8 Days Big Five-Kenya Safari

This 8 Days Big Five Kenya Safari is designed for travellers seeking the ultimate wildlife experience across Kenya’s most famous national parks. Explore Amboseli National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, and the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve while searching for Africa’s legendary Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino.

From the snow-capped backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli to the rhino sanctuary of Lake Nakuru and the predator-rich plains of the Masai Mara, this safari offers exceptional wildlife encounters, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable memories.

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be welcomed by your safari representative and transferred to your hotel.

Depending on your arrival time, relax at the hotel or enjoy an optional excursion around Nairobi.

Accommodation Options

Budget: Ibis Styles Nairobi

Mid-range: Tamarind Tree Hotel

Luxury: Eka Hotel Nairobi

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Nairobi to Amboseli National Park

After breakfast, depart Nairobi and drive south to Amboseli National Park.

Arrive in time for lunch before embarking on an afternoon game drive. Amboseli is famous for its large elephant populations and spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Look out for lions, cheetahs, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and numerous bird species.

Accommodation Options

Budget: Kimana Camp

Mid-range: Amboseli Sopa Lodge

Luxury: Ol Tukai Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Full Day Safari in Amboseli National Park

Spend the day exploring the diverse habitats of Amboseli.

Visit Observation Hill and enjoy panoramic views of the swamps, open plains, and wildlife. Continue searching for predators and large elephant herds while enjoying excellent photography opportunities.

Return to the lodge in the evening.

Accommodation

As Above

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Amboseli to Lake Nakuru National Park

After breakfast, depart for Lake Nakuru National Park via Nairobi and the Great Rift Valley.

Arrive in time for lunch and enjoy an afternoon game drive in one of Kenya’s best wildlife parks.

Search for white rhinos, black rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, lions, leopards, buffaloes, zebras, and numerous bird species.

Accommodation Options

Budget: Citymax Hotel Nakuru

Mid-range: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge

Luxury: Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara National Reserve

After breakfast and a short game drive, depart for the Masai Mara National Reserve.

Arrive in time for lunch and relax before heading out for an afternoon game drive across the vast Mara plains.

Search for elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and other wildlife species.

Accommodation Options

Budget: Enchoro Wildlife Camp

Mid-range: Zebra Plains Mara Camp

Luxury: Mara Serena Safari Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Full Day Big Five Safari in Masai Mara

After an early breakfast, depart with packed lunch for a full day of wildlife viewing.

Explore the reserve’s diverse habitats while searching for the Big Five. Visit the Mara River where hippos and crocodiles are commonly seen.

The Masai Mara is home to one of Africa’s highest concentrations of predators, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs.

Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation

As Above

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7: Full Day Masai Mara Exploration

Enjoy another full day in the Masai Mara, allowing you to explore deeper sections of the reserve and increase your chances of spotting elusive wildlife.

Track predators, observe large herbivore herds, and enjoy the incredible scenery that has made the Mara one of the world’s premier safari destinations.

An optional visit to a traditional Maasai village can be arranged during the day.

Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation

As Above

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8: Morning Game Drive and Return to Nairobi

Wake up early for a final game drive and enjoy your last wildlife sightings in the Masai Mara.

Return to the lodge for breakfast before checking out.

Depart for Nairobi and arrive in the afternoon. You will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight or to your hotel for additional accommodation.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Optional Activities

• Hot air balloon safari over the Masai Mara
• Champagne bush breakfast
• Maasai village cultural experience
• Guided nature walks
• Bird watching excursions
• Bush dinner under the stars
• Sundowner experience
• Professional wildlife photography safari
• Night game drive in a private conservancy
• Giraffe Centre visit in Nairobi
• David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage visit
• Karen Blixen Museum tour
• Nairobi National Park excursion

Best Time to Visit

The best time for this safari is during the dry seasons from June to October and January to March when wildlife viewing is at its peak. The Great Migration is typically experienced between July and October in the Masai Mara, while Amboseli offers excellent elephant viewing throughout the year. Lake Nakuru remains one of Kenya’s best destinations for rhino sightings and bird watching regardless of season.