Kenya Big Five Safari - 5 Days
5 Days / 4 Nights
Kenya
Private Groups
$2,400per person
Overview
Experience Kenya's most iconic safari destinations on this Big Five adventure combining Amboseli National Park and the Maasai Mara. Marvel at massive elephant herds against the stunning backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli, then journey to the legendary Maasai Mara for exceptional predator sightings. This perfectly balanced itinerary offers diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and some of Africa's most iconic safari imagery. Ideal for first-time safari-goers seeking the quintessential Kenya wildlife experience.
This carefully crafted safari offers the perfect balance of game drives, authentic bush experiences, and luxurious comfort. Stay in exclusive tented camps positioned in prime wildlife areas, ensuring you're always at the center of the action.
Destinations on this Safari
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Day by Day
Depart Nairobi early morning and drive south through the Athi Plains, passing Maasai pastoralists with their cattle herds. Enter Amboseli National Park, one of Africas premier elephant destinations, by midday. Amboseli is renowned for its large elephant herds - some of the biggest tuskers in Africa roam here - all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africas highest peak. After check-in and lunch, embark on your first game drive through the parks diverse habitats: open plains, acacia woodland, and the life-giving swamps fed by Kilimanjaros melting snows. Watch elephants wade through marshes and photograph them with the snow-capped mountain behind.
Experience a full day in Amboseli with morning and afternoon game drives. Early morning offers the best chances for clear Kilimanjaro views before clouds build - perfect for iconic African photographs. Amboseli elephants are remarkably relaxed around vehicles, allowing extraordinary close encounters with these gentle giants. Visit Observation Hill for panoramic views across the entire park and its vast swamps. The marshes attract hippos, buffalos, and countless waterbirds. Afternoon drive focuses on predators - Amboseli lions and cheetahs hunt the plains while hyenas patrol their territories. Watch the sunset paint Kilimanjaro in shades of pink and gold.
After an early breakfast with final Kilimanjaro views, drive north through the heart of Kenya towards the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve. This scenic journey traverses diverse landscapes from the dry Amboseli plains to the lush Mara highlands. Stop in Narok, the gateway to the Mara, for refreshments. Arrive at your luxury camp perched on the edge of the Mara, with sweeping views across the savannah. Settle in before your first evening game drive in this world-famous reserve known for exceptional predator sightings. The Maras open grasslands provide unparalleled visibility for tracking lions, cheetahs, and leopards.
Dedicate a full day to exploring the Maasai Maras 1,510 square kilometers of pristine wilderness. Morning game drive begins at dawn when predators are most active - the Mara has the highest density of lions in Africa. Your expert guide will track prides, search for elusive leopards in riverine forests, and locate cheetahs scanning for prey from termite mounds. Enjoy a bush breakfast surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African savannah. Afternoon drive continues the Big Five quest - elephants, buffalos, and if fortunate, the rare black rhino. The Mara River teems with hippos and crocodiles. End the day with sundowner drinks overlooking the plains.
Rise early for one last magical game drive in the Maasai Mara. The golden morning light creates perfect photography conditions as you search for any remaining Big Five species or capture final images of the Maras incredible wildlife. Return to camp for a leisurely breakfast, then begin your journey back to Nairobi. Stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint for photographs of this dramatic geological feature stretching from Mozambique to Syria. Continue to Nairobi, arriving mid-afternoon. Optional visits to the Giraffe Centre or David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage can be arranged (additional cost). Transfer to the airport or your city hotel.
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