Day 1

Kenya

8-Day Luxury Kenya Safari

Eight days built around three nights in the Maasai Mara, with Amboseli, Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru on the way in. Private throughout.

Duration8 days7 nights

From$4,008per person, US$, lowest date and party-size rate. Estimate, subject to availability

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Trip overview

Eight days that put the weight where it counts. Amboseli opens the trip under Kilimanjaro, Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru carry the middle, and the Maasai Mara gets three full nights rather than the usual two, which is long enough to stop chasing the reserve and start reading it.

The safari is private, the vehicle is a pop-up roof 4×4 with a professional driver-guide, and park fees, airport transfers and taxes are all inside the rate.

Departures run on any day subject to availability, minor changes to the lodges and the destinations can be requested, and the trip takes solo travellers and children from two years old.

CountryKenyaAmboseli · Lake Naivasha · Lake Nakuru · Maasai Mara

Duration8 days7 nights

ArrangementPrivateyour own vehicle and guide

Starts & endsNairobi

Itinerary8 daysDay by day below

Best timeJul to Oct, and Jan to Feb

From$4,008Per person in US dollars, from $4,008 up to $4,580 depending on travel dates and party size. Subject to availability. All prices shown are estimates. Your final price is confirmed in your written quote.

Map route

The route, stop by stop

Nairobi Day 1 · Meets at JKIA

Amboseli Days 1 to 3 · 2 nights

Lake Naivasha Day 3 · 1 night

Lake Nakuru Day 4 · 1 night

Maasai Mara Days 5 to 8 · 3 nights

Nairobi Day 8 · Ends here

What you are likely to see

Elephant Lion Buffalo Zebra Giraffe Hippo Wildebeest White rhino Flamingo Cheetah Leopard Black rhino

Solid tone means often seen on this route. Outline means possible, and worth the patience. Sightings vary with season and luck, and nothing wild is guaranteed.

Best months to travel

Best Quieter Green season

Book this safari Enquire Go to the day by day itinerary

Go to the day by day itinerary

Gallery

The ground this safari covers

Day by day

8 days, in order

Each day lists the route, the meals included and the lodge for that night. Ask us for the expected driving time on any day.

Nairobi to Amboseli

Nairobi to Amboseli National Park

The driver and a representative meet the party at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and the road runs south across open Maasai plains to Amboseli National Park, with Kilimanjaro appearing ahead on a clear day.

Check in and lunch at Ol Tukai Lodge come first, then an afternoon game drive. Amboseli's big tusked elephants are what people come for, and the mountain behind them is the reason the photographs look the way they do. Dinner and the night are at the lodge.

Met at JKIAAfternoon game driveLunch and dinner

Day 13 photos

Two elephants below Kilimanjaro in Amboseli — Two bulls on the Amboseli plain, Kilimanjaro behind them

Elephant family at Amboseli — An elephant family on the plains

Amboseli National Park — Open plains beneath Kilimanjaro

Accommodation

Night 1 of 2

4 photos Ol Tukai Lodge Centre of Amboseli National Park Lodge · 4 photos View lodge & photosClose

A lodge in the middle of Amboseli, on the old sisal estate between the swamps. Timber and thatch, wide verandas, and Kilimanjaro filling the southern view on a clear morning.

Amboseli National Park

Full day in Amboseli National Park

The morning's first game drive goes out before breakfast, to catch the mountain and the animals in the soft early light. After that the day is open: it can be taken in sections, with a rest at the lodge through the heat, or run as one long drive with lunch carried.

Beyond the elephant herds, the park holds wildebeest, buffalo, gazelle, lion, cheetah, giraffe and zebra, and a smaller list that people miss unless they are looking: hyrax, dik dik, lesser kudu, mongoose and porcupine.

Dawn game driveFull day optionAll meals

Day 24 photos

Elephant herd in Amboseli after rain — An elephant herd moving across Amboseli after rain

Elephants at an Amboseli swamp with Kilimanjaro behind — Elephants at the swamps, Kilimanjaro behind them

Elephant below Kilimanjaro in Amboseli — An elephant crossing below Kilimanjaro, Amboseli

Cheetah at Amboseli — A cheetah crossing open ground

Accommodation

Night 2 of 2

4 photos Ol Tukai Lodge Centre of Amboseli National Park Lodge · 4 photos View lodge & photosClose

A lodge in the middle of Amboseli, on the old sisal estate between the swamps. Timber and thatch, wide verandas, and Kilimanjaro filling the southern view on a clear morning.

