilometers. Along the way, enjoy a scenic stopover at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint for breathtaking photographs.

Arrive in Masai Mara shortly after noon and check into your lodge or camp. After a hot lunch, you'll depart for an afternoon game drive across the vast savannah plains. The Masai Mara is renowned for its exceptional wildlife populations, including the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—along with cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests.

After the game drive, you'll return to the lodge or camp by approximately 5:30 to 6:00 PM to freshen up before enjoying a freshly prepared dinner. Overnight at your lodge.

Note: The last hour of the drive to Masai Mara is on a corrugated and bumpy road and may not be comfortable for clients with back problems. Those with back issues may consider flying directly into and out of Masai Mara.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Masai Mara


Day 2 – Full Day in Masai Mara

Today's itinerary is flexible. You can discuss options with your guide the previous evening and plan the schedule that suits you best.

Option 1: Full Day Game Drive

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and depart for a full-day game drive around 9:00 AM with packed lunch. Return to the lodge in the late afternoon around 6:00 PM.

Option 2: Early Morning & Afternoon Game Drives

Depart at 6:00 AM for an early morning game drive—the best time to see animals and a good chance to witness a hunt or kill. Return to the lodge for breakfast and some relaxation. Depart again in the afternoon with packed lunch for another game drive until the park closes.

You'll stop at a designated picnic spot for your packed lunch before continuing your game drive. Around 6:00 PM, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Masai Mara


Day 3 – Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru

After a relaxed breakfast, check out around 10:00 AM and depart for Lake Nakuru National Park. The journey takes approximately 5 to 5.5 hours covering 250 kilometers. The drive offers scenic views of Kenya's countryside, passing through the Great Rift Valley.

Upon arrival at your Lake Nakuru lodge, check in and enjoy dinner. The afternoon is at leisure, with an optional game drive at Lake Nakuru depending on arrival time.

Note: Morning game drives in Masai Mara can be added on the last morning at the park by paying additional park fees. Please discuss with your guide if interested.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Lake Nakuru


Day 4 – Lake Nakuru to Amboseli

After an early breakfast, depart for Amboseli National Park. The journey takes approximately 7.5 to 8 hours covering 375 kilometers. This drive traverses diverse landscapes and offers glimpses of rural Kenyan life along the way.

Upon arrival at Amboseli, check into your lodge and enjoy a hot lunch. In the afternoon, depart for an evening safari in Amboseli, where you can enjoy game drives until approximately 6:00 PM before returning to your camp or lodge for a freshly prepared dinner.

Amboseli is famous for its large elephant herds and the stunning backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak. The park offers excellent wildlife viewing with opportunities to spot elephants, lions, cheetahs, buffaloes, and a variety of bird species.

Note: Depending on your departure time from Lake Nakuru, you may depart with packed lunch.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Amboseli


Day 5 – Full Day in Amboseli

After breakfast, depart for morning game drives around 7:00 AM and continue until approximately 10:30 AM. Return to camp to relax and enjoy lunch.

In the afternoon around 3:00 PM, proceed for a three-hour game drive, returning to camp before 6:30 PM. The late afternoon light offers beautiful photographic opportunities with Mount Kilimanjaro as a stunning backdrop.

Note: Since Amboseli is relatively hot, game drives around noon are not usually recommended. However, they can be arranged if you are interested.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Amboseli


Day 6 – Amboseli to Tsavo East

Start the day with an early morning game drive to explore more of Amboseli's wildlife. The early morning is a great time to see animals and enjoy the beautiful light with Mount Kilimanjaro's snow-capped peak in the background.

After morning game drives, return to the lodge for breakfast. Check out and proceed toward Tsavo East National Park. This drive takes approximately 3 to 3.5 hours covering 124 kilometers. Have a packed lunch en route.

