Big Cats + Active Rift Valley + Elephants & Kilimanjaro Views (Pillar Package)
This 6-day safari is built for travelers who want Kenya’s most iconic big-game destination, its most active and scenic Rift Valley park, and its most photogenic elephant landscape—all in one clean, logical route.
You’ll start in the Masai Mara National Reserve for classic savanna drama and big cats, break up the journey with Lake Naivasha + Crescent Island and Hell’s Gate cycling / optional gorge hike, then finish in Amboseli National Park, where large elephant herds move across open plains with Mount Kilimanjaro (weather permitting) as the backdrop.
It’s a deliberate mix of safari styles:
- Masai Mara: sit-and-scan big-game intensity (predators, herds, plains)
- Naivasha & Hell’s Gate: walk/cycle/hike—Kenya’s most active nature experience
- Amboseli: elephants, wetlands, and signature Kilimanjaro photography
Safari Snapshot
- Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
- Route: Nairobi → Masai Mara → Lake Naivasha & Hell’s Gate → Amboseli → Nairobi
- Safari Style: 4×4 game drives + boat + walking safari + cycling + optional gorge hike
- Default Accommodation:
- Masai Mara: Kambu Mara Camp (2 nights)
- Naivasha: Camp Carnelley’s or Fisherman’s Camp (1 night, lakeside)
- Amboseli: Manjaro Tented Camp (2 nights)
- Start / End: Nairobi
- Ideal For: first-time Kenya visitors, photographers, couples, friends, families, and active travelers who don’t want “vehicle-only” days for the entire trip
Highlights by Destination
| Destination | Best For | Signature Wildlife | Signature Experiences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masai Mara National Reserve | Big cats, classic savanna, migration season | Lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest | Full-day and morning/afternoon game drives, predator tracking, (seasonal) migration drama |
| Naivasha & Hell’s Gate | Active safari + Rift Valley scenery | Zebra, giraffe, antelope; hippos (lake), abundant birdlife | Crescent Island walking safari, Hell’s Gate cycling, optional gorge hike, campfire by the lake |
| Amboseli National Park | Elephants + Kilimanjaro views | Large elephant herds, buffalo, giraffe, zebra; predators | Swamp viewing, elephant behavior, classic Kilimanjaro photography (weather dependent) |
Accommodation Details
Masai Mara: Kambu Mara Camp (2 nights)
A comfortable, safari-focused tented camp ideal for travelers who want strong value and a relaxed base close to the Masai Mara experience. Expect early starts, hearty meals, and a practical setup designed around maximum time on game drives.
Naivasha: Camp Carnelley’s or Fisherman’s Camp (1 night)
Classic lakeside camps bordering the water, perfect for unwinding after big-game days—campfires, lake atmosphere, birdlife, and an outdoorsy, social feel.
Amboseli: Manjaro Tented Camp (2 nights)
A comfortable tented base for Amboseli with the safari essentials: good rest, good meals, and the right positioning to get you into the park early for elephants and morning light.
Optional Accommodation Upgrades (Comfort & Luxury)
You’re at liberty to upgrade accommodations. Share your preferred comfort level (comfort/luxury) when booking, and we’ll tailor availability and pricing.
