8-Day Kenya Classic Wildlife Safari

Nairobi – Lake Nakuru – Maasai Mara – Lake Naivasha – Amboseli. Experience Kenya's most iconic landscapes and wildlife, combining the Great Rift Valley lakes, world-renowned game reserves, and the snow-capped silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Parks
Nairobi · Nakuru · Mara · Naivasha · Amboseli
Duration
8 Days / 7 Nights
Tour Type
Private Safari
From
$4,250 / person
Maasai Mara savannah
Maasai Mara wildlife
Lake Naivasha
Amboseli and Mount Kilimanjaro

8-Day Kenya Classic Wildlife Safari

From $4,250 / person sharing

This 8-day safari showcases Kenya's most iconic landscapes and wildlife experiences, combining the Great Rift Valley lakes, world-renowned game reserves, authentic cultural encounters, and the snow-capped silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro. Thoughtfully planned for first-time visitors and returning safari enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive, well-balanced itinerary without the rush.

8 Days / 7 Nights Private Safari Mid-Range Lodges Nairobi Start & End
Safari Highlights
Game drive in Nairobi National Park
Rhino tracking at Lake Nakuru
Full day game drives in Maasai Mara
Boat cruise on Lake Naivasha
Elephant herds at Amboseli
Mount Kilimanjaro backdrop
Great Rift Valley viewpoints
Comfortable safari lodges & camps
Safari Details
Destinations
Nairobi · Lake Nakuru · Maasai Mara · Lake Naivasha · Amboseli
Duration
8 Days / 7 Nights
Starting Point
Nairobi
Ending Point
Nairobi
Tour Type
Private Safari
Safari Style
Wildlife, game drives, boat cruise and cultural encounters
Accommodation
Ole Sereni Hotel · Lake Nakuru Lodge · Osero Camp · Lake Elementaita Lodge · Riverine Cabin
Why Choose This Safari?

Explore Kenya beyond the usual safari route. This 8-day itinerary combines the Great Rift Valley lakes, world-renowned game reserves, authentic cultural encounters, and the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro backdrop — one of Africa's most comprehensive safari experiences.

8-Day Itinerary
Nairobi National Park - Day 1 Day 1

Nairobi: City Excursion & Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park · David Sheldrick · Giraffe Centre

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or pick up from your Nairobi hotel at 0800hrs, you will meet your professional safari guide for a detailed safari briefing before beginning your Kenyan adventure. Your first experience will be a morning game drive in Nairobi National Park, the only national park in the world located within a capital city. Enjoy sightings of rhinos, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and diverse birdlife against the unique backdrop of Nairobi's skyline.

After the game drive, you may opt to visit the famous David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to watch rescued baby elephants during feeding and mud bathing sessions. Lunch will be served at Tamambo Karen Blixen. In the afternoon, guests may also choose to visit the Giraffe Centre in Karen, where you can feed and interact with endangered Rothschild giraffes.

Nairobi National Park David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Giraffe Centre
Main Destination
Nairobi
Accommodation
Ole Sereni Hotelor similar
Meals
Lunch & Dinner
Lake Nakuru National Park - Day 2 Day 2

Transfer to Lake Nakuru National Park

Great Rift Valley · Rhino Sanctuary · Flamingo Lake

After breakfast at approximately 0700hrs, your guide will pick you up for the scenic drive towards Lake Nakuru National Park. The journey takes approximately 3–5 hours and passes through the spectacular Great Rift Valley, with several viewpoint stops for photography and sightseeing.

After lunch at the lodge and some relaxation, proceed for an afternoon game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its populations of both black and white rhinos. Other wildlife commonly seen include lions, leopards, baboons, waterbucks, giraffes, flamingos, and numerous bird species along the lakeshore.

Great Rift Valley Viewpoints Rhino Sanctuary Flamingo Lake
Main Destination
Lake Nakuru National Park
Accommodation
Lake Nakuru Lodge or Epashikinoor similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Maasai Mara National Reserve - Day 3 Day 3

Transfer to Maasai Mara National Reserve

Scenic drive via Narok · Evening game drive · Big Five territory

After an early breakfast, check out and embark on a scenic drive via Narok Town towards the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve. Arrive in time for lunch at the camp before heading out for an evening game drive.

This first safari in the Mara offers an authentic African wilderness experience with opportunities to spot elephants, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, lions, cheetahs, and other predators. The Maasai Mara is globally recognized for its exceptional wildlife density and breathtaking open savannah landscapes.

