Ultimate 9-Day Kenya Safari Itinerary Featuring Masai Mara National Reserve
Kenya Safari Circuit - 9 Days Itinerary Overview
Ol Pejeta → Lake Nakuru → Masai Mara → Naivasha → Amboseli
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights | Circuit Route Optimized for Logistics
Circuit Overview & Travel Summary
Route Breakdown
Destination1: Ol Pejeta Conservancy
1 Night - Big 5 & Rhino Sanctuary
Destination 2: Lake Nakuru National Park
1 Night - Flamingos & Rhinos
Destination 3: Masai Mara National Reserve
3 Nights - Great Migration & Big 5
Destination 4: Lake Naivasha
1 Night - Boat Safari & Hell's Gate
Destination 5: Amboseli National Park
2 Nights - Elephants & Mt. Kilimanjaro
Transport Summary
Road Transfers
- Nairobi → Ol Pejeta: 200km (3.5-4 hrs)
- Ol Pejeta → Nakuru: 160km (3-3.5 hrs)
- Nakuru → Masai Mara: 240km (4-5 hrs)
- Masai Mara → Naivasha: 170km (4-5 hrs)
- Naivasha → Wilson Airport: 90km (1.5 hrs)
Flight Transfers
- Wilson → Amboseli: 40-minute flight
- Amboseli → Wilson: 40-minute flight
- Multiple daily flight options
Day 1: Nairobi → Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Travel Details
Elevation: 1,700m above sea level
Best Time: Year-round
Distance: 200-220km
Driving Time: 3.5-4 hours
Route: Via A2 Highway
Theme: Big 5, Rhino Sanctuary, Chimpanzees
Accommodation: Sweetwaters Serena Camp
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner (L, D)
Transport: Private safari vehicle
Transport: Private safari vehicle
Day's Highlights
07:30 hrs: Departure from Nairobi
Pick up from the hotel/airport by an experienced driver/guide
12:00 hrs: Arrival at Ol Pejeta
Check-in and lunch at Sweetwaters Serena Camp
15:00 hrs: Afternoon Game Drive
Explore the conservancy, visit the rhino sanctuary, and spot the Big 5
18:30 hrs: Return to camp
Dinner and overnight at Sweetwaters Serena Camp
Wildlife Highlights
- Northern & Southern White Rhinos
- Big Five (Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo)
- Chimpanzee Sanctuary
- Grevy's Zebra
- Reticulated Giraffe
- Wild Dogs
Your Kenyan safari kicks off with an early departure from Nairobi, traveling north through the central highlands towards Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a haven for endangered wildlife and one of East Africa’s most important private reserves. Nestled on the equator at the foothills of Mount Kenya, Ol Pejeta offers the rare opportunity to spot both Northern and Southern White Rhinos, chimpanzees, and the Big Five in a single game drive.
Upon arrival around noon, you’ll check in and enjoy a hearty lunch with views overlooking the Laikipia plains. In the afternoon, your first guided game drive begins. Expect to witness black rhinos, lions, elephants, leopards, and even wild dogs. Don’t miss a visit to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the only place in Kenya where you can observe rescued chimps in a protected environment.
Return to your camp in the evening for dinner, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African wilderness under a star-studded sky.
2 Day 2: Ol Pejeta → Lake Nakuru National Park
Travel Details
Lake Elevation: 1,754m
Best Viewing: Morning & Evening
Distance: 160km
Driving Time: 3-3.5 hours
Route: Via Nyahururu-Nakuru Road
Day 2 – Lake Nakuru National Park (July 6th)
Accommodation: Elemeiteita Serena Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B, L, D)
Transport: Private vehicle
Day's Highlights
06:30 hrs: Early Morning Game Drive
Final wildlife viewing at Ol Pejeta, breakfast at camp
08:00 hrs: Departure to Lake Nakuru
Check out and drive through the scenic Rift Valley
12:00 hrs: Arrival at Lake Nakuru
Check-in and lunch at Elemeiteita Serena Lodge
15:00 hrs: Afternoon Game Drive
Explore the park, flamingo viewing, and rhino spotting
Wildlife Highlights
- Thousands of Flamingos
- Black & White Rhinos
- Leopards
- Rothschild's Giraffe
- Over 400 Bird Species
- Waterbucks & Gazelles
Key Information
After an early morning game drive in Ol Pejeta and breakfast at the lodge, you’ll depart for Lake Nakuru National Park, driving through the breathtaking escarpments and farmlands of the Great Rift Valley. This 3.5-hour scenic journey leads you to one of Kenya’s most unique parks—famous for its alkaline lake and millions of flamingos that turn the water pink.
