Maasai Village Visit
A Maasai village visit may be requested during the Masai Mara section at an additional cost if timing allows.
9-Day Kenya Wildlife Safari
9 Days Kenya Safari: Samburu, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha & Amboseli
Experience a broad cross-section of Kenya on a nine-day road safari linking the dry northern landscapes of Samburu with Lake Nakuru, the open plains of the Masai Mara, the freshwater setting of Lake Naivasha and the wetlands and grasslands of Amboseli.
Safari Overview
This nine-day itinerary links six contrasting wildlife and landscape areas within Kenya.
The journey begins with two nights in the Samburu area, where dry savannah, rocky terrain and riverine vegetation create a distinctive northern environment.
The safari then travels south to Lake Nakuru National Park for wildlife viewing before continuing to the Masai Mara.
Two nights in the Mara allow an arrival game drive, a full wildlife-viewing day and an early game drive before departure toward Lake Naivasha.
The Naivasha section introduces a freshwater Rift Valley landscape. The following morning includes a visit to Hell's Gate National Park before the road journey continues to Amboseli.
Two nights in the Amboseli area provide a full wildlife-viewing day before an early final game drive and the return journey to Nairobi.
Wildlife sightings, bird numbers and mountain views remain dependent on natural conditions and cannot be guaranteed.
Safari Highlights
- Spend two nights in the Samburu area.
- Explore northern Kenya's dryland wildlife habitats.
- Continue south to Lake Nakuru National Park.
- Spend two nights in the Masai Mara.
- Enjoy a full Masai Mara wildlife-viewing day.
- Travel from the Mara into the Lake Naivasha area.
- Visit Hell's Gate National Park.
- Continue south to Amboseli National Park.
- Spend a full day wildlife viewing in Amboseli.
- Look toward Mount Kilimanjaro when weather conditions allow.
- Travel with a professional safari driver-guide.
- Return to Nairobi on Day 9.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
- Day 1
Nairobi → Samburu
Nairobi to Samburu
Depart Nairobi in the morning and travel north toward Samburu.
Lunch is planned during the journey.
Arrive in the Samburu area later in the day and continue with an evening wildlife-viewing drive if timing and operating conditions allow.
- Meals
- Lunch & Dinner
- Overnight
- Camel Lodge or similar in the Samburu area
- Day 2
Samburu National Reserve
Full-Day Samburu Wildlife Viewing
Spend the day exploring Samburu National Reserve with your driver-guide.
Travel through dry savannah, rocky terrain and riverine habitats while looking for wildlife associated with northern Kenya.
Enjoy a picnic lunch during the day's programme before returning to your accommodation later in the afternoon.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Overnight
- Camel Lodge or similar in the Samburu area
Samburu opens the safari with a dry northern landscape before the route continues south through Kenya. - Day 3
Samburu → Lake Nakuru
Samburu to Lake Nakuru
After breakfast, leave Samburu and travel south toward Nakuru.
Lunch is planned during the road journey.
Arrive in Nakuru later in the day and check in at your accommodation.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Overnight
- City Max Hotel or similar in Nakuru
- Day 4
Lake Nakuru National Park → Masai Mara
Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara
Begin the day with wildlife viewing in Lake Nakuru National Park.
Explore the park's lake, woodland and grassland habitats before continuing toward the Masai Mara.
Lunch is planned during the journey.
Arrive in the Masai Mara area later in the day and continue with an evening game drive if time and operating conditions allow.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Overnight
- Masai Mara budget tented camp as confirmed
Lake Nakuru adds lake, grassland and woodland habitats to the route, while rhino and flamingo sightings remain entirely natural. - Day 5
Masai Mara National Reserve
Full-Day Masai Mara Game Drive
Spend a full day exploring the Masai Mara with a picnic lunch.
Your driver-guide will select the day's route according to wildlife movements, road conditions and current conditions in the reserve.
An optional Maasai village visit may be requested at an additional cost.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Overnight
- Miti Mingi Eco Camp or similar in the Masai Mara area
The Masai Mara stage includes an arrival drive, a full wildlife-viewing day and a final early opportunity before departure for Lake Naivasha. - Day 6
Masai Mara → Lake Naivasha
Masai Mara to Lake Naivasha
Begin with an early wildlife-viewing opportunity in the Masai Mara.
Return for breakfast before beginning the road journey to Lake Naivasha.
Lunch is planned during the transfer.
Arrive in the Naivasha area later in the day and check in at your accommodation.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Overnight
- Taphe Guest House or similar in the Lake Naivasha area
- Day 7
Lake Naivasha → Hell's Gate National Park → Amboseli
Hell's Gate to Amboseli
After breakfast, visit Hell's Gate National Park.
Walking or cycling may be possible depending on the confirmed programme and current operating conditions.
A Lake Naivasha boat ride is a separate optional activity and may be requested at an additional cost if timing permits.
Continue by road toward Amboseli, with lunch planned during the transfer.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Overnight
- Kimana Campsite or similar in the Amboseli area
The Lake Naivasha stage introduces a freshwater setting before the itinerary continues to Hell's Gate and Amboseli. - Day 8
Amboseli National Park
Full-Day Amboseli Game Drive
Spend a full day wildlife viewing in Amboseli National Park with a picnic lunch.
Explore open plains, wetlands and other habitats with your driver-guide.
