9 Day Kenya Safari Amboseli Aberdare Samburu Nakuru & Masai Mara
Discover some of Kenya’s most famous, sought-after wildlife experiences on this 9-day 4×4 road safari. The tour begins with a road trip north to Samburu National Reserve, then on to the Aberdare Mountain Range in central Kenya for high-altitude game viewing from a lodge overlooking an active, floodlit watering hole within Aberdare National Park.
Head down to scenic Lake Nakuru National Park, a birding paradise and home to Black & White Rhinos, tree-climbing lions, leopards, and many other wild animals. The grand finale – Masai Mara National Reserve, one of the finest and most famous wildlife destinations in the world!
The journey begins and ends in Nairobi and opens with game drives in Samburu National Reserve, along the Ewaso Nyiro River, Kenya’s largest northern river.
Besides big cats and African Wild Dogs, you’re likely to see some of the rare northern species, such as Grevy’s Zebra, the Somali Ostrich, the Reticulated Giraffe, the long-necked Gerenuk, Guenther’s Dik-dik, and the Beisa Oryx, collectively known as the Samburu Special Six. There are over 350 varieties of birds.
The reserve is also home to the Samburu tribe, cousins of the Maasai, who share a nomadic, cattle-herding existence and a strict adherence to their age-old rites and customs.
The tour continues by road to the cooler Aberdare National Park, our next game-viewing destination. Watch the animals that frequently visit the lively waterhole beside the lodge (Ark Tree Lodge or the Treetops Hotel), from a series of viewing decks and areas at different levels.
Animals you can easily spot in the park include the Black Rhino, Leopard, Baboon, Black-and-White Colobus Monkey, and Sykes Monkey. Rare sightings include those of Lions, the golden cat, and the bongo -an elusive forest antelope that lives in the bamboo forest. Bird watching is rewarding, with over 250 bird species in the park.
Next, we head to Lake Nakuru National Park, renowned as a bird sanctuary with over 400 bird species, including huge flocks of Flamingos and many other water birds.
Highlights on our 4×4 game drive may include sightings of tree-climbing Lions and both black and white rhinos, for which the reserve is best known today. Commonly sighted animals include Giraffes, Baboons, Zebras, Buffalos, Antelopes and Hippos, with rare finds including Leopards.
Then the time has come to explore Masai Mara National Reserve – one of the most famous game parks on the planet, considered by many to be the finest wildlife safari destination in all of Africa.
The Masai Mara National Reserve supports the highest density of game of any reserve of its size. During the seasonal migrations, the reserve is home to up to a million wildebeest and an equally impressive number of zebras that move into the area from the neighboring Serengeti National Park, in Tanzania.
The reserve is home to all the “Big Five,” and it is also possible to observe baboons, Eland, ostriches, Bat-eared Foxes, and Jackals, and the rivers abound with Hippos and Crocodiles.
9-Day Kenya safari Day-by-Day timing
Day 1: Nairobi to Amboseli National Park
0730 Hours – Departure: Leave Nairobi early to beat city traffic
0730 Hours – 1300 Hours – Transit (approx. 4.5–5 hours): Drive south via the Nairobi-Mombasa highway, turning off at Emali
1300 Hours – Arrival & Lunch: Check into your lodge/camp in Amboseli and have lunch
1600 Hours – 1830 Hours – Afternoon Game Drive: First opportunity to view elephants against the backdrop of Mt. Kilimanjaro (weather permitting)
Day 2: Amboseli to Aberdare National Park
0630 Hours – 0830 Hours – Early Game Drive & Breakfast: A quick morning drive followed by breakfast at the lodge
0830 Hours – 1500 Hours – Transit (approx. 6–6.5 hours): A long driving day heading north, passing back through Nairobi for a quick lunch stop or packed lunch en route
1500 Hours – Arrival at Base Hotel: Check-in at the base hotel (e.g., Aberdare Country Club or The Outspan) and transfer to your tree hotel (e.g., The Ark or Treetops)