Masai Mara
- Comfort: Mara Serena Safari Lodge; Mara Sopa Lodge; Sentrim Mara Camp
- Luxury: Angama Mara; Governor’s Camp / Il Moran; Mara Plains Camp
Naivasha / Hell’s Gate
- Comfort: Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge; Naivasha Simba Lodge; Enashipai Resort & Spa
- Luxury: Chui Lodge; Loldia House; Kiboko Luxury Camp
Amboseli
- Comfort: Amboseli Sopa Lodge; AA Lodge Amboseli; Kibo Safari Camp
- Luxury: Tortilis Camp; Tawi Lodge; Ol Donyo Lodge
Detailed 6-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi → Masai Mara National Reserve
Rift Valley views → arrive for your first Mara safari drive
- Early morning pick-up in Nairobi (hotel/airport/residence)
- Scenic drive via the Great Rift Valley viewpoints and onward toward Narok
- Arrive at Kambu Mara Camp around lunchtime / early afternoon
- Lunch + short rest (you’ll appreciate this before the first drive)
- Afternoon game drive (prime intro drive):
- Focus on open plains where grazing herds attract predators
- Expect zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, elephants, buffalo, and often lions
- Your guide will “read the Mara” (fresh tracks, alarm calls, bird activity) rather than simply driving randomly
- Return before sunset
- Dinner and overnight at Kambu Mara Camp
Day 2: Masai Mara – Full Day Big-Game Safari
Big cats + herds + (seasonal) migration strategy day
- Early breakfast and depart at first light
- Morning game drive:
- Best light and coolest temps = highest wildlife activity
- Lions often visible after night movement; cheetahs may start scanning for hunting opportunities
- Mid-morning repositioning:
- Your guide shifts between habitats: plains for cheetah, wooded edges for leopard possibilities, riverine for elephants and general density
- Lunch plan (two styles):
- Full-day in the Reserve with packed lunch (maximizes wildlife time), or
- Return to camp briefly and head back out (more relaxed pacing)
- Afternoon game drive:
- Focus on behavior: stalking, herd movement, predator interactions, water visits
- In migration months, your guide may prioritize the Mara River zone for crossing probability (never guaranteed, but strategically targeted)
- Return to camp in the evening
- Dinner and overnight at Kambu Mara Camp
Day 3: Masai Mara → Lake Naivasha + Crescent Island (Afternoon)
Transition day done right: travel + walking safari + lakeside campfire
- Breakfast and depart the Mara
- Drive to Lake Naivasha, arriving around lunchtime
- Lunch in Naivasha (camp/restaurant depending on timing)
Afternoon: Crescent Island Walking Safari (1.5 hours on foot)
- Boat transfer across Lake Naivasha
- Guided walk among:
- giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, and antelope
- Why this is special:
- It’s one of Kenya’s best “on-foot among wildlife” experiences—a perfect contrast to Mara vehicle-only viewing
- Photography feels different here: eye-level wildlife, open lake light, and relaxed pacing
Evening: Camp Carnelley’s / Fisherman’s Camp
- Check in and settle into a lakeside setting
- Relax by the water; birdlife is excellent here
- Campfire evening atmosphere (the kind of low-key recovery you want after big-game days)
- Dinner and overnight at the camp
Day 4: Hell’s Gate (Morning) → Drive to Amboseli (Afternoon/Evening)
Active morning → long transfer → arrive in elephant country
Morning: Hell’s Gate National Park Cycling (up to 3 hours)
- Early breakfast and head to Hell’s Gate
- Cycle among zebra, giraffe, gazelle, and dramatic volcanic scenery
- Why morning is best:
- Cooler temperatures, better visibility, and more wildlife movement
- Optional extension: Gorge hike (up to ~5 hours total)
- Add a guided gorge walk for deeper scenery and geology
- Best for travelers who want the full Hell’s Gate experience beyond cycling
Midday: Early lunch
- Finish activities by late morning
- Early lunch in Naivasha (keeps the Amboseli transfer comfortable)
Afternoon: Transfer to Amboseli
- Drive south toward Amboseli region
- Arrive at Manjaro Tented Camp in the evening
- Dinner and overnight at the camp
Day 5: Amboseli – Full Day Safari
Elephants, swamps, and Kilimanjaro (weather dependent)
- Early morning game drive:
- Best chance for clear Kilimanjaro views (clouds often build later)
- Elephants are active; you’ll often see structured family groups moving between feeding and water
- Return to camp for breakfast
- Midday break (Amboseli can be hot; this improves afternoon viewing quality)
- Afternoon game drive:
- Focus on swamp systems where elephants, buffalo, and birds concentrate
- Great opportunities for classic “elephants + mountain” compositions if visibility cooperates
- Dinner and overnight at Manjaro Tented Camp
Day 6: Amboseli → Nairobi
Final morning options → return to the city
- Option A: Early morning short game drive (best if you want one last wildlife push)
- Option B: Relaxed breakfast (best if you prefer a smoother travel day)
- Drive back to Nairobi, arriving afternoon / early evening depending on traffic and stops
What You’ll See on This Safari
Masai Mara
- Big cats: lions (high probability), cheetah (strong probability), leopard (more luck-dependent)
- Large mammals: elephants, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, antelope
- River life (where relevant): hippos and crocodiles
- Migration season: massive herds and the possibility (not a promise) of river drama
Naivasha & Hell’s Gate
- Walking and cycling among plains game
- Lake birds and hippos (lake zones)
- Volcanic landscapes, cliffs, and gorges
Amboseli
- Large elephant herds and behavior-rich encounters
- Swamp wildlife concentrations and strong birding
- Kilimanjaro views (best odds early mornings / clear weather windows)
Best Time to Go
- July–October: Dry season; best general game viewing; migration interest in the Mara (busiest period)
- January–February: Excellent wildlife, fewer crowds, warm/dry, great photography light
- March–May: Lush landscapes, fewer tourists; some slower roads
- November–December: Green season feel with moderate crowds
If your priority is migration: target late July–September as the classic probability window.