Check-in and lunch take place at your lodge overlooking the lake, followed by an afternoon game drive through acacia woodlands, grass plains, and the lakeshore. Lake Nakuru is a stronghold for black and white rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, leopards, and over 400 species of birds. The park is also home to tree-climbing lions and massive troops of baboons.
After the drive, enjoy sunset views over the lake before settling in for a relaxing dinner.
Day 3: Lake Nakuru → Masai Mara National Reserve
Travel Details
Distance: 240km
Driving Time: 4-5 hours
Route: Via Narok Town
Migration Season: July-October
Best Game Viewing: Early morning & evening.
Accommodation: Naserian Mara Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B, L, D)
Transport: Private vehicle (USD 250)
06:30 hrs: Early Morning Game Drive
Final lake viewing, breakfast, and check-out
08:00 hrs: Departure to Masai Mara
Drive through the Great Rift Valley escarpment
13:00 hrs: Arrival at Masai Mara
Check-in and lunch at Naserian Mara Camp
15:30 hrs: First Mara Game Drive
Explore the world's greatest wildlife sanctuary
Wildlife Highlights
- Big Five (Complete)
- Great Migration Herds
- River Crossings
- Large Prides of Lions
- Cheetahs & Leopards
- 450+ Bird Species
Key Information
The Wild Heart of Kenya
The journey from Lake Nakuru to the Masai Mara National Reserve takes you deep into the southern Rift Valley and through small towns, escarpments, and savanna plains. By early afternoon, you’ll arrive at one of the world’s most celebrated safari destinations: the Masai Mara.
After check-in and lunch at your selected camp or lodge, embark on your first game drive in this vast reserve—home to the Big Five, cheetahs, and the Great Wildebeest Migration (in full swing during July). The Masai Mara is famed for its expansive open plains, acacia-dotted landscapes, and high wildlife density.
Expect exhilarating wildlife encounters: large prides of lions, herds of elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and maybe even a leopard lounging in a tree. As the sun sets over the golden plains, return to your camp for dinner and a fireside briefing about the exciting days ahead.
4: Full-Day Game Drives in the Masai Mara – The Great Migration in Action
Accommodation: Naserian Mara Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B, L, D)
Transport: Safari vehicle within the park (included)
06:00 hrs: Early Morning Game Drive
Witness a spectacular sunrise, and active predators
09:00 hrs: Bush Breakfast (Optional)
Breakfast in the wilderness or return to camp
10:30 hrs: Visit to the Mara River
Witness dramatic river crossings (seasonal)
13:00 hrs: Lunch & Rest
Siesta at camp during midday heat
15:30 hrs: Afternoon Game Drive
Search for Big 5, dramatic wildlife encounters
Photo Opportunities
- Wildebeest River Crossings
- Lion Pride Interactions
- Cheetah Hunting Scenes
- Mara Landscape Panoramas
- Sunrise/Sunset Silhouettes
Rise early for a sunrise game drive as the Masai Mara awakens. This is the best time to witness predators on the move—lions on the hunt, hyenas scavenging, and leopards retreating to shaded spots. The golden light over the plains creates unforgettable photographic opportunities.
After an optional bush breakfast in the wild, you’ll journey deeper into the Mara ecosystem toward the Mara River, where the Great Migration reaches its peak from July to October. Watch as thousands of wildebeest and zebras brave crocodile-infested waters—one of nature’s most dramatic spectacles.
Return to camp for lunch and a brief rest, then head out again for an afternoon game drive, exploring new areas of the reserve. The open terrain of the Masai Mara allows for fantastic visibility and big game tracking. Sunset over the plains caps off an incredible day of pure wilderness immersion.
Day 5 – Deeper Into Masai Mara + Maasai Cultural Experience
Accommodation: Naserian Mara Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B, L, D)
Transport: Safari vehicle within the park (included)
06:00 hrs: Dawn Game Drive
Peak predator activity, cooler temperatures
09:30 hrs: Maasai Village Visit
Cultural experience, traditional lifestyle
12:30 hrs: Lunch at Camp
Rest and preparation for afternoon activities
15:00 hrs: Extended Game Drive
Explore different sections of the reserve
18:00 hrs: Sundowner Experience
Drinks with panoramic Mara views
Cultural Experience
- Traditional Maasai Dances
- Warrior Training Demo
- Beadwork & Handicrafts
- Traditional Houses Tour
- Cattle Herding Culture
Areas to Explore
Mara Triangle: Westside luxury area
Central Plains: High wildlife density
Mara River: Migration crossings.
