Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Nairobi to Nairobi in East Africa, Kenya.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is July to October: migration season; Jan-Feb for clear skies.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.

What transport do I need for this route?

A car is the primary way to get around on this route.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Nature, Adventure, Classic road trip, Scenic, Culture.

Kenya Safari Classic Loop: Nairobi, Masai Mara and Amboseli

Q: How long is the Kenya Safari Classic Loop: Nairobi, Masai Mara and Amboseli route?

This route takes 9 days taking in 6 stops.

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The route · 6 stops

1
Nairobi
1 night
Kenya's safari gateway and East Africa's liveliest city. One night lets you visit Nairobi National Park, the only national park in a capital city, for a game drive with the skyline as the backdrop. Stock up on supplies and book any outstanding reserve accommodation.
Kenya's safari gateway and East Africa's liveliest city. One night lets you visit Nairobi National Park, the only national park in a capital city, for a game drive with the skyline as the backdrop. Stock up on supplies and book any outstanding reserve accommodation.
Book Masai Mara lodges and Amboseli camps well ahead; peak-season tented camps fill six months out. Pick up a local SIM, Kenyan shillings, and USD for park fees here.
2
Lake Naivasha
2 nights1h 23m · 100 km from previous
A freshwater Rift Valley lake rimmed by hippos, fish eagles, and yellow-barked acacia. Two nights fits well: a boat safari to Crescent Island on day one, then cycling the 12 km wildlife corridor of Hell's Gate gorge on day two.
A freshwater Rift Valley lake rimmed by hippos, fish eagles, and yellow-barked acacia. Two nights fits well: a boat safari to Crescent Island on day one, then cycling the 12 km wildlife corridor of Hell's Gate gorge on day two.
Hire bikes at Elsa Gate inside Hell's Gate from around $10. The drive from Lake Naivasha to the gate is well signposted; allow two hours for the full gorge circuit.
3
Masai Mara
3 nights2h 51m · 205 km from previous
Kenya's flagship reserve and the stage for the annual wildebeest migration (July to October). Three nights gives six game drives plus the option of a sunrise hot-air balloon over the Mara River. Lion, leopard, cheetah, and elephant are present year-round.
Kenya's flagship reserve and the stage for the annual wildebeest migration (July to October). Three nights gives six game drives plus the option of a sunrise hot-air balloon over the Mara River. Lion, leopard, cheetah, and elephant are present year-round.
Self-drive inside the Mara needs a high-clearance 4WD. Park roads flood in long rains (April to June). Hot-air balloon must be booked with your lodge the evening before.
4
Lake Nakuru
1 night2h 58m · 213 km from previous
A soda lake famed for hot-pink flamingos and Kenya's most reliable rhino sightings. The compact lake circuit takes three hours at a relaxed pace. Baboon Cliff at the park's northern end gives a panorama over the whole lake. One night in Nakuru town is enough.
A soda lake famed for hot-pink flamingos and Kenya's most reliable rhino sightings. The compact lake circuit takes three hours at a relaxed pace. Baboon Cliff at the park's northern end gives a panorama over the whole lake. One night in Nakuru town is enough.
The lake circuit closes at 6pm; arrive by midday for a full drive and a stop at Baboon Cliff. Combine with Menengai Crater on the way through Nakuru town.
5
Amboseli
2 nights5h 10m · 372 km from previous
Kenya's most photogenic park: large-tusked elephant herds roaming open grass with Kilimanjaro above the cloud. Two nights gives a morning drive for the best mountain light, a guided bush walk with a Maasai ranger, and a late afternoon drive to Observation Hill.
Kenya's most photogenic park: large-tusked elephant herds roaming open grass with Kilimanjaro above the cloud. Two nights gives a morning drive for the best mountain light, a guided bush walk with a Maasai ranger, and a late afternoon drive to Observation Hill.
Book a 06:00 game drive for the best Kilimanjaro light before cloud builds. Guided bush walks require advance notice; arrange via your camp the night before.
6
Nairobi
2h 53m · 207 km from previous
Back in Nairobi for the flight home. The Karen suburb has good restaurants and the Giraffe Centre for a last wildlife encounter. Allow three hours from Amboseli gate to the airport in normal traffic.
Back in Nairobi for the flight home. The Karen suburb has good restaurants and the Giraffe Centre for a last wildlife encounter. Allow three hours from Amboseli gate to the airport in normal traffic.
Allow extra time for Nairobi traffic; the airport is 18 km south of the CBD but can take an hour or more at rush hour. Evening international flights are common on this circuit.

Kenya Safari Classic Loop: Nairobi, Masai Mara and Amboseli

The route · 6 stops

Nairobi

Lake Naivasha

Masai Mara

Lake Nakuru

Amboseli

Nairobi

Route highlights

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Kenya Safari Classic Loop: Nairobi, Masai Mara and Amboseli

The route · 6 stops

Nairobi

Lake Naivasha

Masai Mara

Lake Nakuru

Amboseli

Nairobi

Route highlights

Photos & videos · 0

No photos yet

Frequently asked questions

Ratings & reviews

Comments · 0

No comments yet

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