1600 Hours onwards – Wildlife Viewing: Spend the evening watching wildlife; visit the floodlit waterholes and salt licks directly from the lodge decks
Day 3: Aberdare to Samburu National Reserve
0730 Hours – Departure: After breakfast, transfer back to the base hotel to meet your driver
0830 Hours – 1300 Hours – Transit (approx. 4 hours): Drive north across the equator, watching the landscape change from lush highlands to arid semi-desert
1300 Hours – Arrival & Lunch: Arrive at your Samburu lodge/camp
1600 Hours – 1830 Hours – Afternoon Game Drive: Look for Samburu’s “Special Five” (Reticulated Giraffe, Grevy’s Zebra, Somali Ostrich, Beisa Oryx, and Gerenuk)
Day 4: Full Day in Samburu National Reserve
0630 Hours– 1030 Hours – Morning Game Drive: Best time to spot predators like lions and leopards before the heat peaks
1030 Hours – 1530 Hours– Midday Rest: Return to the lodge for lunch, swimming, and relaxation during the hottest hours
1600 Hours – 1830 Hours – Afternoon Game Drive: Head back out along the Ewaso Ng’iro River
Day 5: Samburu to Lake Nakuru National Park
0700 Hours – Departure: Early breakfast and check-out
0730 Hours – 1330 Hours – Transit (approx. 5.5–6 hours): Drive south-west via Nyahururu, stopping briefly at Thomson’s Falls. Descend into the Great Rift Valley
1330 Hours – Arrival & Lunch: Check into your Nakuru accommodation
1600 Hours – 1830 Hours– Afternoon Game Drive: Explore the shores for rhinos (black and white), Rothschild’s giraffes, and birdlife
Day 6: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara National Reserve
0730 Hours – Departure: Leave Nakuru after breakfast
0730 Hours– 1330 Hours – Transit (approx. 5.5–6 hours): Drive past Lake Naivasha and Narok town. The final stretch to the Mara gates can be bumpy and slow
1330 Hours – Arrival & Lunch: Check into your Mara lodge/camp
0400 Hours – 1830 Hours – Evening Game Drive: Introduce yourself to Africa’s premier wildlife arena
Day 7: Full Day in Masai Mara
0630 Hours– 0400 Hours – Full Day Game Drive: Pack a picnic lunch and spend the entire day exploring different sectors of the reserve (e.g., driving down toward the Mara River)
Alternative: Split into a morning game drive (0630 Hours – 1030 Hours) and an afternoon drive (1600 Hours – 1830 Hours) with a rest at the camp in between
Day 8: Second Full Day in Masai Mara
0600 Hours – 0830 Hours – Optional Balloon Safari: (Must be booked in advance; includes a champagne bush breakfast)
0930 Hours – 1330 Hours – Game Drives or Cultural Visit: Spend time exploring hidden corners of the Mara or visit a local Maasai Village
1600 Hours – 1830 Hours – Final Evening Game Drive: Catch your last African sunset on the savannah
Day 9: Masai Mara back to Nairobi
0730 Hours – Departure: Enjoy a final breakfast at camp and pack up
0730 Hours – 1400 Hours – Transit (approx. 5.5–6 hours): Drive back to Nairobi, stopping along the Great Rift Valley viewpoint for photos.
1400 Hours onwards – Drop-off: Arrive back in Nairobi for your flight home or hotel drop-off
Safari Itinerary in Summary
Day 1: Nairobi — Drive to Amboseli National Park
Day 2: Explore Amboseli National Park
Day 3: Amboseli — Aberdare National Park
Day 4: Aberdare — Drive to Samburu National Reserve
Day 5: Explore Samburu National Reserve
Day 6: Samburu — Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park
Day 7: Lake Nakuru — Drive to Masai Mara National Reserve
Day 8: Explore Masai Mara National Reserve
Day 9: Masai Mara — Drive to Nairobi
Safari Itinerary in Detail
Day 1: Nairobi – Drive to Amboseli National Park
Rise early to enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel. Depart by road to Amboseli National Park. There you will experience your first game drive en route to your lodge. Lunch is followed by free time to relax and enjoy the lodge/facilities.
Then we venture into the park on an afternoon game drive, which usually offers close-up photographic opportunities of the wild animals. Amboseli is famous for close encounters with big herds of Elephants.
