7 Days Masai Mara-Amboseli-Rift Valley Lakes Safari – Onyesha Safaris
Classic Safari
From$900
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7 Days Masai Mara-Amboseli-Rift Valley Lakes Safari

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Description

This safari combines two of the most iconic wildlife theaters in Africa: Masai Mara Reserve and Amboseli National Park, which embody the adventurous spirit of the African wilderness.
You’d be dazzled by the spectacular open spaces of the Masai Mara, known by the local tribes as the ‘dotted plains’ to describe how it resembles the leopard’s spots at midday when the clouds cast gentle shadows on the golden savannah. The Mara, as it is fondly called, boasts the greatest abundance of wildlife in Africa, and features the breathtaking annual migration of more than 2 million wildebeest, zebra, and antelopes across its plains each year.
In contrast, Amboseli would let you witness African wildlife in the mesmerizing shadow of Mt Kilimanjaro (Africa’s tallest mountain), imprinting indelible images of this majestic snow-capped rock standing guard by itself over some of the largest elephant herds in Africa.
This safari is interspersed with a relaxing retreat in the soothing environs of Kenya’s spectacular Rift Valley lakes teeming with exotic birdlife including flamingoes, African fish eagles, and pelicans. Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru are havens for healthy rhino and hippo populations and offer a unique experience of wildlife viewing in the serene and rejuvenating atmosphere of the Great Rift Valley’s sweet and salt waters.

Covid-19 Protocols
Key Features
  • Exclusive and breathtaking African wildlife including big five (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino, and Buffalo)
  • Possibility of seeing Big Cat hunting prey
  • Possibility of witnessing the great migration of wildebeest and zebra across the African savannah (termed as one of the greatest spectacles on Earth)
  • Extraordinary bird life. Kenya is birdwatchers paradise with more than 400 species in the Masai Mara-Amboseli Ecosystem.
  • Interaction with local tribes and cultural visits to Masai villages
  • Fantastic photographic opportunities
  • Unrivalled lodges and camps
  • Thrill and adventure of the African wild!
Accommodation

A wide range of accommodation is available at all destinations. This tour typically includes accommodation at Sopa, Sarova or Serena lodges*, but it is completely adjustable to include comfortable lower budget camps as well as other high-end luxury lodges/tents. Please contact us to discuss your preferences and needs.

*Not applicable for budget tours at starting price

Price Details

Prices for this safari begin at $900 per person. However, this is subject to various factors including time of year/travel season, choice of accommodation, as well as type of transport (air routes are available for most destinations).

Please note that each safari is tailored to your personal needs and taste. Contact our team for a quote based on your travel dates, preferences, and budget. We’d be thrilled to help construct your perfect African getaway for the most suitable prices.

Price Includes

  • Accommodation (Full Board in Safari lodges)
  • Transport in a standard safari minivan with popup rooftop (optional 4x4 land cruiser).
  • Game drives with professional driver/guide
  • All taxes and levies
  • Bottled drinking water

Price Excludes

  • International flights
  • Overnight Stays in Nairobi
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Laundry
  • Beverages
  • Boat rides on the lake
  • Masai village visit
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Tips/Gratuities for driver/guide
  • On tour Snacks and Bites
  • Park Entry Fee
Itinerary

Summary

Total duration: 7 days/6 nights

Masai Mara:                        2 nights

Lake Nakuru:                      1 night

Lake Naivasha:                   1 night

Amboseli:                             2 nights

 

Please note that this itinerary does not include overnight stays in Nairobi. These would depend on your arrival/departure times in Nairobi as well as your preference. Please contact us to discuss practical and comfortable options for this. We’d be glad to customize your trip accordingly and include accommodation in Nairobi (which will be added to the itinerary price).

Day 1Nairobi-Maasai Mara

Driving time: Approx. 6hrs

You’ll be picked up from your hotel/residence* at 8.30 in the morning and driven to the Masai Mara National Reserve. You’ll arrive in time for lunch at your safari lodge/tented camp, where you’d relax and enjoy the charming atmosphere of your lodge and the warm Masai hospitality. After a sumptuous lunch and short siesta, you’d be taken on your first (afternoon) game drive in the Masai Mara. Hold your breath, and expect to be blown away by the array of wildlife you’d experience on this first of many adventurous game drives. You’d be entertained after dinner by traditional Masai dances around a warm fire.

Day 2Full day in Masai Mara:

Early morning breakfast followed by a whole day game drive in the Masai Mara. You’d either have a picnic lunch in the park or return to your lodge before heading off again. Dinner and entertainment before you retire for a restful night (likely to be punctuated by animal calls from the wild including the omnipresent deep roar from the King of the jungle!).