Arrive in Tsavo East by evening and check into your lodge or camp. Tsavo East is known for its vast, open savannahs and the famous "red elephants" that dust themselves with the area's reddish soil. Enjoy your evening and dinner at your lodge or camp. Relax and unwind after the drive.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Tsavo East


Day 7 – Tsavo East to Nairobi

Wake up early and proceed for game drives around 6:15 AM. Head out for a final early morning game drive in Tsavo East. The park is known for its large elephant herds and diverse wildlife, including lions, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and numerous bird species.

Continue with game drives until around 9:00 AM, then head back to camp for breakfast. After breakfast, check out from camp and proceed to Nairobi. This drive takes approximately 6 to 6.5 hours covering 350 kilometers. You can stop for lunch en route.

Arrive in Nairobi in the late afternoon, where your safari adventure concludes.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch


Maps

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Weather Information

Masai Mara

In August, Masai Mara experiences mild and dry weather. Daytime temperatures typically range from about 21°C to 28°C (70°F to 82°F), while nighttime temperatures can drop to around 10°C to 13°C (50°F to 55°F). This month falls during the dry season, so rainfall is generally minimal, making it an ideal time for wildlife viewing. Conditions are also conducive for the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras. August is characterized by sunny days, cooler nights, clear skies, and pleasant temperatures.

Lake Nakuru

In August, Lake Nakuru experiences mild and cool weather as it falls within the dry season. Daytime temperatures range from about 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), while nighttime temperatures can drop to around 10°C to 12°C (50°F to 54°F). August is generally characterized by lower rainfall, with some occasional light showers, but the month is predominantly dry. Humidity levels are moderate, and the area experiences relatively clear skies, making it a good time for wildlife viewing.

Amboseli

In August, Amboseli experiences cool and dry weather. Daytime temperatures generally range from about 20°C to 27°C (68°F to 81°F), while nighttime temperatures can drop to around 10°C to 12°C (50°F to 54°F). This month often sees lower humidity levels and minimal rainfall, making it a favorable time for wildlife viewing. It's also a great time for photography due to clearer skies and the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Tsavo East

In August, Tsavo East experiences dry and mild weather. Average daytime temperatures range from about 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), while nighttime temperatures can drop to around 12°C to 15°C (54°F to 59°F). Rainfall is minimal during this time, with occasional short showers, contributing to lower humidity levels. This makes August a favorable month for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities.


Pre & Post Tour Hotels

Nairobi serves as the base for safari tours in Kenya. If you require accommodation in Nairobi before or after your safari, please consider the following popular hotel options on a bed and breakfast basis. Prices are per person, per night.

Single Room

Hotel Price Per Night
67 Airport Hotel - Superior Deluxe Room $78
ibis Styles Nairobi Westlands $109
The Boma Nairobi - Superior Room $152
Movenpick Hotel - Superior Room $178
Fairmont the Norfolk - Fairmont Room $244

Double Sharing Room

Hotel Price Per Night
67 Airport Hotel - Superior Deluxe Room $50
ibis Styles Nairobi Westlands $65
The Boma Nairobi - Superior Room $88
Movenpick Hotel - Superior Room $100
Fairmont the Norfolk - Fairmont Room $139

Triple Sharing Room

Hotel Price Per Night
67 Airport Hotel - Superior Deluxe Room $39
ibis Styles Nairobi Westlands $51
The Boma Nairobi - Superior Room $72
Movenpick Hotel - Superior Room $82
Fairmont the Norfolk - Deluxe Room $119

All prices above are per person, per night on bed and breakfast basis. Additional hotel options can be provided upon request.


Transfers

This tour begins and ends in Nairobi. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) is the nearest international airport, while Wilson Airport (WIL) serves domestic flights.

