10 Day Kenya Safari Amboseli Naivasha Nakuru Bogoria & Masai Mara
This 10-day road safari takes you through six of Kenya’s top safari destinations, letting you discover Kenya’s diverse wildlife and dramatic landscapes.
Over these 10 days, you will also visit the most famous Kenyan parks, including Amboseli, Hell’s Gate National Park, Mount Longonot National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Bogoria, and the Masai Mara Game Reserve, which is well-known for its large cat population and home to the annual Wildebeest Migration, a wildlife epic like none other on earth.
Starting and ending in Nairobi, the trip begins with game drives in Amboseli National Park, a photographer’s paradise that pairs close-range wildlife sightings with scenic landscapes, including the towering Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain.
Amboseli is home to large populations of Buffalo, Zebra, Wildebeest, giraffes, hippos, Lions, Leopards, cheetahs, and many other plains game species. The park also boasts an abundance of birds, including Bee-eaters, Kingfishers, Pelicans, African Fish Eagles, and Falcons.
From Amboseli, we head to Nairobi and stop for lunch at the famous Carnivore restaurant – a meat-lovers’ paradise before continuing to Lake Naivasha in the Great Rift Valley.
Visit Hell’s Gate National Park, perfect for walking and cycling, as there are no large predators. Animals such as Burchell’s Zebra, Coke’s Hartebeest, Thomson’s and Grant’s Gazelle, and Impala are the main grazers. You can also encounter giraffes and Defassa waterbuck.
Next is Mount Longonot National Park, a popular spot for hiking and mountain climbing, with a round trip taking less than 5 hours. The park’s main attractions include the extinct volcano, crater forest, and views of Lake Naivasha and the Great Rift Valley. It is also a great destination for birding, particularly birds of prey.
The tour continues to Lake Nakuru National Park, a bird lovers’ paradise with over 400 different bird species, including many water birds. This birding haven hosts species such as the great white pelican, African spoonbill, yellow-billed stork, lesser and greater flamingo, and long-crested eagle.
Lake Nakuru National Park is an important wildlife sanctuary for some of Africa’s endangered species, especially black and white rhinos and Rothschild’s Giraffes. The game reserve is home to Lions, Waterbuck, buffalo, and Baboons, which we look out for on our game drive.
We take a day trip to Lake Bogoria, with its natural hot springs and geysers as the main attractions. The lake has been called ‘the new home of the flamingo ‘, hosting a migratory population of up to two million of these pink birds at certain times.
This scenic soda lake’s high salt and mineral content attracts huge numbers of flamingos, making it a visual delight.
Finally, we head to the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve. The next few days in Kenya’s premier game reserve, Masai Mara, give you plenty of time to spot the Big Five and a rich array of other wildlife roaming the open plains, as well as visit a local Maasai village to get a taste of traditional Kenyan culture.
Day-to-Day timings
Day 1: Nairobi to Amboseli (Arrival & Afternoon Drive)
0730 Hours – Departure: Leave Nairobi early to beat the Mombasa Road traffic.
1230 Hours – Check-in & Lunch: Arrive at your lodge (e.g., Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge) and check in, then have lunch
1530 Hours – Afternoon Game Drive: Clouds usually start clearing around Mount Kilimanjaro late in the afternoon, offering prime photo opportunities of elephants against the mountain backdrop.
0630 Hours – Return: Park gates close at 1830 Hours
Day 2: Full Day Amboseli Exploration
0600 Hours – Sunrise Drive: This is the absolute best time to see Mount Kilimanjaro completely cloud-free
0830 Hours – Bush Breakfast or Return to Lodge: Head to the Observation Hill for panoramic swamp views
1545 Hours – Late Afternoon Drive: Spot massive herds wallowing in the Enkongo Narok swamps
Day 3: Amboseli to Lake Naivasha (Long Transit Day)
0700 Hours – Departure: A lengthy drive ahead. You will bypass Nairobi and descend the Great Rift Valley escarpment
1300 Hours – Arrival & Lunch: Check into a lakeside property like Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort.
1600 Hours – Evening Boat Safari: A 1-hour boat ride is perfect now to see hundreds of hippos and fish eagles hunting in the golden-hour light.
Day 4: Hell’s Gate & Crescent Island
0800 Hours – Hell’s Gate National Park: Rent bicycles at the gate. The morning is cooler, making the ride among zebras and giraffes highly enjoyable before the midday heat hits the gorge.