Day 3Drive to Lake Nakuru

Leave the Mara after a morning game drive for Lake Nakuru National Parkto arrive. Recharge at the lodge with lunch and nap before heading out for afternoon game drive to explore the unique wildlife of this park including tree-climbing lions and white rhinos. If you’re lucky you might see some flocks of flamingoes which used to number in hundreds of thousands until heavy rainfalls in the areas recently reduced the alkalinity of the lake

Day 4Drive to Lake Naivasha

Driving time: Approx. 1.5 hrs

After a short early morning game drive in Nakuru National Park, we’d head for Lake Naivasha, where you can spend the rest of the day trekking in Hell’s gate national park known for its geothermal activity and spectacular topography featuring gorges and cliffs (Tomb Raider-The cradle of life was filmed there!). You can roam or bike freely in this park among giraffes, zebras, and gazelles.
Spend the afternoon/evening relaxing at your charming lodge or exploring this haven of birdlife with a boat ride on the lake all the way out to Crescent island (which contains its own lake with African pythons basking on its shores!). The waters of Lake Naivasha draw a great range of games: Giraffes and Zebras wander among the acacia, Buffalos wallow in the swamps and Colobus monkeys call from the treetops while the Lake’s large hippo population sleep the day out in the shallows.

Day 5Drive to Amboseli National Park

Driving time: Approx. 5 hrs

Take the scenic road trip to Amboseli National Park crowned by the majestic Mt Kilimanjaro. The park gets its name from the Maasai word “empusel” meaning place of salty dust. Its diverse landscape hosts five different habitats ranging from the dried-up bed of Lake Amboseli, savannah, woodlands and swamps fed by springs from Kilimanjaro’s melting snow. This place of surreal beauty is one of the best places in Africa to view large herds of elephants up close (you can see their eyelashes!). An afternoon game drive viewing the rich biodiversity would put a perfect end to your day

Day 6 Full day in Amboseli

Spend your last full day on Safari taking in more breathtaking views of the ‘Kili’, as the mountain is fondly called. One cannot have enough of this gorgeous gem of nature as its snow-covered peak glistens with dazzling shades of pink, white and blue reflecting the sun’s rays through the clouds over the salty brown plains. And when you do take your eyes off it, you’d be guaranteed to see rich biodiversity of wildlife roaming in its shadows including a strong population of resident cheetahs. You can also visit the local Maasai community who live around the park and experience their authentic culture.

Day 7Drive back to Nairobi

Driving time: Approx. 4 hrs

Morning game drive in Amboseli and drive back to Nairobi

Map

Kenya Info

Resting in the magnificent Great Rift Valley and presided over by the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, Kenya is characterised by hauntingly beautiful natural landscapes of forested hills, patchwork farms, wooded savanna and vast forests brimming with an extraordinary abundance of wildlife. The nation’s diverse range of traditional African cultures is influenced by over 70 unique ethnic groups from the Maasai, Samburu, Kikuyu, and Turkana tribes to the Arabs and Indians that settled on the coast. Add to this: an exquisite tropical coastline fringed with breathtaking golden sand beaches; gorgeous coral gardens providing excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities; and a slew of lively beach resorts, and it is easy to see why so many visitors flock here from around the world to experience a truly unique African adventure in one of the world’s most pristine safari destinations.

BANKING AND CURRENCY

  • Currency

The currency in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KES; symbol KSh). 1 Kenyan Shilling = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of KSh1,000, 500, 200, 100 and 50. Coins are in denominations of KSh20, 10 and 5.

Foreign currency can be exchanged at the major banks, bureaux de change or authorised hotels. The banks at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Moi International Airport have 24-hour exchange services. The easiest currencies to exchange are US Dollars, Pounds Sterling and Euros. 

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding US$5,000 or equivalent must be declared.

  • Banking

Banking hours: Monday-Friday 09h00-16h00, Saturday 09h00-12h00. Banks in Mombasa and the coastal areas typically open and close half an hour earlier.

Credits Cards are widely accepted in all major hotels and more upmarket establishments, with the most recognized being Master Card and Visa. American Express and Diners Club cards are occasionally accepted. However, you will need some cash handy because smaller shops will only accept cash.

Almost every bank now has an ATM, and they are increasingly being installed at petrol stations in cities and large towns.

Travellers cheques are no longer accepted in Kenya.

TRAVEL, TRANSPORT AND GETTING AROUND

Nairobi has two airports for domestic and regional flights: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Wilson Airport (www.kaa.go.ke). Kenya has over 150 domestic airports and airstrips and there are daily flights to the most popular destinations. In addition to the scheduled airlines, several private charter companies operate out of Wilson Airport.

Kenya Airways (www.kenya-airways.com), Air Kenya (www.airkenya.com), Fly 540 (www.fly540.com), Mombasa Air Safari (www.mombasaairsafari.com) and Safarilink (www.flysafarilink.com) serve the most popular safari destinations, plus many others such as Lake Victoria.

On smaller, domestic planes the baggage allowance is restricted to 10-15 kg (22-33 lbs). Arrangements can be made to leave excess luggage with hotels or airlines.

Main roads between the major cities and towns are generally in good condition, and easily navigable in a normal saloon car. Most highways in the south are paved, but that’s not the case in the north. Vehicles are driven on the left side of the road.

