Trip Info
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5 Star Hotel
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Nairobi
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All Year Round
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Nairobi
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Guided
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Available
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Full Board Meals
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4X4 Tour Van
Tour Overview
This optimal safari itinerary takes you from Nairobi to Amboseli to Mount Kilimanjaro. We’ll visit Lake Naivasha—the highest lake in the Rift Valley—the renowned Masai Mara, which is often referred to as the “jewel of Africa,” and Lake Nakuru, which is famous for its role in safeguarding endangered species like the Rothschild giraffe, white rhinos, and black rhinos.
Trip Highlights
- Nairobi
- Amboseli
- Lake Naivasha
- Masai Mara
- Lake Nakuru
Your Itinerary
This morning, our company representative will pick you up either from the airport or your accommodations in Nairobi. You'll then drive southeast towards Amboseli National Park, reaching the camp in time for lunch.
Depart for an afternoon game drive after lunch, navigating the acacia woodland, freshwater swamps, scrub brush, and open plains in search of wildlife. A portion of the park features a dried-up lakebed. As the sun sets, you'll return to the lodge for dinner and your overnight stay.
Covering 392 sq km, Amboseli National Park is renowned for its awe-inspiring panoramic view of Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest freestanding mountain globally and the highest in Africa at 5,895m. It's a haven for elephants, particularly the massive African savannah elephants that roam from swamp to swamp, grazing throughout the day. Keep an eye out for other captivating species such as cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests (gnus), gazelles, hippos, and more during your visit.
After an early breakfast, you’ll leave the camp with a lunch box in hand ready to enjoy and explore Amboseli's marshlands and swamps the whole day returning back late in the afternoon. There is an ample water supply here courtesy of subterranean channels, ensuring a thriving environment for elephants and various herbivores. You’ll return to the hotel at sunset.
Alternatively, you can go on an early morning game drive to search for animals when they are the most active. Later you’ll return to the lodge for a leisurely breakfast and lunch. You’ll spend the hottest part of the day relaxing at the camp reading a book, writing in your journal, or listening to your favorite music. The animals will be doing the same! You’ll go on another game drive in the park at 1600hrs. Dinner and your overnight stay will be at the camp.
After an early breakfast, you’ll leave Amboseli and head west toward Naivasha, which is situated west of Nairobi. Our scenic drive will take us through the enchanting floor of the Great Rift Valley. Along the way, we’ll make a stop at the breathtaking Great Rift Valley viewpoint so you can stretch your legs and photograph the contrasting landscapes (including Mt. Longonot and Suswa). You will then proceed to the resort for lunch.
After lunch, you’ll go on an afternoon boat ride and walking excursion within the Lake Naivasha Game Sanctuary. These boat rides offer a refreshing experience, guiding you through the breezy lake waters as you marvel at the diverse birdlife and wildlife inhabiting the lake and its surroundings. A brief walk provides you with an excellent opportunity to appreciate the nature here. If time allows, we will drive to nearby Hellsgate National Park, which inspired scenes in the Lion King animated movie. Dinner and your overnight stay will be at the hotel.
After breakfast you will drive through the Rift Valley floor en route to Masai Mara National Reserve, reaching the lodge in time for a satisfying lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll set out for your initial game drive within the reserve in search of the “Big Five” and other herbivores that roam around this beautiful savanna. You’ll return to the lodge at sunset for dinner and your overnight stay.
The Masai Mara National Reserve, which is renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity, is one of our favourite places to look for wildlife in Kenya. Majestic big cats like lions, leopards, and cheetahs, as well as elephants, are among the highlights. Expect to encounter giraffes, buffaloes, wildebeests, zebras, hippos, hyenas, and impalas. Make sure to bring your binoculars, as the reserve hosts over 500 bird species. The park is also characterized by its picturesque savannah landscapes and acacia trees.
You will spend the full-day game viewing across the rich tree-studded grasslands and rolling hills of the renowned savanna at the Masai Mara. This park is famous for its plains game and big cats. Nearly every Kenyan wildlife species can be found here.