Explore the Masai Mara + Authentic Maasai Village Visit
This day is all about immersing deeper into the Mara—both its stunning landscapes and vibrant local culture. Begin with a sunrise game drive, when the light is magical and big cats are often still active from the night hunt.
Later in the morning, enjoy an enriching visit to a traditional Maasai village. Here, you'll experience warrior dances, visit traditional homesteads (manyattas), and learn about the pastoral lifestyle of the Maasai people. This interaction adds powerful context to the ecosystem, showing how ancient traditions have coexisted with wildlife for centuries.
After lunch back at camp and a short siesta, head out for a long-range afternoon game drive, exploring the Mara Triangle, Mara River banks, or central plains. End the day with a sundowner—a drink served against the sweeping sunset of the savannah.
6 Day 6: Masai Mara → Lake Naivasha
July 10th
Meal Plan: B, L, D
Travel Details
Distance: 170km
Driving Time: 4-5 hours
Route: Via Narok-Mai Mahiu
Departure: 08:00 hrs
Accommodation: Naserian Mara Camp
Supporting Focus: Lake Naivasha, Boat Safari, Hell’s Gate
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B, L, D)
Transport: Private road transfer
06:30 hrs: Final Mara Game Drive
Last wildlife viewing, breakfast, and check-out
08:00 hrs: Departure to Naivasha
Scenic drive through the Rift Valley
13:00 hrs: Arrival at Lake Naivasha
Check-in and lunch at Naivasha Simba Lodge
15:00 hrs: Boat Safari on Lake Naivasha
Hippo viewing, bird watching, Crescent Island
17:00 hrs: Hell's Gate National Park
Walking/cycling safari, dramatic landscapes
Lake Activities
- Boat Safari (1 hour)
- Hippo Viewing
- Crescent Island Walk
- 400+ Bird Species
- Fishing (Optional)
Hell's Gate Features
Walking Safari: Only in Kenya
Cycling: Bike rentals available
Landscapes: Gorges, cliffs, geysers.
From Masai Mara to Lake Naivasha – Boat Safari & Hell’s Gate Walk
After a final sunrise game drive in the Masai Mara, you'll bid farewell to the wildlife-rich plains and begin a scenic 4.5-hour drive across the Great Rift Valley to reach Lake Naivasha—a freshwater lake teeming with birdlife and hippos.
Upon arrival and check-in, enjoy lunch followed by a guided boat safari on the lake. Glide past pods of hippos and spot African fish eagles, kingfishers, and herons. After the boat ride, explore the dramatic cliffs and geothermal activity of Hell’s Gate National Park, known for its cycling and walking safaris, a rare and thrilling opportunity in big game country.
Return to your lodge for a peaceful dinner with lakeside views, reflecting on the shift from savanna adventure to serene water-based exploration.
7 Day 7: Naivasha → Wilson Airport → Amboseli
July 11th
Meal Plan: B, L, D
Travel Details - Road + Flight
Naivasha to Wilson: 90km (1.5 hours)
Flight Duration: 40 minutes
Total Journey: ~3 hours
Road Departure: 06:00 hrs
Flight Options - Safarilink
Flight 011 (High Season):
Wilson → Amboseli
Departs: 08:15 | Arrives: 08:55
Wilson → Amboseli
Departs: 08:15 | Arrives: 08:55
Flight 015 (High Season):
Wilson → Amboseli
Departs: 14:00 | Arrives: 15:20
Wilson → Amboseli
Departs: 14:00 | Arrives: 15:20
1
06:00 hrs: Departure from Naivasha
Early breakfast, check-out, drive to Wilson Airport
2
08:15 hrs: Flight to Amboseli
Safarilink Flight 011, airstrip: Amboseli (ASV)
3
08:55 hrs: Arrival at Amboseli
Meet guide, transfer to Amboseli Serena Lodge
4
10:00 hrs: First Amboseli Game Drive
Introduction to park, elephant herds, Mt. Kilimanjaro views
5
15:30 hrs: Afternoon Game Drive
Visit Observation Hill, swamp areas, sunset photography
Amboseli Highlights
- • Mt. Kilimanjaro Views
- • Large Elephant Herds
- • Observation Hill Panorama
- • Swamp Ecosystems
- • 600+ Bird Species
- • Maasai Culture
Flight Information
Aircraft: Cessna Caravan
Baggage: 15kg per person
Airstrip: Amboseli (ASV)
8 Day 8: Full Day in Amboseli
July 12th
Meal Plan: B, L, D
1
06:00 hrs: Sunrise Game Drive
