Masai Mara Vs Lake Nakuru Vs Amboseli Budget Camping Safari
This 2 Weeks Masai Mara Vs Lake Nakuru Vs Amboseli luxury Camping safari offers a visit to Masai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, and Lake Nakuru National Parks in Kenya. The 14 days Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru & Amboseli camping itinerary offers an immersive journey through Kenya’s most iconic wildlife destinations, combining the thrill of game drives with the experience of sleeping under the African sky. From the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve to the flamingo-filled Lake Nakuru and the elephant haven of Amboseli National Park, this adventure provides unparalleled opportunities to witness Kenya’s diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife.
The Luxury 14 day Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru & Amboseli safari itinerary will include game drives, opportunities to see the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo), and potentially witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in Masai Mara(if lucky). The itinerary balances exhilarating exploration with moments of relaxation, ensuring a memorable and authentic African experience.
A Detailed 14 Days Masai Mara Vs Lake Nakuru Vs Amboseli Luxury Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi
Upon your arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, our friendly safari representative will greet you and ensure a seamless transfer to a comfortable pre-safari campsite on the city’s tranquil outskirts. This peaceful setting provides a perfect introduction to your 14-day Luxury Kenyan camping adventure, allowing you to relax and acclimatize. Settle into your well-equipped tent, offering comfortable bedding and essential amenities for an authentic yet convenient camping experience. In the late afternoon, gather for an informative briefing by your experienced safari guide. This session will cover the detailed itinerary, important safety guidelines for camping in the wilderness, and what to expect during your immersive safari through Kenya’s renowned national parks and reserves, ensuring you feel fully prepared for the exciting days ahead. Enjoy a delicious welcome dinner at the campsite’s communal dining area, providing an opportunity to meet fellow travelers and savor your first taste of Kenyan hospitality as you eagerly anticipate the start of your wildlife expedition.
Day 2: Masai Mara National Reserve
After a hearty breakfast at the Nairobi campsite, your exciting safari truly begins with a scenic drive towards the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve, a journey of approximately 5-6 hours through Kenya’s picturesque landscapes. Upon arrival at the Mara, you’ll proceed to a carefully selected campsite nestled within or bordering the reserve, strategically located for optimal wildlife viewing opportunities. You’ll participate in setting up camp, your comfortable and secure haven for the coming days, complete with tents and necessary camping equipment. Following a brief period to settle in and refresh, the adventure continues with an exhilarating afternoon game drive.
This initial exploration of the Mara’s vast plains offers your first captivating encounters with its famed wildlife, setting the stage for the incredible experiences that await under the vast African sky. As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, you’ll return to the campsite for a delicious dinner, accompanied by the enchanting sounds of the African bush, creating an unforgettable ambiance.
Day 3: Masai Mara National Reserve
Today is entirely dedicated to immersing yourselves in the wonders of the Masai Mara National Reserve. An early start allows for a thrilling morning game drive, a prime time to witness the active wildlife, including potential predator hunts as the savanna awakens. Return to camp for a satisfying lunch and a relaxing midday respite. As the heat of the day subsides, you’ll venture out again for an extensive afternoon game drive, exploring different corners of this iconic reserve. For a truly unforgettable perspective, consider the optional hot air balloon safari at sunrise (available at an extra cost), offering unparalleled aerial views of the Mara’s sprawling plains and its diverse inhabitants. As dusk paints the sky, return to your campsite for a delightful dinner and an evening spent under the brilliant African stars, sharing stories of the day’s incredible wildlife encounters.
Day 4: Masai Mara National Reserve
Another captivating day unfolds within the boundless expanse of the Masai Mara. Following breakfast at the campsite, you’ll embark on a full day of immersive game drives, venturing into diverse ecosystems within the reserve. Your knowledgeable guide will navigate through rolling grasslands, acacia woodlands, and along the winding riverbanks, each offering unique opportunities to spot the Mara’s rich tapestry of wildlife. Expect thrilling encounters with lions, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, and perhaps even the elusive leopard. A picnic lunch amidst the wilderness will provide a delightful pause, allowing you to savor the sights and sounds of the African bush. The afternoon will continue with further exploration, seeking out different animal behaviors and photographic perspectives, ensuring a comprehensive experience of the Mara’s natural wonders. As the day concludes, you’ll return to your campsite for a well-deserved dinner and another night embraced by the sounds of the savanna.
