12 Days Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari : This 12-day safari adventure takes you on an unforgettable journey through some of Africa’s most charming wildlife destinations, including Amboseli national park, Lake Nakuru national park, Maasai Mara national reserve, Serengeti national park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The safari begins in Amboseli where you will witness the majestic elephants roaming the savannah against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. From there, you will head to Lake Nakuru famous for its pink flamingos and rhino sanctuary. Next, you will venture to Maasai Mara, where you will experience the Great Migration and spot the Big five mammals that includes the rhinos, leopards, buffaloes, lions and elephants. The journey then takes you to the Serengeti where you will witness the endless plains inhabiting the numerous wildlife, and finally you will explore Ngorongoro Conservation Area, home to the stunning Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO Heritage Site. Throughout this incredible safari, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultures of Africa’s indigenous communities, including the Maasai people, and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife that these incredible safari destinations have to offer.
Tour Highlights.
Day 1: drive from Nairobi to Amboseli national park.
Day 2: Morning game drive and Afternoon in Amboseli National Park.
Day 3: Transfer to Lake Nakuru National Park.
Day 4: Transfer to Lake Naivasha.
Day 5: Transfer to Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Day 6: Full day in Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Day 7: transfer to Serengeti National Park.
Day 8: Morning game drive and afternoon game drive in Serengeti National Park.
Day 9: Full day experience in Serengeti National Park.
Day 10: Transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation Area for Olduvai Gorge and Maasai Bomas experience.
Day 11: Ngorongoro crater tour.
Day 12: Transfer to Arusha.
Detailed itinerary.
Day 1: drive from Nairobi to Amboseli national park.
On the 1st day and the beginning day of your safari, your safari guide from African Vacation Safaris will pick you from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or from your hotel in Nairobi and he will welcome you and brief you about the safari. Then later embark on your journey to Amboseli national park that is approximately 3 hours. Along the way you will pass through the towns of Emali and Sultan Hamud, and offering stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys, traditional Maasai homesteads and vast ranches that offers a glimpse into local life and culture. The drive also offers opportunities to spot the wildlife, including the giraffes, zebras, antelopes and among others, as you approach the park’s entrance, where the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro comes into view, setting the stage for an unforgettable safari adventure in Amboseli national park. You will be transferred to your lodge and check in your lodge and be served with lunch. After lunch and resting a bit you will go for an afternoon game drive that will take 3 to 4 hours regarding to the location of wildlife in the open safari vehicle where you will experience wonderful and attractive wildlife in the park including the marvelous free-ranging elephants, lions, leopards, and various beautiful bird species with the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. After the game drive you will go back to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Morning game drive and Afternoon in Amboseli national park.
On the 2nd day of the safari, you wake up early in the morning for breakfast, meet your guide and leave your lodge for the park for the morning game drive that offer an exhilarating experience that allows the visitors to witness the park’s incredible wildlife in their natural habitat. The morning game drive takes you to the park to spot the various wildlife especially like the lions, leopards, cheetahs as they are most during the morning and among others. After the morning game drive you will be transferred to your lodge for lunch.
After lunch, you will transfer again to the park for the afternoon game drive that offers you a chance to see a wide variety of wildlife including elephants, giraffes, zebras, as they congregate around the water sources and grazing areas. The best spots for the game drives are the observation Deck that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, the Enkongo Narok swamp a haven for birdlife and wildlife. After the afternoon game drive you will be transferred to your lodge for dinner, relaxation and overnight stay.
Day 3: Transfer to Lake Nakuru national park.
On the 3rd of the safari, wake up early in the morning and enjoy your breakfast. After breakfast, you will check out from your lodge and then meet your safari guide and begin your journey to Lake Nakuru national park; with the enroute game drive to spot the early risers, then you have the scenic drive and pass through Nakuru town and you will enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Along the way you will see the rural villages, traditional Maasai homesteads, and many others. As you arrive the park you will check in your lodge and enjoy your lunch.
In the afternoon you will go for a game drive on which you will watch a variety of animals including rhinos, giraffes, and leopards and spotting large numbers of pink flamingoes on the shores of Lake Nakuru and other water birds, and the surrounding grasslands, home to the Rothschild’s hyenas, baboons. Additionally, the park’s many waterholes and dams attract a wide variety of wildlife, making them excellent spots for game viewing. Then the Baboon Cliff viewpoints offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscape, making it a great spot to watch the sunset while enjoying the wildlife. After the afternoon experience you will return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4: Transfer to Lake Naivasha.
On the 4th day of the safari, wake up early in the morning and enjoy your breakfast. After breakfast, check out from your lodge and meet your safari guide and then embark on your journey to Lake Naivasha through the scenic Kenyan Rift valley, passing through the towns of Nakuru and Njoro and offering stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Along the way you will see rural landscapes, tea plantations and picturesque villages. The drive also offers opportunities to spot the wildlife, including birds and small game as you approach Lake Naivasha, a haven for birdlife and popular spot for boating, fishing and relaxation. Once you arrive you will check in your lodge and enjoy lunch.
