Notes

Recommended operator: Meektrails Safaris.
Give this itinerary to the safari company to arrange your trip. Confirm they've scheduled your accommodations and meals. Share your arrival and departure times. Make adjustments to the itinerary based on your interests and preferences. Be super clear when communicating your expectations (how much time on safari each day, start/end times, prioritize birding, relaxation, etc.).
We found that unlike us, many tourists relax and don't spend ALL day on safari, so guides may expect this. Be CRYSTAL clear in advance with your guide/company on your expectations.
Every evening before you go to bed, confirm with your guide departure time/plan for the next day. Keep a digital copy of your itinerary/communications to refer back to if necessary.
If you choose to go during the busy season (June–September), expect the parks to be extremely busy. Our guide told us during this time you might have to wait in lines of hundreds of safari vehicles to see the animals and are limited on how long you can view them. During the offseason, like November, you can spend as much time as you like viewing the animals with far fewer crowds.
We liked using the Birds of East Africa Field Guide (ad) for identifying birds and The Kingdom Field Guide to African Mammals (ad) for identifying mammals.
Type G adapter needed.

Day 1: Amboseli National Park

Arrive as early as possible to Nairobi International Airport and meet your safari company and driver to start your safari right away.
Head to Amboseli National Park.
Arrive around lunchtime and check into your accommodation. We stayed at Sentrim Amboseli Lodge.
Enjoy lunch provided by your accommodation, then head out for your evening safari in Amboseli. This park is known for large herds of elephants and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Be sure to get photos of elephants with the mountain backdrop.
After your evening safari, return to the accommodation for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2: Amboseli National Park

After breakfast, meet your guide at the agreed time to start your full-day safari in Amboseli.
Request a packed lunch for this day.
Focus on elephants and the snow-capped mountain scenery. With luck, you might spot big cats, giraffes, zebras, or hippos out of water.
Have your packed lunch in the park.
If desired, ask your driver to stop at a nearby lodge for a beverage (try a Tusker or Tusker Cider).
After your evening safari, return to your accommodation for dinner and discuss the next day’s start time with your guide.

Day 3: Lake Naivasha Walking Safari

Have an early breakfast — it’s a long drive today, so take advantage of snack stops.
Stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint for photos.
Arrive at Lake Naivasha and have lunch at a local restaurant recommended by your guide.
Head to the Sanctuary for your 1-2 hour walking safari. This is a predator-free sanctuary where you can get close to wild mammals. A local guide will walk you around and share information on species and plants. Great for birding fans.
After your walk, drive to Lake Nakuru.
Upon arrival, have dinner provided by your accommodation. We stayed at Ziwa Bush Lodge.

Day 4: Lake Nakuru

Request an early morning game drive for your best chance at seeing rhinos up close.
Expect to see both white and black rhinos, and potentially lions.
Walk down to the river to spot threatened Colobus Monkeys.
After your safari, enjoy a packed lunch at a stop outside the park and shop for souvenirs.
Drive to your accommodation in Maasai Mara National Reserve and have dinner provided by your lodge. We suggest Osero Lodge as they allow for a nighttime game drive. This is not through the national park service and some lodges don’t have this option.

Days 5-6: Maasai Mara National Park

Request a packed lunch for all Maasai Mara days. Note there are no official picnic areas, so lunch is eaten on a blanket in the park.
Maasai Mara is famous for big cats so you’ll likely see cheetahs, lions, and leopards.
After your full-day drive, return for dinner and prepare for your night game drive.
Night drives offer a chance to see nocturnal animals such as servals, bush babies, and lions exhibiting hunting behavior. They cost extra and are led by different guides. We just did one, but you can do as many as you want.

Day 7: Maasai Mara National Park

After breakfast, check out and enjoy one last morning game drive in the park.
Choose your end time based on your flight schedule, but the later your flight the longer the safari.
Enjoy your packed lunch en route and arrive at the airport ~2 hours before your flight.

Kenya

Passports and PTO