Scenic Drive via Narok Evening Game Drive Big Five Territory
Main Destination
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Accommodation
Osero Campor similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Maasai Mara full day game drives - Day 4 Day 4

Full Day in Maasai Mara: Morning & Evening Game Drives

Full day game drives · Wildebeest Migration (seasonal) · African sunset

Today is dedicated entirely to exploring the vast plains of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. During your game drives, you may witness the spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration depending on seasonal movement. The reserve is also home to the Big Five alongside cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. Enjoy the magical African sunset over the savannah before returning to camp.

Optional activities: Hot Air Balloon Safari at dawn (USD 450–500 per person) · Maasai Village Visit (USD 30 per person).

Full Day Game Drives Wildebeest Migration (Seasonal) African Sunset
Main Destination
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Accommodation
Osero Campor similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Maasai Mara to Lake Naivasha - Day 5 Day 5

Transfer from Maasai Mara to Lake Naivasha

Morning game drive · Lake Naivasha boat cruise · Crescent Island walk

After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in the Maasai Mara as you search for wildlife missed during previous safaris. Thereafter, continue with a scenic drive to Lake Naivasha, arriving in the afternoon.

Guests may relax at the lodge or opt for additional activities including a Boat Ride on Lake Naivasha (USD 25 per person) to experience hippos, fish eagles, cormorants, and rich aquatic ecosystems, or a Crescent Island Walking Safari (USD 35 per person) to walk among giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and birdlife in a predator-free environment.

Morning Game Drive Lake Naivasha Boat Cruise Crescent Island Walk
Main Destination
Lake Naivasha
Accommodation
Lake Elementaita Lodge or Eserian Lodgeor similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Lake Naivasha to Amboseli - Day 6 Day 6

Transfer from Lake Naivasha to Amboseli National Park

Scenic transfer · Mt. Kilimanjaro views · Evening game drive

After breakfast at approximately 0700hrs, depart with packed lunches for the drive to Amboseli National Park via the Nairobi bypass. The journey takes approximately 6–7 hours. Your guide will arrange a suitable lunch stop en route.

Arrive in the late afternoon and check in at the lodge. If time permits and weather conditions are favorable, enjoy a short evening game drive with stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro — Africa's highest peak.

Scenic Transfer Mt. Kilimanjaro Views Evening Game Drive
Main Destination
Amboseli National Park
Accommodation
Riverine Cabin Amboselior similar
Meals
Breakfast, Packed Lunch & Dinner
Amboseli National Park game drives - Day 7 Day 7

Morning & Evening Game Drives in Amboseli National Park

Large elephant herds · Observation Hill · Swamp wildlife

Today you will explore the beautiful ecosystems of Amboseli National Park, famous for its large elephant herds and spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro. During the game drives, look out for elephants, lions, cheetahs, hyenas, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, and numerous bird species.

You will also visit Observation Hill for panoramic park views and explore the swamp areas known for their rich birdlife and wildlife concentrations.

Large Elephant Herds Observation Hill Swamp Wildlife
Main Destination
Amboseli National Park
Accommodation
Riverine Cabin Amboseli or Kili Views Lodgeor similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Amboseli to Nairobi departure - Day 8 Day 8

Transfer from Amboseli to Nairobi (Departure)

Final game drive · Scenic drive back · Airport drop-off

After breakfast, enjoy a final short morning game drive in Amboseli National Park before departing for Nairobi. Your guide will arrange a suitable lunch stop en route (lunch at own cost).

Upon arrival in Nairobi, you will be dropped off either at your hotel or at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward flight. End of Safari.

Final Game Drive Scenic Drive Back Airport Drop-off
Main Destination
Nairobi (Departure)
Accommodation
None
Meals
Breakfast & Lunch
8-Day Kenya Classic Wildlife Safari pricing

Suggested Pricing

From $4,250 / person sharing

Based on 2 travelers. Indicative private safari rates vary by group size. The final price depends on accommodation category, travel season, group size and whether domestic flights are added.

