Wild South Kenya
Eight days through Kenya’s great wildlife country: elephants beneath Kilimanjaro, hippos on Lake Naivasha, flamingos at Nakuru and three full days in the Masai Mara.
- Length
- 8 days, 7 nights
- Starts and ends
- Nairobi
- Pace
- Easy
- Best months
- Jan to Feb, Jul to Oct
Day by day
- Day 1
Nairobi to Amboseli
Pick-up in Nairobi in the morning and drive south to Amboseli for an afternoon game drive.
- Day 2
Full day of game drives in Amboseli
Out early across the swamps and the dry lake bed, back to the lodge at midday, then out again in the afternoon.
Worth knowingKilimanjaro is usually clear for an hour after sunrise and again before dark, and hidden behind cloud in between. That is why the middle of the day is spent at the lodge rather than out looking for it.
- Day 3
Amboseli to Lake Naivasha
Drive north into the Rift Valley to Lake Naivasha. In the afternoon, a boat ride on the lake and a walk on Crescent Island among giraffe and zebra.
Or insteadInstead of the boat and Crescent Island, an afternoon at Hell’s Gate: gorges and cliffs you walk or cycle through, with zebra and giraffe grazing beside the track. The only park in Kenya you are allowed to cross on foot.
- Day 4
Lake Naivasha to Lake Nakuru
A short drive to Lake Nakuru, then an afternoon game drive along the shore for rhino and flamingos.
- Day 5
Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara
Drive west to the Masai Mara and check in at the lodge, then an afternoon game drive.
- Day 6
Full day in Masai Mara
A full day on game drives in the Masai Mara, with a packed lunch. The balloon, if you have added it, goes up at sunrise today or tomorrow.
- Day 7
Full day in Masai Mara
A second full day on game drives in the Masai Mara. From July to October, the herds may be crossing the Mara River.
Worth knowingTwo full days in the Mara is what makes a river crossing likely rather than lucky. Between July and October the herds may cross on any given day, and nobody can say which one in advance. A hot air balloon over the Mara at sunrise can be added on one of these mornings, with breakfast in the bush after you land. Tell us when you book, as flights fill up.
- Day 8
Masai Mara to Nairobi
An early game drive, then the drive back to Nairobi in time for evening flights.
Room to change
Every day on this trip can move. These are the changes we’ve already worked out, and what each one involves.
Fewer days
Eight days can become seven or six. We take out a park and rebuild the driving around it. The Mara stays as it is.
A different park
Amboseli, Naivasha or Nakuru can each be swapped for another park that suits the month you travel.
An afternoon with the Maasai
Trade an afternoon drive for a visit to a Maasai village near the Mara. Step inside a family's home, see how the village is built and lived in, and meet the people who share this land with the animals.
A better camp
Any night can move up to a lodge or tented camp closer to the animals, for one stop or for all of them.
Tell us what you’d change and we’ll send it back with a price, usually within a day.
Chat with an expertWhere it goes
- NairobiStart and end
- Amboseli2 nights
- Lake Naivasha1 night
- Lake Nakuru1 night
- Masai Mara3 nights
Where you’ll sleep
From people who went
“I took my family. Indian food was arranged for my wife, the kids loved the game drives, and it was an excellent trip for us.”Mr. AshokTravelled August 2026
The small print
- Transport in open roof 4x4 safari Land Cruiser
- Service of a professional, trained and skilled driver/guide
- Game drives and park entrance fees
- Unlimited bottled water in safari vehicle
- 7-night accommodation
- Meals on full board basis at safari accommodation
- Local government taxes
- Tips to guide/driver (highly recommended)
- Hot air balloon safari (₹47,500 per person in Masai Mara)
- Medical and travel insurance covers
- Kenyan visa entry fees
- Indian passports need a Kenya eTA before you fly: apply online at etakenya.go.ke at least two weeks ahead, with a passport valid for six months after you arrive.