5 Days of Kenya’s Most Iconic Wildlife Parks
Kenya’s most celebrated wildlife encounters unfold in two legendary parks—places where Africa’s most famous animals naturally gather. Lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle roam freely across these protected landscapes, creating the classic safari scenes travelers dream of.
Often called the crown jewel of Kenya’s wildlife areas, the Masai Mara National Reserve reigns supreme. Home to numerous lion prides and all members of the famed Big Five, the Mara is impossible to exclude from a true African safari. Its endless savannahs, dotted with acacia trees, form one of the richest ecosystems on the continent.
In contrast, Amboseli National Park offers a more intimate but equally breathtaking experience. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, Amboseli is famous for its large-tusked elephant herds and open plains framed by wetlands and distant mountains.
Join Collective African Tours & Safaris (CATS) for five unforgettable days exploring these two remarkable destinations, guided by professionals who know the land and wildlife intimately.
Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi – Masai Mara National Reserve
Distance: 250–300 km (depending on lodge location)
Driving Time: Approx. 5–6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Your safari begins early at 5:00 am, when your CATS driver-guide collects you in a private 4×4 Land Cruiser Jeep. As the sun rises, watch the African landscape come alive on your journey toward the Masai Mara.
After a breakfast stop in Narok, continue into the reserve, arriving by mid-morning. Rolling hills, golden grasslands, and signature acacia trees stretch out before you—an open invitation to explore one of Africa’s richest wildlife habitats.
Your guide will lead you to prime areas for spotting lions, cheetahs, leopards, and other big game. Enjoy a picnic lunch beneath the wide Mara sky, followed by further game viewing throughout the afternoon.
As the day draws to a close, admire the vibrant colors of a Mara sunset before heading to your safari lodge or tented camp for dinner and rest.
Day 2: Full Day in Masai Mara National Reserve
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Rise early for a morning game drive, when the soft light of dawn reveals wildlife emerging from the night. Today is yours to explore the reserve at your own pace, with plenty of flexibility to balance game drives and relaxation at your lodge.
If visiting between July and October, you may witness the Great Migration, when vast herds of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle enter the Mara from the Serengeti in search of water and fresh grazing.
A visit to the Mara River offers views of hippos and crocodiles, while predators often wait nearby for the opportunity to hunt. Nature’s raw drama sometimes unfolds just meters away.
Optional experiences include:
- A sunrise hot air balloon safari, floating silently above the plains as the landscape awakens
- A Maasai village visit, offering insight into the culture, traditions, and daily life of the region’s indigenous people
Return to your accommodation for dinner and a relaxing evening.
Day 3: Masai Mara – Amboseli National Park
Distance: Approx. 500 km (via Nairobi)
Driving Time: 9–10 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
An early start marks a full travel day as you depart the Masai Mara for Amboseli National Park. The journey is broken by scenic stops through farmlands and open countryside, along with a lunch break to rest and refresh.
As you approach Amboseli, the unmistakable silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro rises on the horizon—a clear sign you’re nearing this iconic park.
Arrive in the afternoon and enjoy your first game drive, where you’re likely to encounter Amboseli’s famous free-roaming elephant herds. In clear conditions, Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped summit may reveal itself as evening approaches.
Dinner and overnight at your Amboseli lodge or tented camp.
Day 4: Full Day in Amboseli National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Spend the day exploring Amboseli at your own pace, starting with an early morning game drive. Track elephants, lions, cheetahs, buffalo, and other wildlife against the dramatic mountain backdrop.
After breakfast, continue exploring highlights such as Observation Hill, which offers panoramic views of the park’s marshes, plains, and birdlife.
Lunch follows, with time afterward to relax or venture out again to discover the park’s lakes, wetlands, and woodlands. As the day winds down, keep your eyes on Kilimanjaro—its peak often emerges from the clouds just before sunset.
Your fourth safari night is spent at your Amboseli accommodation.
Day 5: Amboseli – Nairobi
Distance: Approx. 265 km
Driving Time: About 4 hours
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Begin your final day with a gentle pre-breakfast game drive, offering one last chance to enjoy Amboseli’s wildlife. After breakfast at your lodge, set out on a final exploration before departing for Nairobi.
Enjoy lunch en route, arriving in Nairobi around 4:30 pm, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel, residence, or preferred location.
Five incredible days, two of Kenya’s most famous parks, and countless wildlife encounters. On behalf of everyone at Collective African Tours & Safaris (CATS), thank you for sharing this unforgettable journey with us. Asante sana!
Your Safari Package Includes
- Transportation in a private 4×4 Land Cruiser Safari Jeep
- Airport and hotel pick-up and drop-off in Nairobi
- Accommodation in economy, comfort, or luxury lodges/tented camps (your choice)
- Services of an experienced, friendly English-speaking (or other language) driver-guide
- Bottled drinking water throughout the safari
- All park entrance fees
- Guided game drives
- All meals as specified
- Government taxes and local levies
- Flying Doctors emergency medical evacuation and rescue insurance