After lunch you will go for the afternoon boat safari on Lake Naivasha that offers a unique and relaxing experience, allowing you to explore the park’s diverse wildlife and ecosystems. As you glide across the lake Naivasha, you will have the opportunity to spot the hippos, waterbucks and various bird species like black crakes, herons, fish eagles, and lily-trotters. Naivasha is one of the world’s most imposing and magnificent lakes, dominated by the shadow of Mt. Longonot. Additionally, you’ll go on an excursion to the Elsa mere Centre. Because Lake Naivasha is located on the Rift floor, it is home to a staggering array of animals and various bird species. After the boat safari you will be transferred to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay at your lodge.
Day 5: Transfer to Maasai Mara National Reserve.
On the 5th day of the safari, wake up early in the morning and enjoy a hearty breakfast. After breakfast, check out from your lodge and then transfer to Maasai Mara national park. The drive from Lake Naivasha to Maasai Mara national reserve takes you through the scenic Kenyan countryside, passing through Narok and Sekenani and offering stunning views of the beautiful landscape. And once you arrive in the reserve you will check in your lodge and then be served with the lunch. After lunch you will meet your safari guide and then go for the afternoon game drive experience. During the experience that’s when you will spot diverse wildlife including the big five mammals that includes the lions, buffaloes, rhinos, leopards, and elephants and then the various bird species. After the experience you will be served with dinner relaxation and overnight stay.
Day 6: Full day in Maasai Mara national reserve.
On the 6th day of the safari you will get up early in the morning and meet your safari guide and for morning game drive and afterwards you shall embark for breakfast. After your breakfast, you shall go for another game drive where you will view various animal species that you missed during the morning game drive, especially these will be spotted at the water holes which will give you a wonderful safari experience. After the morning game drive, you will go back to your lodge for lunch.
After lunch you will go for the afternoon game drive in the reserve. This is a thrilling safari experience, as this is where you will explore more of the reserve’s various spots wildlife that includes lions, lazing in the shade, elephants roaming freely, and cheetahs stalking their pray. The Mara River, lined with verdant trees and various hippos and crocodiles that provides a stunning backdrop for your adventure, this experience offers you a wonderful safari experience with the unforgettable safari experience. If its during from July to August; you can witness the annual wildebeest migration that is an awe-inspiring safari experience, as hundreds of thousands of wildebeests, zebras and antelopes make their way across the savannah in search of the greener pastures. The spectacle is a testatement to nature’s raw power and beauty, as the massive herd thunders across the landscape, creating a sea of horns, hooves and fur. The drama explores you to spot the predators like lions, leopards and cheetahs stalk their prey while the Mara River poses a treacherous obstacle, with crocodiles lurking beneath the surface.
Optional you can go to Maasai village tours this is a unique cultural experience that allows the tourists to immerse themselves in the traditional way of life of the Maasai people. The tour takes you to the authentic Maasai villages, where you will learn about their customs, traditional and daily life, including their famous jumping dance, and among others, you will have the opportunity to interact with the Maasai people, and many others. After the experience you will be transferred back to your lodge for dinner, relaxation and overnight stay.
Accommodation: Mara Sentrim Camp.
Day 7: transfer to Serengeti national park.
On the 7th day of the safari, wake up early in the morning and enjoy your hearty breakfast. After breakfast, you will check out from your lodge and then check out from your lodge and then meet your safari guide and then meet your safari guide and then transfer to Serengeti national park with an enroute game drive as you exist the park. You will cross the Namanga border and then your safari guide from Tanzania will welcome you and transfer you to Serengeti national park. And then proceed with your journey and along the way you will have the enroute lunch. After lunch you will proceed with your journey to Serengeti. And once you arrive you the park, you will go for the afternoon game drive; this is unparalleled adventure of exploring the park as you will encounter an incredible variety of various animal species and bird species including the big five mammals that includes lions, buffaloes, rhinos, leopards, and elephants and among many others in their natural habitats that creates you unforgettable experience in amidst the park’s breathtaking scenery. After the afternoon game drive you will be transferred to your lodge and then be served with dinner, later you will relax and then overnight stay.
Day 8: Morning game drive and afternoon game drive in Serengeti National Park.
On the 8th day of the safari, get up early in the morning and enjoy the hearty breakfast. After the breakfast, you will meet your safari guide and explore the vast savannah plains of the park to look for the early risers that includes the lions, leopard, buffaloes, hippos, elephants, dik-dik, impalas, and many others. After the morning game drives, you will enjoy your packed lunches in the middle of the wilderness while spotting the various animal species in the backdrop of the beautiful landscapes.
After enjoying your lunch, you will go for the extra afternoon game drives to where you will spot diverse numbers of the wildlife; including exploring the Ndutu area, especially during the period of February; that offers you the calving season experience where you will witness the birth of the wildebeest calves and many other wildlife. The area is known for the short grasslands, making it easier to spot the predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs stalking their prey. And after the experience you will be transferred back to your lodge for relaxation and overnight stay.