Mt. Kilimanjaro sunrise, active wildlife period
2
08:30 hrs: Visit Observation Hill
Panoramic park views, swamp overlook
3
10:00 hrs: Elephant Research Center
Learn about Cynthia Moss research project
4
12:30 hrs: Lunch & Rest
Midday break at lodge, Mt. Kilimanjaro views
5
15:00 hrs: Swamp Areas Exploration
Hippos, water birds, lush vegetation
6
17:30 hrs: Maasai Village Visit
Cultural interaction, traditional lifestyle
Elephant Facts
- • 1,400+ elephants studied
- • 45+ years of research
- • Named elephant families
- • Multi-generational tracking
- • Conservation success story
Photography Tips
Best Times: 06:00-09:00, 16:00-18:00
Clear Mountain Views: Early morning
Elephant Portraits: Use swamp backdrop
9 Day 9: Amboseli → Wilson Airport → Departure
July 13th
Meal Plan: B
Critical Timing Information
International Departure: 10:55 hrs from JKIA
Recommended: Overnight in Nairobi (Day 8) for safer connections
Tight Schedule: Current timing allows minimal buffer
Flight Options - Safarilink Return
Flight 012:
Amboseli → Wilson
Departs: 09:05 | Arrives: 09:50
Amboseli → Wilson
Departs: 09:05 | Arrives: 09:50
Flight 016 (High Season):
Amboseli → Wilson
Departs: 15:30 | Arrives: 16:15
Amboseli → Wilson
Departs: 15:30 | Arrives: 16:15
1
06:00 hrs: Final Game Drive
Last wildlife viewing, farewell to Mt. Kilimanjaro
2
08:00 hrs: Check-out & Breakfast
Final breakfast, transfer to airstrip
3
09:05 hrs: Flight to Wilson
Safarilink Flight 012, 40-minute flight
4
09:50 hrs: Arrival at Wilson
Transfer to JKIA (45 minutes)
5
10:55 hrs: International Departure
End of safari, onward journey
Recommended Modification
Option 1: Depart Amboseli on Day 8 evening, overnight near JKIA
Option 2: Take afternoon flight (15:30), evening departure
Option 3: Extend stay by one day
Transfer Times
Wilson to JKIA: 45-60 minutes
Check-in Time: 3 hours for international
Buffer Required: 1+ hour safety margin
Flight Schedules & Airstrip Information
Safarilink - Wilson ↔ Amboseli
| Flight | Route | Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|
| 011 (High) | Wilson → Amboseli | 08:15 | 08:55 |
| 012 | Amboseli → Wilson | 09:05 | 09:50 |
| 013 (Low) | Wilson → Amboseli | 07:30 | 09:00 |
| 015 (High) | Wilson → Amboseli | 14:00 | 15:20 |
| 016 (High) | Amboseli → Wilson | 15:30 | 16:15 |
Masai Mara Airstrips
Keekorok Airstrip (KEU)
Southeast Mara, serves Keekorok Lodge area
Mara Serena Airstrip (MRE)
Central Mara, serves Serena Lodge area
Ol Kiombo Airstrip
North of Talek River, serves multiple camps
Kichwa Tembo Airstrip (KTJ)
Western Mara, Oloololo Escarpment area
Musiara Airstrip
Northern Mara, conservancy access
Important Flight Information
- • High Season: 16 December - 31 March & 1 July - 31 October
- • Low Season: 1 April - 30 June & 1 November - 15 December
- • Baggage Allowance: 15kg per person in soft bags
- • Aircraft Type: Cessna Caravan (12-14 passengers)
- • Flight Time: 40 minutes Wilson to Amboseli
- • Weather Dependent: All flights subject to weather conditions
Circuit Summary & Recommendations
Circuit Advantages
- Logical Flow: Minimizes backtracking and travel fatigue
- Diverse Ecosystems: From highlands to lakes to savanna
- Strategic Flight Use: Saves time to maximize Amboseli experience
- Extended Mara Stay: 3 nights for Great Migration peak season
- Balanced Pacing: Mix of driving and flying segments
Recommended Adjustments
⚠️ Critical: Final Day Timing
Consider departing Amboseli on Day 8 evening to ensure safe international connections
? Enhancement: Additional Night
Add one more night at Ol Pejeta or extend Amboseli to 3 nights for deeper experience
✅ Optimal: July Timing
Perfect timing for Great Migration river crossings and dry season wildlife viewing
Total Safari Statistics
9
Days Total
5
Destinations
870km
Road Distance
80min
Flight Time
Ultimate 9-Day Kenya Safari Itinerary Featuring Masai Mara National Reserve
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Ultimate 9-Day Kenya Safari Itinerary Featuring Masai Mara National Reserve
