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8-Day Amboseli & Maasai Mara Classic

Begin beneath Kilimanjaro’s silhouette in Amboseli’s elephant plains, then continue to the Maasai Mara for open savannah game drives and golden-hour wildlife moments.

8 Days
Kenya
Amboseli · Maasai Mara

Journey overview

Begin beneath Kilimanjaro’s silhouette in Amboseli’s elephant plains, then continue to the Maasai Mara for open savannah game drives and golden-hour wildlife moments.

Best shaped around Mara conservancies in July–October, or calving-season light in January–March. Coast endings work most of the year.

This is a starting point. We refine lodges, flying days and pacing around who is travelling, the season and how you like to spend a safari afternoon.

The Great Wildebeest Migration

The Mara forms part of the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem where more than a million wildebeest and thousands of zebra move with the rains. River crossings — when they happen — are unpredictable and unforgettable.

We time camp choice and game-drive rhythm to the season rather than promising a single spectacle on a fixed date.

Private conservancies

Conservancy land beside the reserve often allows fewer vehicles, guided walks and night drives that the main reserve cannot offer.

That flexibility changes the feel of a Mara journey — especially for photographers and repeat visitors.

Regions on this journey

This route focuses on Amboseli · Maasai Mara. We adjust lodge choice, flight legs and the number of nights in each area to match your season and travel style.

Planning notes

Travel style: Classic safari. Ideal for first-time East Africa visitors seeking iconic parks.

Activities on this journey

  • Game drives at dawn and dusk
  • Visit a Maasai cultural village
  • Hot air balloon safari
  • Bush breakfast, lunch or dinner
  • Night game drives in private conservancies

How to get there

Most journeys begin in Nairobi. Road transfers to the Maasai Mara take around five to six hours; scheduled flights reach many parks in under an hour. We choose road or air based on your time, comfort and the rhythm of the route.

Climate

Kenya has a cooler season from June to November with daytime averages around 20°C. Nights can feel crisp on the plateau. Mid-October to November brings short rains; December to April is warmer, often reaching 30°C by day. Long rains typically fall in April and May, often as afternoon showers after sunny mornings.

Best time to visit

We often shape Kenya journeys around mid-July to mid-October for migration viewing in the Mara, or June to October and December to March for strong general game viewing across multiple parks.

Information & facts

Wildlife you may encounter

  • Big Five — elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo
  • Wildebeest, zebra and gazelle during migration season
  • Cheetah, serval and hyena
  • Hippo and crocodile along river systems
  • Reticulated giraffe and Grevy's zebra in the north

Quick facts

  • Home to iconic savannah and Rift Valley landscapes
  • Private conservancies allow flexible game viewing
  • Coast extensions pair well with inland safari time

Inclusions

  • Accommodation as outlined
  • Park fees where stated in your proposal
  • Expert guiding on scheduled safari days
  • Meals as specified in your final itinerary

Exclusions

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Premium drinks unless stated
  • Gorilla/chimpanzee permits where applicable (quoted separately)
  • Items of a personal nature
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This itinerary is a starting point. Share your preferences and our specialists will refine every detail to match your style, budget and travel dates.

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