6 Day Private Kenya Big Five Safari
6 Day Private Kenya Big Five Safari
This 6 Day Private Kenya Big Five Safari offers an exceptional opportunity to explore some of Kenya’s most iconic national parks and experience the thrill of encountering the Big Five in their natural habitats. From the rolling plains of the Masai Mara to the majestic landscapes of Amboseli, this safari is designed to provide an unforgettable adventure and a lasting connection with Kenya’s extraordinary wildlife.
Day 1: Nairobi – Masai Mara National Reserve
The Kenya Big Five Safari begins in Nairobi, Kenya’s vibrant capital city. After a warm welcome from your safari guide, you’ll embark on a scenic drive to the Masai Mara National Reserve, a world-renowned wildlife haven. The journey from Nairobi to the Masai Mara offers captivating views of the Great Rift Valley, rolling hills, and traditional Maasai homesteads.
Arrival and Settling In: Upon arrival at the Masai Mara, you’ll check into your luxurious lodge or camp, where you’ll have the chance to refresh and enjoy a sumptuous lunch. The Masai Mara, extending into Tanzania’s Serengeti, is famed for its exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities and dramatic landscapes. The reserve is named after the Maasai people and the Mara River, which flows through the reserve, creating a haven for wildlife.
Afternoon Game Drive: In the afternoon, you’ll embark on your first game drive in the Masai Mara. This reserve is renowned for its incredible biodiversity and is one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five. Your private guide will take you to prime wildlife viewing areas, where you can witness majestic lions lounging in the grass, elusive leopards hiding in the trees, and large herds of buffalo grazing on the plains. The Masai Mara is also home to giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, and numerous bird species, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
As the sun sets, you’ll return to your lodge or camp for a delicious dinner, followed by a relaxing evening under the stars. The sounds of the African night—distant roars, the chirping of crickets, and the rustling of wildlife—create a magical ambiance as you prepare for the days ahead.
Day 2 of Kenya Big Five Safari: Masai Mara National Reserve
On the second day of Kenya Big Five Safari, you’ll enjoy a full day exploring the wonders of the Masai Mara National Reserve. The reserve is renowned for its rich wildlife populations and dramatic landscapes, making it a haven for game viewing and photography.
Morning Game Drive: Your day begins with an early morning game drive, where you’ll have the chance to see the reserve’s wildlife in the cooler hours of the day. The Masai Mara is known for its large populations of predators, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Your guide will take you to key locations where you may witness exciting predator-prey interactions, such as lions hunting or cheetahs sprinting across the plains.
Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari: For a truly memorable experience, consider an optional hot air balloon safari. Floating high above the Masai Mara, you’ll get a bird’s eye view of the vast savannah and its wildlife. The early morning balloon ride offers a unique perspective on the reserve’s landscapes, with the opportunity to spot wildlife from above. The experience concludes with a celebratory breakfast in the bush, adding a touch of luxury to your safari.
Afternoon Game Drive: After lunch, you’ll head out for another game drive, exploring different areas of the reserve to discover new wildlife sightings. The Masai Mara’s diverse ecosystems, including open plains, wooded areas, and riverine forests, support a wide range of animals and birds. Your guide will share insights into the behaviors and interactions of the wildlife, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of the reserve’s intricate ecological systems.
As the day draws to a close, you’ll return to your lodge or camp for a gourmet dinner and a relaxing evening. The Masai Mara’s spectacular sunsets provide the perfect backdrop for reflecting on the day’s adventures and preparing for the next leg of your safari.
Day 3: Masai Mara National Reserve – Lake Nakuru National Park
On the third day of Kenya Big Five Safari, you’ll bid farewell to the Masai Mara and set off towards Lake Nakuru National Park, a journey that takes you through the scenic Great Rift Valley. Lake Nakuru is famous for its stunning scenery and diverse birdlife, making it a must-visit destination on your safari.
Arrival and Exploration: Upon arrival at Lake Nakuru National Park, you’ll check into your comfortable lodge or camp, where you’ll have time to relax and enjoy lunch. Lake Nakuru is a shallow, alkaline lake that is home to a vast number of flamingos, which often form a breathtaking pink blanket along the shores. The park is also known for its rhino sanctuary, making it an excellent location to see both black and white rhinos.
