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We designed this eight-day circuit to move through Kenya's southern and central wildlife zones, starting under Kilimanjaro and finishing in the Masai Mara. The route connects five distinct destinations, each with a different character: open savannah, freshwater lake, volcanic gorge, alkaline lake, and the broad plains of the Mara.

The itinerary begins in Amboseli, where two full days allow time to follow elephant families across the wetland margins with Kilimanjaro as a backdrop. From there the route moves north through the Rift Valley, pausing at Lake Naivasha for a boat safari before a day at Hell's Gate National Park - one of the few places in Kenya where you can cycle through game country rather than view it from a vehicle. Giraffes, zebra, and buffalo move freely through the gorge, and the geothermal landscape is unlike anything else on the circuit.

Lake Nakuru follows, with its rhino sanctuary and alkaline shoreline, before two full days in the Masai Mara bring the trip to a close. The Mara carries one of Africa's highest concentrations of large predators year-round; between July and October the wildebeest migration passes through, with river crossings that can happen at any point during a game drive. All driving is in 4x4 Land Cruisers with a professional driver-guide throughout.

Good to know

  • Two full days with the elephants of Amboseli
  • Cycling in Hell's Gate National Park
  • Finishing in the iconic Masai Mara
Tour Type
Private guided tour, Custom itinerary
Physical Level
Mild
Duration

8 days

Price

$3,300 pp

Kelvin is a great guide with experience and easy to contact. The description of the tour was clear and respect all the time. We were pleased to make two tours, a 2 days in Amboseli park and 4 days in Mont Longonot, He…

Your specialist

Kelvin

Olengugih Safaris

Tailor made safaris across East Africa

Usually responds within 4 hours

Detailed itinerary

What you'll see and do

This is a customisable trip

Use the following itinerary for inspiration. Remember: all days, hotels and activities can be altered to suit your requirements. A Olengugih Safaris travel specialist will be happy to advise.

You'll leave Nairobi and drive south to Amboseli, arriving in time for an afternoon game drive. Amboseli is famous for its large elephant herds, and the park's open plains offer spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days. You'll overnight at a lodge within or close to the park, and have time to enjoy sundowners and your first evening on safari. The park also hosts large numbers of buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, lion and cheetah, and the wetland areas attract a wealth of birdlife, making it a rewarding destination for photography.

On your second day you'll have a full morning game drive before the drive back to Nairobi, or you can opt for a guided walk with a Maasai guide. Elephant are almost guaranteed in Amboseli, and lion are also present.

Accommodation options: Ol Tukai Lodge, Amboseli Sopa Lodge, Kibo Safari Camp, Tortilis Camp, Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, or AA Lodge Amboseli

After breakfast you'll drive north to Lake Naivasha, a beautiful freshwater lake in the Rift Valley. You'll take a boat trip on the lake, where hippos are common, along with a wealth of birdlife including fish eagles, kingfishers and pelicans. After the boat trip you'll have the option of a guided walk on Crescent Island, where zebra, giraffe and wildebeest roam freely and can be seen on foot.

Accommodation options: Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort, Lake Naivasha Resort, Naivasha Kongoni Lodge, Lake Crescent Camp, Enashipai Resort & Spa, or Crater Lake Camp

Hell's Gate and Lake Nakuru

This morning you'll cycle through Hell's Gate National Park, one of the few parks in Kenya where you can cycle and walk freely among wildlife. The dramatic gorge and towering cliffs make it a stunning setting. After lunch you'll drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its rhino sanctuary and large flocks of flamingos. You'll do an afternoon game drive before settling in for the evening.

Accommodation options: Lake Nakuru Lodge, Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge, or Flamingo Hill Tented Camp

A morning game drive in Lake Nakuru gives you the chance to spot rhino, leopard, lion and the park's famous flamingos before you set off on the drive west to the Masai Mara. You'll arrive in time for an evening game drive in one of Africa's most celebrated wildlife reserves, before dinner at your camp.

Accommodation options: Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Sarova Mara Game Camp, Mara Intrepids Camp, Ashnil Mara Camp, Keekorok Lodge, or Governors' Camp

Masai Mara National Reserve

Two full days of game drives in the Masai Mara give you the best chance of seeing the Big Five, and during the migration season (July–October) you may witness the famous wildebeest river crossings. Your final morning includes one last game drive before the drive back to Nairobi for your flight home, or transfer to another destination. Lunch is taken en route.

Accommodation options: Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Sarova Mara Game Camp, Mara Intrepids Camp, Ashnil Mara Camp, Keekorok Lodge, or Governors' Camp

  • Amboseli National Park

    Amboseli National Park

    Sprawling across the Kenyan-Tanzanian border, the greater Amboseli ecosystem is one of East Africa's preeminent wildlife viewing regions and Amboseli National Park is the postcard park of Kenya...
  • Lake Naivasha

    Lake Naivasha

    One of the freshwater lakes that dot Kenya's Great Rift Valley, the large but relatively shallow Lake Naivasha is a sanctuary for a diverse range of wildlife, from hippos and zebras to over 400 species of birds, including the majestic African Fish Eagle...
  • Hell's Gate National Park

    Hell's Gate National Park

    Hell’s Gate National Park is an outlier in the Kenyan safari circuit...
  • Masai Mara National Reserve

    Masai Mara National Reserve

    The big beast of Kenya safari
    The king of Kenya safari, the sweeping grass plains of the Mara (as it’s usually referred to) are home to the densest concentration of large mammals on the planet...
  • Nairobi

    Nairobi

    Most visitors to Kenya simply fly in and out of capital Nairobi – which is a huge mistake...
Kelvin

Kelvin

Olengugih Safaris · Africa

Usually responds within 4 hours

Ready to plan your trip? Speak to Kelvin directly.

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What's included

What you get for your money

Included Accommodation

All nights in carefully chosen lodges and camps. We can adjust accommodations to suit your budget and activity preferences.

Included Expert guiding

Game drives and safari excursions with top-rated guides.

Included Internal flights

Bush flights by small aircraft where required by the itinerary.

Included Local transport

All ground connections, hotel collections and airport pickup/drop-offs.

Included All meals

All meals while on safari; half board while in hotels.

Included Local support

24/7 emergency support while in-country.

Reviews

What people are saying about Olengugih Safaris

Danielle, Canada
05/03/2026

Kelvin is a great guide with experience and easy to contact. The description of the tour was clear and respect all the time. We were pleased to make two tours, a 2 days in Amboseli park and 4 days in Mont Longonot, Hell’s gate, lake Naivasha and lake Nakuru. Lodges chosen were just great. Awesome

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Martin, Norway
01/02/2026

Fantastic experience with beautiful nature and beautiful animals. The guide Kevin was welcoming, knowledgeable and a perfect driver So many animals and unique experiences.

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Elena, Germany
01/09/2024

We went with Olengugih Safaris for a 1-day trip to Amboseli National Park. We booked the safari from Germany and the whole communication in advance was super uncomplicated and very nice. All questions were answered within a few minutes and payment was also problem-free.

Read more

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