While major roads are generally in a good condition, most minor gravel roads have deep potholes which deteriorate further in the rainy season. Dirt roads, including those in the parks and reserves, are extremely rough, and some are only passable with a 4-wheel drive.

You can hire self-drive and chauffeur-driven cars from travel agents and international hire companies. Drivers must be at least 23 years of age. Budget (www.budget.com) and Europcar (www.europcar.com) have outlets at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. The budget also has a desk at Moi International Airport in Mombasa, while Europcar has an office in town. Car hire can be expensive and rates vary significantly.
A driving license from a home country (and a translation if this is not in English) or an International Driving Permit is required. Third-party insurance is mandatory when hiring a car and it’s recommended to take out the additional collision damage waiver. A valid credit card is also needed.

Matatus (shared minibus taxis) hop from town to town, starting and finishing at bus stations. Fares are paid to the conductor. Private taxis can also be hired for long-distance journeys.

It is not possible to rent motorbikes or mopeds but some of the beach resorts hire out bicycles.

Numerous private bus companies operate in Kenya. Most vehicles are old and tend to depart when full, which means there are no set timetables. Petty theft on the vehicles and at bus stations can be a problem. Nevertheless, buses are cheap and link all long-distance destinations. Plus, seatbelts are now mandatory, so buses are relatively safe.

Nairobi and Mombasa have efficient local bus systems and there are also frequent matatus, but reckless driving and petty theft make them a dodgy option for tourists. Three-wheeled auto rickshaws are popular in town centers and carry up to three passengers.

The newer fleets of taxis (usually painted white with a yellow band) are reliable and have meters. The older yellow taxis do not have meters, so fares should be agreed in advance. In Nairobi, there is a fleet of London-style black cabs. A 10% tip is expected. Cabs cannot be hailed in the street but can be found parked in taxi ranks.

FOOD, DRINK AND CUISINE ADVICE

Bottled water is advisable for the first few weeks of your stay. When buying bottled water, check the seal of the bottle is intact. Never drink tap water unless it has been boiled, filtered or chemically disinfected (such as with iodine tablets). Never drink from streams, rivers, and lakes. It’s also best to avoid drinking from pumps and wells – some do bring pure water to the surface, but the presence of animals can still contaminate supplies. Avoid ice and washed salads and fruit except in upmarket hotels and restaurants. Milk is pasteurized and dairy products are safe for consumption. Food prepared by unlicensed vendors should be avoided at all times.

Nairobi has some of the finest eating establishments in Africa. Many different cuisines and types of restaurants are available, from fast food to fancy. Many five-star hotels have excellent restaurants. Restaurants are called “hotels” and there are many in Nairobi. The local cuisine is also worth trying out, particularly Pilau-a chicken and rice dish, cabbage and rice; and the staple food in Kenya-Ugali, made from maze flour.

Many restaurants can be found downtown and in the areas of Westlands and Hurlingham but these areas are filled with tourists and places like Ayani, Olympic, Kibera, and other places have more authentic food. Among the many cuisines available are Indian, Brazilian, Chinese, Thai, Japanese, German and French restaurants. Fast food restaurants, mostly by South African chains (Steers, Nandos), are common in the larger urban areas.

CLIMATE AND WEATHER

Kenya lies on the equator and has a pleasant tropical climate, but there are large regional climatic variations influenced by several factors, including altitude. Temperatures drop by about 6°C for every 1000m you climb (or 3.5°F per 1000ft). Kenya’s daytime temperatures average between 20°C/68°F and 28°C/82°F, but it is warmer on the coast. The coast is hot and humid all year round, but the heat is pleasant and tempered by the monsoon winds. Kenya is too close to the equator to experience real winter and summer. There is, however, both a dry and wet season. The wet season is from November to May and the Dry season is from June to December.

CLOTHING AND DRESS RECOMMENDATIONS

Comfortable, casual clothing that is lightweight is the best bet while on safari. It can be quite cool in the early mornings, so you’ll want to dress warmly in layers until the sun has a chance to warm up the air. “Kenya Convertibles”, khaki pants with zip-off legs, are perfect for cool early morning game drives that turn warm before you’re back in camp. Walking shorts, long pants, cotton shirts and tees are just right. A cotton bush jacket or windbreaker will be useful along with a warm sweater or fleece jacket for the cool nights. And, a hat that ties on is a must. There is not a good deal of long walking or hiking on most safaris, so a comfortable pair of walking shoes or tennis shoes and a pair of sandals should be adequate. You will need a thorn-proof soles.
In Kenya’s major cities the dress code is conservative but not overly formal – jeans and decent tops for women are fine.  Swimsuits are acceptable on the beach but you’ll need to cover up in public places.

ELECTRICITY AND PLUG STANDARDS

Electric Power is 220V – 240V running at 50Hz. The Plug type used in Kenya is the 3 large flat prong (UK). If your appliances are compatible with 220V-240V electrical output, an adapter is all that you will need, if not a voltage converter will be necessary.

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