Mount Kilimanjaro forms a famous backdrop to the Amboseli landscape when weather and visibility conditions allow.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Overnight
- Kimana Campsite or similar in the Amboseli area
Amboseli forms the final two-night wildlife stage, with mountain views dependent on weather and visibility conditions. - Day 9
Amboseli → Nairobi
Amboseli to Nairobi
Begin the final morning with another wildlife-viewing opportunity in Amboseli.
Return for breakfast before beginning the road journey to Nairobi.
Lunch is planned during the transfer.
Arrive in Nairobi later in the day for drop-off at the agreed hotel or airport point.
- Meals
- Breakfast & Lunch
- Overnight
- None
Accommodation
The Camp / Budget itinerary includes eight nights.
Two nights are planned in the Samburu area, one night in Nakuru, two nights in the Masai Mara area, one night near Lake Naivasha and two nights in the Amboseli area.
The legacy itinerary identifies Camel Lodge, City Max Hotel, Miti Mingi Eco Camp, Taphe Guest House and Kimana Campsite as budget properties used along the route.
All properties remain subject to availability and may be replaced with similar accommodation.
A Lodge / Mid-range price is available on request.
Pricing
The approved published Camp / Budget price range is shown below. Your final quotation will confirm the applicable rate for your dates and booking arrangements.
- Camp / Budget
- USD 1,784–1,984
- Published low-season to high-season package range.
- Lodge / Mid-range
- On Request
- Request a current Lodge / Mid-range quotation.
The approved catalogue does not state the charging basis, occupancy basis or exact seasonal date bands for this range. These must be confirmed before booking.
What's Included
- Road transport in a safari van with hatch roof.
- Eight nights' accommodation.
- Meals specified in the itinerary.
- Park entrance fees for the confirmed itinerary.
- Game drives and park visits described.
- Professional safari driver-guide.
- Applicable statutory taxes.
What's Not Included
- Personal travel or medical insurance.
- Balloon safari.
- Maasai village entry fee.
- Lake Naivasha boat ride unless specifically quoted.
- Optional Hell's Gate cycling or separately arranged activities unless quoted.
- Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks.
- Tips and gratuities.
- Personal purchases.
- Any service not specifically included.
Optional Experiences
Lake Naivasha Boat Ride
A Lake Naivasha boat ride may be requested separately. Confirm timing, availability and cost in your quotation.
Hell's Gate Cycling
Cycling may be possible depending on the confirmed programme, park conditions and equipment availability.
Hot-Air Balloon Safari
A Masai Mara balloon safari may be requested separately, subject to availability and additional cost.
Important Notes
- Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
- The itinerary contains several substantial road transfers.
- Samburu wildlife remains subject to natural movements.
- Lake Nakuru rhino and flamingo sightings are not guaranteed.
- Lake Naivasha and Hell's Gate are separate destinations.
- Lake-based activities do not take place inside Hell's Gate National Park.
- Walking or cycling at Hell's Gate depends on operating conditions.
- Masai Mara migration activity and river crossings are never guaranteed.
- Amboseli elephant sightings are never guaranteed.
- Kilimanjaro views depend on weather and cloud cover.
- Accommodation is subject to availability.
- Lodge / Mid-range pricing is On Request.
- The final quotation must confirm charging basis and operating format.
Who This Safari Is Best For
This itinerary suits travellers who want a longer Kenya road safari combining northern wildlife, the Rift Valley, the Masai Mara and Amboseli.
It is particularly suitable for travellers who value destination variety and are comfortable with several longer road transfers.
Why Choose This 9-Day Kenya Safari?
This route combines several of Kenya's contrasting safari environments in one journey.
Samburu provides a northern dryland beginning before Lake Nakuru and the Masai Mara introduce Rift Valley and savannah wildlife habitats.
Lake Naivasha and Hell's Gate then add a different landscape and activity style before the safari finishes with two nights in the Amboseli area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which destinations are included?
Samburu, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Hell's Gate and Amboseli are included in the nine-day route.
How many nights are included?
Eight nights are planned across Samburu, Nakuru, Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha and Amboseli.
Is Lake Naivasha the same as Hell's Gate?
No. Lake Naivasha and Hell's Gate National Park are separate destinations in the broader Naivasha area.
Is a Lake Naivasha boat ride included?
Not automatically. It must be specifically included in the final quotation.
Will we definitely see the Samburu Five?
No. Wildlife sightings are natural and cannot be guaranteed.
Will we definitely see rhinos at Lake Nakuru?
No. Lake Nakuru is important for rhino conservation, but individual sightings remain natural.
Is the Maasai village visit included?
No. It is an optional experience at an additional cost unless specifically quoted.
Will Mount Kilimanjaro be visible?
Visibility depends on weather and cloud conditions and cannot be guaranteed.
Is this a private or group safari?
The approved catalogue does not establish a fixed operating format. Your quotation must confirm the arrangement.
What is the Lodge / Mid-range price?
The Lodge / Mid-range price is currently On Request.
Continue Planning Your Kenya Safari
Ready to Plan Your 9-Day Kenya Safari?
Tell us your preferred dates, number of travellers and accommodation level. We'll confirm availability, operating arrangements and the current quotation for your Samburu, Rift Valley, Masai Mara and Amboseli journey.