Kenya’s Classic Safari Circuit
9 Days / 8 Nights | Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha & Amboseli
Experience the best of Kenya in one beautifully paced journey—combining the wildlife-rich Rift Valley, the legendary plains of the Masai Mara, the calm shores of Lake Naivasha, and the elephant kingdom of Amboseli beneath Mount Kilimanjaro. This private safari is designed for comfort, flexibility, and unforgettable wildlife encounters, with handpicked lodges located inside national parks and reserves.
Quick Overview
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Start/End: Nairobi
Destinations: Lake Nakuru National Park, Masai Mara National Reserve, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli National Park
Safari Style: Private classic safari with relaxed pacing
Ideal For: First-time Kenya travelers, couples, families, wildlife enthusiasts
Safari Highlights
Scenic Great Rift Valley drive with photo stops (including views of Mt. Longonot)
Rhino tracking and Rothschild’s giraffe sightings in Lake Nakuru
Multiple sunrise and sunset game drives in the Masai Mara
Optional Maasai-guided walk to a resident hippo pool
Maasai village cultural visit en route to Naivasha
Crescent Island walk and optional Naivasha boat ride
Amboseli elephant herds with breathtaking Kilimanjaro views
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi → Lake Nakuru National Park
Depart Nairobi at 7:00 am for Lake Nakuru, traveling through the Great Rift Valley with scenic stops for photos, including viewpoints overlooking the Rift Valley and Mt. Longonot. Upon entering Lake Nakuru National Park, enjoy a game drive en route to your lodge. Arrive for lunch, then relax and enjoy lake views. At 4:00 pm, depart for an evening game drive, returning by approximately 6:45 pm for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Lake Nakuru (Safari lodge)
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Lake Nakuru → Masai Mara
After an early breakfast, depart at around 8:00 am for the Masai Mara National Reserve. On arrival within the Greater Mara ecosystem, enjoy a game drive as you proceed to your camp, with opportunities to spot the Big Five. Arrive for lunch and rest, then depart again at 4:00 pm for an evening game drive, returning by approximately 7:00 pm.
Overnight: Masai Mara (Camp near the Mara River)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Masai Mara Sunrise Safari & Afternoon Game Drive
Begin at 6:00 am with a sunrise game drive, followed by an extended morning safari with a packed breakfast in the bush. Return to camp around 12:00 pm for lunch and rest. At 4:00 pm, depart for an afternoon game drive. You may also choose a guided walk with Maasai guides to a nearby hippo pool for a closer look at this lively ecosystem.
Overnight: Masai Mara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Masai Mara Sunrise Safari & Evening Game Drive
Set out again at 6:00 am for an early morning game drive, returning by around 9:00 am for breakfast. Continue with an extended morning experience with a packed breakfast, returning around midday for lunch and rest. At 4:00 pm, depart for your evening game drive, returning after sunset.
Overnight: Masai Mara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Masai Mara → Lake Naivasha (Maasai Village Visit)
After breakfast, depart the Masai Mara for Lake Naivasha. En route, stop at a Maasai village to learn about traditional lifestyles, culture, and daily life. Arrive in Naivasha by around 1:00 pm for lunch and a relaxed afternoon. In the evening, you may opt for a boat ride on Lake Naivasha (optional).
Overnight: Lake Naivasha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Lake Naivasha (Crescent Island & Boat Ride)
Begin with a guided walk on Crescent Island, known for its peaceful scenery and grazing wildlife. After lunch, enjoy time at leisure before an evening boat ride experience (as arranged), offering wonderful birdlife and frequent hippo sightings. Lake Naivasha is designed as a restorative pause—calm, scenic, and unhurried.
Overnight: Lake Naivasha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Lake Naivasha → Amboseli National Park
Depart at 7:00 am for Amboseli National Park, arriving at your lodge in time for lunch. After a short rest, depart at 4:00 pm for an afternoon game drive, returning by 6:30 pm for dinner and a relaxed evening.
Overnight: Amboseli (Safari lodge inside the park)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Amboseli National Park
Depart at 6:30 am for an early morning game drive, returning by 9:30 am. Enjoy a relaxed midday break—Amboseli’s heat can be intense, and the lodge’s strategic position allows for excellent game viewing without spending the whole day on the move. At 4:00 pm, depart again for an evening game drive, returning by 6:30 pm for dinner.
Overnight: Amboseli
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Amboseli → Nairobi
After breakfast, depart at 8:30 am for Nairobi, arriving in time for your onward flight or overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast
What’s Included
Private safari vehicle and professional guide throughout
Full-board accommodation with all meals
All scheduled game drives
Park entry fees
Lodges located inside national parks and reserves
Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
Transfers to and from Nairobi
Not Included
Hot air balloon safaris
Tips and gratuities
Laundry services
Drinks at the lodges/hotels
International and domestic flights
Any additional excursions not specified
Customize This Safari
Prefer fewer driving hours, upgraded camps, a balloon safari in the Mara, or an extra beach extension? We’ll tailor the pace, properties, and activities to match your style.