1430 Hours – Crescent Island Game Sanctuary: Walk alongside habituated wildlife. The afternoon light here is spectacular for walking photos
Day 5: Naivasha to Lake Nakuru National Park
0800 Hours – Departure: A quick, scenic 2-hour drive to Nakuru.
1030 Hours – Mid-Morning Game Drive: Head straight into the park. Nakuru is a reliable haven for both Black and White Rhinos and tree-climbing lions.
1600 Hours – Cliffside Sundowner: Catch the sunset from Baboon Cliff, overlooking the entire lake
Day 6: Day Trip to Lake Bogoria
0700 Hours – Departure to Bogoria: Drive north across the equator
0930 Hours – Hot Springs & Flamingos: Walk along the shoreline to see the boiling geysers. Bogoria currently hosts massive populations of lesser flamingos, turning the shores vibrant pink.
1400 Hours – Return Journey: Head back to your Nakuru lodge to rest and avoid driving the highway after dark
Day 7: Nakuru to Masai Mara
0730 Hours – Departure: The route takes you via Narok. The final 60km stretch approaching the park gates can be rough and bumpy
1300 Hours – Arrival & Lunch: Settle into your camp (e.g., Ashnil Mara Camp or Sarova Mara Game Camp)
1600 Hours – First Mara Game Drive: The Mara never disappoints. Your guide will quickly track the big cats as they warm up for evening hunts.
Days 8 & 9: Full Days in the Masai Mara
Option A (Split Drives): 0600 Hours – 0930 Hours (Morning drive) & 1600 Hours – 1830 Hours (Evening drive). Best for tracking active predators
Option B (Full Day Marathon): 07:30 AM – 04:00 PM. Pack a picnic lunch and drive deep toward the Mara River to see hippos, crocodiles, and crossing points (especially active during the Great Migration from July to October).
Day 10: Masai Mara to Nairobi
0600 Hours – Final Sunrise Drive: A quick dawn loop to catch any last-minute predator action
0830 Hours – Breakfast & Check-out
0930 Hours – Departure to Nairobi: Stop for souvenir shopping in Narok
1600 Hours – Arrive in Nairobi: Drop-off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) or your hotel, timed for late-evening international departures.
Safari Schedule & Drive Timings
| Day | From ➔ To | Drive Time / Flight | Best Departure Time | Insider Reality Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Nairobi ➔ Amboseli | 4.5 – 5 Hours (Road) | 0730 Hours | Leaving early beats the heavy Nairobi outbound traffic. |
| Day 2 | Full Day Amboseli | N/A (Game Drives) | 0615 Hours | Early morning offers the clearest views of Mt. Kilimanjaro. |
| Day 3 | Amboseli ➔ Lake Naivasha | 6.5 – 7 Hours (Road) | 0630 Hours | A long transit day. A midday stop near Nairobi for lunch breaks it up perfectly. |
| Day 4 | Naivasha ➔ Lake Nakuru | 2 – 2.5 Hours (Road) | 0900 Hours | Short, smooth drive on tarmac. Allows for a morning boat ride in Naivasha first. |
| Day 5 | Nakuru ➔ Lake Bogoria ➔ Nakuru | 2 Hours (Each way) | 0730 Hours | Day trip to see Bogoria’s geysers and flamingos, returning to Nakuru to sleep. |
| Day 6 | Lake Nakuru ➔ Masai Mara | 5.5 – 6 Hours (Road) | 0700 Hours | The final stretch into the Mara is bumpy (“the African massage”). |
| Day 7 | Full Day Masai Mara | N/A (Game Drives) | 0600 Hours | Bring a picnic lunch to spend the entire day out by the Mara River. |
| Day 8 | Full Day Masai Mara | N/A (Game Drives) | 0615 Hours | Track predators while the air is cool and animals are active. |
| Day 9 | Full Day Masai Mara | N/A (Game Drives) | 0630 Hours | Focus on specific areas or optional cultural visits to a Maasai Village. |
| Day 10 | Masai Mara ➔ Nairobi | 5.5 – 6 Hours (Road) | 0830 Hours | Aim to arrive back in Nairobi by late afternoon for your flight home. |
Safari Itinerary in Summary
Day 1: Nairobi – Drive to Amboseli National Park
Day 2: Explore Amboseli National Park
Day 3: Amboseli – Drive to Lake Naivasha (Visit Hell’s Gate National Park)
Day 4: Visit Mount Longonot National Park)
Day 5: Lake Naivasha – Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park
Day 6: Lake Nakuru – Day Trip to Lake Bogoria
Day 7: Lake Nakuru – Drive to Masai Mara Game Reserve
Day 8: Explore Masai Mara Game Reserve
Day 9: Explore Masai Mara Game Reserve
Day 10: Masai Mara – Drive to Nairobi
Safari Itinerary in Detail
Day 1: Nairobi – Drive to Amboseli National Park
Depart Nairobi after breakfast. Drive south to Amboseli National Park, near the Kenyan/Tanzanian border and in the foothills of distant Kilimanjaro. Known as the best place to view large herds of elephants, the park offers a variety of habitats, including the dried-up bed of Lake Amboseli, wetlands with Sulfur springs, the savannah, and woodlands.
