5 Days Amboseli
& Mara Safari
From the elephant-rich plains of Amboseli beneath the snow-capped majesty of Mount Kilimanjaro to the endless golden savannahs of the Masai Mara, this itinerary combines iconic landscapes, classic Big Five wildlife viewing, Maasai culture, and unforgettable safari moments.
Safari Highlights
Amboseli & Mara in Pictures
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, where a Phronesis Tour Logistics representative will meet and welcome you. Receive a safari briefing before beginning your adventure.
Depart Nairobi for Amboseli National Park on an approximately 4-hour scenic drive through the Kenyan countryside, with changing landscapes as you head south toward the shadow of Kilimanjaro.
Arrive at your lodge or camp in Amboseli, check in, and enjoy lunch while taking in the park atmosphere and views.
Embark on your first game drive in Amboseli, where elephants, lions, cheetahs, buffaloes, giraffes, and other wildlife roam beneath the majestic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Return to the lodge or camp for dinner and your first overnight stay in Amboseli National Park.
Head out at sunrise when wildlife is most active. Explore the park’s open plains and wetlands, with excellent chances to watch elephants, predators, plains game, and abundant birdlife in beautiful morning light.
Visit Observation Hill for panoramic views over the swamps and marshlands, then return to the lodge or camp for breakfast and some leisure time to relax or enjoy the facilities.
Enjoy lunch at the lodge or camp as you prepare for another afternoon in the park.
Explore different sections of Amboseli on another game drive, then visit a Maasai village to learn more about local traditions, lifestyle, and culture.
Return to the lodge or camp for dinner and another overnight stay in Amboseli.
Enjoy an early breakfast, check out, and depart for Nairobi with a scenic drive through the Kenyan countryside.
Stop in Nairobi for a brief rest and lunch before continuing westward toward one of Africa’s most celebrated safari reserves.
Continue the journey to Masai Mara National Reserve, approximately 5 to 6 hours by road, passing changing landscapes and the vast Rift Valley region.
Arrive in the Masai Mara, settle into your lodge or camp, and unwind ahead of your next safari days in predator-rich territory.
Enjoy dinner at the lodge or camp followed by an optional night game drive for a rare glimpse of the Mara’s nocturnal wildlife.
Set out at dawn to witness the Mara at its most magical. Search for the Big Five and, in season, witness the Great Migration — one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth.
Return to the lodge or camp for breakfast and time to relax, recharge, and enjoy the amenities before your afternoon drive.
Enjoy lunch as you prepare for more exploration across different areas of the reserve.
Continue your safari with another game drive focused on wildlife photography, predator sightings, and bird watching across the Mara’s sweeping plains and riverine habitats.
Return to camp for dinner and, if available, enjoy an optional Maasai cultural talk or dance performance in the evening.
Enjoy one final morning game drive for any last sightings of wildlife before returning to the lodge or camp for breakfast.
After breakfast, check out and begin the journey back to Nairobi with memories of Amboseli’s giant elephants and the Mara’s legendary wildlife.
Arrive in Nairobi in the afternoon. An optional lunch stop at a local restaurant may be arranged depending on timing and preference.
Transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight or to your Nairobi hotel if extending your stay.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Transportation in a comfortable 4x4 safari vehicle
- Accommodation in a lodge/camp for 4 nights
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) as specified in the itinerary
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Park entrance fees
- Game drives as per the itinerary
- Bottled water during game drives
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Items of personal nature (laundry, tips, souvenirs)
- Optional activities (Maasai village visit, balloon safari)
- Drinks (soft drinks, alcoholic beverages)
Recommended Packing List
What to Know Before You Go
Amboseli is famed for its incredible views of Mount Kilimanjaro, though visibility is best in the early mornings and late afternoons when skies are usually clearer.
Amboseli offers some of the finest elephant viewing in Africa, with large family herds often seen moving across the plains and feeding in the wetlands.
The dramatic Mara River crossings are seasonal, usually from July to October. Travel outside this period still offers excellent Big Five and predator viewing in the Masai Mara.
This itinerary includes meaningful opportunities to engage with Maasai culture through village visits and optional evening cultural experiences.
Both Amboseli and the Masai Mara reward bird lovers with impressive species counts, from wetland birds and pelicans to raptors and open-savannah specialists.
Perfect for first-time safari visitors, photographers, couples, families, and travelers looking to combine iconic scenery, abundant wildlife, and cultural experiences in one trip.
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Ask us about Amboseli’s elephants and Kilimanjaro views, Masai Mara Big Five drives, the Great Migration season, Maasai cultural visits, or which Kenya itinerary best matches your travel style and budget.