Per Person Pricing Private Safari Mid-Range Lodges
TravelersIndicative Price Per Person
1 travelerUS$5,650
2 travelersUS$4,250
3 travelersUS$3,850
4 travelersUS$3,550
5 travelersUS$3,350
6 travelersUS$3,150
What Affects the Final Price?
Accommodation Category
Mid-range, luxury or budget
Travel Season
Peak vs. low season rates
Group Size
Larger groups receive lower per-person rates
Optional Activities
Balloon safari, cultural visits, boat cruises
Optional Add-Ons & Extensions
Hot Air Balloon Safari
Maasai Mara at dawn (USD 450–500 per person)
Maasai Village Visit
Cultural experience (USD 30 per person)
Lake Naivasha Boat Ride
Hippos and birdlife (USD 25 per person)
Crescent Island Walking Safari
Guided nature walk (USD 35 per person)
Extra Night in Nairobi
For late arrivals or early departures
Diani Beach Extension
Add a Kenyan coast beach holiday
Inclusions of 8-Day Kenya Classic Wildlife Safari

What's Included & Excluded

Transparent Pricing · No hidden costs

We believe in full transparency. Here is exactly what is included in your 8-Day Kenya Classic Wildlife Safari — and what is not.

Transport Park Fees Accommodation Meals
What's Included
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary
  • Bottled drinking water during safari
  • Accommodation as specified
  • All ground transportation and transfers
  • Fuel for the safari vehicle
  • Professional English-speaking safari guide
  • Park entry fees
  • Ranger guide and conservation fees
  • Community bed night fees
  • All applicable taxes and administrative fees
  • Activities included in the itinerary
What's Not Included
  • Passport and visa fees
  • East African Tourist Visa (Uganda, Rwanda & Kenya) – USD 100
  • International flights and airport taxes
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Premium alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Laundry services
  • Personal expenses
  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Travel insurance
  • Medical insurance
  • Health vaccinations and medications
  • Balloon Safari in Maasai Mara
  • Expenses caused by delays or unforeseen circumstances
Best Time for Kenya Wildlife Safari

The best time for wildlife viewing in Kenya is during the dry seasons: June to October and January to February. During these months, wildlife concentrates around water sources, making game viewing exceptional. The famous Great Wildebeest Migration in the Maasai Mara typically occurs between July and October.

However, Kenya offers excellent wildlife viewing year-round. The green seasons (November-December, March-May) offer lush landscapes, fewer visitors, and excellent bird watching opportunities.

Quick Facts
Total Safari Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Parks Visited
5 (Nairobi NP, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli)
Best Months
June–October, January–February
Vehicle
Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
Guide
Professional English-speaking safari guide
Maasai Mara to Lake Naivasha
Approx 5 hours
Nairobi to Amboseli
Approx 4 hours
What to Pack
  • Light clothing for warm days
  • Warm jacket for cool mornings and evenings
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Camera with extra batteries
  • Binoculars
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Neutral-colored clothing (recommended for Maasai Mara and Amboseli)
Why Choose This Safari

This safari is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive Kenya wildlife experience, a visit to 4 premier national parks and reserves, Big Five viewing opportunities, Great Rift Valley scenic exploration, and the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro backdrop. It is well-balanced without rush and perfect for both first-time and returning visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions
The Great Wildebeest Migration in the Maasai Mara typically occurs between July and October, depending on seasonal rainfall and movement patterns.
The itinerary visits parks known for the Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. Lake Nakuru is particularly strong for rhino, while the Maasai Mara is excellent for lion and leopard. Sightings are never guaranteed but chances are high.
Yes — the balloon safari in the Maasai Mara offers a unique sunrise perspective over the savannah and is often a highlight for travelers. It is an optional extra at approximately USD 450–500 per person.
Most driving days are 3–5 hours. The longest transfer is Lake Naivasha to Amboseli at approximately 6–7 hours, with a lunch stop en route.
Yes. The itinerary can be adjusted according to your travel dates, accommodation preference, activities, group size and transport requirements.
Why Book With Berengei Africa Safaris?

Berengei Africa Safaris is a locally owned East African safari company specializing in gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, chimpanzee tracking, birding and cultural experiences. Our team helps travelers coordinate the major components of a comprehensive East African safari — including accommodation, permits, private transportation, park activities, and local experiences.

Book the 8-Day Kenya Classic Wildlife Safari

Experience Kenya's most iconic landscapes and wildlife, combining the Great Rift Valley lakes, world-renowned game reserves, and the snow-capped silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro. Contact Berengei Africa Safaris to customize your 8-Day Kenya Classic Wildlife Safari and check availability for your travel dates.

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