Amboseli to Lake Naivasha

Amboseli is left after breakfast with a game drive on the way out, and then the road runs north to Lake Naivasha, for lunch and check in at Lake Naivasha Resort.

The afternoon offers a boat trip on the lake, at extra cost, or a walk on Crescent Island. The island is open ground walked on foot, which brings giraffe, zebra, impala, waterbuck and a long bird list close enough to hear. Hippo are usually visible around the shore.

Game drive en routeOptional boat or Crescent IslandAll meals

Day 32 photos

Hippos beside a boat on Lake Naivasha — Hippos alongside a boat on Lake Naivasha

Hippo and flamingos on Lake Naivasha — A hippo in the shallows, flamingos on the far shore

Accommodation

One night

4 photos Lake Naivasha Resort Moi South Lake Road, Lake Naivasha Hotel · 4 photos View lodge & photosClose

A resort on the lake shore with lawns running to the water, three pools and a terrace laid for dinner facing the lake.

Hell's Gate to Lake Nakuru

Lake Naivasha to Lake Nakuru National Park

Hell's Gate is visited early, a rare Kenyan park where walking and cycling among the wildlife is allowed, with sheer red cliffs and steam rising from the geothermal fields. Breakfast follows, then the road north to Lake Nakuru National Park, with a game drive on the way in and arrival around lunchtime.

The afternoon continues through the park, looking for leopard, black and white rhino, the flamingo shallows and the rest of the birdlife, before the evening at Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge.

Hell's Gate at dawnGame drive en routeAll meals

Day 43 photos

Rhino and flamingos at Lake Nakuru — Rhino and flamingo share the same shoreline

Lake Nakuru — The soda lake and its shoreline

Flamingos at Lake Nakuru — Flamingos along the shallows

Accommodation

One night

6 photos Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge Inside Lake Nakuru National Park, on the slopes above the lake Lodge · 6 photos View lodge & photosClose

The only lodge on Lion Hill itself, inside the park, so the game drives start at the door. Chalets step down the ridge and look across the soda lake.

Lake Nakuru to the Maasai Mara

After breakfast the road runs north through the Great Rift Valley and then climbs west, through farmland and small market towns, until the long grass of the Maasai Mara opens up ahead. Lunch is at Sarova Mara Game Camp on arrival.

The afternoon goes out onto the reserve, which carries the Big Five and, alongside them, cheetah, serval, hyena, bat eared fox and eland. It is a good first taste of the scale of the place, with three nights here still to come.

Cross the Rift ValleyAfternoon game driveAll meals

Day 53 photos

Lake Nakuru National Park — Game drive tracks through the park

Maasai Mara plains — Open plains as far as the light goes

The migration crossing the plains in the Maasai Mara — The herds moving across open ground, vehicles at the tree line

Accommodation

Night 1 of 3

4 photos Sarova Mara Game Camp Maasai Mara National Reserve Tented camp · 4 photos View lodge & photosClose

A luxury tented camp inside the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Canvas tents on raised decks with hardwood floors, four poster beds under netting and a private veranda facing the bush.

Maasai Mara National Reserve

Full day in the Maasai Mara

The Mara covers 1,510 square kilometres and forms part of the greater Serengeti ecosystem, and its concentration of predators is the reason for its reputation: lion, cheetah, leopard, hyena, jackal and serval all hold territory here. A full day on the reserve gives time to find them.

The morning drive leaves early, while the cats are still active, and lunch is a picnic at a site out on the plains. The vehicle returns to camp in the evening for dinner, with plenty of stories to share.

Full day game drivePicnic lunchAll meals

Day 64 photos

Cheetah pair in the Maasai Mara — A cheetah pair on a termite mound at first light

Lion pair in the Maasai Mara — A lion pair resting in the long grass, Maasai Mara

Impala, zebra and wildebeest in the Maasai Mara — Impala, zebra and wildebeest sharing the same stretch of plain

Wildebeest and zebra herds — Wildebeest and zebra move together

Accommodation

Night 2 of 3

4 photos Sarova Mara Game Camp Maasai Mara National Reserve Tented camp · 4 photos View lodge & photosClose

A luxury tented camp inside the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Canvas tents on raised decks with hardwood floors, four poster beds under netting and a private veranda facing the bush.

