5-Day Amboseli NP, Lake Naivasha & Masai Mara National Reserve | SokoGuide

Overview

5 days · 4 nights

Journey & Destinations

Amboseli National Park

2 days

Lake Naivasha

1 day

Maasai Mara - Greater Mara

1 day

Where You’ll Stay

Little Amanya Camp Full Board

Amboseli National Park

Sawela Lodge Full Board

Lake Naivasha

Mara Chui Resort Full Board

Maasai Mara - Greater Mara

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1

Arrival in Nairobi – Transfer to Amboseli National Park

Upon landing at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, your safari begins with a warm welcome from your driver-guide. From Nairobi, you’ll head south toward Amboseli National Park, a scenic 4-5 hour drive offering glimpses of Kenya’s countryside and, if the weather is clear, the majestic snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro rising in the distance.

Once you arrive in Amboseli, check in to your lodge or tented camp and enjoy a well-deserved lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll set out for your first game drive across the vast plains. Amboseli is renowned for its large elephant herds, often seen crossing in front of the mountain, as well as zebras, buffaloes, giraffes, and lions. Return to your accommodation in the early evening for dinner and your first night under the African sky.

Accommodation

Little Amanya Camp (Full Board)

DAY 2

Amboseli National Park

Start your day early with breakfast before heading out on a full-day exploration of Amboseli. Your morning game drive will take you deeper into the park’s wetlands and acacia woodlands, offering incredible opportunities to see Amboseli’s famous elephants up close, along with predators like lions and cheetahs, and countless birds.

Return to your camp for a late brunch and some downtime. Later in the afternoon, continue your wildlife viewing with another game drive through a different section of the park. If you’re interested in culture, you may also visit a nearby Maasai village to learn about the community’s customs, traditions, and way of life. As the sun sets behind Kilimanjaro, return to your lodge for dinner and another restful night.

Accommodation

Little Amanya Camp (Full Board)

DAY 3

Amboseli to Lake Naivasha

After breakfast, check out and begin your journey north toward Lake Naivasha, a high-altitude freshwater lake nestled in the Great Rift Valley. The drive takes approximately 5-6 hours, with scenic views of open plains and lush farmland along the way.

Upon arrival, check in to your lodge and enjoy a relaxing lunch. In the afternoon, head out for a boat ride on Lake Naivasha, where you can spot hippos wallowing in the shallows and a variety of birdlife including kingfishers, cormorants, and—seasonally—flamingos. If time allows, take a guided walk on nearby Crescent Island, where you can walk freely among giraffes, zebras, gazelles, and other herbivores in a peaceful, predator-free environment. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation

Sawela Lodge (Full Board)

DAY 4

Lake Naivasha to Masai Mara National Reserve

After breakfast, depart for the Masai Mara, Kenya’s most iconic wildlife reserve. The 4-5 hour drive offers more views of the Rift Valley and rural landscapes before reaching the sprawling savannahs of the Mara. Once you arrive, check in to your lodge or tented camp and settle in with a delicious lunch.

Later in the afternoon, you’ll embark on your first game drive in the Mara. Known for its dramatic scenery and extraordinary wildlife, the reserve is home to the Big Five and many other species including cheetahs, hyenas, and large herds of antelope. If your visit aligns with the Great Migration (typically July to October), you may also witness herds of wildebeest and zebras making the perilous river crossing. After an exhilarating afternoon, return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation

Mara Chui Resort (Full Board)

DAY 5

Masai Mara to Nairobi

Wake up early for a morning game drive—your last chance to catch a glimpse of the wildlife as the sun casts a golden hue across the plains. Keep an eye out for elephants, giraffes, and perhaps even predators returning from a night hunt.

Return to your lodge for breakfast and a bit of leisure time before heading out on a second game drive, offering another opportunity to explore new corners of the reserve or visit a nearby Maasai village for a cultural experience. Afterward, check out and begin your return journey to Nairobi, a drive of approximately 5-6 hours. Upon arrival in the city, you’ll be transferred to your hotel if extending your stay, marking the end of your unforgettable safari adventure.