We explore these habitats on an afternoon wildlife viewing game drive and look out for leopards, cheetahs, Wild dogs, Buffalo, elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, crocodiles, mongooses, and Lesser Kudu. Over 400 bird species live here.
After our exciting game drive, we return to our lodge for dinner and some relaxation.
Overnight Accommodation: Amboseli Serena Lodge, Oltukai Lodge Anboseli or Kibo Safari Camp
Meal Plan {Lunch & Dinner}
Day 2: Explore Amboseli National Park
Today we spend the day exploring Amboseli on exciting wildlife viewing drives. We start early because daybreak is the best time to spot wildlife gathering at the waterholes.
Overlooked by Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, Amboseli is one of Kenya’s oldest wildlife reserves. Its fame has spread, and it is one of Kenya’s most popular parks, especially for up-close encounters with the vast herds of elephants.
Amboseli’s big skies and sweeping horizons attract a variety of animals, particularly plains-loving species such as Antelopes, Spotted Hyenas, Jackals, Warthogs, Olive Baboons, and Vervet Monkeys. Whilst its swamps are home to Hippo and Buffalo and provide a great spot for the Elephants to wallow.
After these wildlife excursions, we return to camp for lunch and some relaxation, or a swim in the pool, before setting out on a late-afternoon wildlife viewing drive.
Overnight Accommodation: Amboseli Serena Lodge, Oltukai Lodge Anboseli or Kibo Safari Camp
Meal Plan {Lunch & Dinner}
Day 3: Amboseli – Drive to Lake Naivasha (Visit Hell’s Gate National Park)
Today, after breakfast, we leave Amboseli behind and head for Nairobi and stop for lunch at the famous Carnivore restaurant – a meat-lovers paradise before continuing to Lake Naivasha in the Great Rift Valley.
Along the way, the drive includes a 20-minute stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint where you will take in the unforgettable volcanic valley beneath the looming Kenyan sky. Visit Hell’s Gate National Park, perfect for walking and cycling, as there are no large predators.
Animals such as Burchell’s Zebra, Coke’s Hartebeest, Thomson’s and Grant’s Gazelle, and impala are the main grazers. You may also encounter giraffes and Defassa waterbuck. The late afternoon and evening are free for you to shower, relax, and have dinner at the hotel.
Overnight Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge, Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge or Elsamere Lodge
Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}
Day 4: Visit Mount Longonot National Park (Lake Naivasha)
Today you will take a day trip to Mount Longonot National Park, a popular mountain for hiking and climbing that takes less than 5 hours to ascend and descend.
The park’s main attractions include the extinct volcano, crater forest, and views of Lake Naivasha and the Great Rift Valley. It is also a great destination for birding, particularly birds of prey.
You will return to your hotel in time for lunch, and the rest of the afternoon is free to relax or explore Naivasha at your leisure.
Overnight Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge, Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge or Elsamere Lodge
Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}
Day 5: Lake Naivasha – Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park
After breakfast, you will depart Lake Naivasha for Lake Nakuru National Park. You will arrive at the hotel in Nakuru in time for lunch. Your afternoon will be spent exploring Lake Nakuru, National Park. This remarkable park is internationally known for its animal sanctuary, which includes both black and white Rhino species.
While exploring the park, you will also discover many bird species, including the spectacular pink and lesser flamingos, great white pelican, African spoonbill, yellow-billed stork, and long-crested eagle.
Lake Nakuru National Park is an important wildlife sanctuary for some of Africa’s endangered species, especially black and white rhinos and Rothschild’s Giraffes. The game reserve is home to Lions, Waterbuck, buffalo, and Baboons, which we keep an eye out for on our game drive.