If your priority is value + fewer crowds: January–February is often ideal.
What to Pack
- Warm layer for early game drives (Mara and Amboseli mornings can be cold)
- Neutral clothing (khaki/olive/beige)
- Comfortable walking shoes (Crescent Island + optional gorge hike)
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Binoculars (high-impact upgrade)
- Camera + extra batteries/memory cards
- Power bank
- Light rain jacket (especially Mar–May and Nov)
- Small daypack + refillable drinking water bottle
Expert Tips for This Route
- Don’t treat travel days as wasted days: Crescent Island and Hell’s Gate are deliberately placed to make the circuit feel varied, not exhausting.
- Do early mornings seriously: best wildlife behavior + best light across Mara and Amboseli.
- Bring binoculars: they transform scanning in the Mara and distance viewing in Amboseli.
- Kilimanjaro views are weather-driven: plan your “iconic shots” for early morning drives; don’t panic if it’s cloudy midday.
- Upgrade strategically if budget allows: in the Mara and Amboseli, location and guiding often matter more than room luxury.
Estimated Pricing (6-Day)
6-Day Package Pricing Table (Estimates)
| Option | Estimated Total Package Cost (USD) | Per Person (USD) | Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person in Comfort Tent | $3,120 | $3,120 | MMS01-6D |
| 2 People Sharing 1 Comfort Tent | $3,190 | $1,595 | MMS02-6D |
| 2 People, 1 Family Tent | $3,310 | $1,655 | MMS03-6D |
| 2 People, 2 Comfort Tents | $3,350 | $1,675 | MMS04-6D |
| 3 People Sharing 1 Family Tent | $3,355 | $1,118 | MMS05-6D |
| 3 People, 2 Comfort Tents | $3,395 | $1,132 | MMS06-6D |
| 4 People, 1 Family Tent | $3,395 | $849 | MMS07-6D |
| 4 People, 2 Family Tents | $3,675 | $919 | MMS08-6D |
| Up to 5 People, Extended Family Tent | $3,595 | $719 | MMS09-6D |
| Up to 6 People, Extended Family Tent | $3,635 | $606 | MMS10-6D |
| Up to 7 People, Extended Family Tent | $3,675 | $525 | MMS11-6D |
| Up to 8 People, Extended Family Tent | $3,950 | $494 | MMS12-6D |
Notes: These are estimates. Final pricing varies by season, availability, and any accommodation upgrades.
What’s Included
- Private safari transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle (pop-up roof)
- Professional driver-guide
- 5 nights accommodation (Mara, Naivasha, Amboseli)
- Meals as per itinerary
- Masai Mara game drives (Day 1 afternoon + Day 2 full day)
- Crescent Island boat + walking safari
- Hell’s Gate cycling (and optional gorge hike arrangement)
- Amboseli game drives (Day 5 full day + optional Day 6 early drive)
- All transfers between destinations
What’s Excluded
- Park entry fees (Masai Mara, Hell’s Gate, Amboseli, Crescent Island)
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Tips/gratuities
- Optional add-ons not specified (e.g., extra activities)
How to Book
To check availability and receive a confirmed quote, email:
Please include:
- Travel dates
- Number of people
- Preferred room/tent setup (from the pricing options)
- Any accommodation upgrades (comfort/luxury)
- Pick-up location in Nairobi
Payment terms (Kambu-style):
- 50% deposit to confirm the booking
- Balance payable on arrival by card or MPesa
- Once deposit is received, you receive: confirmed itinerary, pick-up details, and driver-guide contacts
Final Word
If you want a safari that feels truly Kenyan—big cats on the Mara plains, cycling under volcanic cliffs at Hell’s Gate, and elephants beneath Kilimanjaro in Amboseli—this 6-day circuit is the most efficient way to get it all without sacrificing depth or variety.