You’ll eat lunch under the shade of a flat-top acacia tree, all while observing the majestic animals grazing in their natural habitat. Continue with the game viewing en route to your camp, arriving at your hotel in the afternoon after thoroughly exploring this massive grassland savannah measuring 1,500 sq. km.
You’ll also have the option of booking an early morning balloon ride. After landing, the attentive crew will help you out of the basket and escort you to a lovely setting for a breakfast in the bush—an unforgettable experience that is worth the price. Later you’ll join your driver-guide for a full-day game drive.
After breakfast you’ll drive north of the Masai Mara through Narok to Njoro road, which crosses through the breathtaking landscapes of the fertile wheat lands of Mau and the Mau Forest complex. You’ll arrive at your lodge in time for check in, lunch, and an afternoon game drive. Dinner and your overnight stay will be at the lodge.
Lake Nakuru is among Kenya's most exquisite national parks, maintaining its beauty throughout the year. The park showcases rocky escarpments, patches of yellow-barked acacia forest, and a cascading waterfall. It is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including flamingos, black and white rhinos, lions, leopards, buffaloes, hippos, and the endangered Rothschild's giraffe. The southern end of the lake offers prime opportunities to observe animals such as lions, leopards, and rhinos that frequent this area.
On your final day you’ll go on an early morning game drive and then return to the lodge for a leisurely breakfast. You’ll then be transported back to Nairobi. You can have an (optional) lunch or dinner at Carnivore restaurant before being dropped off at the airport or your city hotel, marking the conclusion of your safari.
It's a pity that it must end, but this is where your safari will must come to a close. Rest assured you will carry with you a treasure trove of exciting and happy memories. We sincerely hope you'll consider rejoining us for another safari in the future.
If you wish to extend your trip, we can also arrange a flight or train journey from Nairobi to the coastal beaches of Kenya, including Diani, Mombasa, or Malindi.
Cost Includes & Excludes
Cost Includes
- Park fees (For non-residents)
- All activities (Unless labelled as optional)
- All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional English-speaking driver/guide
- All transportation (Unless labelled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- AMREF flying doctor’s medical cover
- Free visa application
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Cost Excludes
- International flights (From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
FAQs
The safari is designed for year-round enjoyment. However, the ideal time is during the Great Migration season in the Masai Mara, typically from June to October.
Yes, daily game drives are integral to the safari experience. Professional guides lead you through Amboseli’s vast landscapes, Tsavo West’s unique terrains, and the renowned Masai Mara, maximizing wildlife encounters.
Yes, travel insurance is highly recommended to cover unexpected circumstances. Ensure that your insurance includes medical coverage and trip cancellation protection.
Packing essentials include comfortable clothing, a hat, sunscreen, binoculars, and a camera. We provide a detailed packing list upon confirmation of your booking.
Visa applications are typically handled prior to your arrival. We recommend checking with the Tanzanian embassy or consulate in your home country for the most accurate and up-to-date visa requirements.
No, our safari packages are all-inclusive, covering accommodation, meals, park fees, and transportation. There are no hidden fees or additional costs during the safari.
Absolutely! Your comfort is our priority. Throughout the safari, you’ll enjoy private rooms in well-appointed accommodations, complete with private bathrooms and hot showers for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience after each adventure-filled day.
While the Hakuna Matata Tour has a carefully crafted itinerary, we understand that preferences vary. We’re happy to discuss any customization requests to ensure your safari aligns perfectly with your expectations.
The safari encompasses diverse ecosystems, offering encounters with the Big Five and a myriad of other wildlife, including flamingos at Lake Manyara and various bird species in Tarangire National Park.
We prioritize your safety. Our team adheres to local health guidelines, and the accommodations and vehicles are regularly sanitized to ensure a safe and enjoyable safari experience.
Please consult your healthcare provider for the latest travel health advice. Common vaccinations include yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, and typhoid.