The game park is a photographer’s paradise combining close-range wildlife sightings with scenic landscapes, featuring the towering Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain.
The vegetation of the park varies seasonally, with green swamps during rainy periods and arid bush during dry periods, both well-suited to game viewing. Sightings include the Big 4 of Africa, and it is home to more than 420 bird species.
Overnight Accommodation: Amboseli Sopa Lodge, Amboseli Serena Lodge or Ol Tukai Lodge Amboseli
Meal Plan {Lunch & Dinner}
Day 2: Explore Amboseli National Park
The entire day is set aside for 4×4 game drives in Amboseli, one of Kenya’s most scenic national parks. Along with the herds of Elephants, wildlife enthusiasts can hope for sightings of Lion, Cheetah, Hyena, Jackal, Mongoose, Giraffe, Cape Buffalo, Warthog, Baboon, Monkeys, Zebra, Impala, different species of Gazelle and more.
A visit to a Masai village is planned after breakfast, where you meet the Maasai tribe. These semi-nomadic people are known for their distinctive appearance, unique dance ceremonies and fierce warriors. This visit to the Maasai offers insight into the lifestyles, traditions, and customs.
Midday finds us at our lodge for lunch and afternoon rest, followed by another game drive.
Overnight Accommodation: Amboseli Sopa Lodge, Amboseli Serena Lodge, or Oltukai Lodge
Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}
Day 3: Amboseli – Drive to Aberdare National Park
Depart Amboseli after breakfast. Our destination today is the Aberdare National Park. We stop for lunch at an upscale restaurant in Nairobi and travel overland through plantations of coffee and tea to The Aberdare Country Club or the Outspan Hotel.
After high tea, set off for the Ark Tree Lodge or the Treetops Hotel, located in the forest on mountain slopes of the Aberdare Mountains at 7,000 feet. Watch the animals that frequently visit the lively waterhole beside these lodges, from a series of viewing decks and areas at different levels.
Spotting animals at the floodlit salt lick and watering hole into the night, with common visitors including Elephants, buffalo, rhinos, and even Leopards.
Wind down with dinner and drinks in the bar, overlooking the active waterhole. You can put in a request to be awakened during the night if your favorite animals show up. A herd of Elephants might be just feet away, and if you are lucky, a Leopard or large male Lion might put in an appearance.
Overnight Accommodation: The Ark Tree Lodge, The Treetops Hotel or Mountain Lodge
Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}
Day 4: Aberdare – Drive to Samburu Game Reserve
Depart Aberdare or Mt. Kenya National Park in the Morning by road to Samburu Game Reserve, located in the rugged northern semi-desert region. We arrive at our next full-board accommodation in time for lunch, with some free time to settle in and unwind by the pool.
Then we embark on our first 4×4 game drive in Samburu National Reserve, situated along the Ewaso Ng’iro River. Samburu Game Reserve is a wild and little-visited region, well known for spectacular scenery and wildlife not found in the south.
These include the Reticulated Giraffe, the rare Grevy’s Zebra with its large furry ears, the Gerenuk Antelope standing on its hind legs to feed, and Somali Ostriches with their distinctive blue legs.
Overnight Accommodation: Samburu Sopa Lodge, Samburu Lodge or Sarova Shaba Lodge
Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}
Day 5: Explore Samburu Game Reserve
Full day in Samburu with morning and afternoon game drives. You may see Elephants, Cheetahs, leopards, Eland, Oryx, Impala, Dikdik, Waterbuck, and a variety of birds.
This lava plain includes a varied landscape of red dirt, thorn scrub, broken volcanic rock, dried riverbeds, steep hills, and rocky outcroppings.
Following the river’s curves, a forest of Doum Palms, Acacia, and tamarind is a magical contrast of cool green. Other areas of the Reserve include the Uaso Nyiro River, where Crocodiles sunbathe on the banks.
It also provides an oasis for a variety of game. Birds are abundant, with 365 species recorded, one for every day of the year. Between game drives, there is an opportunity to visit a Samburu village at an additional cost.
