Mara and Amboseli Signature Safari
Combine the Great Migration in the Mara with Amboseli's iconic elephant herds and Kilimanjaro views.
Combine the Great Migration in the Mara with Amboseli's iconic elephant herds and Kilimanjaro views.
This 5-day safari pairs two of Kenya's most celebrated ecosystems. You will spend time in the Maasai Mara tracking predators and grazers across rolling grasslands, then fly south to Amboseli National Park where massive elephant herds roam beneath the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. The contrast between the Mara's open plains and Amboseli's dusty alkaline flats makes for an unforgettable wildlife experience.
This safari is led by experienced local guides who have spent their lives in the bush. They know where the herds are moving, which waterholes are active, and where to find the big cats at first light. Every drive is timed to the rhythm of the land, not a fixed schedule.
Accommodations are handpicked for their location, comfort, and connection to the surrounding landscape. You will stay in lodges and camps that sit within or on the edge of the reserves, putting you close to the action from morning to night.
Tour Highlights
Best Time to Visit
Physical Rating
Nairobi to Maasai Mara
Stay: Mara Sopa LodgeDepart Nairobi on a morning flight to the Maasai Mara, landing at a bush airstrip surrounded by acacia woodland. Your guide meets you and drives to Mara Sopa Lodge, perched on the slopes of the Oloolaimutia Hills with panoramic views of the reserve. After lunch and a rest, you set out on your first game drive across the Mara Triangle. The afternoon light is perfect for photography as you encounter giraffes, zebras, and perhaps the first lions of your trip.
Full Day in the Mara
Stay: Mara Sopa LodgeA full day dedicated to exploring the Maasai Mara ecosystem. Your guide knows every river crossing point and predator territory. You may spend the morning watching a coalition of cheetahs scan the plains from a termite mound, then drive to the Mara River where hippos lounge in pools and crocodiles bask on sandy banks. A bush lunch is served in a scenic spot, and the afternoon brings further exploration of different sectors of the reserve. Keep your binoculars ready for the Mara's prolific birdlife, including Secretary Birds, Martial Eagles, and hundreds of vulture species.
Morning Mara, Fly to Amboseli
Stay: Amboseli Serena LodgeBegin with a final morning game drive in the Mara, focusing on any species you have not yet seen. Return to the lodge for breakfast, then transfer to the airstrip for a scenic flight south across the Rift Valley to Amboseli. The landscape shifts dramatically from green grasslands to dusty alkaline plains. Arrive at Amboseli Serena Lodge in time for lunch, with Kilimanjaro's massive cone dominating the horizon. An afternoon game drive introduces you to Amboseli's famous elephant herds and the park's unique wetland ecosystems.
Amboseli Full Day
Stay: Amboseli Serena LodgeTwo game drives in Amboseli, with the morning session starting at dawn when Kilimanjaro is most clearly visible. Amboseli's elephants are among the most studied in Africa, and you may recognize individuals from their ear patterns and tusks. Visit Observation Hill for a panoramic view of the entire park, including the dried-up Lake Amboseli. The afternoon drive explores the Sinet Delta, where swamps provide year-round water and attract large concentrations of wildlife. Buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, and lion are commonly spotted here.
Departure
Rise early for one last game drive in Amboseli, watching the sun rise behind Kilimanjaro in a blaze of color. Return to the lodge for a leisurely breakfast and time to pack. Transfer to the airstrip for your flight back to Nairobi, where your safari concludes.
Tour Highlights
- 5 days / 4 nights full-board safari
- 5 guided game drives included
- Expert English-speaking safari guide
- Private 4x4 transport with pop-up roof
- All park fees and conservation levies
What's Included
- All park entrance fees and conservation levies
- Professional English-speaking tour guide
- Accommodation as listed in the itinerary
- Meals and daily game drives as per the program
- Private 4x4 safari transport with pop-up roof
- Unlimited bottled drinking water in the vehicle
Not Included
- International and domestic flights
- Travel insurance
- Visas and vaccinations
- Tips, drinks and personal expenses
Tailor this safari to you
Adjust dates, accommodation level, group type (private or join-in), or combine this tour with other destinations. Our team will shape a program around exactly how you want to travel.
Every safari we offer can be tailored to match your preferences. Whether you want to travel on specific dates, upgrade your lodge, change the pace of the itinerary, or add a beach extension after the game drives - we will make it happen. There is no extra charge for customization on any of our tours.
You can travel privately with just your group and a dedicated guide, or join a shared departure to meet fellow travelers and keep costs down. If you have special interests - photography, birdwatching, honeymoon celebrations, or a family trip with children - let us know and we will build those into the plan.
