$2,763 to $3,193 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Nairobi to Maasai Mara – The Gateway to the Wild
Nairobi to Maasai Mara – The Gateway to the Wild
Kick off your quest bright and early from Nairobi, departing around 7 AM in your private Jeep. As you cruise through the Great Rift Valley, stop at a viewpoint for panoramic shots of the dramatic escarpment dropping into ancient volcanic floors. Arrive at Maasai Mara National Reserve by early afternoon, check into your accommodation, have lunch, and dive straight into an evening game drive. Here, the Mara's golden grasslands teem with life: watch prides of lions lounging in the shade, elusive leopards draped over branches, and massive buffalo herds thundering across the plains. If timing aligns (September often does), witness remnants of the Great Migration—millions of wildebeest and zebras crossing rivers, pursued by predators. End the day with a sunset drive, the sky ablaze in oranges and pinks, as you toast to your first Big 5 sightings. Overnight in Maasai Mara at Zebra Plains Mara Camp.
- Main Destination:
- Masai Mara National Reserve
- Accommodation:
- Zebra Plains Mara Camp
Wildlife in Masai Mara NR
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Full Day in Maasai Mara – Heart of the Big 5 Hunt
Full Day in Maasai Mara – Heart of the Big 5 Hunt
Rise with the sun for a full-day Jeep safari in the Mara, packing picnic lunches to maximize exploration. This reserve is Big 5 central: track elephant families bathing in muddy rivers, spot rhinos (though rarer here) in hidden thickets, and follow buffalo trails that lead to lion ambushes. The open Jeep allows 360-degree views—feel the wind as you navigate riverine forests where leopards lurk, or scan endless horizons for cheetah chases. Optional add-ons include a hot-air balloon ride at dawn for aerial perspectives of the herds or a visit to a Maasai village to learn warrior traditions and beadwork crafts. The Mara's biodiversity shines with over 450 bird species and hippo pods in the Mara River, creating non-stop action. As dusk falls, return for stories around a campfire, replaying the day's adrenaline-fueled encounters. Overnight in Maasai Mara at Zebra Plains Mara Camp.
- Main Destination:
- Masai Mara National Reserve
- Accommodation:
- Zebra Plains Mara Camp
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Maasai Mara to Lake Nakuru – Rhino Realm and Flamingo Shores
Maasai Mara to Lake Nakuru – Rhino Realm and Flamingo Shores
After a morning game drive in the Mara to catch any missed Big 5 moments—like a buffalo standoff or lion kill—head north to Lake Nakuru National Park. The journey skirts the Rift Valley's edges, offering glimpses of rural Kenyan life. Arrive by afternoon for a Jeep safari around the alkaline lake, famed for its rhinos: both black and white species roam freely, often spotted grazing near acacias. Lions and leopards patrol the woodlands, while buffalo wallow in shallows teeming with pink flamingos (millions at peak times, painting the water rosy). The park's compact size means intimate drives—zoom in on Rothschild's giraffes browsing treetops or hyenas scavenging. Climb Baboon Cliff for sweeping views of the lake and escarpment, a perfect photo op. This shift from savanna to lakeside habitat adds variety, highlighting Kenya's ecological diversity. Overnight at Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge.
- Main Destination:
- Lake Nakuru National Park
- Accommodation:
- Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge
Wildlife in Lake Nakuru NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha – Waterside Wonders and Walking Safaris
Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha – Waterside Wonders and Walking Safaris
Start with an early Jeep loop in Nakuru for last-chance rhino views, then drive the short distance to Lake Naivasha, a freshwater oasis in the Rift Valley. Afternoon activities blend adventure: hop on a boat safari to glide past hippo families snorting in the shallows and fish eagles diving for prey. Dock at Crescent Island for a guided walking safari—no fences here, so stroll among zebras, giraffes, and impalas up close, feeling like you've stepped into a nature documentary. Back in the Jeep, circle the lake for birdwatching (over 400 species) and possible buffalo sightings along reedy shores. Naivasha's serene vibe contrasts the previous days' intensity, offering relaxed exploration amid papyrus-fringed waters and volcanic craters. Cap it with a lakeside sundowner, reflecting on the Big 5 tally so far. Overnight at Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort.
- Main Destination:
- Lake Naivasha (Naivasha)
- Accommodation:
- Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Lake Naivasha to Amboseli – Elephants Under Kilimanjaro
Lake Naivasha to Amboseli – Elephants Under Kilimanjaro
Fuel up on breakfast before the scenic drive south to Amboseli National Park, passing through farmlands and Maasai territories. Arrive by afternoon and launch into a Jeep game drive amid dusty plains backed by Mount Kilimanjaro's snow-capped peak—a postcard-worthy backdrop. Amboseli is elephant paradise: track massive tuskers crossing swamps, their trunks raised like periscopes. Lions and cheetahs hunt in the open, while buffalo herds dot the landscape. The park's Observation Hill provides epic panoramas of the wetlands and mountains, ideal for spotting distant rhinos or leopards in fever trees. As the sun sets, Kilimanjaro glows pink, framing silhouette safaris that feel cinematic. This leg amps up the drama, completing your Big 5 quest with Amboseli's unique elephant focus. Overnight at Amboseli Sopa Lodge.
- Main Destination:
- Amboseli National Park
- Accommodation:
- Amboseli Sopa Lodge
Wildlife in Amboseli NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
Full Day in Amboseli – Summit Views and Final Big 5 Thrills
Full Day in Amboseli – Summit Views and Final Big 5 Thrills
Dedicate the day to immersive Jeep drives in Amboseli, starting at dawn when wildlife is most active. Roam the Enkongu Narok Swamp for close-ups of elephants wallowing, calves playfully spraying water. Scout for lions ambushing prey near palm groves or elusive leopards in acacia thickets. Buffalo and rhinos frequent the grasslands, rounding out sightings with Kilimanjaro looming like a guardian. Picnic amid the action, then explore lesser-visited corners for hyenas, jackals, and over 400 bird species. Optional Maasai interactions add cultural depth—learn spear-throwing or herding techniques. As evening descends, a final drive captures the mountain's alpenglow, leaving you with memories of Kenya's untamed spirit. Overnight at Amboseli Sopa Lodge.
- Main Destination:
- Amboseli National Park
- Accommodation:
- Amboseli Sopa Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 7
Amboseli to Nairobi – Farewell to the Wild
Amboseli to Nairobi – Farewell to the Wild
After breakfast, drive back to Nairobi, arriving by early afternoon. En route, reflect on the journey's highlights: over 20 game drives, diverse habitats from savannas to lakes, and the thrill of spotting all Big 5 from your Jeep perch. Drop-off at your Nairobi hotel or airport, with time for souvenirs or a city stroll.
This tour promises not just sightings but stories—predator pursuits, cultural insights, and landscapes that stir the soul. Expect comfortable Jeep travel with an expert driver-guide, all park fees included, and meals focused on fresh Kenyan cuisine.
- Main Destination:
- Nairobi (City)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