Airport Pickup/Drop-off

Service Cost
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport pickup/drop-off on safari day No extra charge
Wilson Airport pickup/drop-off on safari day No extra charge

Airport to Hotel Transfers

Service Cost
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport ↔ Nairobi Hotel $30 per vehicle
Wilson Airport ↔ Nairobi Hotel $30 per vehicle
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport ↔ Wilson Airport $30 per vehicle

Meal Plan Summary

Day Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 1 ✗ ✓ ✓
Day 2 ✓ ✓ ✓
Day 3 ✓ ✓ ✓
Day 4 ✓ ✓ ✓
Day 5 ✓ ✓ ✓
Day 6 ✓ ✓ ✓
Day 7 ✓ ✓ ✗

Transfer Times Summary

Day Route Duration Distance
Day 1 Nairobi → Masai Mara 5.5 - 6 hours 284 km
Day 2 No transfers — —
Day 3 Masai Mara → Lake Nakuru 5 - 5.5 hours 250 km
Day 4 Lake Nakuru → Amboseli 7.5 - 8 hours 375 km
Day 5 No transfers — —
Day 6 Amboseli → Tsavo East 3 - 3.5 hours 124 km
Day 7 Tsavo East → Nairobi 6 - 6.5 hours 350 km

Note: These are estimated drive times. Actual times may vary based on traffic, accommodation locations, and other factors. Driving distances are approximate.


Inclusions

  • Meals as per itinerary

  • Drinking water while on safari (2 litres per person per day)

  • Professional English-speaking driver/guide

  • 4×4 Land Cruiser or Safari Van

  • Daily game drives while on safari

  • Park fees (for non-residents)

  • All taxes and VAT


Exclusions

  • International flights

  • Airport transfers (unless specified otherwise)

  • Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)

  • Additional accommodation before and after the tour (unless specified otherwise)

  • Government-imposed increases in taxes or park fees

  • Tips (see tipping guidelines)

  • Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary


Payment Policy

Deposit Payment

  • Deposit is 50% of the total booking amount

  • Deposit can be paid via bank transfer or online card payment

  • A 5% fee is applicable on all card payments (payment gateway charges). This is non-refundable

  • Bank accounts are available in 10 different currencies for bank transfers

  • Once deposit payment is made, you will receive a booking confirmation

Balance Payment

  • Balance can be paid via bank transfer, online card payment, or cash

  • Bank payment can be done 15 days prior to the tour date (recommended 30 days prior)

  • Card payment can be done 1 day prior to the tour date (recommended 7 days prior)

  • A 5% fee is applicable on all card payments (payment gateway charges). This is non-refundable

  • Cash can be paid on arrival (US Dollars printed in or after the year 2009)


Cancellation Policy

Notice Period Cancellation Fee
120+ days before departure 5% of tour amount
119 – 90 days before departure 10% of tour amount
89 – 60 days before departure 20% of tour amount
59 – 31 days before departure 30% of tour amount
30 – 0 days before departure 50% of tour amount

Note 1: In all refund cases, card processing fees (5%) or wire transfer fees ($25) will be deducted.

Partial Cancellation Policy

  • If group size reduces, the above cancellation policy applies to canceling clients

  • In addition, the price per person for remaining clients may change based on the new group size

Note 2: Cancellation policy may differ for some packages based on accommodations included, particularly for Superior and Signature packages, to match the respective accommodation providers' policies.


Add-On Activities

Masai Mara Add-Ons

Activity Cost (Per Person)
Hot Air Balloon Ride (1 hour) From $460 (Adult) / $330 (Child)
Masai Village Visit (1 hour) $25
Sundowner $35 – $100 (depending on hotel)

Lake Nakuru Add-Ons

Activity Cost (Per Person)
Boat Ride (up to 3 hours) $150 (Adult) / $80 (Child)

Amboseli Add-Ons

Activity Cost (Per Person)
Hot Air Balloon Ride (1 hour) $450 (Adult) / $350 (Child)
Masai Village Visit (1 hour) $25

Please note that children's rates are applicable to specific age groups. For details on child policies for each activity, please contact us directly.

Tour Includes

  • Accommodation in luxury lodges
  • All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Park entrance fees
  • Professional tour guide
  • Airport transfers

Tour Excludes

  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Personal expenses (Tips, Souvenirs)
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Travel insurance