Where to go: Ambesoli National Park

Country: Kenya

Duration: 4 Days

Activities: Big Five safaris, Birdwatching, Bush camping, Cultural Experience, Game Drives

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/evening at leisure near Lake Nakuru
Day 4 Lake Nakuru → Nairobi Morning game drive at Lake Nakuru; transfer back to Nairobi

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+ Safari Van / Land Cruiser

Ensuite Accommodation Packages

Presented below are sample packages featuring popular ensuite options. These are illustrative and based on common offerings for this route. Please contact the tour operator directly for exact availability and pricing for your specific dates.

Click to learn more about safari accommodations (ensuite camps/lodges).


Option E1: Value Accommodations

Nights Accommodation Location Meal Plan
2 Nights Oldarpoi Main Camp Masai Mara (Outside the Park) Full Board
1 Night Eagle Palace Hotel - Superior Lake Nakuru (Outside the Park) Full Board
Safari Vehicle Price Per Adult (Indicative)
Safari Van From $900
Land Cruiser From $1,050

Option E2: Classic Accommodations

Nights Accommodation Location Meal Plan
2 Nights Osero Enarau Camp Masai Mara (Bordering the Park) Full Board
1 Night Ziwa Bush Lodge - Executive Room Lake Nakuru (Outside the Park) Full Board
Safari Vehicle Price Per Adult (Indicative)
Safari Van From $1,100
Land Cruiser From $1,250

Option E3: Comfort Accommodations

Nights Accommodation Location Meal Plan
2 Nights Olive Bush Camp Masai Mara (Within the Park) Full Board
1 Night Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge Lake Nakuru (Within the Park) Full Board
Safari Vehicle Price Per Adult (Indicative)
Safari Van From $1,600
Land Cruiser From $1,750

Option E4: Superior Accommodations

Nights Accommodation Location Meal Plan
2 Nights Neptune Mara Rianta Luxury Camp - Luxury Tent Masai Mara (Outside the Park) All Inclusive
1 Night Lake Nakuru Lodge - Senior Suite Lake Nakuru (Within the Park) Full Board
Safari Vehicle Price Per Adult (Indicative)
Land Cruiser From $2,200

Option E5: Luxury Accommodations

Nights Accommodation Location Meal Plan
2 Nights Elewana Sand River Mara - Safari Tent Masai Mara (Within the Park) Full Board
1 Night The Cliff Lake Nakuru (Within the Park) All Inclusive
Safari Vehicle Price Per Adult (Indicative)
Land Cruiser From $3,200

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.

Note: The Masai Mara is one of the best places in Africa to witness the Great Migration (typically July–October), where thousands of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River.

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


Day 3 – Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru

After breakfast, check out 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 reaching your Lake Nakuru lodge, check in. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the option to do a late afternoon game drive. Lake Nakuru is famous for its flamingos, rhinos, and tree-climbing lions, along with a variety of other wildlife including buffalo, zebra, impala, and Rothschild's giraffe.

Enjoy dinner and overnight at your lodge.

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


Day 4 – Lake Nakuru to Nairobi

After an early breakfast, proceed for a final morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. This is an excellent opportunity to spot the park's famous rhinos and the flamingos that line the lake shores. Continue game drives until around 10:00 AM, then return to the lodge for a late breakfast and checkout.

Depart for Nairobi, a journey of approximately 3.5 to 4 hours covering 160 kilometers. Arrive in Nairobi by early 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). Rainfall is minimal, making it an ideal time for wildlife viewing and witnessing the Great Migration.

Lake Nakuru

In August, Lake Nakuru experiences mild and cool weather. 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). The month is predominantly dry with moderate humidity, making it a good time for wildlife viewing.


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

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

Meal Plan Summary

Day Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 1 ✗ ✓ ✓
Day 2 ✓ ✓ ✓
Day 3 ✓ ✓ ✓
Day 4 ✓ ✓ ✗

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 → Nairobi 3.5 - 4 hours 160 km

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


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


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)

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