Day 9: Full day experience in Serengeti National Park.
On the 9th day of the safari, get up early in the morning and enjoy the delicious breakfast, with your packed lunch you will meet your safari guide and go to the park for the full day experience in Ndutu area. This day offers you unforgettable adventure that allows you to immerse yourself in the park’s stunning landscapes and the incredible wildlife, and explore many of the hidden secret places. During the morning you will watch the sun rise over the endless plains and spotting the early risers such as lions, hyenas, leopards and others as they start their day, as the morning wears on, you will head to the Seronera valley, in the center of Serengeti where you will spot the big five mammals that includes the lions, buffaloes, rhinos, leopard and elephants roam and the grasslands provide a habitat for the incredible variety of wildlife. After the experience you will go for your picnic lunch.
After the picnic lunch, you will continues your exploration of the park exploring the Ndutu area, to witness the calving season as well Ndutu area also provides stunning scenery, with the backdrop of the Ngorongoro Highlands and Lake Ndutu, avital watering spot for many animals. It’s an ideal location for perfect game drives, observing the great migration especially during the calving season. After the experience you will be transferred to your lodge for dinner, relaxation and overnight stay.
Day 10: Transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation Area for Olduvai Gorge and Maasai Bomas experience.
On the 10th day of the safari, get up early in the morning and enjoy your breakfast. After breakfast, together with your packed lunch meet your safari guide and get ready to transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation Area for more wildlife experience. As you exist the lodge you will have the perfect morning views of the various early risers including the lions, buffaloes, elephants and among others, with the beautiful views along the way. And once you arrive the area, you will be transferred to your lodge and check in and be served with lunch. After lunch you will meet your safari guide and go for the afternoon experience that is both the Olduvai Gorge and then the Maasai Bomas.
You will visit the Olduvai Gorge that is located in the Ngorongoro conservation area, the renowned archaeological site famous for its significant discoveries of the early human fossils and artifacts, dating back over 2 million years. The gorge often referred as the ‘’Cradle of Mankind’’ has yielded numerous important finds, like discovery of Homo habilis and provides valuable insights into human evolution and the lives of our ancient ancestors. The visitors can explore the gorge’s museum and learn about its rich history and the groundbreaking discoveries made. After you will for the Maasai Boma experience in the conservation area that offers a unique cultural encounter, where the visitors can immerse themselves in the traditional way of life of the Maasai people. A Maasai Boma is a traditional homestead, and the visitors can explore the homes, learn about Maasai customs and traditions, and interact with the community. The experience often incudes watching a traditional Maasai dance, learning about their livestock and farming practices and purchasing local handicrafts. It’s an opportunity to gain insight into the rich cultural heritage of the Maasai people and support local communities. After the experience you will be transferred to your lodge for dinner, relaxation and overnight stay.
Day 11: Ngorongoro crater tour.
On the 11th day of the safari, get up early in the morning and be served with breakfast, after breakfast you will meet your safari guide and be transferred to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area for the Ngorongoro crater tour. This is a breathtaking adventure that takes you through the natural wonders, in the morning you will descend into the crater, the world’s largest intact caldera, and explore its unique ecosystem, which supports an incredible variety of wildlife that includes the Big five mammals that is rhinos, buffaloes, lions, leopard and elephants. As you make your way through the crater, you will pass through a diverse range of landscape, from the lush forests, grasslands to lakes and rivers, each supporting a wide variety of flora and fauna. After you will later go for the picnic lunch as you enjoy the beautiful views, after lunch you will go for the extra experience you will also see various wildlife species like zebras, antelopes, elephants, hippos, elands, hyenas, warthogs and among many others. As well you will also enjoy spotting flamingos along the shores of Lake Magadi that is located in the Ngorongoro crater. After the experience you will be transferred back to your lodge for dinner, relaxation and overnight stay.
Day 12: Transfer to Arusha.
On the 12th day of the safari, wake up early in the morning and be served with a hearty breakfast, after breakfast check out from your lodge, and meet your safari guide and then get back to Arusha with the perfect views while existing your lodge. You will proceed with your journey to Arusha upon your arrival you will be transferred to the airport and catch the flight back home that will make your safari come to the end.
End of 12 Days Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari
Optional safari activities.
Hot air balloon experience: 500 USD per person.
Guided nature walks: 30 USD per person
12 Days Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari Inclusions.
Park fees.
All mentioned activities.
All accommodations on full board basis.
A professional driver/guide.
All transportation.
Crater fees.
Transfer fees.
All Taxes/VAT.
Meals.
Bottled drinking water.
Pickups and drop-offs.
12 Days Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari Exclusions.
Additional accommodation not outlined in the itinerary.
Tips & Gratuity.
Personal items expenses on travel insurance, visa fees and souvenirs.