Overnight Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Lodge, Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge or Lake Nakuru Lion Hill Lodge
Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}
Day 6: Lake Nakuru – Day Trip to Lake Bogoria
In the morning, we take a day trip to Lake Bogoria, with its natural hot springs and geysers as the main attractions. The drive to northwest Kenya includes a 20-minute stop at the equator crossing.
At the equator, you will get to experiment with water and the different ways it moves in the two separate hemispheres. At around 10 am, you will arrive at Lake Bogoria.
The lake has been called ‘the new home of the flamingo,’ hosting a migratory population of up to two million of these pink birds at certain times. The high salt and mineral content of this scenic soda lake attracts huge numbers of flamingos, making it a visual delight.
As you explore the park and drive around, be ready to capture the thousands of pink flamingos and the lake’s picturesque views. You can then enjoy a picnic lunch at the lake before driving back to Lake Nakuru.
Overnight Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Lodge, Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge or Lake Nakuru Lion Hill Lodge
Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}
Day 7: Lake Nakuru – Masai Mara National Reserve
In the morning, you will depart for the magical Masai Mara National Reserve, which is one of Kenya’s best wildlife reserves. This enormous reserve is part of the vast Serengeti plains, famous for its spectacular great wildebeest migration, and is home to the Big Five: lion, Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo, and Rhino.
Lunch at our Lodge and relax before departing for the afternoon game drive. Explore the Masai Mara, searching for abundant wildlife, including Africa’s Big Five: lion, Elephant, Buffalo, leopard, and Rhino.
Return to the tented camp/ lodge for dinner and relax in nature.
Overnight Accommodation: Sarova Tented Camp, Mara Sopa Lodge or Mara Simba Lodge
Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}
Day 8 & Day 9: Explore Masai Mara National Reserve
Spend the next two days game viewing in Kenya’s leading game reserve, the Masai Mara. Our morning and afternoon game drives take us in search of Africa’s Big Five and the wide array of other wildlife inhabiting this vast Kenyan game reserve.
On clear days, the Mara offers fantastic orange-tinged sunsets that make for spectacular photos. The Mara is home to plenty of wildlife, such as Masai Giraffe, Baboon, Warthog, Bat-eared Fox, Grey jackal, Spotted Hyena, Topi, Impala, Hartebeest, Wildebeest, Elephant, Buffalo, Zebras, Hippo, Lion, Cheetah and Leopard.
The ultimate action here is without a doubt the annual wildebeest exodus, the Great Migration, in July and August when millions of these grazers move north from the Serengeti in search of lusher grass before turning south again in October.
Overnight Accommodation: Sarova Tented Camp, Mara Sopa Lodge or Mara Simba Lodge
Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}
Day 10: Masai Mara – Drive to Nairobi
After a sumptuous breakfast and the drive back to Nairobi this morning, we may visit Nairobi’s shopping areas, revisit a favorite site, or simply relax before heading to the airport, already fondly recalling the trip of a lifetime.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
10 Days Aberdare Samburu Mt Kenya Baringo Nakuru Mara Safari Prices
10 Day Kenya Safari Amboseli Naivasha Nakuru Bogoria & Masai Mara Prices Include;
Round trip road transport from Nairobi to Amboseli, Visit Hell’s Gate National Park, Mount Longonot National Park, Lake Nakuru, Lake Bogoria & Masai Mara + Accommodation in Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara + Professional Safari Driver Guide + Guaranteed window seating with open top for easy photography + Safari vehicles carry cold drinks and mineral water + All applicable game park entrance fees + All meals included while on safari & Daily Game drives
| Dates From | Dates To | Price Per Person | Children Aged 2 to 12 Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st January 2025 | 31st December 2025 | Request for rates | Request for rates |
Prices Exclude;
* International Airfare
* A visit to a Masai Village
* Accommodations in Nairobi
* Cost of obtaining passport and visas
* Gratuity for your professional driver-guide
* Sundowner bush cocktails and bush dinner
* Christmas, New Year, and Easter Supplement
* Optional Hot Air Ballooning, Nature walks, etc
* Gratuity for Porterage/ waiters at hotels, camps, and airports
* Personal expenses such traveling insurance, excess baggage fee, communication charges that include, laundry, emails, faxes, and phone calls beverages including luxury champagne, luxury spirits, beer, and wines during meals or meals not indicated in the itinerary
Booking & Reservations 10 Day Kenya Safari Amboseli Naivasha Nakuru Bogoria & Masai Mara Contact
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