Day 5: Transfer To Lake Nakuru National Park
Please note that due to a hypothetical change in rules, there will be no game drive in the Masai Mara this morning. After a relaxed breakfast at the Mara campsite, you will embark on a scenic drive towards Lake Nakuru National Park, a journey of approximately 4-5 hours. Upon arrival, you will proceed to one of the established campsites near the lake. Popular options include Rhino Campsite, known for rhino sightings, Makalia Falls Campsite near the waterfalls, and Flamingo Hill Tented Camp offering comfort with lake views. Other campsites like Naishi, Reedbuck, and Chui offer varying levels of facilities and seclusion.
You will set up camp, your base for exploring this renowned birdwatcher’s paradise. Enjoy the late afternoon tranquility near the lake, anticipating your first game drive tomorrow. Dinner will be served at your chosen campsite.
Day 6: Game Drive in Lake Nakuru National Park
After an early breakfast at your campsite near Lake Nakuru National Park, embark on a captivating morning game drive in this renowned park. Lake Nakuru is a haven for birdlife, most famously for its often vast flocks of pink flamingos that line the alkaline shores. The park is also a crucial sanctuary for both black and white rhinos, offering excellent opportunities for sightings. Keep your eyes peeled for other wildlife such as lions, waterbucks, and various antelope species that thrive in the diverse habitats surrounding the lake. Following the enriching morning game drive, the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure. You can choose to relax at the campsite, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and lakeside views, or opt for a leisurely bird watching excursion around the campsite or along the lake’s edge, spotting some of the over 450 bird species that call this park home. Dinner will be served back at your campsite.
Day 7: Full Day in Lake Nakuru National Park
Today offers a comprehensive exploration of the diverse ecosystems within Lake Nakuru National Park. Following breakfast at the campsite, you’ll embark on a full-day game drive, venturing beyond the immediate lakeshore to discover the park’s varied landscapes. Your experienced guide will navigate through acacia woodlands, grasslands, and rocky escarpments, each supporting a unique array of wildlife. You’ll seek out resident lion prides, elusive leopards, and the graceful Rothschild’s giraffe, easily identifiable by its lack of leg markings below the knee. The park’s rhino sanctuary provides continued opportunities for close encounters with both black and white rhinos. A picnic lunch will be enjoyed at a scenic location within the park, allowing for an immersive experience amidst the natural beauty. The afternoon will be dedicated to exploring less-visited areas, perhaps discovering hidden viewpoints or tracking specific wildlife, ensuring a thorough appreciation of Lake Nakuru’s rich biodiversity. As the day concludes, you’ll return to your campsite for dinner and another night under the African stars.
Day 8: Travel to Amboseli National Park
After an early breakfast, you’ll embark on a scenic drive south towards Amboseli National Park, renowned for its breathtaking panoramas of Mount Kilimanjaro. This journey of approximately 6-7 hours will take you through diverse Kenyan landscapes, offering glimpses of rural life and changing vegetation. Upon arrival at Amboseli, you’ll proceed to a strategically located campsite, carefully chosen to maximize views of the majestic snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro (weather permitting). After setting up camp, your home for the next few nights with the iconic mountain as your backdrop, and a brief refreshment, you’ll venture out on an initial afternoon game drive. This first exploration of Amboseli will introduce you to its unique ecosystem, characterized by vast open plains and swampy areas that attract large herds of elephants, often seen silhouetted against the stunning backdrop of Africa’s highest mountain. Keep an eye out for other wildlife such as zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, and various bird species that thrive in this remarkable landscape. As the sun begins to set, casting a golden glow on Kilimanjaro, you’ll return to your campsite for dinner and an evening spent under the vast African sky, with the towering presence of the mountain as a constant reminder of your incredible location.
