9-Day Kenya Safari Itinerary: Amboseli, Aberdares & Masai Mara

Day 1: Nairobi to Amboseli National Park 

Depart Nairobi in the morning and travel south toward Amboseli National Park, arriving before midday. After settling into your lodge or camp and enjoying lunch, head out on your first afternoon game drive. Amboseli is renowned for its large elephant herds and open plains framed by Mount Kilimanjaro. As the light softens, wildlife activity increases, offering excellent photographic opportunities. 
Overnight: Mid-range lodge or camp near Amboseli 
Meals: Lunch, Dinner 

Day 2: Full-Day Safari in Amboseli 

Start the day early with a sunrise game drive, when temperatures are cool and predators are active. Return for breakfast, followed by time to relax before heading out again in the afternoon. Amboseli’s swamps attract elephants, buffalo, hippos, and a variety of birdlife, while lions and cheetahs patrol the plains. 
Overnight: Same lodge or camp 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 3: Amboseli to Aberdare Highlands 

After breakfast, journey north through changing landscapes toward the forested Aberdare region. Lunch is served at a country lodge before transferring to a unique tree-style lodge overlooking a waterhole. From viewing decks and lounges, observe wildlife such as elephants, bushbuck, and nocturnal species as they come to drink. 
Overnight: Tree lodge in Aberdares 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 4: Aberdares to Ol Pejeta Conservancy 

Travel onward to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, one of Kenya’s leading private wildlife reserves. This conservancy is a stronghold for black rhinos and also hosts rare species including the Grevy’s zebra and Rothschild’s giraffe. Game drives take place in uncrowded conditions, and visits include the chimpanzee sanctuary, offering insight into conservation efforts. 
Overnight: Tented camp within Ol Pejeta 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 5: Ol Pejeta to Lake Nakuru National Park 

Depart after breakfast for Lake Nakuru National Park, arriving in time for lunch. An afternoon game drive explores the park’s acacia forests and lake shoreline. Lake Nakuru is famous for its rhino population, as well as lions, leopards, and prolific birdlife, including flamingos depending on water levels. 
Overnight: Lodge or tented camp overlooking Lake Nakuru 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 6: Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha 

Enjoy an early morning game drive before breakfast, then continue to Lake Naivasha. After lunch, take a relaxed boat safari across the lake, spotting hippos and fish eagles. A guided walk on Crescent Island allows you to walk among giraffes, zebras, and antelope in a predator-free environment. 
Overnight: Lodge or camp at Lake Naivasha 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 7: Lake Naivasha to Masai Mara National Reserve 

After breakfast, drive southwest to the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s most celebrated wildlife destination. Arrive in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive across the rolling savannah. The Mara is home to large prides of lions, elephants, and countless plains game. 
Overnight: Safari camp or lodge in the Mara 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 8: Full-Day Safari in the Masai Mara 

Spend the day exploring different sectors of the reserve with morning and afternoon game drives. During the Great Migration season, vast herds of wildebeest and zebras cross the plains and rivers, attracting intense predator action. A picnic lunch in the reserve allows for extended wildlife viewing. Optional activities include a hot air balloon safari or a visit to a Maasai community. 
Overnight: Same camp or lodge 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 9: Masai Mara to Nairobi 

After breakfast, depart the Mara with a final game drive end route. Travel back to Nairobi, arriving around midday. Lunch can be arranged at a well-known local restaurant before transfer to your hotel or onward flight. 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch