8 Days Best of Kenya Safari
from $7,500 per person
This 8-day Kenya safari is perfect for travelers seeking an unforgettable wildlife adventure across some of Kenya’s most iconic destinations. The journey combines exciting game drives in the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, and Amboseli National Park, with opportunities to encounter the Big Five, diverse birdlife, and spectacular African landscapes. From the rolling savannahs of the Masai Mara to the elephant-rich plains of Amboseli with views toward Mount Kilimanjaro, this safari offers a memorable and immersive East African experience filled with wildlife, nature, culture, and breathtaking scenery.
Safari Details: 8 Days Best of Kenya Safari
Overview
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Destination: Kenya
Safari Type: Wildlife, Big Five & Scenic Kenya Safari
Start Point: Nairobi, Kenya
End Point: Nairobi, Kenya
Main Activities: Game drives, Big Five wildlife viewing, Masai Mara safari, Lake Nakuru wildlife viewing, Lake Naivasha experience, Amboseli game drives, birdwatching, scenic photography, cultural experiences
Accommodation: Luxury, Mid-range, or Budget Lodges and Tented Camps
Best Time to Visit: June to October & January to February
The 8 Days Best of Kenya Safari takes travelers across some of Kenya's most celebrated wildlife destinations, combining spectacular landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and memorable game-viewing experiences. From the Great Rift Valley and the freshwater landscapes of Lake Naivasha to the wildlife-rich plains of the Masai Mara and the elephant-filled landscapes of Amboseli, this safari provides a broad introduction to Kenya's natural and cultural heritage.
The journey is designed to showcase the diversity of Kenya's safari destinations while allowing travelers enough time to explore each area without rushing from one park to another. Along the way, you can experience open savannahs, lakes, woodland, wetlands, escarpments, and dramatic mountain scenery while searching for some of Africa's most iconic wildlife.
A major highlight of this 8-day Kenya wildlife safari is the Masai Mara National Reserve, one of Kenya's most renowned wildlife destinations. The Mara's expansive grasslands support large populations of lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, cheetahs, hyenas, and other wildlife. Depending on the season and current animal movements, travelers may also encounter concentrations of wildebeest associated with the Great Migration.
Migration sightings and river crossings are naturally unpredictable and depend on rainfall, grazing conditions, river levels, and wildlife movements. The safari therefore focuses on the broader wildlife experience of the Masai Mara rather than guaranteeing a particular migration event or animal sighting.
The itinerary also introduces travelers to the spectacular Great Rift Valley, including destinations such as Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru National Park. Lake Naivasha provides a peaceful contrast to the open savannah, with opportunities to experience the lake environment and observe hippos and waterbirds. Lake Nakuru offers opportunities to explore a diverse ecosystem where visitors may encounter rhinos, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, baboons, lions, and a wide variety of bird species.
Another major highlight is Amboseli National Park, famous for its large elephant populations and dramatic views toward Mount Kilimanjaro when weather conditions are favorable. The park's open plains, wetlands, acacia woodland, and seasonal water sources create excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography. The combination of elephants, expansive landscapes, and mountain scenery makes Amboseli an important part of this Kenya safari itinerary.
Beyond wildlife, the 8 Days Best of Kenya Safari can also include cultural experiences that provide insight into local communities and traditions. Depending on the final itinerary, travelers may visit a Maasai community, learn about traditional lifestyles and crafts, or interact with local communities around the safari destinations.
The safari can be arranged in luxury, mid-range, or budget accommodation, allowing the experience to be adapted to different travel preferences and budgets. A private 4×4 safari vehicle and professional guide can provide flexibility during game drives, while the itinerary can also be adjusted to suit photography, family travel, honeymoon, wildlife, or general safari interests.
Combining Masai Mara wildlife, Big Five safari experiences, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli elephants, Mount Kilimanjaro scenery, Great Rift Valley landscapes, birdwatching, photography, and cultural experiences, this 8-day Kenya safari offers a comprehensive journey through some of the country's most distinctive destinations.
Whether you are visiting Kenya for the first time, looking for a classic African wildlife safari, hoping to explore the Masai Mara, or planning a broader Kenya wildlife adventure, the 8 Days Best of Kenya Safari provides an opportunity to experience the country's diverse landscapes and wildlife across multiple destinations.
Detailed Itinerary: 8 Days Best of Kenya Safari
Day 1: Nairobi – Lake Naivasha
After breakfast at your hotel in Nairobi, meet your professional safari guide and begin your 8 Days Best of Kenya Safari with a scenic drive toward Lake Naivasha in Kenya's Great Rift Valley.
As you leave Nairobi, the landscape gradually changes from the capital's urban surroundings to open countryside, farmland, escarpments, and spectacular Rift Valley scenery. Depending on your schedule, make a stop at a scenic viewpoint for panoramic views across the valley.
Continue to Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake surrounded by acacia woodland, grasslands, and agricultural areas. The lake supports a variety of wildlife and bird species, while hippos can often be seen around the water.
After lunch, enjoy an optional boat excursion on Lake Naivasha, offering opportunities to observe hippos and waterbirds from the lake. Subject to availability and park conditions, you may also visit Crescent Island for a guided walking experience among wildlife such as giraffes, zebras and antelopes.
Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation.
Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp near Lake Naivasha
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Lake Naivasha – Lake Nakuru National Park – Lake Naivasha
After an early breakfast, depart for Lake Nakuru National Park, one of Kenya's well-known wildlife destinations.
Enter the park and begin your game drive through its diverse landscapes of open grasslands, woodland, rocky areas and lake habitats.
Keep watch for rhinos, Rothschild's giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, waterbucks, baboons and a variety of bird species. Depending on wildlife movements and conditions, you may also encounter lions, leopards and other predators.
The lake and surrounding habitats support diverse birdlife, making Lake Nakuru an interesting destination for both wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
Enjoy a picnic lunch or lunch at an appropriate location before continuing your game drive.
Later, leave the park and return toward Lake Naivasha for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp near Lake Naivasha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Lake Naivasha – Masai Mara National Reserve
After breakfast, check out and begin the journey from Lake Naivasha to the Masai Mara National Reserve.
Travel through Kenya's scenic countryside as the landscape gradually changes from the Great Rift Valley into the rolling grasslands of the Mara ecosystem.
Along the route, you may see farms, livestock, rural settlements and local communities. Your guide can make suitable stops for photography and refreshments depending on the day's schedule.
Continue toward the Masai Mara, one of Kenya's most famous wildlife destinations and part of the greater Mara-Serengeti ecosystem.
After entering the reserve, enjoy an introductory game drive as you make your way toward your lodge or tented camp. Watch for elephants, zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, buffaloes and other wildlife across the open savannah.
Arrive at your accommodation, check in and enjoy the evening relaxing in the wilderness.
Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp in/near Masai Mara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Full-Day Masai Mara Wildlife Safari
Wake up early and enjoy breakfast before heading into the Masai Mara National Reserve for a full-day game-viewing experience.
The Mara's extensive grasslands provide habitat for large populations of herbivores and predators. Your guide will explore suitable areas based on recent wildlife activity, road conditions and your interests.
Search for the Big Five, including lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinoceroses, as well as cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, hyenas and numerous antelope species.
If your safari takes place during the seasonal Great Migration, you may encounter large concentrations of wildebeest and zebras moving through the Mara ecosystem. Depending on animal movements, rainfall and river conditions, you may also have an opportunity to observe activity around sections of the Mara River.
Migration movements are naturally unpredictable, so specific herd locations or river crossings cannot be guaranteed.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at a suitable location before continuing your afternoon game drive.
Return to your lodge or tented camp in the evening after a full day exploring the Mara.
Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp in/near Masai Mara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Masai Mara – Nairobi
After breakfast, check out and begin your journey from the Masai Mara to Nairobi.
Depending on your schedule, enjoy an optional early morning game drive before leaving the reserve. The cooler morning hours can provide opportunities to see wildlife becoming active across the savannah.
Continue through Kenya's countryside, passing rural communities, farmland and livestock areas along the way.
Arrive in Nairobi later in the day and check in to your hotel.
Depending on your interests and available time, you may relax at the hotel or enjoy an optional Nairobi experience, such as visiting the Giraffe Centre or exploring selected city attractions.
Your guide will brief you about the following day's journey to Amboseli.
Accommodation: Nairobi hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Nairobi – Amboseli National Park
After an early breakfast, depart Nairobi and travel south toward Amboseli National Park, located near Kenya's border with Tanzania.
Amboseli is renowned for its large elephant populations and spectacular landscapes, with Mount Kilimanjaro providing a dramatic backdrop when weather conditions allow clear views.
Upon arrival, enter the park and begin your game drive through its open plains, seasonal wetlands, woodland and other habitats.
Search for elephants, lions, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, hippos, hyenas and various antelope species.
The park's wetlands attract wildlife and provide important water sources, while its open landscapes offer excellent opportunities for wildlife photography.
Continue toward your lodge or tented camp for check-in and lunch.
In the afternoon, head out for another game drive. Keep your camera ready for elephants moving across the plains, often with Mount Kilimanjaro visible in the distance when conditions are favorable.
Return to your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp in/near Amboseli
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Full-Day Amboseli Wildlife Safari
Wake up early for breakfast before beginning a full-day Amboseli wildlife safari.
Explore different areas of the park while searching for its famous elephant herds and other wildlife.
Your guide will select suitable routes based on current wildlife activity, weather, road conditions and your interests.
In addition to elephants, you may encounter lions, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, hyenas, hippos and numerous bird species.
The early morning can also provide some of the best opportunities for landscape photography, particularly when Mount Kilimanjaro is visible above the surrounding plains.
Return to the lodge for lunch and some relaxation before continuing with an afternoon game drive.
Later, return to your accommodation and enjoy your final evening in the Kenyan wilderness.
Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp in/near Amboseli
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: Amboseli – Nairobi – Departure
Wake up early and enjoy a final game drive in Amboseli National Park.
Use your last safari opportunity to search for elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, lions and other wildlife. Depending on weather conditions, you may also enjoy one final view of Mount Kilimanjaro across the Amboseli plains.
Return to your lodge for breakfast before checking out and beginning your journey back to Nairobi.
Continue toward the city, with lunch or refreshments arranged according to your departure schedule.
Depending on your flight time, you may have some free time in Nairobi before your guide transfers you to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight.
This marks the end of your 8 Days Best of Kenya Safari, combining the Great Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, the wildlife-rich Masai Mara, and the spectacular elephant country of Amboseli.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Trip Includes
- Airport pickup and drop-off in Nairobi
- Accommodation for 7 nights in selected safari lodges, tented camps and hotels
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner as specified in the itinerary
- Private safari in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle
- Services of a professional English-speaking safari guide/driver
- All national park and reserve entry fees included in the itinerary
- Game drives in Lake Nakuru National Park
- Game drives in the Masai Mara National Reserve
- Game drives in Amboseli National Park
- Lake Naivasha safari activities as specified in the confirmed itinerary
- Great Rift Valley sightseeing
- Bottled drinking water during safari
- All game drives mentioned in the itinerary
- Applicable government taxes and service charges
- Safari planning and assistance before and during the trip
- Emergency safari support throughout the journey
Trip Excludes
- International flights to and from Kenya
- Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) and related entry costs
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls and souvenirs
- Alcoholic drinks and other beverages not specifically included
- Tips and gratuities for the safari guide, driver and lodge staff
- Optional activities not specified in the itinerary
- Lake Naivasha boat trip unless specifically included in the confirmed package
- Crescent Island entrance and guided walking safari unless specifically included
- Maasai village or cultural experiences unless specifically included
- Hot-air balloon safari in the Masai Mara
- Domestic flights within Kenya unless specifically included
- Additional accommodation before Day 1 or after Day 8
- Personal photography equipment and related expenses
- Any changes to the itinerary requested by the traveler
- Any services, activities or expenses not specifically mentioned under “What’s Included”
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What our travelers say
Robert KVerified
Bucket list seeing the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Just an awesome trip . Everything went smoothly from booking to the end . All was as promised never missed anything , always on time , friendly etc. resort that was recommended was perfect , great food , comfortable . Saw the gorillas easily all was perfect . Jonathan the owner even took me in Kampala to buy the right clothes , took me him self . Noel and driver were excellent , never an issue they really cared. I trust this company , will use them again and highly recommend .
Maltes TravellerHighly recommended We had a wonderful experience with Jonathan. He welcomed us at the airport and took great care of us from the moment we arrived until the end of our trip. The selection of hotels was impeccable, and the route he designed was perfectly planned. Jonathan is extremely knowledgeable about wildlife and went the extra mile to make sure we saw lions and all of the Big Five during our visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park. He was always attentive, patient, and eager to make our experience unforgettable. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide — highly recommended!
bharti nExceptional experience, enriching and truly unforgettable. From the moment we landed we received a warm welcome. Jonathan was friendly and readily available to answer any queries throughout our trip. He was incredibly accommodating with our requests to visit schools, residences ensuring that we achieved everything we wanted from the trip. We had a great time with Jonathan and driver Isaac. Jonathan was very funny and very knowledgeable he became part of the family and the time just flew whilst we were there, we felt safe at all times. The food at each venue catered for all our needs. Definitely leant a lot on this trip. Just need to be aware that food ordered in restaurants do take a long time as they make it from scratch so if pushed for time might be advisable to pre order. We had unforgettable holiday and this company went above and beyond to make every moment special. I would recommend them to anyone.
vjparGreat service from this local company We done a road trip across East Africa from Uganda to Tanzania. Jonathan and his team facilitated our trip across Uganda and Kenya which proved to be a very enjoyable experience. Guided knowledge provided by Jonathan was excellent as was his humor and wit. We always felt safe and informed, he managed the journey very well indeed. We would definitely use Jonathan's services again.
Adam John SmithMagical Uganda Safari Journey – February 2025! I had an unforgettable experience with Ababa Uganda Safaris! From the moment I arrived, everything was well-organized, and the team was incredibly friendly and professional. The tour guides were knowledgeable, sharing fascinating insights about the wildlife and culture. Seeing gorillas up close in Bwindi and exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park was a dream come true. The accommodations were comfortable, and every detail was taken care of. I truly felt immersed in Uganda’s beauty without any stress. If you're planning a trip to Uganda, I highly recommend Ababa Uganda Safaris for a seamless and memorable adventure!
MadhviVerified
.gorilla trek Our KQ flight was horribly delayed. From 2.30 pm to arriving @ almost 3 am the following day. Jonathan kindly arranged for airport pick at this early hour of day and even rescheduled our departure for bwindi so we could get some rest. That was very accommodating.the drive to bwindi was a long drive -11 hrs- n he informed hotel of our late arrival. The lodge he chose for us was good and comfortable. However the vehicle for transporti g us could be better as it was quite hot without air conditioning. Gorilla trek was good but tough. Overall Ababa safaris were very accommodating. I wouldrecommend them. The hotel in Kampala- Speke hotel leaves a lot to be desired
mo-marvinSuch a wonderful experience!! My family and I contacted Jonathan to help us plan our first Murchison Falls safari. Jonathan arranged our transport from Kampala, with a stop at Ziwa Rhino sanctuary and guided game drives through Murchison falls. Ronnie, our professional driver and guide, was very knowledgeable and paid close attention to details to make us comfortable. He met with us a day before takeoff to answer any outstanding questions and recommended a time for us to set off to avoid any traffic. His experience made our trip even more enjoyable because we knew what to expect for entry fees into the park, where to stop to use clean washrooms, eat good food, and also what side of the boat cruise to sit on for the best views! We saw lions, elephants, giraffes, job, rhinos, buffaloes and many other animals. We would definitely go with them for our next safari in Uganda! They had great communication, value for money, professionalism, knowledge of the industry and were very reliable.
Katelyn OA must-hire company! Punctual, professional, great communication. We used Ababa Safaris for a trip from Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park. I would HIGHLY recommend! Our driver picked us up in a large safari vehicle with a pop up roof. The driver was very punctual and had excellent communication while preparing for the trip and during the trip. Ronnie took us to a nice restaurant for a rest stop that had clean bathrooms and good food. He was friendly with many people we met along the way at the Rhino Sanctuary, on the safari trails, and at our chosen lodging. It felt as though he had good connections with people, which we took as a good sign. Ronnie was very knowledgeable about the best places to see the animals and gave us a great safari experience. As the person in the family who does much of the planning, it was a very enjoyable experience to hand all of that over to Ababa and really get to enjoy myself.
HoehlenhonkAnimals and beautiful nature in Uganda and Rwanda From being picked-up from Entebbe airport in the middle of the night until the drop-off eleven days later in Kigali it was a perfect tour. Jonathan, our guide, and the driver Moses was a perfect team - very friendly, knowledgable and always in time. We visited Entebbe for a tour through the botanical gardens and the zoo, did safaris and boat trips in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth NP and did trekkings to the chimpazees in Kibale and to the mountain gorillas in Rwanda. The primates are a must visit when you travel to this region. It's expensive but worth every dollar. The safari parks are of course not as rich in animals as for example the Masai Mara. But they are much cheaper, there are much lesser tourists and nevertheless it doesn't become boring regarding animal sightings. We saw a lot of different antelopes, beautiful giraffes, lions, many elephants, buffalos, a lot of hippos and crocodiles and much more. The choice of hotels was very good, simple and cheap where there was only a short overnight stay and a bit more expensive where it was worth to spend the money for staying close to the places of interest, e.g. close to the starting point for primate trekkings or in the middle of QENP and Murchison NP for not loosing game-drive-time.
Dilip PUGANDA SAFARI WITH ABABA We had a nice holiday with ABABA SAFARI in Uganda it was a nice experience in Uganda and the travel agent as well especially Jonathan was our tour guide very nice person he was always very helpful and kind. we traveled about 1200km but had no problem I am a vegetarian and wherever we go he always arranges something for me i recommend them at and competitive price I give them a 5-star