Want to see more of East Africa? We can extend this safari with extra days on the Kenyan coast, a climb up Mount Kilimanjaro, a gorilla trek in Uganda, or a island stay in Zanzibar. Just tell us what you have in mind and we will put together a proposal within 24 hours.
Need Help Planning?
Our safari specialists can tailor any itinerary to your budget, dates, and interests - at no extra cost.
- Free customization on all tours
- Response within 24 hours
- Flexible payment plans available
- Cancel up to 30 days before departure
The Unmissable Places of Your Trip
Nairobi to Maasai Mara
Depart Nairobi on a morning flight to the Maasai Mara, landing at a bush airstrip surrounded by acacia woodland. Your guide meets you and drives to Mara Sopa Lodge, perched on the slopes of the Oloolaimutia Hills with panoramic views of the reserve. After lunch and a rest, you set out on your first game drive across the Mara Triangle. The afternoon light is perfect for photography as you encounter giraffes, zebras, and perhaps the first lions of your trip.
Full Day in the Mara
A full day dedicated to exploring the Maasai Mara ecosystem. Your guide knows every river crossing point and predator territory. You may spend the morning watching a coalition of cheetahs scan the plains from a termite mound, then drive to the Mara River where hippos lounge in pools and crocodiles bask on sandy banks. A bush lunch is served in a scenic spot, and the afternoon brings further exploration of different sectors of the reserve. Keep your binoculars ready for the Mara's prolific birdlife, including Secretary Birds, Martial Eagles, and hundreds of vulture species.
Morning Mara, Fly to Amboseli
Begin with a final morning game drive in the Mara, focusing on any species you have not yet seen. Return to the lodge for breakfast, then transfer to the airstrip for a scenic flight south across the Rift Valley to Amboseli. The landscape shifts dramatically from green grasslands to dusty alkaline plains. Arrive at Amboseli Serena Lodge in time for lunch, with Kilimanjaro's massive cone dominating the horizon. An afternoon game drive introduces you to Amboseli's famous elephant herds and the park's unique wetland ecosystems.
Bush Breakfast Under the Acacias
A fully prepared breakfast served in the wild - fresh fruits, pastries, eggs, and coffee with panoramic savanna views.
Sundowner Drinks on the Savanna
Watch the sun melt into the horizon with a cold drink in hand - a signature end to every Mara day.
Nyama Choma at a Mara Boma
Grilled meats, ugali, and sukuma wiki served around a fire - traditional Kenyan fare cooked the old way.
Mara Sopa Lodge
Mid-range lodge with private rooms, restaurant, and garden setting.
Mara Sopa Lodge
Mid-range lodge with private rooms, restaurant, and garden setting.
Amboseli Serena Lodge
Mid-range lodge with private rooms, restaurant, and garden setting.
Great Migration River Crossing
Position yourself at the Mara River for one of nature's most dramatic spectacles - thousands of wildebeest braving the crossing.
Big Cat Safari at Dawn
Follow lions and leopards as they return from night hunts across the open grasslands of the Mara Triangle.
Mara River Hippo & Croc Trail
Track hippos in deep pools and giant crocodiles basking on sandy banks along the legendary Mara River.
Savanna Sunrise Walk
Walk the open grasslands at dawn with Maasai guides - spot tracks, birds, and small mammals as the plains come alive.
Oloolaimutia Hills Ridge Trail
Climb the slopes of the Oloolaimutia Hills for panoramic views of the Mara reserve stretching to the horizon.
Mara Riverbank Trail
Follow the life-giving Mara River through riverine forest - spot colobus monkeys, fish eagles, and hippo pools.
Get Instant Travel Tips
from Sangare Community
Maasai Mara National Reserve Quick Tips
Best Time to Visit
Visit during the dry season (June to October) for prime wildlife viewing as animals gather near water sources. The Great Migration in the Maasai Mara peaks between July and September, while November–December offers lush scenery and excellent birdwatching.
Spoken Language
English and Swahili (Kiswahili) are widely spoken across Kenya. Your expert Sangare driver-guide is fluent in English and will seamlessly manage all local interactions so you can fully relax and enjoy your safari experience.
Details About Weather
Nights and early morning game drives can be crisp (10°C–14°C). Temperatures rise by midday to a warm 25°C–28°C under direct sun. Dressing in layers allows you to easily adjust as temperatures change throughout the day.
What to Take for Tour
Pack neutral, earth-toned clothing (khaki, olive, tan) - avoid dark blue or black. Essential gear includes high-SPF sunscreen, wide-brim hat, sunglasses, warm fleece jacket, binoculars (8x42 or 10x42), and camera with zoom lens.
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