Day 9: Morning and Afternoon Game Drives in Amboseli
Today is dedicated to fully immersing yourselves in the wonders of Amboseli National Park. Rise early for a morning game drive, a prime time to witness the park’s abundant wildlife, particularly its impressive herds of elephants, often grazing peacefully against the awe-inspiring backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Capture stunning photographs of this iconic scenery as the morning light illuminates the majestic peak. Return to camp for a midday rest and lunch. In the afternoon, embark on another extensive game drive, exploring different areas of the park, including the swampy regions that attract a variety of birdlife and other mammals. Your guide will focus on providing exceptional elephant viewing opportunities and highlighting the best vantage points for Kilimanjaro panoramas throughout the day. As dusk approaches, return to your campsite for dinner and another night under the starlit African sky, with the silhouette of Kilimanjaro often visible in the clear night air.
Day 10: Full Day in Amboseli National Park
Today offers a comprehensive exploration of Amboseli National Park’s diverse landscapes and wildlife. After breakfast, you’ll embark on a full-day game drive, venturing to different corners of the park beyond the well-trodden paths. A key highlight of the day will be a visit to Observation Hill, offering panoramic 360-degree views of the entire park, including the sprawling plains, swamp areas, and, weather permitting, the majestic Kilimanjaro. This vantage point provides excellent opportunities for photography and appreciating the park’s layout. Your game drives will continue to focus on the park’s abundant elephant population, as well as other wildlife such as lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and a variety of bird species.
You’ll explore different habitats, from the dry, dusty plains to the lush, green swamps, each supporting unique ecosystems. A picnic lunch will be enjoyed at a scenic spot within the park, allowing for an uninterrupted immersion in the natural surroundings. As the day concludes, you’ll return to your campsite for dinner and another night under the African stars, filled with memories of the day’s discoveries.
Day 11: Return to Nairobi
Begin your final day in Amboseli with a rewarding morning game drive, offering a last chance to witness the park’s iconic elephants against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro and capture any missed wildlife sightings. After a satisfying lunch at the campsite, you’ll bid farewell to Amboseli and commence the scenic drive back towards Nairobi, a journey of approximately 4-5 hours. Upon arrival in the Nairobi area, you’ll settle into a comfortable campsite on the city’s outskirts, providing a peaceful transition from the wilderness. The late afternoon is free for relaxation, allowing you to unwind after your safari adventures before dinner at the campsite.
Day 12: Wildlife Encounters near Nairobi
Today offers a heartwarming exploration of wildlife conservation initiatives near Nairobi. Following breakfast at the campsite, you’ll visit the renowned David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where you can witness the inspiring work of rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned elephant and rhino calves. Observing their feeding and playful interactions is a truly touching experience. Next, you’ll head to the Giraffe Centre, where you can get up close with the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe, even having the chance to hand-feed them. After these enriching encounters, the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure. You might choose to relax at the campsite, reflecting on your safari, or venture into Nairobi for some souvenir shopping to commemorate your incredible Kenyan adventure. Dinner will be served back at the campsite.
Day 13: Optional Nairobi Excursions
Today presents an opportunity for optional exploration of Nairobi’s attractions. After breakfast at the campsite, you might choose to embark on a visit to Nairobi National Park, uniquely situated on the city’s edge, offering a chance to spot wildlife against the urban skyline. Alternatively, you could delve into Kenya’s colonial history with a visit to the Karen Blixen Museum, the former home of the author of “”Out of Africa.”” Other options include exploring local art galleries or markets. The afternoon is free for you to pursue your interests. In the evening, you’ll return to the campsite for a special farewell dinner, a chance to share stories and memories from your incredible 14-day camping safari across Kenya.
Day 14: Departure from Nairobi
After a final breakfast at the Nairobi campsite, marking the conclusion of your remarkable 14-day Kenyan camping safari, you will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) for your onward journey. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for last-minute souvenir purchases or to reflect on the unforgettable wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes you’ve experienced. Our representative will ensure a smooth and timely transfer to the airport, assisting with any necessary check-in procedures. Depart from Nairobi with cherished memories of the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli, and the vibrant culture of Kenya.