5 Days / 4 Nights Amboseli & Masai Mara Safari

This 5-day safari combines two of Kenya's most iconic wildlife destinations: Amboseli National Park and the Masai Mara National Reserve. The journey begins with a road safari to Amboseli, famous for its large elephant herds and breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro, followed by a scenic flight to the Masai Mara for an unforgettable Big Five safari experience. Whether you are a photographer seeking the classic image of elephants with Kilimanjaro in the background or a wildlife enthusiast hoping to see lions, cheetahs, leopards, and the Great Migration, this package delivers the best of Kenya in a short, well-crafted itinerary. With two nights in Amboseli and two nights in the Masai Mara, you get a balanced immersion into Kenya's diverse ecosystems – from the arid, swamp-filled plains below Africa's highest mountain to the lush, predator-rich grasslands of the Mara.

Package Overview & Highlights

• Road safari to Amboseli National Park – famous for large elephant herds and Mount Kilimanjaro views
• Scenic flight from Amboseli to Masai Mara – saves a full day of driving
• Masai Mara game drives – Big Five, Great Migration (July–October), cheetahs, lions, leopards
• Accommodation: Oilepo Amboseli Safari Lodge (2 nights) and La Maison Royale Masai Mara (2 nights) – full board
• Professional English-speaking driver-guide in shared 4x4 safari vehicles with pop-up roofs
• Excellent photography opportunities in both parks – sunrise over Kilimanjaro, golden hour in the Mara
• Optional hot air balloon safari and Maasai village visit available in the Mara

Destination Overview

Amboseli National Park lies at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak (5,895 m). Its swamps – fed by underground water from the mountain – create an oasis that attracts an extraordinary concentration of wildlife, especially elephants. Amboseli is home to over 1,600 elephants, often seen in herds of 100 or more. The park's open plains and seasonal lakebed offer clear, unobstructed views of Kilimanjaro, making it one of the most photographed landscapes in Africa. Besides elephants, Amboseli hosts buffalo, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, lions, spotted hyenas, and over 400 bird species. The park is also a haven for photographers, with the mountain providing a dramatic backdrop from sunrise to sunset.

Masai Mara National Reserve is Kenya's premier wildlife destination, forming the northern continuation of the Serengeti ecosystem. It is renowned for its high density of predators – lions (over 2,000), leopards, cheetahs, and spotted hyenas – and for the Great Wildebeest Migration (July–October), when over 1.5 million wildebeest and 200,000 zebras cross the Mara River in search of fresh grazing. The Mara's open savannahs, acacia-dotted plains, and riverine forests provide year-round superb wildlife viewing. The Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and black rhino) are all present, and the reserve is also a birdwatcher's paradise with over 470 species.

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

Accommodation Details

Oilepo Amboseli Safari Lodge is a comfortable mid-range lodge located inside Amboseli National Park. It features spacious rooms with en-suite bathrooms, private verandas overlooking the plains, and a swimming pool. The lodge offers full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) with a mix of buffet and à la carte options. The location is excellent for morning drives, and the staff are known for their warm hospitality.

La Maison Royale Masai Mara is a luxury tented camp situated in a prime wildlife area of the Masai Mara. The camp offers spacious double rooms with en-suite bathrooms, hot showers, and private verandas. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, and lounge area. All meals are provided on a full-board basis. The camp is known for its personal service, comfortable beds, and excellent game viewing from the property. Night game drives and bush dinners can be arranged on request.

Safari Package Inclusions & Exclusions

Best Time to Visit Amboseli and Masai Mara

This 5-day safari can be enjoyed year-round, but the experience varies by season. In Amboseli, the dry seasons (June–October and January–February) offer the best wildlife viewing, as animals congregate around the permanent swamps. During the dry months, Mount Kilimanjaro is often visible in the mornings. The wet months (March–May and November) bring lush greenery and excellent birdwatching, but the mountain may be clouded.
In the Masai Mara, the Great Migration river crossings occur from July to October – this is the peak season. The dry season (June–October) also offers the best predator sightings. The green season (November–May) has lower rates, fewer tourists, and lush landscapes – calving season (January–February) provides exceptional predator action as thousands of wildebeest are born.
For this combined safari, we recommend July to October for the migration experience in the Mara, or January to February for a quieter, lush safari with excellent game viewing in both parks.

Wildlife Highlights by Park

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips for This Safari

In Amboseli, the classic shot is elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background. Use a telephoto lens (200-400mm) for close-ups and a wide-angle (24-70mm) for landscapes. Shoot during golden hour (sunrise and sunset) for dramatic light. In the Masai Mara, a fast shutter speed (1/500+) is essential for action during migration crossings and predator hunts. A polarizing filter reduces glare from the river. For balloon safaris, a lens with image stabilization is recommended. Always carry extra batteries and memory cards – you will take thousands of photos.

Conservation & Responsible Travel

Your safari directly supports conservation efforts. Park fees fund anti-poaching patrols, wildlife research, and community development. The Amboseli Trust for Elephants has studied the park's elephants for over 50 years. In the Mara, the Mara Elephant Project and Lion Guardians work to protect species. By choosing a fly-in safari, you reduce road traffic and carbon emissions. Please respect wildlife – maintain a safe distance, never feed animals, and avoid single-use plastics.

Prices are per person sharing a double room. Single supplement available on request. Terms and conditions apply. Seasonal price variations – contact us for exact dates.