Overnight Accommodation: Samburu Sopa Lodge, Samburu Lodge or Sarova Shaba Lodge
Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}
Day 6: Samburu – Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park
Depart in the morning and drive to the floor of the Rift Valley – to Lake Nakuru National Park, making a brief stop at Nyahururu Thomson Falls. Arrive at the lodge/ camp in time for lunch.
In the afternoon, conduct a game drive. The Lake is famous for flamingos as well as over 400 other bird species.
Highlights on our 4×4 game drive may include sightings of tree-climbing Lions and both Black & White Rhinos, for which the reserve is better known today. Commonly sighted animals include Giraffes, Baboons, Zebras, Buffalos, antelopes, and Hippos, with rare finds including Leopards.
Overnight Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Lodge, Lake Nakuru Sopa, or Lake Nakuru Lion Hill Lodge
Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}
Day 7: Lake Nakuru – Drive to Masai Mara National Reserve
Then the time has come to explore Masai Mara – one of the most famous game parks on the planet, considered by many to be the finest wildlife safari destination in all of Africa. Enjoy an early breakfast, check out of the hotel, and proceed on a game drive en route to Masai Mara.
A pleasant drive across the dramatic Great Rift Valley brings you to Narok Township a Masai business centre. After a short stopover, continue to Masai Mara Game Reserve.
This enormous reserve, part of the vast Serengeti plains, is famous for its spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration and is home to the Big Five — Lion, Elephant, Rhino, Cape Buffalo, and Leopard.
After lunch, a game drive will be conducted, then proceed to the camp or lodge for an enjoyable dinner.
Overnight Accommodation: Muthu Keekorok Lodge, Fairmont Mara Safari Club or Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}
Day 8: Explore Masai Mara Game Reserve
We spend a full day in the Masai Mara – one of the greatest wildernesses of the world, with morning and afternoon ‘Spice’ game drives.
Large mammals are varied, abundant, and easy to see. Residents among the Park’s Mammals are: the Masai Giraffe, Eland, Topi, and thousands of plains game, including Impala, Zebra, and both Thomson’s and Grant’s Gazelles.
The Mara is also home to the great wildebeest migration – an annual movement by millions of wildebeest, accompanied by large numbers of Zebra, Grant’s Gazelle, Thomson’s gazelle, elands, and Impalas across the greater Masai Mara-Serengeti ecosystem.
From July to September, the Mara welcomes the Great Migration of thousands of Wildebeest and Zebra from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Masai Mara in Kenya.
Optional Hot Air Balloon rides and a trip to Lake Victoria for fishing are available at an additional cost while in the Mara.
Overnight Accommodation: Muthu Keekorok Lodge, Fairmont Mara Safari Club or Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}
Day 9: Masai Mara – Drive to Nairobi
Today you have an early-morning game drive, followed by a sumptuous breakfast, then depart by road to Nairobi, arriving in the early afternoon.
Meal Plan {Breakfast}
9 Day Kenya Safari Amboseli Aberdare Samburu Nakuru & Masai Mara Prices
9 Day Kenya Safari Amboseli Aberdare Samburu Nakuru & Masai Mara Prices Include
✓ 11 Extensive Game drives
✓ All meals included while on safari
✓ All applicable Game Park entrance fees
✓ Multi-lingual professional safari driver-guide
✓ Guaranteed window seating with an open-top
✓ Safari vehicles carry cold drinks and mineral water
✓ Guaranteed departures for two or more passengers booking this safari
✓ Finest accommodations in Amboseli, Aberdare, Samburu, Nakuru & Masai Mara
✓ Round-trip transport from Nairobi to Amboseli, Aberdare, Samburu, Nakuru & Masai Mara
| Dates From | Dates To | Price Per Person | Children Aged 2 to 12 Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st January 2026 | 31st December 2026 | Request for rates | Request for rates |
9 Day Kenya Safari Amboseli Aberdare Samburu Nakuru & Masai Mara Prices Exclude
* International Airfare
* Accommodation 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
* Membership in Flying Doctors Society – Emergency air rescue
* Personal expenses such as travel insurance, excess baggage fees, communication charges that include, including 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 9 Day Kenya Safari Amboseli Aberdare Samburu Nakuru & Masai Mara Contact
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Website: https://africanspicesafaris.com