Afternoon Game Drive: After lunch, you’ll embark on an afternoon game drive through Lake Nakuru National Park. The park’s varied habitats, including acacia woodlands, grasslands, and rocky outcrops, support a wide range of wildlife. In addition to flamingos and rhinos, you may encounter giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and various antelope species. The park’s birdlife is exceptional, with over 450 species recorded, including pelicans, eagles, and vultures.
One of the highlights of Lake Nakuru is the opportunity to visit Baboon Cliff, which offers stunning panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding landscapes. This viewpoint is a great spot for photography and to take in the beauty of the area.
After your game drive, you’ll return to your lodge or camp for dinner and an evening of relaxation. The tranquil environment of Lake Nakuru provides a peaceful setting to unwind and reflect on the day’s experiences.
Day 4: Lake Nakuru National Park – Amboseli National Park
On the fourth day, you’ll leave Lake Nakuru behind and journey towards Amboseli National Park, located at the foot of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. The drive to Amboseli offers scenic views of the Great Rift Valley and the opportunity to see Kenya’s varied landscapes.
Arrival and Settling In: Upon arrival at Amboseli National Park, you’ll check into your luxury lodge or camp, where you’ll have time to rest and enjoy a delicious lunch. Amboseli is renowned for its incredible views of Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as its large herds of elephants, which are one of the park’s main attractions.
Afternoon Game Drive: After lunch, you’ll embark on an afternoon game drive in Amboseli National Park. The park’s open plains, swamps, and acacia woodlands provide a diverse habitat for wildlife. Amboseli is particularly famous for its elephant herds, and you’ll have the opportunity to see these magnificent animals up close as they traverse the park’s landscapes.
In addition to elephants, Amboseli is home to lions, cheetahs, buffaloes, giraffes, and a variety of antelope species. The park’s birdlife is also noteworthy, with species such as the African fish eagle, ostriches, and secretary birds adding to the park’s biodiversity.
As the sun sets over Mount Kilimanjaro, you’ll return to your lodge or camp for dinner and a relaxing evening. The stunning views of the mountain, combined with the sounds of the African wilderness, create a magical atmosphere for your safari.
Day 5: Amboseli National Park
The fifth day of your safari is dedicated to exploring the wonders of Amboseli National Park. With its diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife, Amboseli offers ample opportunities for game viewing and photography.
Morning Game Drive: Your day begins with an early morning game drive, where you’ll have the chance to see the park’s wildlife in the cooler hours of the day. The morning light provides excellent conditions for photography, and you may encounter elephants, lions, and other wildlife as they are most active during these hours.
Optional Cultural Visit: For a deeper understanding of the local culture, consider an optional visit to a Maasai village. The Maasai people, known for their distinctive dress and rich cultural heritage, offer visitors a glimpse into their traditional way of life. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about Maasai customs, participate in traditional dances, and explore their unique homes.
Afternoon Game Drive: After lunch, you’ll head out for another game drive, exploring different areas of the park to discover new wildlife sightings. The diverse habitats of Amboseli provide opportunities to see a range of animals, from large herds of elephants to solitary predators such as leopards. Your guide will share insights into the behaviors and interactions of the wildlife, enhancing your safari experience.
As the day draws to a close, you’ll return to your lodge or camp for a gourmet dinner and a relaxing evening. The stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the sounds of the African night create a perfect setting for reflecting on the day’s adventures.
Day 6: Goodbye Kenya, It Was Magical
On your final day, you’ll bid farewell to Amboseli National Park and journey back to Nairobi. The drive offers one last opportunity to take in Kenya’s scenic landscapes and reflect on the incredible experiences of your safari.
Transfer to Nairobi: After breakfast, you’ll start your journey back to Nairobi. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have the opportunity to explore some of the city’s attractions, such as the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust or the Giraffe Centre. These visits provide a chance to learn more about Kenya’s conservation efforts and get up close to some of the country’s iconic wildlife.
Departure: As you arrive in Nairobi, your safari guide will assist with your departure arrangements, ensuring a smooth transition from the wilderness back to the city. The memories of Kenya Big Five Safari will stay with you long after your journey ends, and you’ll leave Kenya with a deep appreciation for its remarkable wildlife and landscapes.