Maasai Mara National Reserve

The Mara River and the migration ground

An early game drive, and then the day heads for the Mara River and the crossing points the migration uses. In season, the banks are where the herds gather, thousands at a time, before plunging into the water past the waiting crocodiles, one of the great spectacles of the natural world. Out of season, the river belongs to the hippo pods and the crocodiles, and it is still a fascinating place to spend time.

Lunch is carried, the afternoon goes to more game viewing on the plains, and the evening is the last in the Mara.

Dawn game driveMara RiverPicnic lunchAll meals

Day 74 photos

Wildebeest crossing the Mara River — The river crossing, July to October

Hippos and crocodiles on the Mara River bank — Hippos and crocodiles on the bank of the Mara River

The Great Migration herds in the Maasai Mara — The migration herds filling the plain, July to October

Accommodation

Night 3 of 3

4 photos Sarova Mara Game Camp Maasai Mara National Reserve Tented camp · 4 photos View lodge & photosClose

A luxury tented camp inside the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Canvas tents on raised decks with hardwood floors, four poster beds under netting and a private veranda facing the bush.

Maasai Mara to Nairobi

One final sunrise game drive, as the plains wake up, and then breakfast at camp and check out. The road runs north back across the Rift Valley to Nairobi, with a picnic lunch on the way.

The safari ends with a drop-off at a Nairobi hotel or at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Sunrise game drivePicnic lunch en route

The price

The price, in full

Written plainly so there are no surprises at the airport. Anything optional can be added to the quote before you pay.

Included

Already in the price you see.

A private luxury safari, arranged for one party only
Accommodation as listed in the itinerary
A professional driver-guide
Round trip airport transfers
Transport in a pop-up roof 4x4 vehicle
Game drives and the activities listed in the days
Park entrance fees
Meals as listed for each day
Drinking water throughout
Taxes and VAT as applicable

Not included

Budget for these separately.

International flights
Domestic flights
Alcohol and any drinks not listed
Tips and gratuities
Visa fees
Laundry and personal expenses
Additional accommodation before or after the safari
The optional Lake Naivasha boat trip
Any government increase in taxes or park fees

Reviews

Google Reviews

      
   Volcan Tours & Travel
   8 Google reviews 
  Write a review 
  
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Eleftheria Kapoula 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our family had an absolutely incredible experience with Volcan Tours and Travel during our trip to Africa. Traveling with two young children (a 2 year old and a 6 year old) can sometimes be challenging, but thanks to their excellent organization and attention to detail everything went smoothly from beginning to end.
The entire trip was perfectly planned from the beautiful accommodations to the unforgettable safari experiences. Seeing the wildlife up close was truly magical and everything was arranged in a way that made it comfortable and enjoyable for our whole family.
A special mention to the amazing guides and drivers who were professional, friendly and wonderful with our children. They made us feel safe and welcome at all times and helped create memories that our family will cherish forever.
We are so grateful to the Volcan Tours and Travel team for organizing such a unique and unforgettable journey. We highly recommend them to anyone planning a trip to Africa, especially families traveling with young children!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Matias Agnolin 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an unforgettable safari visiting Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli, and everything was simply perfect from start to finish. The organization, the lodges, the guides — every detail was beyond expectations.

A very special thank you to Marion, who was incredibly kind, helpful, and always available. She took care of every detail, answered all my questions, and made sure everything went smoothly throughout the trip. Her dedication and warm attitude truly made the experience even better.

I couldn’t have asked for a better safari — the wildlife, landscapes, and people were amazing. I highly recommend this agency and would definitely book with them again.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Lydia Collett 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a brilliant time doing the day tour of Nairobi National Park, the Elephant Sanctuary & Giraffe centre with Anthony who was super friendly and informative about all the animals! It was a busy and tiring day but totally worth it!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   samuel davis 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you for making our first trip to Africa such an awesome experience, alway on time, knowledgeable and friendly, and for going the extra mile so we saw all of the "big five" animals on our safari.
Thanks Marion and Ben our guide and Driver.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Carleen Williams 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our tour guides were absolutely wonderful.  I can't say enough about the experience.  We definitely will be using their services when we do return to The Motherland. Blessings.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Márcio Santos 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I did a very good walking tour around Nairobi with Marion. She is kind, helpful and well-informed about the city.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Bonface Ngui 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Without doubt one of the favourite game park in Kenya(Amboseli Game Park)

Upon arrival we were warmly welcomed by Volcan Tour Guide Marion, our names were mentioned on the board and we felt welcomed and with such a friendly atmosphere we had a fantastic start! The guide and tour was extremely good, very flexible and for that she deserves a special thanks. We had two great days there, which obviously also added up to the experience.

Marion is such a warm personality and highly motivated guide not forgetting -recommendable!. We truly enjoyed walking the six of us through the area. The scenery was beautiful and it was a relieve to walk in such a quiet and peaceful environment. The beautiful animals at the park carried our adventure.

The atmosphere is so special that it really felt like home to all of us. All respect for Marion who did a great job there; a true sample of excellent tour guide!

Many thanks again and I recommend Volcan Tour Guide Marion to everyone! Welcome to the great nation of Kenya: HAKUNA MATATA!

See all reviews on Google

Before you book

Questions, answered

What travellers ask us most about a safari like this one. Anything else, ask below and a specialist in Nairobi replies within one business day.

Is this a private safari?

Yes. This safari is private: your own vehicle and guide for the whole trip, and we never merge your party with another to cut costs.

How do we book, and how much is the deposit?

Press Book this safari. You can hold your dates for three days without paying while a specialist checks availability with the lodges and parks, or pay a deposit of 30, 40 or 50 percent, or the full amount, by credit or debit card through Pesapal. You can also pay by bank transfer, or in person at our Nairobi office by card. The standard schedule is a 30 percent deposit to confirm and the balance 60 days before arrival; bookings made within 60 days of departure, and gorilla or chimpanzee permits, are paid in full at booking. Card details go to Pesapal, never to Volcan.

Will we see the Great Migration and a river crossing?

The herds usually reach the Maasai Mara around July and stay until about October, crossing the Mara River many times in that period. For the rest of the year they are in the Serengeti in Tanzania. The timing is set by the rains, so no operator can promise a crossing on a given day, but our guides follow the reports every morning and position you as well as experience allows.

Do we need a visa?

Kenya: most visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), applied for online before travel at etakenya.go.ke. Rules depend on your passport and change from time to time, so check them before you book flights, and always apply through the official government portal, never a third-party agent. We tell you what applies to your route when we confirm your trip.

Which vaccinations and health precautions do we need?

See a travel clinic at least six weeks before you go. Malaria is present in most safari areas of East Africa, so ask about antimalarials, insect repellent and cover-up clothing for the evenings. A yellow fever certificate can be required depending on your route and where you arrive from.

What vehicle will we travel in?

A Toyota Land Cruiser from Volcan’s own fleet, in the company’s colours, with the same driver-guide from the first day to the last. It is yours alone for the whole safari, and every vehicle carries reusable water bottles.

Can children come on this safari?

Yes, and a private vehicle makes it easy to set the pace around them. Child rates depend on the lodges, and some camps and activities set minimum ages, so tell us the ages of everyone travelling and we confirm what applies before you pay anything.

What happens if we need to cancel?

Tell us in writing as early as possible. The cancellation charges for your trip are set out in your written booking confirmation. Gorilla permits, internal flights and non-refundable lodge deposits already paid on your behalf cannot be recovered, so they are charged in full. Refunds go back to the card or account the payment came from. The detail is in our Booking & Payment Terms.

Enquire

Plan this safari with us

Send your dates and who is travelling. A specialist checks availability with the lodges and parks and replies within one business day with an itemised price.

Free, and no obligation
Ask about changing the dates, lodges or pace
Answered by the team in Nairobi who plan the trip

Availability

8-Day Luxury Kenya Safari

Dates are held for 72 hours without payment while you check flights. Nothing is charged until the itinerary is confirmed in writing.

From $4,008 Per person in US dollars, from $4,008 up to $4,580 depending on travel dates and party size. Subject to availability. All prices shown are estimates. Your final price is confirmed in your written quote.

Book this safari Enquire first

Prices are for guidance and are confirmed against current lodge and park rates before any payment.

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8-Day Luxury Kenya Safari

The ground this safari covers

8 days, in order

Nairobi to Amboseli National Park

Accommodation

Full day in Amboseli National Park

Accommodation

Amboseli to Lake Naivasha

Accommodation

Lake Naivasha to Lake Nakuru National Park

Accommodation

Lake Nakuru to the Maasai Mara

Accommodation

Full day in the Maasai Mara

Accommodation

The Mara River and the migration ground

Accommodation

Maasai Mara to Nairobi

The price, in full

Included

Not included

Google Reviews

Questions, answered

Plan this safari with us

Request this itinerary

8-Day Luxury Kenya Safari

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7-Day Luxury Samburu, Ol Pejeta & Maasai Mara Safari

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Talk to someone who has been there.